At 93 Piotrkowska Street, in the heart of Lodz, you will find Winni - a place that, despite not being a typical Spanish restaurant, deserves special attention of any lover of Mediterranean flavors. This wine bar combines elegance with a cozy atmosphere, offering a wide selection of wines, among which Spanish spirits from the Rioja, Ribera del Duero or Priorat regions lead the way.

Winni is a place where history meets modernity. The restaurant is located in a historic building, the interiors of which have been carefully restored, preserving the original architectural elements. Brick walls, wooden ceiling beams and industrial accents allude to Lodz's factory past, creating a unique atmosphere. According to local legend, in the basement of the building, where there is now an atmospheric wine cellar, illegal alcohol was hidden during Prohibition.

Winni's menu is a real feast for the palate. In addition to the wines, the establishment serves delicious tapas, which go perfectly with the selected liquors. Particularly noteworthy is the board of manchego cheeses with different degrees of maturation, jamón ibérico cut into thin slices and gambas al ajillo - shrimp fried in oil with garlic and chili peppers. Prices at Winni are at a medium level, making the place accessible to a wide range of customers.

Just a few blocks away, at 2/4 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Street, is Las Palmas Lodz - a bar inspired by the climate of the Canary Islands, which administratively belong to Spain. The restaurant is distinguished by its exotic decor, which takes guests straight to the sunny beaches of Gran Canaria. Palm trees, bright colors and Spanish rhythms create a unique atmosphere, ideal for summer evenings.

Las Palmas Łódź is a place with a fascinating history. The building in which it is located was once part of a factory complex belonging to the Poznański family - some of Lodz's wealthiest industrialists. During the renovation, the original floors and decor elements were discovered, which have been painstakingly restored and incorporated into the new design.

The Las Palmas menu is a fusion of Spanish and Canarian cuisine. Guests can enjoy traditional papas arrugadas - wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce, calamares a la romana - squid rings in a crispy coating, or sangría prepared according to the owner's secret recipe. Prices at Las Palmas are on the average level and portions are generous, making the establishment very popular with locals and tourists.

Both Winni and Las Palmas Lodz offer regular evenings with live music, featuring traditional Spanish flamenco tunes or contemporary Spanish hits. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Spanish culture without leaving Lodz.

Although the names may suggest Mexican cuisine, both The Mexican and Señoritas Restaurant & Lounge offer a fascinating fusion of Iberian and Latin American flavors, making them unique spots on the culinary map of Lodz. The two establishments, although different in style and atmosphere, are united by a passion for Mediterranean and Latin American flavors and an attention to authentic ingredients.

The Mexican, located at 19A Ogrodowa Street, in close proximity to the Manufaktura complex, is a place with an unusual history. The building that houses the restaurant was once part of Israel Poznanski's factory empire. In the 19th century it housed cotton warehouses, and the characteristic brick walls and high ceilings are a reminder of the city's industrial past. The restaurant's owners decided to preserve these elements, creating a unique combination of industrial character with a warm, Iberian atmosphere.

The menu at The Mexican is a true culinary journey. In addition to Mexican dishes, there are also Spanish specialties, such as paella valenciana with seafood, chorizo in wine or Andalusian gazpacho. The chef, who worked for several years in restaurants in Barcelona, takes care of the authenticity of the flavors and the quality of the ingredients. Prices at The Mexican are at a medium level, which, combined with generous portions, makes this place attractive to a wide range of customers.

Interestingly, The Mexican regularly hosts evenings with live flamenco music. According to local legend, during one such evening, the restaurant was visited by a famous Spanish guitarist, who was so delighted by the atmosphere of the place that he played a spontaneous concert that lasted until dawn. Since then, 'Flamenco Nights' have become a tradition, attracting lovers of Spanish culture from all over the region.

Señoritas Restaurant & Lounge, located at 1A Stanislaw Moniuszki Street, is an elegant place with a more refined character. The restaurant is housed in a historic building from the early 20th century, which once belonged to a wealthy family of Lodz factory owners. Señoritas' interiors delight with a combination of Art Nouveau elements with modern touches and warm Spanish motifs.

The history of the place is as fascinating as its menu. It is said that in the basement of the building, where the exclusive wine cellar is now located, valuable works of art were hidden from the Nazis during World War II. Today, guests can enjoy fine wine in the same room that once protected the city's cultural heritage.

Señoritas' menu is an elegant fusion of Spanish and Mexican cuisine with touches of molecular gastronomy. The chef, who trained under masters in San Sebastián - the city with the most Michelin stars per capita - creates true culinary masterpieces. Highlights include tuna tartare with avocado foam and black rice chips, octopus carpaccio with truffle oil, or dessert churros with chocolate sauce and saffron ice cream. Prices at Señoritas are on the higher end, but the quality and presentation of the dishes fully justify it.

Both The Mexican and Señoritas offer an extensive selection of Spanish wines, from crisp white Albariño from the Galicia region to full-bodied red Tempranillo from Rioja. Sommeliers at both establishments offer expert advice and help select the perfect wine for the chosen dish.

Comparing the two venues, The Mexican offers a more casual, entertaining atmosphere and slightly lower prices, while Señoritas is the choice for those who are looking for an elegant dining experience and are willing to pay more for refined dishes and top-notch service.

Spanish Restaurant La Iberica, although formally located in Warsaw at 5/7 Burakowska Street, deserves special attention in our list due to its strong ties to Lodz and the influence it has had on the Lodz culinary scene. This establishment, run by a Spanish-Polish couple, has become an inspiration for many Lodz restaurateurs who regularly visit La Iberica to gain knowledge and experience.

The history of La Iberica is fascinating and inextricably linked to the history of Polish-Spanish relations. The restaurant's founder, Miguel Rodríguez, came to Poland in the 1980s as one of 150 Spanish children who found refuge in our country during the Spanish Civil War. Although he initially ended up in Warsaw, for many years he lived and worked in Lodz, where he met his wife Anna, with whom he later opened La Iberica. Their love story and culinary passion have become a legend among Lodz's fine dining enthusiasts.

La Iberica is famous for its authentic Spanish dishes, prepared according to traditional recipes passed down in Miguel's family from generation to generation. The chef regularly visits Lodz, conducting culinary workshops and collaborating with local restaurants to organize Spanish themed evenings. Thanks to these initiatives, the authentic flavors of Spain have found their way into many Lodz homes and establishments.

La Iberica's menu is a true treasure trove of Spanish flavors. Guests can enjoy delicious paella valenciana, prepared in traditional pans imported from Spain, Andalusian gazpacho, whose recipe comes from Miguel's grandmother, or a variety of tapas, from simple patatas bravas to sophisticated pulpo a la gallega - Galician-style octopus. Prices at La Iberica are on the medium to high end, but the quality and authenticity of the dishes fully justify it.

It is interesting to note that La Iberica organizes regular shipments of Spanish products, which also go to Lodz restaurants and stores. As a result, Lodzers can enjoy authentic Spanish ingredients such as virgin oil from the Andalusia region, jamón ibérico ham and manchego cheese.

To conclude our list of seven hidden gems of Spanish cuisine in Lodz, it is worth noting how diverse these places are. From elegant wine bars to cozy tapas bars to restaurants that combine tradition with modernity, each of these places offers a unique culinary experience and allows you to discover a different aspect of Spain's rich culinary culture.

Comparing all of the described venues in terms of price, Winni and Las Palmas