What to Eat in Pamplona, Spain
Pamplona is not only famous for its historic festivals and medieval beauty but also for its exceptional cuisine. As the capital of Navarre, the city enjoys a rich culinary tradition that blends Basque influences, fresh local produce, and hearty northern Spanish flavors. Whether you’re exploring pintxo bars in the Old Town or dining in elegant restaurants, Pamplona offers a wide range of authentic dishes that reflect its culture and landscape.
Below is a detailed guide to what you should eat in Pamplona, including local specialties, must-try dishes, and food experiences that define the city.
1. Pintxos – The Heart of Pamplona’s Food Culture
Pintxos (the Navarrese and Basque version of tapas) are small, flavorful bites served in bars throughout the city, especially in the Old Town. They’re often beautifully presented, featuring everything from seafood and cured meats to creative modern combinations.
You can find pintxos lining the counters of popular streets like Calle Estafeta, Calle San Nicolás, and Calle Mercaderes. Locals enjoy poteo—hopping from bar to bar, sampling a pintxo with a glass of wine or cider.
Must-try pintxos:
- Anchovies with piquillo peppers.
- Foie gras on toast with apple compote.
- Mini croquettes filled with ham or cheese.
- Smoked salmon with cream cheese.
Recommended places:
- Bar Gaucho (renowned for its innovative pintxos).
- Baserriberri (modern gourmet interpretations).
- Iruñazarra (classic and traditional pintxos).
2. Pochas a la Navarra – Local White Bean Stew
A beloved traditional dish of Navarre, pochas are tender white beans harvested before fully maturing, giving them a delicate texture. They are slow-cooked with vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and sometimes chorizo or local sausages.
This dish is comforting, flavorful, and showcases Pamplona’s agricultural heritage. It’s especially popular in late summer and autumn.
Where to try it: Many local restaurants such as La Nuez and Asador Olaverri serve pochas made with seasonal ingredients.
3. Cordero al Chilindrón – Lamb Stew with Peppers
One of Pamplona’s signature meat dishes, cordero al chilindrón is lamb cooked slowly with red peppers, onions, tomatoes, and white wine. The sauce is rich, slightly sweet, and full of depth. It’s often served with crusty bread to soak up the flavors.
Why it’s special: It reflects the hearty, rustic style of Navarre’s mountain cuisine and is a favorite during festivals or family gatherings.
4. Menestra de Verduras – Vegetable Medley of Navarre
Navarre is known across Spain for its high-quality vegetables, and menestra de verduras celebrates them all. This dish typically includes artichokes, asparagus, peas, green beans, and carrots, lightly sautéed in olive oil and sometimes mixed with a bit of ham.
It’s one of the healthiest and most representative dishes of the region’s farm-to-table tradition.
Best season to try it: Spring, when fresh vegetables are in abundance.
5. Espárragos de Navarra – White Asparagus
Navarre’s white asparagus is among the best in Spain and has Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. These tender spears are typically served simply—boiled or grilled—and dressed with olive oil or mayonnaise.
You can find them as a starter or side dish in most local restaurants, especially from April to June.
6. Pimientos del Piquillo – Piquillo Peppers
Another Navarrese specialty, pimientos del piquillo are small red peppers roasted, peeled by hand, and preserved in their natural juices. They have a sweet, smoky flavor and are often stuffed with cod, meat, or seafood.
They pair perfectly with local wines and appear in many traditional dishes.
7. Trucha a la Navarra – Navarre-Style Trout
This is one of Pamplona’s classic dishes: fresh trout from local rivers stuffed with serrano ham and pan-fried until crispy. The combination of the delicate fish and salty ham creates a simple yet flavorful dish.
Best enjoyed: In traditional taverns or restaurants near the Old Town.
8. Local Cheeses – Roncal and Idiazábal
Pamplona is close to two renowned cheese-producing areas: the Roncal Valley and Idiazábal. Both cheeses are made from sheep’s milk and have a nutty, slightly smoky flavor.
They are often served with quince paste (membrillo) or as part of a pintxo with walnuts and honey.
9. Local Sweets – Churros, Goxua, and Pacharán
Pamplona also satisfies sweet cravings with its traditional desserts.
- Goxua is a creamy layered dessert made with sponge cake, custard, and caramelized sugar.
- Churros con chocolate are popular in cafés, especially for breakfast or late-night snacks.
- Pacharán is a local liqueur made from sloe berries soaked in anise—perfect as a digestif after a meal.
Try these at: Café Iruña or local pastry shops in the Old Town.
10. Wines and Cider from Navarre
No culinary experience in Pamplona is complete without tasting Navarre’s wines. The region produces excellent reds, rosés, and whites under the Denominación de Origen Navarra label. Local cider (sidra) is also widely enjoyed and pairs perfectly with pintxos or grilled meat.
Popular wine types:
- Full-bodied red Garnacha wines.
- Crisp rosés (rosado), especially from the areas near Olite and Lumbier.
Food Culture Tip: How to Eat Like a Local
- Enjoy a pintxo crawl instead of sitting for one large meal. Locals prefer sampling multiple small dishes while socializing.
- Have a late lunch (around 2:00 p.m.) and dinner after 9:00 p.m., following Spanish dining customs.
- Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or zurito (small beer).
- End your meal with Pacharán—the traditional Navarrese digestif.
Final Thoughts
Pamplona’s cuisine perfectly mirrors its culture—warm, authentic, and full of character. From hearty stews like cordero al chilindrón to delicate white asparagus and creative pintxos, every dish tells a story of the land and its people.
For first-time visitors, the best way to experience Pamplona’s food is to wander through its Old Town, step into bustling bars, and let your taste buds guide you through Navarre’s rich culinary heritage.
