Cadiz restaurant recommendation
Aug 27th, 2007, 11:46 AM
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Cadiz restaurant recommendation
I've been meaning to post this for months and finally came across the restaurant pamphlet. I found a wonderful restaurant during my last trip to Cadiz. In fact, I ate there 4 different times!
Restaurant Grimaldi on calle Libertad 9.
It is near the public market towards the beach side.
The owner, Juan Jose Grimaldi, does his own "marketing" by handing out pamplets to tourists in various parts of the city. The pamphlet had an appealing menu (seafood) with prices that were quite reasonable so I decided to give it a try. On the days I visited it was not very busy. Unfortunately, the location is a little hidden away past the market (a great public market by the way) and I believe most tourists end up in the nearby Plaza de Topoke.
If you want fresh seafood this is the place to go! The owner has his own boat and what he doesn't catch himself he gets directly from other fisherman or from the nearby market. I had corvina (similar to seabass), langostinos de sanlucar, gambas al ajillo (shrimp in olive oil with garlic), and the special house vegetables (like a ratatouille). Everything was wonderful - simple, fresh and perfectly prepared.
This is the type of place where the owner will cook your dinner, serve you, and have a nice conversation with you after your meal. You really are made to feel welcome and invited.
The decor is typical Andalucian with a beautiful tiled bar, dark wood and pictures of historical Cadiz throughout.
When I return to Cadiz next March I'll head here for my first meal!
Restaurant Grimaldi on calle Libertad 9.
It is near the public market towards the beach side.
The owner, Juan Jose Grimaldi, does his own "marketing" by handing out pamplets to tourists in various parts of the city. The pamphlet had an appealing menu (seafood) with prices that were quite reasonable so I decided to give it a try. On the days I visited it was not very busy. Unfortunately, the location is a little hidden away past the market (a great public market by the way) and I believe most tourists end up in the nearby Plaza de Topoke.
If you want fresh seafood this is the place to go! The owner has his own boat and what he doesn't catch himself he gets directly from other fisherman or from the nearby market. I had corvina (similar to seabass), langostinos de sanlucar, gambas al ajillo (shrimp in olive oil with garlic), and the special house vegetables (like a ratatouille). Everything was wonderful - simple, fresh and perfectly prepared.
This is the type of place where the owner will cook your dinner, serve you, and have a nice conversation with you after your meal. You really are made to feel welcome and invited.
The decor is typical Andalucian with a beautiful tiled bar, dark wood and pictures of historical Cadiz throughout.
When I return to Cadiz next March I'll head here for my first meal!
Aug 27th, 2007, 12:24 PM
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Cathy
When you return to Cadiz, give a try at El Faro. This is the most important restaurant in Cadiz.
Nearer to the bridge for the bay of Cadiz is a superb restaurant called "El Chato", which literally means "The Guy With The Big Nose". Good food and excellent history.
I think that this restaurant is now owned by the El Faro people.
Blackduff
When you return to Cadiz, give a try at El Faro. This is the most important restaurant in Cadiz.
Nearer to the bridge for the bay of Cadiz is a superb restaurant called "El Chato", which literally means "The Guy With The Big Nose". Good food and excellent history.
I think that this restaurant is now owned by the El Faro people.
Blackduff
Aug 27th, 2007, 12:46 PM
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I've been to El Faro many times. It's very good also but not as intimate as Restaurant Grimaldi. I particularly love the tapas bar at El Faro - but it gets crowded if you don't arrive early. Ventorrilo El Chato is owned by the grupo El Faro. I haven't had a chance to eat there as I generally rely on public transportation and it's not as easy to get to as El Faro.
Meson Cumbres is my other favorite tapas bar in Cadiz.
Now I'm giving away all of my secrets!!!
Meson Cumbres is my other favorite tapas bar in Cadiz.
Now I'm giving away all of my secrets!!!
