Las Tapas de Gonzalo

Las Tapas de Gonzalo occupies number 23 on Plaza Mayor, so the final stretch from the cathedrals ends beneath the Baroque arcades. There are two ways to use it: a tapa and a drink while watching the square, or a longer meal of dishes to share. The business has a bar, dining room and terrace; the choice changes both the view and the pace of service. It makes particular sense for visitors who want lunch to be part of their time on the square.

The menu available through the restaurant's site combines Salamanca produce with more contemporary preparations. Morucha beef, a breed associated with the province, appears in a mini burger and a sirloin dish; there are also croquettes, squid brioche, fish and desserts such as caramelised French toast. Distinguish a single tapa from a three-piece sharing plate or a main course before working out how much to order. A modest selection can fit into a continuing walk; several plates turn the stop into lunch.

Customer accounts are mixed. Some praise the view over Plaza Mayor and the welcome; others describe long waits or feel the price is high for the amount served. If your cathedral visit leaves little time, ask how long the kitchen expects to take and look at the menu before taking a terrace table. The restaurant is easy to find on foot from Rúa Mayor, and its published telephone number lets you confirm availability and opening times for your particular day.