Many Jewish tourists visit Lleida in the Spanish Pyrenees for adventure sports and travel, but they may not be aware of the district’s excellent dining options. Here, two highly recommended restaurants worth exploring. One of the most enduring memories from traveling abroad is the food we experience. Even years later, we can still longingly recall the taste of a croissant from Paris or a great falafel from Tel Aviv. Food is a crucial aspect of any trip and significantly contributes to our overall enjoyment.
We are sharing information about a wonderful restaurant we discovered with our friends so that they can enjoy it too. Sometimes we revisit a restaurant we went to years ago and find that everything is still as delicious as we remembered.
Many travelers visit the province of Lleida in Spain for its stunning views, challenging sports, good weather, and endless attractions and activities. However, they often overlook one of the most important and enjoyable aspects of the trip: the food. For those planning a trip to Lleida, one of the most beautiful regions in Spain, we have selected two of our favorite restaurants to provide you with all the information you need.
Malena Restaurant
Malena is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the village of Gimenells, surrounded by beautiful green fields. Housed in a building that was once an old dairy, the restaurant manages to combine a rural atmosphere with the professional and meticulous approach befitting a Michelin restaurant. The surrounding tractors, green trees, and huge Hasidic nests add to the charm of the place. Despite its Michelin star, the restaurant is not prohibitively expensive, with tasting menus starting at just 70 euros.
Upon entering, the rustic ambiance gives way to a more luxurious atmosphere. The restaurant achieves a modern and luxurious feel atmosphere without feeling cold or unwelcoming, likely due to the warm colors used on the walls and floor. It is divided into several well-lit and pleasant rooms.
As with any Michelin-starred, the experience begins with a few delicious bites that serve as a prelude to the main course. The dish features small almond-shaped balls that burst with the flavors of almonds and olive oil when eaten. It also includes a bite-sized version of pan con tomate, the famous Spanish bread topped with tomatoes and garlic. In this case, the bread is replaced with a delicious sausage. Additionally, there is a small bite of Mojito flavored jelly and other delightful surprises. It would be a shame to spoil the experience.
After enjoying the snacks, you will have the opportunity to try a local version of empanadas. These are thin slices of crispy pastry filled with spinach and pine nuts. Following the pastry, the waiter will offer a small capsule that resembles a headache pill. In front of your eyes, howeever, it will expand into a warm napkin that will assist in cleaning your hands before returning to the knife and fork.
The remainder of the meal is equally delightful as the initial course. The dish features a soft and rich potato pastry, roasted artichokes in a surprising sauce made with dwarf and sweet strawberries, and long-cooked lamb that is both tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The meal is complemented by a dessert that combines a Spanish classic with a French classic: a buttery and rich tart tatin paired with a soft Catalan cream. This combination of flavors creates a delightful balance between crunchy and soft textures.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a restaurant that will leave a lasting impression during your trip, Malena comes highly recommended. The food, atmosphere, and enchanting environment will be unforgettable.
Nabiu Restaurant
If a Michelin star is not a priority, but you still desire excellent food, a great atmosphere, and a perfect view, Nabiu is the restaurant for you. It is situated in the charming village of Isavarre, right next to the National Park of Aigüestortes. This village embodies everything you can imagine when you dream of a picturesque European village. It boasts beautiful old stone houses with preserved wooden windows, all surrounded by lush green vegetation.
The restaurant, located in the lower part of the village, offers stunning views of the green mountains, snowy peaks, and endless nature. Due to the mountainous and cool landscape, the restaurant specializes mainly in cheese and fondue dishes that warm the soul, but not exclusively.
The fondue here is exceptional. Although fondue is a delicious dish that is enjoyable to dip bread into, this restaurant offers much more than just that. Guests can also indulge in a plate of local cheeses, including a special wine-aged cheese with a strong flavor. Additionally, the restaurant serves large sardines that are freshly caught on-site. Like the trout fillet, which swam in the nearby river the day before, the local dish had a pinkish salmon color and was fresh, flavorful, and delicious.
If you are not a fan of fish, you can also enjoy a delicious roast lamb dish here. The lamb is served in a cheese sauce, which is fitting for a restaurant that specializes in fondue. The dish comes with a crispy skin that is worth trying. Another option is the homemade ravioli stuffed with eggplants and served in a sauce made of red peppers and olives. This dish is actually a pasta version of a local eggplant and pepper salad.
Of course, you must save room for dessert, and Nabiu’s restaurant does not disappoint. While many restaurants claim to serve local cuisine, Nabiu truly delivers. The fish is sourced from the nearby river, and even the pears in the dessert come from the tree located at the entrance of the restaurant. You can even take a break in its shade.
Forget everything you know about pears cooked in wine for dessert, because you will never taste a pear like the one served here. The pear is soft on the outside but still a little crunchy on the inside, with a subtle taste of wine. The whipped cream is not too sweet, and the crumbs of dough are crunchy and buttery. This dessert is the perfect way to finish a meal. Additionally, they serve a local walnut liqueur that is reminiscent of port wine with an addictive nutty twist.
A delightful dining experience with a stunning view, and the final bill is lower than most New York restaurants. You can combine a visit to Nabiu with a day trip to the spectacular park, which features breathtaking sights such as magnificent waterfalls, vast green areas, and a variety of wild animals, for an unforgettable experience.
