El Bodegón de Patones

A five-table house that grew

Daniel Toural began at the age of 12 helping in a family shop in Patones de Arriba. In 1998 he got the house at Calle del Arroyo, 15, renovated it over seven months and in 1999 opened El Bodegón with his wife, Henar, the head of the dining room: five tables and room for twenty. In 2006 they added the terrace and in 2009 a small room for another twenty. Today he is still the chef and owner.

The garden on the menu

The house has its own vegetable garden, and what comes from it is the basis of the cooking: seasonal vegetables, alongside stews, home cooking and local produce. There are vegetarian dishes and the kitchen adapts to allergies and intolerances if you tell them when booking or arriving; the website does not mention gluten-free specifically, so ask. It is a house for families: children are welcome. The menu and set menus are on its website; prices are checked there.

Wednesday to Sunday, until 19:00 at weekends

It is open Wednesday to Sunday: Wednesday to Friday, from 11:00 to 17:00; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 11:00 to 19:00. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Booking is not compulsory, but they recommend it, especially at weekends and public holidays, when online booking is confirmed instantly. Book on its website or on 620 257 271 and 699 840 476. It has a gift voucher, valid six months.

Going up to Patones de Arriba without a car

Car access to Patones de Arriba is reserved for residents and authorised vehicles, with a camera and fine. Leave the car in the free car park at Patones de Abajo, where the Barranco Path starts, and walk up about 800 metres (20 to 25 minutes) or take the weekend and public-holiday shuttle; the Patones tourist office explains how to book it.

Before lunch, take a stroll round Patones de Arriba, the black slate village; if you come in the morning to climb, the introductory climbing session at Patones fits with lunch here, as in the Sunday of climbing in Patones.