Beyond its “jamon,” Spain has several distinct gastronomy traditions and some incredibly revolutionary cuisine. We’ve found some stunning expressions of culinary creativity along the way, especially in Barcelona, but also in Granada, Ronda, Malaga, and Ubeda.

Some of our Barcelona favorites (check out these menus) include: a favorite Ziryab Fusio Tapes Bar (bonus – location near Museo de Picasso); Embat (everything about this place screams foodie); Tantaratana (splendid cod salad and lemon pie); for dinner with live jazz Wed & Thurs nights in a corner of the trendy El Born neighborhood visit Story; loved the popular Pinchos (tapas) pedestrian street, especially La Tasqueta de Blai | Bar de Pinchos; enjoy some delicious dumpling restaurants; and a few fun fancy rooftop stops are The Ritz, the Hotel Claris terrace, and The W’s 28th floor waterfront bar and nightclub NOXE.

Ubeda has a perfectionist approach to its gastronomy scene that you would expect from the largest olive oil producing region. Two favorites: Cantina la Estación (cantinalaestacion.com) and the thoughtful dishes, great location and excellent service at Restaurant Antique.

Our Malaga favorite restaurant was far-and-away an Argentinian spot Pampa Grill.

Ronda has many lovely restaurants and bars that we would have loved to explore more, and the Parador’s Terrace is a great spot for a coffee or drink.

In Granada we went back a second time to Casa Gabriel with its holm oak charcol (Jasper oven); chill out with the casual, traditional fare at Bar Lara in the sunny Plaza San Miguel; and I could enjoy breakfast every day at the no-nonsense family-owned Quatro Gatos.