Aug 27th, 2007, 01:37 PM
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Is Cadiz an interesting city to roam around in if one is not going to eat? I ask because our cruise docks there, and I'm trying to decide whether to book one of the ship's excursions (e.g. to Arcos) or spend the couple of hours just wandering around. Since we're paying a hefty price for the cruise, we won't be indulging in the pleasure of having meals in ports, but rather eating on the ship. (None of the guide books I've looked at especially "recommends" Cadiz, but I'd be interested in hearing other views.)
Thanks.
Thanks.
Aug 27th, 2007, 04:51 PM
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How long is your ship docking in Cadiz? If it's only a couple of hours then the excursion to Arcos de la Frontera will be very short. It's about 45 minutes each way. Have you visited the White Villages of Spain before? Arcos is a very cute, typical white village. Depending on the length of the excursion I'd consider it if you've never visited this area before and the price is reasonable. That said, I have a weak spot for Cadiz. It's not ultra touristy and a little "crumbly" but that's what I like - it's real..and the people are very friendly.
It is unfortunate you will not be able to enjoy the food in the port cities. This is a big part of the trip experience in my opinion. No matter what I'd try at least a tapa and copa just for the experience!
How long is your ship docking in Cadiz? If it's only a couple of hours then the excursion to Arcos de la Frontera will be very short. It's about 45 minutes each way. Have you visited the White Villages of Spain before? Arcos is a very cute, typical white village. Depending on the length of the excursion I'd consider it if you've never visited this area before and the price is reasonable. That said, I have a weak spot for Cadiz. It's not ultra touristy and a little "crumbly" but that's what I like - it's real..and the people are very friendly.
It is unfortunate you will not be able to enjoy the food in the port cities. This is a big part of the trip experience in my opinion. No matter what I'd try at least a tapa and copa just for the experience!
Aug 27th, 2007, 11:59 PM
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Josele
Maybe you're right but they have a painting of a chato-maybe the first at the restaurant-and this guy has a real hooter. The Spanish guys who payed my meals always gets my information.
There's a story too about the Spanish who creeped under the floors and listen to the French sailors. They would use this to fight with the Napolinaics. There was also that there's a tunnel underside the restaurant which passes the bay of Cadiz. It would cross to Puerto Real.
There are a few other El Chato restaurants too. Pte.Real has two of them.
The El Chato in Cadiz was bought from the El Faro group about 1993-1994. The food changed a bit but it was always very tasty. It was the first restaurant in the Cadiz region when I started working that area.
Maybe next spring I'll return.
Blackduff
Maybe you're right but they have a painting of a chato-maybe the first at the restaurant-and this guy has a real hooter. The Spanish guys who payed my meals always gets my information.
There's a story too about the Spanish who creeped under the floors and listen to the French sailors. They would use this to fight with the Napolinaics. There was also that there's a tunnel underside the restaurant which passes the bay of Cadiz. It would cross to Puerto Real.
There are a few other El Chato restaurants too. Pte.Real has two of them.
The El Chato in Cadiz was bought from the El Faro group about 1993-1994. The food changed a bit but it was always very tasty. It was the first restaurant in the Cadiz region when I started working that area.
Maybe next spring I'll return.
Blackduff
Aug 28th, 2007, 01:12 AM
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Josele
I'm certain that you're correct. After thinking, it must have been a joke about someone with a big hooter and called him Chato.
There's another restaurant in Pte. Real called La Marina. This is the best fish place I've ever eaten. But for the first two years I lived there, I thought it was a bit too shabby. Finally I gave it a chance and discovered that the King and his family had eaten there too. The King had a couple of words and they called the owner as "Gordo". Gordo is not fat, rather the opposite. I know there's another play in words again.
So, the small stories about places like this brings memories about good food too.
Blackduff
I'm certain that you're correct. After thinking, it must have been a joke about someone with a big hooter and called him Chato.
There's another restaurant in Pte. Real called La Marina. This is the best fish place I've ever eaten. But for the first two years I lived there, I thought it was a bit too shabby. Finally I gave it a chance and discovered that the King and his family had eaten there too. The King had a couple of words and they called the owner as "Gordo". Gordo is not fat, rather the opposite. I know there's another play in words again.
