A Taste of Hemingway
Following the Cafés, Cuisine, and Drinks of The Sun Also Rises
To truly experience The Sun Also Rises, don't just follow Jake Barnes' journey across France and Spain—follow what's on his table. Nearly one hundred years after the novel's publication, Ernest Hemingway's landmark work continues to transport readers through unforgettable characters and breathtaking landscapes. But it is also a celebration of food, drink, and the simple pleasure of gathering around a table. From bustling Parisian cafés to rustic inns in the Spanish countryside, every meal tells part of the story.
For Hemingway, food and drink were never mere background details. They reflected culture, place, and character. Every café, bottle of wine, and shared meal helps bring the novel's world to life, allowing readers to experience Europe much as Hemingway did during the 1920s.
The journey begins in Paris, where Jake Barnes and his friends gather at cafés that reflected the city's vibrant expatriate culture. Readers encounter the lively atmosphere of establishments such as Le Select, La Rotonde, and Closerie des Lilas, where conversations unfold over coffee, beer, aperitifs, and simple French meals. These were among the cafés Hemingway frequented during his years in Montparnasse, where afternoons often stretched into evenings filled with literature, friendship, and spirited debate. It was in places like these that the ideas, conversations, and observations that shaped The Sun Also Rises began to take form.
As the story moves into Spain, Hemingway's appreciation for regional cuisine becomes even more apparent. During their stay in Burguete, Jake and Bill Gorton enjoy some of the novel's most memorable meals while preparing for days of trout fishing in the nearby Irati River. Freshly caught trout, local vegetables, crusty bread, and bottles of Rioja reflect Hemingway's lifelong admiration for honest cooking built around fresh, local ingredients. The simplicity of these meals stands in sharp contrast to the emotional complexity of the novel itself.
Wine flows naturally throughout The Sun Also Rises. Whether relaxing over lunch, lingering after dinner, or celebrating during the Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Jake and his companions frequently enjoy Rioja, along with beer, brandy, anis del Toro, and other regional drinks. Hemingway understood that a shared bottle was never simply something to consume. It slowed the pace of life, encouraged conversation, strengthened friendships, and often revealed more about his characters than pages of description ever could.
The cafés, hotels, and restaurants become characters in their own right. In Pamplona, the Hotel Montoya serves as a gathering place for bullfighters, aficionados, journalists, and visitors drawn to the excitement of the Festival of San Fermín. Nearby, the cafés surrounding the Plaza del Castillo provide the backdrop for many of the novel's most memorable conversations, immersing readers in the traditions and rhythms that captivated Hemingway throughout his life. Today, visitors can still sit in the square and imagine the world that Jake Barnes experienced nearly a century ago.
Even away from the festival crowds, Hemingway finds meaning in the ritual of sharing a meal. During Jake and Bill's fishing trip, quiet breakfasts, riverside lunches, and relaxed evening dinners become moments of genuine contentment. Removed from the drama of Paris and Pamplona, these scenes reflect Hemingway's belief that life's greatest pleasures often come from good company, honest food, and beautiful surroundings.
Many of the places that inspired The Sun Also Rises can still be visited today. Travelers continue to gather at Closerie des Lilas and the cafés of Montparnasse, while Pamplona's Plaza del Castillo remains the heart of the city during San Fermín. Visitors can walk the same streets as Jake Barnes, enjoy regional wines, dine on traditional Basque and Navarrese cuisine, and experience many of the flavors and traditions that inspired one of America's greatest novels. It is a rare opportunity to step beyond the pages of literature and into Hemingway's world.
Nearly one hundred years after its publication, The Sun Also Rises continues to nourish readers in more ways than one. Every shared bottle of Rioja, every freshly prepared trout, every café conversation, and every leisurely meal reminds us that Hemingway understood something timeless: food and drink are about far more than sustenance. They are about companionship, discovery, and the stories we create around the table. Long before culinary tourism became fashionable, Hemingway was inviting readers to discover Europe one meal at a time.
Order What Jake Barnes Ordered
One of the joys of reading The Sun Also Rises is discovering how often food and drink help shape the story. If you're inspired to experience the novel through its flavors, here are a few items to look for the next time you open the book—or sit down at your own table.
Rioja Wine
The signature wine of the novel, enjoyed throughout Jake's journey across Spain. Hemingway's appreciation for Rioja helped introduce many American readers to one of Spain's great wine regions.
Fresh Trout
Perhaps the novel's most memorable meal, Jake and Bill Gorton's freshly caught trout during their fishing trip in Burguete reflects Hemingway's belief that the finest meals are often the simplest.
Coffee
Whether beginning the day in Paris or preparing for another adventure, coffee appears frequently throughout the novel, capturing the rhythm of European café life.
Beer
A favorite refreshment during warm afternoons and lively conversations, beer is as much a part of the social atmosphere as the cafés themselves.
Brandy
Often enjoyed after dinner or late into the evening, brandy accompanies many of the novel's more reflective conversations.
Anis del Toro
This traditional Spanish anise-flavored liqueur appears during the fiesta, offering readers a taste of a regional spirit that remains popular in Spain today.
Champagne
Reserved for celebrations and special occasions, champagne reflects both the glamour and excess that occasionally surround the novel's central characters.
Roast Chicken, Bread, and Local Vegetables
Hemingway often focused on uncomplicated meals prepared with fresh ingredients. These simple dishes embody his lifelong appreciation for honest cooking over elaborate cuisine.
The next time you revisit The Sun Also Rises, consider following Jake Barnes' journey one bite—and one sip—at a time. You may discover that Hemingway's story lingers just as much in its cafés and kitchens as it does on its unforgettable pages.
100 years of the sun also rises
Ernest Hemingway’s landmark debut novel celebrates 100 years of publication on October 22, 2026.
