The story
On the edge of Santander’s Puertochico district, La Mulata has been quietly doing what it does best since 1998: working with the finest product from the Cantabrian Sea and letting the ingredients speak. The name comes from a local crab that children used to catch in the harbour – a nod to the city’s maritime roots and a reminder that the best things are often the simplest.
The kitchen is built on a straightforward philosophy: quality product, honest cooking, authentic flavour. That means fresh fish and shellfish, prepared with restraint to preserve their natural taste. The menu reads like a love letter to the Cantabrian coast – clams cooked in a pan, red shrimp tiradito, langoustines in garlic, and a classic lobster rice. The house specialities also include a varied carpaccio and what regulars call the best croquettes in town.
The dining room is minimal, with blue tones that echo the sea and plenty of natural light. There is space for 120 guests across two salons, plus an outdoor terrace in July and August for relaxed tapas and raciones. The service is efficient and welcoming, suited to everyone from weekday workers to weekend families. A gluten-free menu is available, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
In 2026, La Mulata’s consistent, no-fuss approach earned it a recommendation from the Michelin Guide – a recognition of more than 25 years of cooking with conviction. The wine list is well-chosen, and the value for the quality on the plate is excellent.
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