So, the small stories about places like this brings memories about good food too.
Blackduff
Aug 28th, 2007, 04:57 AM
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Cathy: thanks for replying. When we land-travel in Europe, the food is definitely a big part of our enjoyment of our various locations. But we simply focus on other aspects of the culture/place when we visit from ship. We'll be in Cadiz for 4 hrs, so I suspect we'll just wander around. Have never been to the white villages (tho know much of the rest of Spain well), but would probably just as much enjoy getting to know Cadiz a bit. Any particular suggestions?
Aug 28th, 2007, 03:06 PM
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It all depends on when your ship is in port...hopefully not during the siesta.
If you arrive in the morning I'd head first to the tourism office. It's near the Plaza de San Juan de Dios on the side of the port. It's literally across from where you'll dock. You can pick up a map and some good information on Cadiz there. Cadiz doesn't have alot of "sights" per se like Sevilla and it's not all prettified either, but it's a great place to just walk around. I'd start in the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, then a walk through the Barrio del Populo. From here you can visit the remains of a Roman ampitheatre and the Cathedral of Cadiz. Then a visit to the Plaza de Topete and a trip through the municipal market. I love this market! On one side of the market (on the outside) you can buy churros as they are being prepared right in front of you. Then head into one of the nearby cafes with you cone of churros and order a chocolate (this is fine - everyone does it). It's a very inexpensive little treat and these are the best churros I've ever eaten! I'd then take a walk through the Barrio de la Vina. After this, you can head back toward the market and stroll through a couple of squares (Cadiz has some lovely squares) - Plaza Candaleria and Plaza del Palillero. Take Calle Ancha (the main shopping street) up to Plaza San Antonio, then head to the lovely Plaza de Mina. This is my favorite square with the huge trees, peeks of the ocean and wonderful tapas off the side streets. In the middle of all this is a couple of churches I'd definately visit - The Oratorio de la Santa Cueva and the Oratoria de San Felipe Neri. If you like museums the Museo de Cadiz in the Plaza de Mina is excellent. I've taken you through the interior of Cadiz - you could alternatively take a walk around the coast.
I've attached a couple of websites that may be helpful.
http://www.cadizturismo.com/ing/1024/index.php
http://cadiz.es/Home.cadiz
It all depends on when your ship is in port...hopefully not during the siesta.
If you arrive in the morning I'd head first to the tourism office. It's near the Plaza de San Juan de Dios on the side of the port. It's literally across from where you'll dock. You can pick up a map and some good information on Cadiz there. Cadiz doesn't have alot of "sights" per se like Sevilla and it's not all prettified either, but it's a great place to just walk around. I'd start in the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, then a walk through the Barrio del Populo. From here you can visit the remains of a Roman ampitheatre and the Cathedral of Cadiz. Then a visit to the Plaza de Topete and a trip through the municipal market. I love this market! On one side of the market (on the outside) you can buy churros as they are being prepared right in front of you. Then head into one of the nearby cafes with you cone of churros and order a chocolate (this is fine - everyone does it). It's a very inexpensive little treat and these are the best churros I've ever eaten! I'd then take a walk through the Barrio de la Vina. After this, you can head back toward the market and stroll through a couple of squares (Cadiz has some lovely squares) - Plaza Candaleria and Plaza del Palillero. Take Calle Ancha (the main shopping street) up to Plaza San Antonio, then head to the lovely Plaza de Mina. This is my favorite square with the huge trees, peeks of the ocean and wonderful tapas off the side streets. In the middle of all this is a couple of churches I'd definately visit - The Oratorio de la Santa Cueva and the Oratoria de San Felipe Neri. If you like museums the Museo de Cadiz in the Plaza de Mina is excellent. I've taken you through the interior of Cadiz - you could alternatively take a walk around the coast.
I've attached a couple of websites that may be helpful.
http://www.cadizturismo.com/ing/1024/index.php
http://cadiz.es/Home.cadiz
