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It’s true that Pamplona is a very gastronomically orientated city, isn’t it? If I went to Pamplona, where could I sample the local delicacies?

Well, you are right Pamplona loves food… There are many different ways to have a good time eating out. If you come here you should try “pinchos” which are a kind of bar snacks but very sophisticated. The best part of the city to find them is the old part: Estafeta St., San Nicolás, Espoz y Mina and some other streets in San Juan and Iturrama.

But, as you know I’m totally ignorant about this! This is the first time I’ve heard about “pintxos”. Can you recommend any to me?

Well, most of the pinchos are on display so you can see them before ordering, but I’ll recommend some to you: In bar Museo (fried egg delicacy); In Café Roch (fried pepper and fried Roquefort cheese; Bar Gaucho (foie); Bodegón Sarrià· (“escombro” made with toasted bread and pieces of ham).
Ah! Around the middle of March there is a kind of competition between bars called “semana del pincho” and there are crows of people sampling the delicacies!

And what else can I try?

You can also try the good value for money menus around the second “Ensanche”: very traditional food at good prices. And of course, if you want to spend some more money you can choose from a great variety of good restaurants where you can have a pleasant meal with the traditional Navarran cooking.

mmm…. I am getting hungry… that reminds me!. I have to ask you what the typical dishes from Pamplona are?

Above all, Navarre is known for its vegetables. For example, for starters you can try: borrajas with potatoes, “cardo” Navarre style, “cogollos” of Tudela, chistorra, “Piquillo” (pepper from Lodosa), asparagus, ah!! And artichokes of Tudela! Excellent choice!!

For the main course: Ajoarriero, lamb chilindrón style, roast suckling pig, relleno, pigs hands, sheperd’s breadcrumbs and for dessert: cuajada, canutillos cream and Roncal and Idiazabal cheeses.

If you want to become an expert on these issues, you can visit some museums like “Cheese museum in Uztarroz”; Truffle museum in Metauten; Apiculture museum in Eltso; and finally, the wine & vineyard exhibition centre in Olite.

I think I got it.. I know what to eat, but… what about drinks? I mean, is there any typical or local drink? I heard something about Kalimotxo but I‘m really confused…

You are right! Kalimotxo is a mixture of wine and coke and it is very typical teenage drink and a speciality during San Fermines!! You get drunk fast & cheaply! But forget about that!! In Pamplona you can find excellent Rosados and Red wines with the label of origin “Navarre” or “Rioja”. Besides wine, you can try Vermouth called “marianito” before eating and after an abundant meal you have to finish with a “Pacharán”! Which is a hand-made liquor in Navarre and it is really digestive!

All Saturdays in October, you can visit the vineyards of the wine route of the Santiago Way (www.entrevinos.org) and you can also participate in chats about wine that take place in Hotel Maisonave.

Ok, I will take your advice. Ah! One last question, where could I go at night? As far as I know, Pamplona is a very lively city, isn’t it?

Yes, there is a lot of atmosphere on weekend’s nights. Hoards of people live it up throughout the old part and Plaza del Castillo’s bars until 4.00 am more or less!! You can also enjoy live music during the summer in some places like: Caballo Blanco on Thursdays; Media Luna Bar on Fridays and finally in Subsuelo Bar.

Great stuff. Thank you very much for all the information you have given to me
You’re welcome! Have a good time!!