Craving an authentic taste of Spain? Foods & Wines from Spain, the food and wine brand of ICEX (a Spanish government agency), makes it easier to find. Its certification program recognizes Restaurants from Spain and Colmados from Spain around the world—including those in Canada—that offer authentic Spanish cuisine and products. When you see Restaurants from Spain or Colmados from Spain (“colmados” is the term for gourmet shops) certification, you’ll know you’re getting a taste of Spain wherever you are.
Canada is home to 11 Certified Restaurants from Spain and four Certified Colmados from Spain, all of which are highlighted below.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
There are four Certified Restaurants from Spain and one Certified Colmado from Spain in B.C.
Bodega on Main, Vancouver
The staff at Bodega on Main want guests to feel at home in the restaurant. They’ve added their own twists to classic tapas, while still capturing the essence of Spanish cuisine. Try dishes like Chorizo Ibérico, seafood rice pilaf with saffron and chipirones (baby squid sautéed with garlic and wine).
Casa Molina, Vancouver
Warmth, simplicity and homestyle cooking defines Casa Molina’s menu, which includes a chef’s selection of Spanish cheeses and charred octopus. Also find a carefully considered Spanish wine list and a selection of low-waste cocktails.
Como Tapería, Vancouver
Como Tapería is a Michelin-recommended bar serving small bites imported from Barcelona and served in their original packaging, while made-to-order dishes (like tortilla española) play on nostalgia.
Jamonería by ARC + ARC Ibérico Imports
Meanwhile, Jamonería by ARC spotlights expertly hand-carved Jamón Ibérico (done in-house). Also discover its signature bocadillo sandwiches, made with freshly baked bread, jamón and premium Spanish ingredients. Its sister location, ARC Ibérico Imports, is a certified colmado offering a selection of fine Spanish foods.
ONTARIO
There are five Certified Restaurants from Spain and three Certified Colmados from Spain in Ontario.
Beso by Patria, Toronto
Beso by Patria is a lively spot with a menu made up of shareable grilled meats, paellas and fresh seafood. The centrepiece is its island bar, where you can order from a lengthy Spanish wine list or choose between 10 different sangrias.
La Lola, Kitchener
La Lola is run by a husband-and-wife duo who opened their eatery after moving to Ontario from Madrid, and now offer the flavours of their former hometown to the community in their new one. Find an array of tapas, and shop for imported Spanish wines or other imported goods.
Little Barcelona, Prescott
The team behind Little Barcelona wants diners to enjoy an immersive meal that allows them to slow down and savour Spanish culture. Enjoy Spanish charcuterie boards, fideuà (a seafood dish with thin noodles and a rich broth) and more.
Madrina Bar Y Tapas, Toronto
Michelin-recommended Madrina Bar Y Tapas uses seasonal ingredients to put a whimsical spin on Barcelona classics. Try the 10-course chef’s tasting menu that’s inspired by different regions of Spain.
Santa Marta Bar y Tapas, Toronto
Neighbourhood favourite Santa Marta Bar whips up delicious tapas, like croquetas, served with your choice of jamón or prawn, and alitas (crispy fried chicken wings tossed with sea salt and smoked pimentón, Spain’s paprika).
Barcelona Gourmet, Toronto
Cozy colmado Barcelona Gourmet offers a variety of traditional Spanish goods, including salsas, stuffed peppers, wines and liqueurs. It also creates made-to-order gift baskets and charcuterie boards that are perfect for entertaining.
Solfarmers, Ottawa
You can shop for the best Spanish pantry staples in-store and online at Ottawa-based Solfarmers. Browse incredible tinned seafood, turrón (a Spanish nougat with almonds and honey) and gourmet potato chips.
Spanish Pig, Toronto
Spanish Pig boasts a vast array of artisanal goods from Spain, including chorizo and fine wines. They also sell curated gift sets and tasting boxes, like their Charcutería Selection, for customers wanting to learn more about Spanish cuisine.
QUEBEC
In Quebec, you’ll find two Certified Restaurants from Spain.
Montreal Paella, Montreal
Montreal Paella captures the spirit of a traditional “casa de comida,” specializing in authentic tapas and handcrafted Valencian paella made fresh with ingredients imported directly from Spain.
Olé Tapas, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
There’s also Olé Tapas, which serves up high-quality Spanish wine and culinary specialties (think chicken pintxos and aged Serrano jamón) against a backdrop of live music and waterfront views.
To discover more Restaurants from Spain and Colmados from Spain, visit foodswinesfromspain.com
