The 20 Best Seafood Restaurants in Santander, Cantabria

La Gruta de Jose offers a seafood-focused menu featuring fresh whole fish, grilled turbot, and plancha dishes such as squid and garlic shrimp. The kitchen emphasizes straightforward preparations that showcase the quality of the catch. A cave-inspired dining room with soft lighting and seabed projections creates an intimate, evocative setting complemented by attentive, welcoming service.

El Vivero specializes in fresh seafood in the fishing port of Santander, offering generous platters of shellfish, lobster and other maritime classics. Dishes such as lobster rice, turbot and scallops are noted for their balanced flavors and careful preparation. The setting in the port area and the attentive, straightforward service create an enjoyable, relaxed dining experience.

La Mulata Restaurant is a Michelin-selected restaurant specializing in fresh seafood, complemented by meat and vegetarian options. Guests find a calm, elegant dining room where attentive, professional staff guide the experience. Dishes highlight carefully sourced fish and shellfish, along with well-regarded rice preparations such as creamed rice with lobster.

Taberna La Prensa offers traditional Spanish cooking with a focus on fresh Cantabrian fish, shareable seafood plates, and well-prepared grilled meats. Diners highlight tender lamb ribs, steaks, and comforting homemade dishes such as croquettes and classic desserts. The atmosphere suits both families and groups, and attentive staff provide thoughtful recommendations.

Restaurante Posada Del Mar offers a cozy setting with a refreshed, modernized interior in a picturesque part of town. The kitchen focuses on fresh seafood, with dishes such as turbot, hake, squid, prawns, and a noted lobster salad, alongside a selection of grilled meats. Attentive, welcoming service and thoughtful recommendations contribute to a relaxed, enjoyable dining experience.

La Bombi is a Michelin-selected restaurant offering traditional Spanish cooking with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. Guests mention carefully prepared dishes such as prawn croquettes, lobster salad, sea bass, and classic regional desserts. The elegant, welcoming dining rooms and lively bar lined with celebrity photos create a distinctive atmosphere. Attentive, knowledgeable staff guide guests through the menu with thoughtful recommendations.

Casa Miguel offers traditional Spanish cuisine with well-presented dishes and generous portions in a comfortable dining room. Guests appreciate the reliable quality of the food, from starters to shared main courses. A lively bar area allows visitors to enjoy drinks, including cocktails, while waiting for a table. Attentive, courteous service contributes to a relaxed and enjoyable meal.

La Radio offers classic Cantabrian cooking with a focus on seafood, including rabas, grilled octopus, mussels, and hake, alongside roasted meats such as lamb and suckling pig. Generous portions and simple, well-executed dishes define the menu, rounded out by homemade desserts like cheese ice cream. The atmosphere is lively and informal, with a busy bar area and a steady local crowd.

Alamar offers Spanish cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, including dishes like grilled clams in marinara sauce and its signature house rice. Plates are attractively presented and prepared with evident attention to quality. The tasteful decor suits its coastal setting, and service is noted as attentive and professional, creating a comfortable dining experience.

Restaurante Los Peñucas serves abundant seafood and classic Spanish dishes by the port, with open grills showcasing an array of fresh fish at the entrance. Diners highlight grilled specialties such as sardines, alongside paella and clams, often paired with local white wines. The atmosphere is lively yet inviting, and the attentive staff contribute to an easygoing, welcoming experience.

Restaurante Gelin offers Spanish cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, rice dishes, and hearty meats, complemented by house-made desserts such as rice pudding and flan. Guests highlight the welcoming, attentive service and comfortable setting, with several distinct dining areas including a well-appointed terrace with ambient lighting and music.

Restaurante Bar Del Puerto offers classic Spanish cuisine with a strong focus on fresh seafood and product-driven cooking. Diners highlight carefully prepared traditional dishes such as anchovies, spider crab and clams in sauce, along with well-executed meats and fish. The atmosphere is elegant yet unpretentious, complemented by attentive, old-school style service and views toward the pier from the dining room windows.

Pena Candil offers Spanish seafood cuisine with a focus on well-prepared rice dishes and fresh fish, including paella and lobster rice. Starters such as sardines and squid are noted for their flavor and generous portions, while desserts range from traditional cakes to cheese-based options. The dining room is clean and neatly presented, and the staff provide attentive, considerate service, with an English QR menu available for visitors.

La Mar presents a wide-ranging menu featuring fresh seafood, sushi, tapas, and paella alongside steaks and other meats. Diners highlight the quality of the raw fish, Cantabrian tuna and anchovies, and the variety of oysters. Well-prepared cocktails and regional wines complement the food. Attentive service and a stylish, plant-lined setting create a comfortable, enjoyable atmosphere.

Restaurante El Desván offers traditional Spanish and Cantabrian cooking with generous portions and a focus on simple, well-prepared dishes. Guests appreciate the daily and tasting menus featuring home-style specialties and fresh seafood and meats. The atmosphere is comfortable and family-friendly, and the attentive staff is noted for thoughtful, considerate service and flexibility with dietary needs.