8 Best Restaurants in Castile–Leon and Castile–La Mancha, Spain

You can't leave Toledo without indulging in one of El Trébol's famous bombas, fried fist-size spheres of mashed potato stuffed with spiced meat and anointed with aioli. They're best enjoyed on the twinkly outdoor patio with a locally brewed beer in hand.

La Ponderosa is a quintessential yet elevated Castilian bar where locals mingle at high volume while tossing back local wine and munching on well-priced seasonal delicacies like griddled wild asparagus, suckling lamb chops, and seared wild mushrooms. It's a standing-room-only joint, so if you want to sit, you'll have to come early and find a place on the terrace.

Decidedly modern, dependably delicious, and shockingly cheap, Tapas 2.0 might pull you back for a second meal. The cool ensaladilla rusa (tuna-and-potato salad) is one of the best in Spain; then there are more substantial dishes, like stewed broad beans with octopus and shrimp and saucy chicken cannelloni, all complemented by a wine list featuring unexpected pours like German Riesling. If you can't snag a table, pop around the corner to Tapas 3.0, its sister restaurant.

This family-run bar and restaurant punches above its weight with market-driven tapas that reflect a sense of place. Spring for the stuffed foraged mushrooms or seared Sigüenza-style blood sausage.

Though every drink comes with a complimentary croqueta at this pocket-size bar frequented by locals, the crisp, gooey orbs are so succulent that you'll want to order a few extra. Be sure to sample the smoky cured beef cecina rendition.

Jeta—crackly, juicy fried pig snout sliced into bite-size pieces—is the raison d'être of this locals-oriented gem 1½ km (1 mile) north of the city center. Pair it with an ice-cold beer, and you've got the perfect aperitivo or late-night snack—for under €5.

The city's traditional smoky pork and pea stew, carcamusas, is a serious showstopper at this no-frills joint. Amongst the fried and boiled pig parts, also don't miss the calentitos—these perfectly fried mushrooms are served on crispy toast and slathered in a garlicky salsa verde. 

Rest your legs at this Arabian-style tea house–bar appointed with plush couches, low tables, and colorful tapestries. Sample specially blended teas incorporating flowers, dried fruit, and spices. Fruit smoothies, crepes, and sandwiches make yummy snacks.