Where to Eat in Teruel
Teruel may be small, but it eats very well. Cold winters and high, open countryside shape the local cooking. As a result, the food here is hearty, simple and full of flavour. Jamón de Teruel is the star, and it was the first ham in Spain to earn Protected Designation of Origin status. Besides that, the area is known for black truffles, ternasco lamb and migas. Sweet-toothed visitors will also love the Mudéjar braid, a pastry that nods to the city’s history. This guide covers the best places to try it all. If you are new to the city, read our Teruel travel guide first. Want more ideas for the wider region? Our Aragon travel guide has plenty.
Traditional restaurants
Start here for a true taste of Teruel. Most of these places sit in or near the old town. Many also serve tapas, so you can graze from bar to bar. New to the habit? Our guide on how to order tapas in Spain will help.
Pura Cepa Vermú is the place to try Spain’s favourite aperitif. This lively tapas bar stocks more than 100 vermouths, plus wines by the glass. It scores 4.5 out of 5 on Google from around 1,250 reviews. Reviewers regularly praise the original tapas and the huge vermouth list. Get directions.
Mesón Óvalo is a rustic favourite on Paseo del Óvalo. Exposed brick walls and wooden chairs set a cosy scene. It is known for traditional Aragonese meat and seafood dishes. Google reviewers give it 4.3 out of 5 from over 2,300 reviews. Guests often mention the quality of the local ingredients and the roomy dining halls, which suit groups. Get directions.
Restaurante El Mercao de Teruel sits on Plaza Amantes. It serves Teruel ham, lamb chops and a daily menu that changes with the seasons. The grilled octopus is a regular star. Google gives it 4.3 out of 5 from more than 2,200 reviews. Reviewers praise the octopus, the menú del dÃa and the friendly staff. Some note that little English is spoken. Get directions.
Asador BraserÃa La Vaquilla is a short stroll from Plaza del Torico. Wooden beams and a wood-fired grill create a warm, rustic feel. The barbecue ribs and the mixed grill of chops, sausages and beef are the big draws. It scores 4.4 out of 5 on Google from nearly 2,000 reviews. Diners rave about the ribs and the impressive grilled platter. Get directions.
Meat lovers should also try La Bella Neda Leña & Vaca on Calle San Esteban. It cooks home-style dishes over an open flame. You will also find Iberian ham, cured meats, foie toasts and duck magret. Google gives it 4.7 out of 5 from nearly 900 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the authentic, home-cooked feel. Get directions.
Locavore offers a more modern take on tapas. Dishes such as risotto and carpaccio arrive as sharing plates. The space is small and the decor is simple, so book ahead. Even so, it scores 4.7 out of 5 on Google from over 2,100 reviews. Reviewers regularly praise the flavours and the creative tapas. Get directions.
Right on Plaza del Torico, Restaurante Torico Gourmet is handy for a sit-down break. The menu includes migas, grilled meats and dishes made with Teruel black truffle. Vegetarians will find options too. It scores 4.0 out of 5 on Google from about 1,400 reviews. Diners often mention the attentive service. Get directions.
Restaurante Rokelin is the spot for ham lovers. Freshly cut jamón, local cured meats and cheese come with tomato toast. Google gives it 4.2 out of 5 from around 500 reviews. Reviewers regularly praise the quality of the ham, the generous portions and the good service. Get directions.
For something sweet, visit Muñoz, a pastry shop open since 1855. Its Mudéjar braid is the star. You can also try traditional treats such as lovers’ kisses and sighs, ideally with a hot chocolate. It scores 4.0 out of 5 on Google, though from only around 55 reviews. Reviewers praise the sweets and the fair prices. Opening hours can be short, so check before you go. Get directions.
Fine dining restaurants
Teruel has a small but confident fine dining scene. Expect creative menus, strong wine lists and polished service. Book ahead at weekends. Our guide on whether restaurant reservations are necessary in Spain explains why.
Restaurante Yain is the city’s best-known address for a special meal. It opened in 2007, close to the Mausoleum of the Lovers. The kitchen focuses on local ingredients, especially cod. It scores 4.7 out of 5 on Google from over 800 reviews. Reviewers praise the tasting menu and the impressive choice of wines by the glass. A few found some dishes uneven. Get directions.
Restaurante Método blends Mediterranean and Asian flavours. It is best known for Balfegó red tuna. Google gives it 4.3 out of 5 from about 750 reviews. Many reviewers rave about the tuna and the creative dishes. Several say they found it through the Michelin Guide. A few feel the service could be more attentive. Get directions.
Portal de Guadalaviar sits beside the Hotel Reina Cristina. This polished hotel restaurant serves creative Spanish dishes, including vegan-friendly choices. It scores 4.4 out of 5 on Google from around 1,550 reviews. Reviewers love the garlic soup, which is perfect on a cold Teruel day. They also praise the generous menú del dÃa. Get directions.
Budget friendly restaurants
Eating well in Teruel does not cost much. Many bars offer a menú del dÃa at lunchtime. Our menú del dÃa guide explains how it works. Evening tapas are easy on the wallet too.
La Barrica serves pinchos, which are tapas on slices of bread. The menu changes daily with the market. One reviewer paid about €3.20 per pincho. It scores 4.6 out of 5 on Google from over 2,300 reviews. Reviewers praise the flavours, the friendly host and the baileys tiramisu. The bar is tiny, so go early. Get directions.
Bar Gregory on Paseo del Óvalo keeps its kitchen open all day. That helps when other places shut after lunch. Try the patatas bravas, meatballs and mussels. Google gives it 4.1 out of 5 from over 2,100 reviews. Reviewers like the English menu, the fair prices and the friendly staff. The inside is small, so grab a terrace table if the weather is good. Get directions.
Bar Tapas y Copas is just a few doors along, with a terrace and lovely valley views. Try the Delicias de Teruel, which is ham with bread and tomato. It scores 3.8 out of 5 on Google from nearly 2,600 reviews. Reviewers mention the sunset views, the friendly service and the good menú del dÃa. Gluten-free choices are plentiful too. Get directions.
Gran Café de Teruel has a charming 19th-century look, with warm wood and old photographs. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus homemade desserts. Google gives it 4.3 out of 5 from around 1,750 reviews. Reviewers praise the friendly staff, the cosy feel and the good-value menú del dÃa. Get directions.
Teruel proves that Spain’s smaller cities often serve the best food. Come hungry, pace yourself and try as many local specialities as you can. Planning a longer trip? Head over to AlbarracÃn, one of Aragon’s prettiest villages. Whatever you order, enjoy every bite.