"Named for Talavera de la Reina, the Manchegan town synonymous with fine ceramics since the time of Cervantes, this shop, established in 1904, sells cheerily painted plates, tiles, pitchers, and more. The wares are the real deal, made by true craftsmen—not the chintzy, factory-produced stuff sold as souvenirs. The fourth-generation owners are experts in tracking down faithful reproductions of historical pottery, from the iconic blue-and-white Fajalauza carafes emblazoned with pomegranates to the scalloped-edged Talavera dishes bearing painted horsemen." - Benjamin Kemper