Restaurante del Parador de Almagro

Eating in the refectory of Santa Catalina

The restaurant of the Parador de Almagro is in the refectory of the former Franciscan convent of Santa Catalina, one of the two original parts that survived when the building became a Parador (the other is the wine cellar). It is a bright room between two landscaped courtyards, with a monastic atmosphere, and you do not need to be a guest to eat: you book as at any restaurant. It is open every day of the week, at midday and in the evening.

La Mancha on the menu

Paradores describes its cooking as traditional La Mancha updated. What it publishes as specialities gives a clear idea of the table: shepherd's migas, La Mancha gachas, duelos y quebrantos (scrambled eggs with chorizo, pancetta and black pudding), asadillo salad, La Mancha pisto, milk-fed lamb chops and salt cod Order of Calatrava style, a nod to the military order that had its seat here from 1212. There are also La Mancha stews, roast lamb and La Mancha cheeses with designation of origin. For dessert, bizcochada manchega.

And to start, the Almagro aubergines, the seasoned preserve with protected geographical indication that makes the town famous, and which the Parador lists among its specialities. If you have never tried them, order them for the table before anything else.

The Paradores website links the menu, but does not publish prices on the restaurant page. If you want to know the cost beforehand, ask when you book.

Dining room and café hours

Lunch from 13:30 to 16:00 and dinner from 20:30 to 23:00, every day. The café opens from 11:00 to 23:00, useful for a coffee or something light between visits, and breakfast from 7:30 to 11:00. Book on 926 86 01 00, at [email protected] or through the Paradores website.

Before or after the meal

The Parador is on the Ronda de San Francisco, on the edge of the old town, with free outdoor parking. The Plaza Mayor and the Corral de Comedias are about five minutes' walk away, so dining here and heading out to a classical theatre performance, or the other way round, can be done on foot. If you stay overnight, the rooms of the Parador de Almagro are in the same convent.