Spain’s Culinary Tradition
Spain takes its culinary traditions seriously—its signature foods have rules for deliciousness.
While Canada has tapas bars and inventive Spanish places to dine, nine restaurants and two purveyors are going the extra mile to bring authentic, high-quality Spanish staples to Canada, complete with Spain-approved credentials.
In Toronto, Jonathan Larrad owns the Spanish Pig on Roncesvalles, while Sandra and Bernardo Larrion and their sons own Barcelona Gourmet on Danforth. How they stock their shelves is rooted in a deep love for Spanish history, and selling Spanish products isn’t just a job—it’s a way to share the rich Spanish culinary scene in Canada.
At Spanish Pig, jamón is the star attraction, with Iberico de Bellota and Serrano flying out the door. Barcelona Gourmet has built its reputation on Manchego, offering distinctive varieties like Cava and boletus.
Both stores carry the Spain Certification for retailers, marking them as true ambassadors of Spain and each offering comes from the specific region where it’s been made for generations.
We spend so much time researching products from Spain, and what we offer in the shop comes with a whole story of family history and traditional processes Sandra Larrion
The Spain Colmados certificate acts like the award-winner sticker on a novel. It means shoppers are getting the very best—Manchego from La Mancha, chorizo spiced with the correct pimentón, or sherry from the casks of Jerez. Find out more about the Colmados certificate here.
Getting the certificate was a rigorous process—you have to demonstrate both knowledge and commitment to Spanish gastronomy Jonathan Larrad
Canadian restaurants carry an equivalent restaurant Spain Certification showing authenticity in ingredients as well as recipes and preparation. At Bodega on Main, Casa Molina, and Como Taperia in British Columbia, Beso by Patria, La Lola, Madrina Bar y Tapas, and Santa Marta in Ontario, and Montreal Paella and Olé Tapas in Quebec, diners can taste the same integrity on the plate that Larrad and the Larrions offer over the counter.
Bodega on Main – Spanish charcuterie and cheese board with olives, almonds, and pickles
Casa Molina – Fideuà with shrimp and mussels, Iberian ham, Spanish cheeses, croquetas, and fresh salads.
Como Taperia – Octopus with allioli and pimentón
Beso by Patria – Iberian ham with melon, sautéed shrimp, Spanish tortilla
La Lola – Creamy ham croquetas
Madrina Bar y Tapas – Ibérico pork secreto steak with smoked eggplant and roasted pineapple
Santa Marta – Huevos rotos with fried eggs, chorizo, and potatoes
Montreal Paella – Traditional paella with pork ribs, morcilla, potatoes, and tomato, alongside seafood paella with shrimp, and croquetas
Olé Tapas – Patatas bravas, anchovies in olive oil, grilled prawns, tortilla española, pan con tomate and shaved smoked Manchego cheese, fried calamari, mixed salad
Bodega on Main – Spanish charcuterie and cheese board with olives, almonds, and pickles
Casa Molina – Fideuà with shrimp and mussels, Iberian ham, Spanish cheeses, croquetas, and fresh salads.
Como Taperia – Octopus with allioli and pimentón
Beso by Patria – Iberian ham with melon, sautéed shrimp, Spanish tortilla
La Lola – Creamy ham croquetas
Madrina Bar y Tapas – Ibérico pork secreto steak with smoked eggplant and roasted pineapple
Santa Marta – Huevos rotos with fried eggs, chorizo, and potatoes
Montreal Paella – Traditional paella with pork ribs, morcilla, potatoes, and tomato, alongside seafood paella with shrimp, and croquetas
Olé Tapas – Patatas bravas, anchovies in olive oil, grilled prawns, tortilla española, pan con tomate and shaved smoked Manchego cheese, fried calamari, mixed salad
In every anchovy splayed on a pan con tomate, or fragrant paella spiced with saffron, each business brings Spain’s best to the Canadian table.
Click here for information regarding restaurants and shops.
– Lindsey King
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