The finest places to eat in Extremadura

World-renowned chef Jos� Pizarro picks his favourite restaurants in his home region of Extremadura, western SpainHospeder�a del Real Monasterio, GuadalupeA heavenly restaurant inside the monastery where travelling monks used to stay after their long journeys. It's run by the monks to this day, and while the food is simple, it's very well cooked: try the morcilla (black pudding) from the local butcher cooked with piment�n de La Vera (the indigenous paprika of the area) or, my favourite, Ib�rico pork fillet marinated in more of that same piment�n. It's worth staying overnight, too ? ?65 for a double room isn't a bad price for such a magnificent setting.? Plaza Juan Carlos I, 10140 Guadalupe, +34 (0) 927 367000, monasterioguadalupe.comEl Fig�n de Eustaquio, C�ceresThis place reminds me of my childhood ? I used to come here often with my grandfather. It is widely regarded as the best restaurant in Extemadura, with fantastic ingredients, cooked simply. Try the migas, a classic Spanish dish of sausages, bacon and fried breadcrumbs ? perfect.? Plaza de San Juan 12-14, +34 (0) 927 248194, elfigondeeustaquio.comRestaurante Atrio, C�ceresThe food at this restaurant, recently opened at the new Relais & Chateaux hotel in the old walled town, is exquisite. It takes in traditional local produce and turns it into a stunning end result. A word of warning, though: the cooking is rather fancy.? Avda de Espa�a 30, +34 (0) 927 242928, restauranteatrio.comAltair Restaurante, M�ridaThis is my favourite restaurant in the southern region of Badaj�z. It is not traditional food at all, but amazingly modern Spanish cooking ? but they insist on using ingredients from the immediate area. The ham is really good, and you must try the mushrooms (when in season) and lamb.? Av de Jos� Fern�ndez L�pez, +34 (0) 924 304512La Rebotica Restaurante, Zafra (Badaj�z)More beautifully simple Spanish cooking, but the real star of the show here is the wine list ? you'll find more than 150 wines from all over the country.? C/ Boticas 12, +34 (0) 924 554289, lareboticadezafra.comAldebar�n Restaurante, Badaj�zClassy and really, really tasty cooking ? and at very reasonable prices. This is a great place to try out jamon Ib�rico, as well as all sorts of other regional delights, such as partridge salad and hake with clams.? Avda de Elbas, urbanizaci�n Guadiana, +34 (0) 924 274261, restaurantealdebaran.com? Jos� Pizarro, pictured with his parents at home in Extremadura, was head chef at the Michelin-starred El Mes�n de Do�a Filo near Madrid before co-founding the Brindisa group of  restaurants in London. He is opening his own tapas bar, Jos�, in London in May. His book, Seasonal Spanish Food, is published by Kyle Cathie, price �19.99 (josepizarro.com).SpainFood and drinkFood & drinkJos� Pizarroguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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