Spanish cuisine is varied and colourful and many popular dishes involve seafood, particularly in the coastal regions of Spain. Dishes such as calamares (fried squid) and shellfish are part of traditional meals as well as pescaito frito, which are small battered fish, originating from Andalusia. Perhaps one of the most famous Spanish dishes is paella originating from Valencia. Paella is a dish combining white rice, vegetables and meat or (as is more contemporary) seafood. Another popular and traditional dish is the tortilla de patatas, which is an omelette with fried potatoes.

Many Spanish eat a large lunch, followed by an afternoon siesta, particularly in strong heat, and will eat there evening meal very late, often between eleven p.m. and midnight. It is rare for Spanish restaurants to open before nine p.m.

Tapas is a traditional cooking style for Spain, where small tasters of food are available to snack on, often at a bar, or as a sharing platter for more than one person. This can include food such as garlic mushrooms, shrimps, or slices of cheese and ham.

Meat is used widely in Spanish cooking, with an array of sausages, pork and chicken dishes. Spanish soups are also traditional dishes, such as fish soup or gazpacho, which is served chilled.

Spanish drinks vary from morning coffee, which is often strong and without milk to more evening drinks such as the popular cocktail sangria. Sangria is a combination of fruit punch and red wine favoured all over Spain. Jerez (Spanish sherry) is also popular, and Spain produces a variety of fantastic wines, differing from region to region.