Solana is impressively situated just a few metres from the Santuario de la Bien Aparecida, the venerated patron saint of Cantabria. If you’re looking for a picture-postcard view of the Cantabrian mountains you won’t find a better location than this, where the views from your table transport guests to a world of green meadows in which cows can been seen grazing nearby. Chef Ignacio Solana, alongside his sister Inma (sommelier and front-of-house manager), showcases contemporary cuisine with strong traditional roots that is faithful to both the sea and the mountains but with a nod to tradition and a constant love affair with seasonal vegetables sourced from its own garden as well as from market-gardeners in the Bajo Asón area. The à la carte, featuring Solana’s signature dishes (such as its famous ham croquettes, cod fritters, delicious small squid (“maganos”) with onions, chicken stew etc) pays tribute to the chef’s mother, perpetuates her legacy, and is complemented by two enticing tasting menus (Breñas and Golmaje).