One of the best parts of discovering a city is discovering its gastronomy. Food reveals many details and nuances of a culture that can complete the trip in an extraordinary way. Eating well is an experience, and in the restaurants in Granada it is a guaranteed success.
As the Nasrid capital, Granada has a mixture of cultures and traditions, and the city’s gastronomy reflects this. It contains significant features of Arab culture, and the Andalusian essence and tradition that is a sign of its quality.
Where to eat in Granada is a common question among visitors, in this post we try to answer it and help you to make your trip the best adventure possible.
What are the typical dishes to eat in Granada?
The most characteristic food in Granada is based on fresh local products and with flavours that make them unique. Among all the recipes and dishes that can be tasted both in this city and in the surrounding towns, the most iconic dishes of Granada are the following:
Broad beans with ham
A classic. Broad beans with ham are one of Granada’s star dishes. Although they can also be found in other parts of the country, in this city they are prepared in a different and special way.
The Sacromonte omelette
This is the typical omelette of the city, with a very special touch. This omelette is the representative dish of Granada that is served on the day of San Cecilio, patron saint of Granada, in the Abadía de Sacromonte. It is an omelette made from various types of offal. It has nothing to do with the Spanish omelette, but it is delicious all the same.
El remojón granadino
Another staple dish of Granada’s gastronomy. This time it is a dish of Arabic origin, very popular in the city, although you will also find it in other Andalusian cities. It consists of a salad, with a heavy focus on oranges. It is a very citric and exotic dish, perfect for a summer day.
La zalamandroña
It is also a cold salad prepared with roasted pepper, courgette, cod, dried tomato, olives and olive oil. This dish is of Andalusian origin, and is another essential part of Granada’s gastronomy.
Sardine moraga
A seafood dish representative of the town’s cuisine. This dish is served hot and is made mainly with sardines from Motril in white wine, virgin olive oil, lemon juice, chopped garlic, parsley and salt.
Aubergines with cane honey
A must in Granada’s recipe book is aubergines with sugar cane honey. This dish is of Arabic origin and, although it is more popular in Granada, you will also find it in the rest of Andalusia. It is a recipe that you are sure to find in most bars and restaurants in Granada. They are usually ordered as a starter and give just the right crunch and sweetness to round off the meal.
What are the best restaurants in Granada?
Granada is full of interesting and unique places to eat and discover its gastronomic repertoire. There is a wide variety of restaurants all over the city offering food to suit all tastes. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your experience. They all have spectacular food, and they are all very different from each other, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. In the selection we have made, there are restaurants to suit all budgets. We indicate the approximate price so you know what to expect.
Los Jardines de Zoraya
We have chosen this restaurant not only for its wonderful menu but also for the experience that goes with it. It is a restaurant with an authentic flamenco performance, which will make your lunch or dinner a very special experience. The food on the menu is Andalusian, you will also find local wines and live flamenco in a Nasrid style house with a patio and bar. The price per person is around 25 €.
Palacio Andaluz Almona
Located right next to Granada Cathedral, this is an excellent Moroccan restaurant where you can try typical Moroccan dishes such as tagine. It is a restaurant with a varied menu and also includes vegetarian and vegan options. The price is approximately €15 per person.
Taberna Prado Negro
This is an Andalusian restaurant located in the Natural Park of Huetor. It is the place to choose if you want a change of scenery and surround yourself with nature. It is very close to the city and is an opportunity to discover another environment. The average price per person is between 15 and 25 euros.
El Mercader
Located in the heart of the city centre, El Mercader is one of the best restaurants in Granada. Here you will find fusion cuisine, international dishes with Mediterranean inspiration. The menu also includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. The average price per person is around 20€.
El Agua
A beautiful establishment with stunning views of the Alhambra in Granada, located in the iconic Albaicín neighbourhood. Its menu is made up of different European dishes. The restaurant is known for its sweet or savoury fondues. It is a strategic point to enjoy a meal in a very special atmosphere. The average price is between 20 and 30 €.
Best areas to eat and drink in Granada
As well as following our suggestions, if you feel inspired you can wander around these areas and find a place that catches your eye.
In the historic quarter, you can find the best places to eat in the city. In the Plaza de María Pineda, Plaza Nueva and Carrera de Darro you will find the majority of restaurants. Likewise, the Paseo de los Tristes also has many different and varied restaurants where you can find Granada’s typical dishes.
The most lively street to choose a place to go at night is Calle Elvira, where you will find many bars and restaurants. It is a very lively street, especially for after-dinner drinks.
Where to eat cheaply in Granada?
Granada is a city of tapas, and the best place for a good tapas bar is the Realejo. Here, it is very popular to order a drink and try the famous tapas that go with it. This neighbourhood is full of small bars and restaurants where you can dine for free while you have a drink. The portions are very generous and it is impossible to go hungry. If you happen to be in the historic quarter, Calle Navas is another good option to continue this tradition.
If you want to have tapas without spending a lot of money, here are our recommendations for several very cheap bars where you can eat in style.
La Pajuana
Located in the Realejo neighbourhood, this bar is famous for its tapas. Users highlight above all that they are very elaborate, creative and with contrasting flavours. Here, you will also find incredible dishes, all recipes and ingredients from Spanish cuisine.
Bar Casa Julio
This is another great spot for tapas in Granada. This is not somewhere to sit down and eat, instead you eat at the bar like the locals. The tapa of battered dogfish is well-known from their menu and is not to be missed!
Los Diamantes
Also specialising in tapas, this restaurant in Granada is truly worthwhile. The cuisine is Spanish and Andalusian, and it is well known for its fried prawns and fried fish. It has several locations in Granada, so it’s easy to stop by and try it out.
Where to eat in the Alhambra in Granada?
The Alhambra is without a doubt an essential stop in the city, which is why it is almost essential to stop to enjoy the scenery. Here are the best spots to stop and eat in this area.
Carmen Verde Luna
Located right next to the San Nicolás viewpoint, this is one of the best restaurants in Granada, and not just for the views. This restaurant offers an extensive menu of signature dishes personalised with the food and raw products of Granada. The space is very cosy and perfectly represents the personality of the city. The average price is around 15-17 € per person.
Negro Carbón Neptuno
This restaurant is not suitable for vegetarians, but if you are a carnivore, this is the place for you. Certainly the place to eat the best meat in the city. Everything on the menu is spectacular and well worth the price. Most of the dishes are grilled or barbecued, the average price is around 35€ and it’s the ideal place to treat yourself.
La Fontana
This restaurant has a very personal and pleasant atmosphere with the added value of its location. Located at the foot of the Alhambra in Granada, you will find original tapas and Andalusian dishes. It is a place with a wide variety of prices, as you can order anything from a sandwich, to tapas to even more elaborate dishes. The price range is between 9€ and 30€ per person.
How to create a Travel Itinerary for Granada?
Get organised before travelling to Granada by referring to our post on Things to do and see in Granada. Remember to register on the website or download the Passporter App to create your itinerary, adding the restaurants and bars you liked the most among our suggestions, and organising them by days and areas, as well as the places you want to visit.
With Passporter you can:
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat.
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location.
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.
If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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