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The croquette, of French origin, but now a gastronomic reference in Spanish culture, allows for an endless number of variations, ranging from the classic Iberian ham croquette to more creative or original ones such as sobrasada croquettes. We embark on a journey through the national geography to put on the table some of the best or most coveted croquettes on the scene.
Quinqué – Madrid
Last year, Carlos Griffo’s croquette from the Quinqué restaurant was crowned the best Iberian ham croquette in Spain at Madrid Fusión. The jury, chaired by Pedro Subijana (chef at Akelarre, ***MICHELIN) would award the prize for its fine breading and its creamy béchamel, without being liquid, in which the Sánchez Romero Carvajal ham is perfectly integrated.
Where? C. de Apolonio Morales, 3, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid.
Sa Marinada – Madrid
Sa Marinada’s red prawn croquettes perfectly sum up the essence of the Costa Brava at Sa Marinada, the restaurant that transports you to its best spots through dishes where seafood is the protagonist. Its delicious red prawn croquettes reflect precisely this culinary excellence through their infallible combination of fresh, macerated Palamós prawns, a touch of romescu and truffle pearls.
Where? Calle de Fernández de la Hoz, 33, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid.
Desfase – Madrid
DESFASE’s rogue and disruptive touch is also embodied in one of the most original croquettes in Spain. Christened the ‘Carbocreta’, its croquette captures the pure Italian essence through carbonara, guanciale and pecorino romano as the final touch with which the restaurant has just elevated the iteration.
Where? Cmo. de Ganapanes, 1, Fuencarral-El Pardo, 28035 Madrid.
Mi Mare – Murcia
María Gómez and Adrián de Marcos always go back to their roots to revisit their favourite tapas. One of them is, of course, the croquette. A snack that they have reinterpreted in Mi Mare in many ways in order to serve the best in their restaurant. Among them, honeyed ‘Joselito’ acorn-fed Iberian ham croquettes, prawn croquettes, and some surprising sobrassada and chocolate croquettes.
Where? Carlos III, 49, 30201 Cartagena, Murcia.
Epílogo – Ciudad Real
In its historical ode to the ‘Guadiana’, Epílogo combines ingredients, innovative techniques in dishes and bites that become an epilogue in themselves; as is the case with Rubén Sánchez-Camacho’s delicious Iberian ham croquettes, which reflect the pure Manchego flavour with a traditional base of his restaurant.
Where? C. de los Hidalgos, 7, 13004 Ciudad Real.
La Marimandona – València
La Marimandona, the famous tavern that embodies the soul of the traditional Valencian cuisine of ‘La Mari’, has a number of gastronomic highlights on its menu, such as its honeyed croquettes made with ham broth, bits of Iberian ham, topped with a slice of Jabugo ham.
Where? C/ del Convent de Sta. Clara, 3, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia.
Público – Barcelona
This market cuisine restaurant & wine bar, located in the heart of the Eixample district, offers a selection of top-quality croquettes, made with the freshness and originality of local ingredients. They offer two creamy versions: one with oxtail and the other with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese.
Where? Carrer d’Enric Granados, 30, L’Eixample, 08008 Barcelona.
Trasto – Valladolid
Run by Teo Rodríguez, Trasto has achieved great popularity thanks to successful dishes such as its Pucela Roll, a puff pastry filled with suckling lamb stew that was crowned champion of the Tapas World Cup last November. But also for his ham croquettes that stand out for their unmistakable creaminess savoured by countless diners.
Where? C. Menéndez Pelayo &, C. Sta. María, 47001 Valladolid.
