Los Raqueros

This week I returned to Cantabria, after nearly two months without seeing my family. The occasion deserved a special dinner so we went to "Los Raqueros", a great restaurant located in the heart of Santander close to Puerto Chico.

First of all, I should clarify the curious name of the locale: "Raquero" is the word that was given to poor kids, often orphans, who in the late 19th century frequented the port of Santander to collect coins tossed into the water by onlookers who wanted to see the youngsters hurl themselves in after them. This quintessentially Cantabrian word has been integrated into the vocabulary of La Tierruca (the native name for Cantabria), and is now used to nickname any rogue or rude young (or old) person. There have been many times that my mother has scolded me with "you’re such a raquera!”

But back to the topic at hand: the restaurant. Fortunately, the atmosphere of the restaurant "Los Raqueros" has little to do with the scoundrels that give it its name. It’s elegant, cozy, and has exquisite service and dishes to match.

Today it is one of the best restaurants in Santander. The service is really pleasant, as soon as you walk through the door right up until you leave with a see you later, because you always come back. It is the perfect restaurant for special occasions.

Great for lunch or a quiet dinner to savour a traditional but current cuisine and, above all, of high quality. It is the perfect site if you want to impress the palate of the most discerning of friends. The wine list is varied, with some quite curious references, and generous portions. Essential locale for Santander cuisine.

We were eating at the start of the Santiago festival. The first impression upon entering was unbeatable. The noon menu is excellent and the house wine was very, very good. The food exquisite...I had a tasty rice dish as my main course.

The desserts…what can I say?! Don’t miss it. I can’t wait to return!