Cuisine & Local Food Culture
Seasonal, Local & Deeply Rooted in Place
Food is central to life in this part of Spain. Here in the Maestrat and Castellón province, cuisine is shaped by the land, the seasons and generations of agricultural tradition. Olive oil, vegetables, seafood, wine and simple, honest cooking form the backbone of the local table.
Staying at Casa de Olivos offers guests the chance to experience this food culture at its most authentic — from village bars and markets to refined restaurants and Michelin-starred dining, all within easy reach.
Buying Local
Markets, bakeries & everyday food culture
Buying food locally is one of the simplest ways to connect with the region. A weekly street market in Traiguera, along with the permanent Mercat de Vinaròs, offer excellent seasonal produce, fresh fish, meats, cheeses and baked goods.
In Traiguera, Carrer Major is home to:
- Three independent butchers specialising in local pork, cured meats and poultry
- Two traditional bakeries
- La Porcellet delicatessen-style shop with cooked meats, cheeses and local wines
- Peset Vallés olive oil shop
- Mini-supermarkets and everyday village shops
It’s easy to shop like a local here — fresh, unhurried and seasonal.
Local Specialities
From olive oil to langoustines
Olive Oil from Traiguera
Traiguera is renowned for its olive oil production, with three olive mills in the town.
- Vicente Dellá e Hijos SL has been producing oil here since 1727
- Bodegas Peset Vallés focuses on recovering and harvesting oil from ancient olive trees, offering guided mill tours and tastings
- And of course Casa de Olivos produces its own Organic Extra virgin Olive Oil which is in the apartments for guests to enjoj during their stay
This deep connection to olive cultivation is part of daily life here — and something guests often remark on.
Valencian Oranges
The Costa del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast) lives up to its name. Orange groves stretch across the coastal plains, with harvesting typically running from late November to May. Freshly squeezed juice here is intensely sweet and aromatic.
Vinaròs Langoustines
Vinaròs is famous throughout Spain for its
langoustines, celebrated every August at the
Fiesta del Langostino. Still caught daily using traditional methods, they’re widely available in local restaurants and markets.
Visit the
Mercat de Vinaròs for the best selection of seafood.
Benicarló Artichokes
Benicarló’s artichokes are protected by designation and celebrated each winter.
Highlights include:
- Artichoke-focused menus in local restaurants
- The popular Torrà barbecue, where thousands of kilos are grilled over charcoal
Morella & Black Truffle
Morella is known for its black truffle, used in eggs, salads, pâtés and sauces. The town is also home to excellent delicatessens specialising in cheeses, honeys, cured meats and mountain produce.
Wine & Sustainable Producers
In the heart of Castellón’s wine country lies Barón d’Alba, a winery producing distinctive Clos wines with a strong commitment to sustainability and traditional methods. Alongside Barón d’Alba, the region is also home to excellent small producers such as Vins L’Estanquer in Canet lo Roig, known for expressive wines that reflect the rugged Maestrat landscape, and La Benicarlanda in Benicarló, a historic cooperative producing characterful Mediterranean wines rooted in local tradition.
This shared philosophy mirrors our own at Casa de Olivos, and guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle from one of these local wineries. We also offer wine tasting experiences for those who would like to visit the vineyards and discover more.
Eating Out
From village bars to Michelin stars
Traiguera
- Casa dels Capellans – Set within the grounds of the historic Font de la Salut, offering refined tasting menus based on local produce. Excellent wine cellar. Open Wed–Sun. Booking essential. Highly recommended.
- Bar Juanita – Always lively with locals; traditional breakfasts and menu del dia.
- Forn Ribera – Outstanding fresh breads and baked goods to take away.
Sant Jordi
- LoDeSancho – A Casa de Olivos favourite. Coffee, drinks and creative tapas using Maestrat products, in the Plaza Mayor.
Sant Mateu
Set around the Plaça Major, with several strong options:
- Ka Nostra – varied menu, excellent for vegetarian and special diets
- Restaurante Cabritt
- Restaurante La Perdi
- La Farga Restaurant (Ermita Mare de Déu dels Àngels) – organic, local cuisine with sweeping views
Vinaròs
Along the beach promenade north of the port you’ll find many excellent, reasonably priced restaurants overlooking the sea.
- Restaurante El Barco – Our favourite for paella, fresh fish and salads
- Bonavista – relaxed atmosphere with fresh fish and tapas - views over the port
- Rafel lo Cristalero - traditional dishes with creative edge - located near the bullring
- Ruben Miralles - a must for Michelin fine dining in the town centre
Benicarló
- Mar Blava Restaurante – Chic setting, sea views and consistently excellent food - A Casa de Olivos favourite
Peñíscola
More touristy, but still worth exploring. Look for restaurants near the castle with views over the Mediterranean or harbour.
Favourites include:
- Restaurant 1971 – Creative cuisine, vegetarian-friendly, stunning views - another Casa de Olivos favourite!
- Bar Muralla & Tasca Al Masset – Tapas with sea views
- La Frontera Tex-Mex – Friendly, authentic Mexican dishes in the old town
Ulldecona & La Sénia
- Lo Paseo (Ulldecona) – Modern cuisine in a converted railway building, excellent wine list
- Molí l’Abad II (La Sénia) – Exceptional grilled meats and vegetables, with terraces overlooking the Ulldecona reservoir
Michelin-Star Dining
- L’Antic Molí (San Rafael del Riu) – Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star, celebrating sustainable gastronomy
- Les Moles (Ulldecona) – Michelin Star and two Repsol Suns, led by chef Jeroni Castell
- Raúl Resino (Benicarló) – Creative cuisine rooted in local tradition
Vegetarian & Vegan Dining
As vegetarians ourselves, we know first-hand how important good options are. Many local restaurants are happy to adapt menus, and the abundance of fresh vegetables, olive oil and Mediterranean ingredients makes this an easy and enjoyable region for vegetarian and vegan dining.
Just ask us — we’re always happy to share recommendations.
Are you ready to experience the tastes of local cultures?
Add the delicious Casa de Olivos continental breakfast or paella night to your stay →
