Granada, Spain

Eating out in Granada, Spain

Spain's abundance of fresh seafood and produce guarantee delicious meals, and the area's Moorish past is reflected in many of the regional dishes. Keep in mind that lunch is the main meal, and most people dine out at about 3:00pm. The evening meal, which takes place at around 10:00pm, is often lighter and may take place at tapas bars instead of full restaurants.

Gourmet

Cunini, which sits below the cathedral, is arguably Granada's best seafood restaurant. A long tapas bar features generous helpings of fresh seafood, while the entrees include seafood delicacies from all over the country. House specialties include a variety of seafood fritos (fried) and parrillada (grilled), and zarzuela (fish stew). Pescadería 14.

Highly Recommended

Ruta del Valleta, which got its start in 1976 as a simple roadhouse restaurant, is now one of the finest restaurants in Granada. The decorations in the 6 dining rooms are a mix of English and Andalusian styles, and include an impressive collection of regional hand-painted ceramics. The seasonal menu is constantly changing, but 2 standard favorites are carnes a la brasa (succulent grilled meats) and jabalí estilo mozárabe (wild boar with apples). Save room for the apple pudding in blackberry sauce. Carretera Vieja de la Sierra Nevada.

Local Flair

Restaurant O Caña, set in an antique building with a mosaic-covered façade, has been a favorite among locals since 1905. Diners can enjoy a drink at the beautiful bar before sitting down to eat in the comfortable dining room. Tasty, generous entrees reflect the style of authentic Andalusia, with grilled solomillo of beefsteak, Spanish sausages, grilled breast of duck, and bull's tail. Plaza de Realejo 7.

Romantic

Restaurante Sevilla, a favorite since the 1930s, has a wonderful tapas bar and 4 colorful dining rooms. Diners can choose the outdoor terrace overlooking the Royal Chapel. The menu offers a delicious variety, including gazpacho, Andalusian veal, and cordero a la pastoril (lamb with herbs). For dessert, splurge on the bananas flambé. Calle Oficios 12.

Going party in Granada, Spain

The nightlife in Granada is quite lively, due in part to the large student population. Bars and clubs offer parties and music, and there are also arts events and flamenco shows.

Corral del Principe

This trendy bar has live music, food, and dancing that lasts until the early morning.

Granada 10

This enormous dance club in a converted theater has live music sizzling all night long.

Teatro Alhambra

This is a great place to see a variety of plays.

Manuel de Falla Auditorium

The Granada City Orchestra holds impressive concerts on a regular basis.

Flamenco Shows

These festive, colorful performances typically include ballet and folk music. Catch a show at the Jardines Neptuno, Reina Mora, or Corral del Carbón. Keep in mind that the action doesn't really get going until after 11:00pm!.

Common events in Granada, Spain

Carnival

Festive dances and parades take place to celebrate the final fiesta before Lent. February.

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

This is by far Spain's most magnificent fiesta, and is marked by fabulous processions. April.

International Festival of Music and Dance

Opera companies, symphony orchestras and ballet corps come from around the world to perform at the Alhambra. June.