Top 11 bars and restaurants to eat in Zamora

When it comes to exploring the charming city of Zamora, one of the most delightful aspects is undoubtedly its rich gastronomic scene. Beyond the stunning architecture and historical landmarks, food lovers will find themselves in a culinary paradise. In this article, we present you with a carefully curated selection of top bars and restaurants to indulge in Zamora, with a special focus on the mouthwatering tapas that make this city a must-visit for anyone who appreciates good food.

Discover the Best Tapas Route in Zamora

Let's kick things off with the best bars for tapas in Zamora. It's essential to know that there are two historic areas where locals have been enjoying tapas for generations: the Calle de los Herreros, located near the Plaza Mayor in the heart of the historic center, and the Los Lobos area on the vibrant Calle Santa Clara. Here are some must-try bars and their renowned tapas:

1. Bar Bayadoliz

This lively spot boasts a friendly atmosphere reminiscent of your neighborhood bar. When you visit, make sure to try their sizzling cachuelas (grilled chicken gizzards), flavorful chicken crests, morcilla montaditos, and their famous sandwiches, nicknamed “cuadrados.” If you manage to sample everything in one go, you'll truly earn the title of a food champion!

2. Bar Bodega Chori

If you have a weakness for grilled Zamorano chorizo, this is the place to be. Specializing in this local delicacy, they also offer a variety of other delectable tapas. For a deeper dive into the city's culinary offerings, consider joining a free tour of Zamora guided by a local expert.

3. Bar El Lobo

As one of Zamora's iconic bars, you can't leave without tasting their famous pinchos morunos. While this location isn’t the original (the legendary Bar Lobo has been around since 1957), it has earned its reputation as the king of skewers. Cooked over a traditional grill, you can choose between spicy and mild options. We recommend the spicy version—don’t worry, it won’t set your mouth on fire!

4. Bar Caballero

No tapas route in Zamora is complete without a stop at Bar Caballero. This unassuming bar is a hidden gem known for serving the city’s best patatas bravas. Order the mixed version, featuring a zesty spicy sauce paired with a smooth alioli. I once arrived here not hungry at all, yet those fries vanished in seconds!

5. Bar Tupinamba

Come to Tupinamba exclusively for their callos a la zamorana. This cozy, traditional bar is run by extraordinarily friendly staff (typical of Zamoranos). They serve the callos in clay pots that you'll want to clean out completely—you won’t want to leave a single bite behind!

6. Bar Bambú

Just a stone's throw away is another famous Zamoran haunt, Bar Bambú. Here, they specialize in tiberios—spicy mussels in sauce, patatas mixtas, and perdices, a unique local tapa made of seasoned and fried sardines. This is a must-try for anyone looking for an authentic taste of Zamora!

7. Bar Chillón

The star of the show at Bar Chillón is the tortilla, served in a rather unusual way—with a drizzle of callos sauce. It may sound odd, but trust us, it's a flavor combination that will make you rethink your traditional tortilla experience.

Recommended Restaurants for a More Formal Dining Experience

While you can find numerous tapas bars in Zamora, sometimes you may want to enjoy a more substantial meal in a proper restaurant setting. Here are some highly recommended places that serve exquisite dishes:

8. Los Caprichos de Meneses

Known for their delightful “caprichos” (little culinary whims), this restaurant offers a creative menu that fuses traditional and modern cuisine. For those who wish to elevate their dining experience in Zamora, this is the perfect choice. Prices are reasonable, ranging from 1.5 to 3€ for tapas. Don’t miss their toasted cod, mini beef burgers with foie gras, and the unique “oreo” made of bacalao. You can choose to stay at the bar or move to the restaurant area for a more extensive menu, including a tasting menu priced at 45€.

9. Asador Casa Mariano

In Zamora, there's more to explore beyond tapas, and the Asador Casa Mariano is a testament to that! Specializing in lechazo (suckling lamb), they prepare it in a wood-fired oven, ensuring it’s juicy and tender. They also offer traditional dishes like cocido, pulpo a la zamorana, morcilla, bacalao a la castellana, and various grilled meats—all at fair prices reflecting the high quality.

10. Restaurante Agape

For a delightful blend of traditional and modern flavors, Restaurante Agape never disappoints. Their interesting menu del día (daily menu) is priced at 13.5€ and includes a starter (try the habones de Sanabria stewed with matanza), a main course (the braised pork cheeks with mushrooms in wine and the tuna burger with mango and brie are both excellent), and dessert (the timeless brownie). They also serve Italian dishes like artisanal pizzas, fresh pasta, and a wide variety of burgers to cater to all tastes!

10+1. Heladería La Valenciana

To finish off your meal in Zamora on a sweet note, there’s no better way than with an ice cream from La Valenciana. This renowned ice cream parlor, established in 1960, is recognized among the best in Spain. With flavors ranging from creamy to fruity, they also offer unique options like walnut and caramel or Philadelphia with strawberries. Plus, they cater to gluten-free customers!

La Valenciana boasts two locations: the historic spot across from the Parque de la Marina Española, and Valenciana Shock in Plaza de Sagasta.

A Map of Recommended Restaurants in Zamora

To help you navigate Zamora's vibrant dining scene, we have compiled a map featuring the locations of these recommended bars and restaurants for you to explore and enjoy a delightful meal.

So there you have it—a selection of bars and restaurants where you can eat well and affordably in Zamora, complete with an exciting tapas route. If you have any personal favorites or hidden gems to share, we’d love to hear about them!

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