2 Best Restaurants in Andalusia, Spain

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Eating out is an intrinsic part of the Andalusian lifestyle. Whether it’s sharing some tapas with friends over a prelunch drink or a three-course à la carte meal, many Andalusians eat out at some point during the day. Unsurprisingly, there are literally thousands of bars and restaurants throughout the region catering to all budgets and tastes.

At lunchtime, check out the daily menus (menús del día) offered by many restaurants, usually three courses and excellent value (expect to pay €8–€15, depending on the type of restaurant and location). Roadside restaurants, known as ventas, usually provide good food in generous portions and at reasonable prices. Be aware that many restaurants add a service charge (cubierto), which can be as much as €3 per person, and some restaurant prices don’t include value-added tax (impuesto sobre el valor añadido/I.V.A.) at 10%.

Andalusians tend to eat later than their fellow Spaniards—lunch is 2–4 pm, and dinner starts at 9 pm (10 pm in the summer). In cities, many restaurants are closed Sunday night (fish restaurants tend to close on Monday) and in inland towns and cities, some close for all of August.

Amaltea

$ | Centro

Satisfying vegetarians, vegans, and their meat-eating and celiac friends, this organic restaurant includes some meat and fish on the menu. There's a healthy mix of Mexican, Asian, Spanish, and Italian-influenced dishes, including salmon steamed in banana leaves, Vietnamese salad, and quesadilla with Iberian pork. The extensive wine list includes ecological and Andalusian labels.The interior is warm and inviting, and diners are treated to a soothing musical backdrop of jazz, blues, and chill-out music.

Calle Ronda de Isasa 10, Córdoba, 14001, Spain
657-757598
Known For
  • Vegetarian food
  • Inviting interior with relaxed vibe
  • Organic options
Restaurant Details
No dinner Sun. Closed Sun. in summer

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El Mercader

$$ | Centro

Chef Nuria de la Torre's menu combines local staples with unusual partners. The lasagna has a venison base, asparagus pairs with smoked sardines, and Iberian pork steak comes with piquant Canary Island mojo picón sauce. The short but sweet dessert menu includes pineapple infused with ginger and cured goat’s cheesecake, plus a daily special. LP vinyls serve as placemats, the menu sits tucked inside Asterix albums, and corks line the walls checkered with cookbooks and Granada memorabilia. Book ahead for a guaranteed table.

Calle Imprenta 4, Granada, Spain
633-790440
Known For
  • Award-winning chef
  • Seasonal, local ingredients
  • Fun and funky decor
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues.
Reservations by phone only 11 am–2 pm

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