We considered making a 10 best tapas bars in Granada list, we could probably make one 5 times longer than that - because Granada is home to the best tapas in Spain. From bagels with chips to high quality sashimi, and everything in between, if you like free food it doesn’t get any better than Granada.
We wanted to create something a little different to the usual tapas lists so we’ve separated them into day time and night time favourites instead! Below is our list of The 5 Best Tapas Bars in Granada - for the Daytime.
Click here for the Best Tapas Bars in Granada - Night Edition
Calle Rejas de la Virgen, 36, 18005 Granada
We found this place by accident, I haven’t seen it on anyone’s list of best tapas bars in Granada, but It definitely deserves a place on our list! Our Airbnb host advised us to look for ‘people smartly dressed in suits’ in bars as this was an indicator of a good quality tapas bar enjoyed by local people. The Christopher Corner Bar is one of these, it’s rammed full of locals at lunch time (around 2pm in Spain by the way) eating coracoles, paella and bocadillas with tasty fillings such as pork with blue cheese sauce.
Plaza de Carlos Cano, 8, 18009 Granada
These guys have an exciting, innovative tapas menu. Start with a tiny, tender burger in a crispy brioche bun, end up with delicious fluffy bread smothered in the most delicious cream cheese you’ve ever tasted with shards of crispy garlic which packs a powerful punch. The waiting staff tend to put seats out as people arrive so if there are none spare just give one of them a smile - they’ll usually be able to cobble together somewhere for you to sit!
Make sure you clear your afternoon diary though, once you sit down it’s hard to get back up again. When the sun is shining this place is buzzing. Quite often you’ll find Granada's street performers playing classic Spanish guitar or Ed Sheeran covers. The lavish orange trees also provide shade in the hotter months.
Plaza Aliatar, 4, 18010 Granada
*Warning caracoles means snails* (Niall knew…I definitely didn’t!) According to locals one of the traditions of Granada is climbing up through the Albaycín quarter to reach Bar Aliatar. The terrace here is historic, pretty and sunny. It’s one of the best places to hear real authentic flamenco for free in the summer as it borders Sacromonte.
Sitting on the terrace of the "bar of the snails", it’s only fair to try its most famous tapa. Apparently on busy day they cook 170 kilos of snails!!! They are cooked in a delicious spicy stock, and once you get past what they are you will find them a little like good garlic mushrooms. Don’t wait for a fork – slurp them straight from their shells or use a toothpick like the locals.
Calle Varela, 10, 18009 Granada
Always really busy with locals Rosario Valera sits on Calle Virgen del Rosario sandwiched between 2 of our favourites for a date night, Taberna El Aviso and La Botelleria. We’re not sure why this doesn’t feature more in the best tapas lists but maybe it’s because it’s a little different – Italian tapas! The caña’s are a good size and the décor is totally hipster.
Tapas number 1 is usually asparagus wrapped in ham on a slice of crispy baguette whilst 2 is a huge slice of puffy pizza with cheese fresh tomatoes and anchovies – a meal in itself, we are yet to make it to number 3! Even in colder weather the chunky outdoor gas heaters will ensure it’s warm enough to sit outside and watch the world go by.
Plaza Romanilla, 7, 18001 Granada
Los Giardinos is a great place to sit a soak up the sun whilst having a refreshing drink. Plaza Romanilla is a perfect stop off after visiting the Cathedral, a sunny area full of street performers and chilled out street side bars. Not sure about this tapas malarkey? Los Giardinos is our ‘tapas for everyone’ choice.
Sit back and watch the art unfold as you share an enormous plate of juicy chicken Caesar salad or if you stay for a few drinks you will have dishes like chicken fajitas or lasagne to look forward to. All drinks here come with a tapa. Meaning you don’t have to be drinking alcohol to enjoy a great snack and watch the world go by.
Day time hidden gem - The Alhambra Palace Hotel
Plaza Arquitecto García de Paredes, 1, 18009 Granada
There’s a big posh hotel next door to the Alhambra Palace. Late last year they celebrated being awarded 5 stars after a big refurb. It’s been owned by the same family for over a century.
Walk through the front doors, past the reception desk of the hotel and head for the terazza at the back. This terrace has panoramic views over Granada and will serve you a beer and a large square of chunky tortilla, this will set you back €2.50, a little pricy, but only the same price as some higher end bars in the more central parts of town. Watch the sun set in style.
So these are our thoughts on Granada's best tapas (Daytime Edition). Have you been somewhere special that you recommend? Drop us a comment below, we would love to hear about your experiences in this magical city.
Fancy going out for the best tapas at night? Click here for the Night Edition
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