minamax10

Greetings!

We will be in Ronda for just a few hours on our first day in Spain--which falls on a Sunday. After sightseeing in Ronda, we'll be transported to the Bodega Hidalgo for a tour of the vineyard, wine tasting, and a very early dinner (17.00h-19.00h) after which we'll be transported back to our hotel in Malaga. A very long day!

Seeing that we'll be eating again at around 5pm, I do not want to arrange a big or late lunch. It'd be nice to have some delicious (maybe modern) tapas OR interesting salads around 12.00h ~12.30is.

I had hight hopes for Tragata Tapas, but after their initial reply on Facebook back in March, other messages were left unanswered.

So where else can we have something light but delicious in Ronda?

Thank you!

nytraveler

Eating that early in Spain is very early. Since it looks like you will be taking a tour, why not ask the guides which places will be open for lunch that early. In Spain we never did lunch before 2pm or dinner before 9:30 or 10.

Nelson

We thought the food at El Quinque was very good. It is the flamenco venue located between the parador and the bullring. They have a restaurant that opens at 12:00 (ex Monday) for light lunches, I think perfect for what you have in mind.
http://elquinque.es/en/carta-restaurante/#3

You could give the parador a try. We didn't eat there, our timing was off one way or the other, but we had enjoyable meals in the Jaen and Ubeda paradors, so presume that is good.

We ate in several restaurants across the main street from El Quinque. I think Restaurante Casa Quino was one. They were all just OK but nothing memorable.

Ackislander

There are a number of casual cafes fronting the main plaza. We picked one at random -- though menus are posted if you know Spanish food -- and were fortunate to find delicious food including levers which were in season. Yum.

Elizabeth_S

(damn - was going to suggest this restaurant but they're closed on Sunday - leaving this post here in case others come across it or for some reason your day of the week changes)

Go here!!!! De Locos Tapas - very small, must have reservations in advance. Great somewhat nouvelle take on tapas. Owner/chef spent time in LA and there are several interesting influences. Opens at 13:00h

http://www.de-locos-tapas.com/#_=_

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restauran...Andalucia.html

Bedar

Your ladies are very lucky to have you plan their trip in such detail. I hope they appreciate you !

kja

@ nytraveler: minimax IS the guide.

minamax10

Thank you all for your answers!

I guess since there're only 7 of us and since we want to get in as soon as the places open, we could probably get in even without booking in advance

NYtraveler, we won't meet our Ronda guide until we get to Ronda, but yes, I could ask her there.

Elisabeth, De Locos Tapas was my first choice. I thought "this is the place!" until I saw that they are closed on Sundays *_* So, I switched to my second choice Tragatapas. Saw the place in one of the Rick Steves' videos

Nelson, El Quinque hadn't noticed that one until you pointed it out. Now wish we also had time for a flamenco show in Ronda!

Ackislander , that's good to hear about casual cafes in the area. Might be a nice option if we need a refreshment.

Kja, "group leader" more likely

Bedar, thank you! I think I spent half of my research time looking for the best places to eat It's easier with sightseeing spots--no brainer that if you are in Granada, you are definitely going to see the Alhambra. Restaurants...not as easy. But even a few years after the trip, we still remember some of the best food we tried there. That said.... it does put a bit of pressure as I want it to leave up to the expectations!

kja

Oh, so sorry! I apparently missed the posts that suggested that you weren't responsible for every detail of the planning... or why you've been calling upon Fodorites for each and every step if you do have a guide.... My bad!

minamax10

Kja, yes, I do like to plan everything from scratch with a lot of research and help form forums. I want my ladies and myself to have a great and unforgettable time, and since there are so many places to choose from, it's helpful to get isights from people who know these places best. Short explanation as to why I don't rely solely on what Japanese speaking guides / agencies suggest...is because they are used to working with tour groups arranged by Japanese tour companies. Here's an example of what it might look like "Ole Spain" 8 days: Madrid (2nights) - Cordoba - Seville (1 night) - Granda (1 night)-Mijas - Barcelona (2nights). Seville Alcazar 40min, Alhambra gets a whole 2 hours!! And I've had experience before where the guides just could not snap out of that pace. "Japanese people don't like this...Japanese people are not interested in that.." So to understand and to request the program that would suit us and to actually visit the places I want to visit, I do my own planing! Then if that plan backfires, I have only myself to blame )

kja

Minimax, I had been under the impression that you were serving as a paid tour guide for your group. Seems that was a mistaken impression? If so, please accept my sincere apologies.

Thanks to your diligent efforts, you and your ladies should have a wonderful and memorable trip.

minamax10

Kja, thank you. My students (I teach at a culture school in Tokyo...hence the advanced age of the ladies and I will surely have a blast! This is our 5th anniversary of traveling together. So many great memories. Cannot wait to get to Andalusia! Once we are safely back home, I can start thinking of what we'll be doing next year.

minamax10

Regarding "light lunch in Ronda". I think I found a place that might work well -- Albacara Restaurant. They open at 12.30pm and have a nice terrace that overlooks the gorge. It's definitely not a tapas place, but hopefully they have some lighter dishes on their menu. If anyone has suggestion about dishes that left a lasting impression at this restaurant -- I'm all ears!

kimhe

And if who want to experience some genuine and relaxing Málaga atmosphere when you come back from Ronda, I very much recommend a visit to emblematic Bodega El Pimpi for a glass, a cup or a little bite. An institution in town and a gathering point for malagueños for decades. Open on Sundays: https://www.elpimpi.com/en/

El Pimpi is 300 meters from your hotel, and you can both go inside the fabulous bodega itself or sit outside in the terrace with the best views over the lit Alcazaba fortress just across the street: https://www.elpimpi.com/en/gallery/nggallery/page/2

A one of a kind place:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ60p6dyFEs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEeWyHdIJ5c

minamax10

Thank you, Kimhe! Great video. As they say a picture's worth a thousand words. I will definitely try to stop by for a night cup after Ronda.

Robert2016

Walking in without a reservation and trying to find a table for 7 can be quite the challange, especially in a place like Albacara, which is in the 4-star Hotel Monteilrio. They do have some good salads (starters), but I think you'll find reservations are highly recommended.

You might find something at Tragatapas (Gastrobar). They open at noon, but only seat 30. Reservations are optional.

minamax10

Robert, Tragatapas was my first choice (actually second after De Locos tapas which is closed on Sundays *_*). Different sites have the opening times stated anywhere from 12.30 to 13.30. On TA it's 13.00h. But when our concierge finally got in touch with them, the earliest Lunch reservation they offered was 13.30h.

Albacara confirmed the 12.30h on the terrace, so things are looking up The views are without a doubt amazing. I hope the food matches!