A getaway in Southern California calls for gems of Spain’s cuisine!

The Pacific Coast Highway is an iconic sight for all to see.  As you’re surfing up the coast, you’ll take in sights reminiscent of a Mediterranean summer.  SoCal sets the standard for quick road trips and getaways!  For a family vacation or even a romantic retreat, Southern California has it all.

Today, we’d like to highlight a few coastal cities where you can find authentic Spanish favorites - and a special place for tapas overlooking the ocean! How good does that sound?

First stop: Santa Monica, a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles, whose main claim to fame, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, has a Ferris Wheel overlooking the ocean. On a nice day you can people watch the socially distanced fishermen patiently waiting for the day’s catch. Once you feel like you have caught enough rays, I suggest making a stop at Manchego Restaurant located on Main Street. Manchego is a neighborhood restaurant, offering an extraordinary Spanish wine selection as well as a variety of traditional tapas. The restaurant has a reputation for focusing on small production bottlings - made by winemakers and brewers in Spain.

If you continue along the coastline you will find a handful of beaches; the most popular are Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. If you are driving from Santa Monica, 30 minutes is all it takes to satisfy your inner urbanite at downtown Long Beach’s vibrant waterfront. From an eclectic neighborhood to the sandy beach, you’ll find Long Beach to be an urban waterfront playground. When you get hungry, be sure to stop by Cafe Sevilla.The restaurant and tapas bar is just steps from the convention center, Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific and is hard to resist among Long Beach´s main attractions.

Last but not least, if you are in Irvine you have to make it to Newport Beach to try Fig & Olive, a pan Mediterranean menu with accents of Spain. The restaurant offers a relaxing Garden Terrace, featuring an outdoor fireplace, the perfect spot to indulge in a glass of rosé while enjoying an extra-long lunch. Inside, there is a Bar & Lounge buzz with energy while the Orchard Room is an elegant space for dining. Brunch is offered on weekends and Sunday Brunch features live jazz.

 Author: Laura D'Ocon