An exciting surge in wine tourism is underway In Haro. Nestled on the banks of the Ebro River, this charming town boasts a rich history dating back to the 10th century and features one of the largest concentrations of century-old wine cellars globally. The pivotal region for wine production in Rioja is renowned for its esteemed wineries, from R. López de Heredia to Muga – and for being the epicentre from which a thriving wine scene has flourished.
With an influx of modern-day tourists curious to learn more about Rioja’s wines, who often begin their journey around the cluster of famous wineries in the Barrio de la Estación, the region’s capital is adapting to accommodate them best. Its picturesque old quarter enchants visitors with labyrinthine stone streets that lead wine connoisseurs to new restaurants and upscale hotels, places that reflect the artisanal and exceptional vision of emerging winemakers crafting their finest cuvées. Fuelled by a rising interest from international travellers, the region now boasts a diverse culinary landscape, ranging from haute cuisine establishments to beloved traditional eateries.
‘The hospitality offer has also transformed local life,’ says chef Miguel Caño, who decided to return to his hometown to open a new restaurant called Nublo. ‘The season is not just limited to summer and the harvest; we have visitors all year round.’ Caño has also been responsible for modernising his family’s old establishment, showcasing the evolving vibrancy of Haro’s culinary scene – which fundamentally finds itself rooted in Riojan tradition. Locals and visitors alike gather at unassuming tapas bars and cosy family-run restaurants renowned for their exceptional cuisine, adding to the town’s allure. Below, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best places to eat and drink in Haro.
8 of the best places to eat in Haro
Nublo
Nestled within a 16th century palatial house, this Michelin-starred restaurant, the first and only (so far) in Haro, is a testament to culinary excellence under the guidance of chef Miguel Caño, formerly of Mugaritz. With just 30 seats, the intimate setting, crafted by modernist designer Santos Bregaña, seamlessly blends contemporary forms with the original historic building, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience where fire takes centre stage. The tasting menu, curated around seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, evolves daily to showcase the freshest offerings from surrounding farmers. Fuelled by a wood-fired oven and grill using a blend of sarmiento, oak and haya wood, the cuisine delivers an irresistible symphony of smoke and flames, elevating the region’s wines to new heights.
Plaza San Martín, 5, Haro, Rioja Alavesa
nublorestaurant.com
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Los Caños
Adjacent to Nublo lies the restaurant that ignited the Caño family’s enduring legacy on the Haro fine-dining scene. Established in 1930, Los Caños quickly became a culinary haven in the city, first under the guidance of chef Miguel Caño’s grandmother and later his father. Upon his return to his hometown, Caño embarked on a renovation project, revitalising the space and infusing the menu with a contemporary twist while preserving its traditional essence. The focus is on local, market and seasonal ingredients across comfort dishes such as bonito ventresca tuna with prawns and eggs, pollo al ajillo (Spanish garlic chicken) and crispy hake tempura served with homemade mayonnaise. The wine list showcases a unique selection of lesser-known Rioja labels alongside the renowned ones. The service exudes warmth and familiarity, reminiscent of dining in a cherished family home.
Plaza San Martín, 5, Haro, Rioja Alavesa
loscanos.es
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El Rincón del Noble
For generations, the same family has preserved and upheld the culinary tradition of La Rioja at el Rincón, passing down the art of the local cuisine from one generation to the next. The restaurant has remained open for decades, attracting guests eager to savour its renowned chuletillas de cordero: tasty, moist lamb chops grilled on embers. With its stone walls adorned with paintings representing the mountainous regions of Rioja, the restaurant exudes an old world charm and warmth, where servers deliver bowls of grilled mushrooms with goat’s cheese, foie and ham powder, and oxtail slow-cooked in red wine, creating an unforgettable dining experience steeped in tradition and flavour.
Martínez Lacuesta, 11, 26200 Haro, La Rioja
elrincondelnoble.net
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Terete
As one of the city’s most iconic eateries, this classic restaurant draws food enthusiasts seeking tender suckling roast lamb legs cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven and a flavourful rendition of menestra de vegetales, a beloved Spanish vegetarian dish. Here, the menestra is a type of stew featuring a medley of fresh, seasonal vegetables (such as asparagus, peas, artichokes, olives, carrots, potatoes, green beans, and onions), with delicate slices of Serrano ham to enhance the flavour. The cellar, housing bottles cherry-picked from the region, is situated in the lower part of the restaurant and dates back to the end of the 19th century, when it was established alongside the lamb roastery. Through generations, Terete has persevered, and today the family’s fifth and sixth generations are committed to upholding their culinary heritage with unwavering passion and expertise.
Lucrecia Arana, 17, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain
terete.es
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El Trujal del Abuelo
On blue sky days, uncover the hidden culinary gem of Haro: El Trujal del Abuelo. Nestled next to a picturesque Roman bridge in the Cihuri winery neighbourhood, this small family restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience, showcasing the best products cooked over vine shoots on an open-air parrilla grill. Housed in a charming old building, the restaurant is quaint, yet the cuisine is exceptional. Indulge in signature dishes like the charcoal-grilled Iberian secreto (a cut located in the back part of the pork loin), served with peppers and artichoke hearts, or enjoy the exquisite smoked anchovies.
Bodegas, 1, 26210 Cihuri, La Rioja, Spain
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Bar Chamonix
Bar Chamonix is one of the many bars that contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of the region known as La Herradura, named in honour of its horseshoe shape encompassing the streets of San Martín and Santo Tomás. Located centrally in Haro old town, Chamonix is a beloved local institution renowned for its tapas and selection of wines, often produced just a few kilometers, or even metres, away. The ambiance evokes that of a cozy mountain retreat, complete with a glass display showcasing the day’s freshly prepared snacks, such as grilled champignons, seasonal artichokes, and pinchos morunos (lamb skewers), a Moorish-inspired delicacy popular in Spanish cuisine and akin to a kebab. For heartier appetites, the homemade hamburger is an excellent choice.
Calle Santo Tomás, 14 – 16, Haro, Rioja Alavesa
chamonixharo.es
Alboroque
Nestled within a charming building in the central square of Haro, Alboroque offers a sophisticated dining experience with meticulously crafted dishes, always emphasising the quality of local ingredients. The menu, though concise, caters to all palates with options such as caramelised pimientos del piquillo (bell peppers) with smoked cod, crispy morcilla with a cream of capers, or braised oxtail with potato cream and vegetable couscous. Of course, lamb is also a highlight and is served daily for lunch. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and open only on Saturdays for dinner.
Plaza de la Paz, 8, Haro, Rioja Alavesa
restaurante-alboroque.makro.rest
Restaurante Bodega Pimiento
Located in Tirgo, just a 10-minute drive from Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, this restaurant draws its name from one of the region’s most cherished culinary traditions: when the autumn unfolds and red and green peppers reach their peak ripeness, Riojans gather to roast and savour them in a custom dating back to the 19th century. This simple yet exquisite dish encapsulates the essence of Riojan cuisine, often served here with chorizo and a fried egg. The menu also includes succulent grilled chuletillas (lamb chops roasted on vine shoots) and Riojan-style potatoes, offering a delightful complement to the region’s renowned wines. For dessert, indulge in stuffed puff pastries, rice pudding, and cheese with quince marmalade: an irresistible finale to a memorable dining experience.
Salvador, 8, 26211 Tirgo, La Rioja, Spain
