This blog post was originally posted on July 30, 2017, and was updated on April 17, 2019.
As one of the few cities left in Spain where tapas often come free with your drink, Granada is foodie heaven. But with so many places to eat in the city, where are the absolute best restaurants in Granada? Here are our picks!
We all want the best of the best while on holiday: the best hotel, the best sights and, of course, the best food! The variety of restaurants in Granada is one of our favorite things about the city. From small tapas bars with traditional bites to modern fusion restaurants and everything in between! Check out our choices for the best restaurants in Granada and make sure every meal is a great one!
Insider’s Tip: If you’re not sure where to eat, head to Calle Navas, Granada’s foodie street. It may seem touristy, but on weekends this street is packed with locals. And if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Granada, always follow the locals!
Restaurante Carmela
Located in the center of the city, close to the Cathedral and Plaza Nueva, Restaurante Carmela is a modern, award-winning restaurant, using traditional Andalusian ingredients. Inside you’ll find a sleek interior with exposed stone walls, purple spotlights and hand-painted artwork. We can’t get enough of their menu featuring Iberian rice with chorizo and artichokes, scrambled eggs with potatoes or roast lamb in its own juice.
Restaurante Chikito
One of the best restaurants in Granada, Restaurante Chikito opened in 1976. It stands on the grounds of the legendary Café Alameda. This café is where celebrated poet Federico García Lorca and other Granadino intellectuals used to gather. In fact, there is a statue of García Lorca that still sits in the corner. The menu features both classic Granadino cuisine, as well as Arabic-influenced Andalusian cuisine. Think broad beans with ham for starters, a crispy fried fish platter for the main and a traditional pionono (a small cake topped with cream, cinnamon, and sugar syrup) for dessert.
Arrayanes
Moroccan cuisine may not be what you’re expecting when you visit Granada but the Moorish influence is clearly visible in the city’s cuisine. One of the best restaurants in Granada for Arabic-inspired cuisine, Arrayanes is an atmospheric spot, decorated with colorful fabrics, glowing lamps, tiles and fountains. The menu is filled with Moroccan favorites such as spiced couscous, fragrant tajines and lamb skewers.
La Fábula
One of the best restaurants in Granada for fine dining, La Fábula provides its guests with a menu of creative and beautiful dishes. We’re fans of its unique and innovative mains, which include rack of lamb with dill and chickpeas and pork with apple bacon. Chef Ismael Delgado López never ceases to surprise with his creations, particularly with his tasting menu and his desserts. The orange with chocolate and olive oil, almond and tea cream and Chantilly cream with crystals are especially good.
Mirador de Morayma
Located high up in the Moorish Albayzín neighborhood, Mirador de Morayma offers one of the best views in the city, where you can dine overlooking the majestic Alhambra Palace. We love entering through its whitewashed Moorish archways into the charming courtyard decorated with plants and fountains. Filled with historic artifacts, paintings, and sculptures, this place feels more like a museum than a restaurant. Its menu features plenty of variations on Spanish tortilla, as well as seafood such as paprika-sprinkled octopus. Also, they serve meat dishes such as spring chicken with raisins and mushrooms, cooked in orange juice and red wine.
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After studying in Andalusia, Jaimie made sure he was on the first possible flight back to Seville—the day after graduation! Many years later, he is fully immersed in Spain’s culinary world and has shown thousands of guests the secrets of sherry and tapas.