Ayalga

There are few places in Ribadesella with as much personality as the Villa Rosario hotel – the iconic Spanish colonial-style property dating back to 1914 that overlooks Playa de Santa Marina and is home to this restaurant. Featuring a glass-fronted terrace with splendid views of the Cantabrian Sea, Ayalga’s kitchen is run by chef Israel Moreno, a team player who, instead of considering himself to be the captain of the ship, sees himself as part of the crew on every watch. Options here include a concise, contemporary-inspired à la carte and two interesting tasting menus (Sabores de la Tierrina and Experiencia Ayalga), all of which feature dishes with a rare harmony, highly skilled technical detail, and superb flavours from the best local ingredients (in addition to newly created dishes such as the sirloin of venison with a spicy pumpkin purée, you’ll also find Ayalga’s classic recipes such as the egg with a foie gras and parmentier velouté). International wines have a strong presence on the extensive wine list here.