The story
In the small, historic village of Cartes, just outside Torrelavega, La Cartería occupies a restored 17th-century building that once served as the region's post and telegraph office. The original “Cartería de Cartes” sign still hangs on the façade, a quiet nod to the past that sets the tone for what awaits inside. Founded in 2018 by Chef Enrique Pérez Malagón and sommelier Noelia Sánchez, the restaurant is a study in contrasts: rough stone walls meet clean, modern lines, and deep-rooted Cantabrian tradition meets contemporary technique.
Chef Enrique, known as Kike, grew up surrounded by the stoves and typical dishes of his grandmothers. He trained at the Escuela de Hostelería de Santander and now spends his mornings at the market or the rula (fish auction), selecting the day’s best catch. Noelia, who left a career in aesthetics for gastronomy, brings two decades of experience to her role as sommelier. She has built a cellar of around 180 references, with a strong focus on the wines of Cantabria.
The cooking here is a clear expression of modern cuisine rooted in the region. The menu changes with the seasons, driven by local, market-fresh produce. The Menú de Mercado Torreón (€35) offers a snapshot of the kitchen’s daily rhythm: an aperitif, two starters, a choice of fish or meat, and dessert. For a deeper dive, the Menú Degustación Camino Real (€75) unfolds across a dozen moments—snacks, entrees, fish, meat, two desserts, and petits fours—each plate a reflection of the chefs’ connection to their land.
This commitment to quality and value has earned La Cartería a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a distinction that feels perfectly aligned with the restaurant’s spirit: generous, thoughtful, and unmistakably Cantabrian.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Facebook
Instagram