Aracena is one of the best towns in Spain for eating. The Sierra de Aracena is the heartland of jamón ibérico de bellota — ham from acorn-fed black pigs that roam the dehesa woodland — and the local restaurants take their ingredients seriously.
Restaurante Jesús Carrión on the main square does outstanding versions of traditional Sierra cooking: slow-braised pork cheeks, wild mushroom revueltos in autumn, asparagus in spring, and the ham in every form. The terrace faces the Prioral Church. Montecruz is another reliable option for rustic Andalucian cooking with an extensive ham menu.
The market on the Plaza del Marqués de Aracena sells local produce — mushrooms, chestnuts, asparagus by season, and the local goat cheese. For something to take home, the small shops around the main square sell vacuum-packed slices of Jabugo ham and bottles of local olive oil.