Granada is a food lover’s paradise, famous for its unique tradition of free tapas with every drink. Unlike other Spanish cities, where you pay for your tapas, here they are a delightful bonus to your drink order. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best tapas bars in Granada, from traditional hotspots to hidden gems. Whether you’re craving seafood tapas or vegetarian-friendly options, this guide will help you explore the diverse Granada food scene.
What are the best tapas bars in Granada?
The best tapas bars in Granada include Bodegas Castañeda, known for its traditional Andalusian decor and hearty tapas platters, and Los Diamantes, a seafood hotspot famous for fried prawns and calamari. For international flavors, Bar Poë offers a unique twist on traditional tapas, while La Tana is perfect for wine lovers. If you’re seeking hidden gems, Oum Kalsum serves delicious Moroccan-inspired tapas, and La Bodeguita offers a more local, suburban experience. Each bar provides free tapas with every drink, making Granada a must-visit for food lovers.
Top 10 Tapas Bars in Granada
1. Bodegas Castañeda
When it comes to authentic tapas, few places in Granada are as iconic as Bodegas Castañeda. Situated near Plaza Nueva, this old-world tavern oozes charm, with jamón legs hanging from the ceiling and barrels of local wine lining the walls. The staff is quick, and the tapas are hearty, with options like manchego cheese, chorizo, and the famous jamón ibérico.
No Regrets Booking Advice
What to Order:
- The mixed tapas platter (perfect for sharing).
- Vermouth or an Alhambra beer for an authentic local pairing.
Insider Tip: Arrive early in the evening to snag a good spot as this popular spot fills up quickly.
2. Los Diamantes
For seafood lovers, Los Diamantes is a must-visit. Known for its seafood tapas, this bustling bar serves up some of the best fried shrimp and calamari in the city. The portions are generous, and the flavors are as fresh as they come.
What to Order:
- Fried prawns and calamari.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light beer like Alhambra Especial.
Tip: Los Diamantes gets crowded, but don’t be discouraged by the line—it moves fast, and the tapas are worth the wait.
No Regrets Booking Advice
3. Bar Poë
A hidden gem tucked away from the main tourist areas, Bar Poë is run by a British expat and his Angolan wife. This quirky bar offers an exciting twist on traditional tapas with flavors from around the world, like spicy chicken liver and Brazilian pork stew.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Bar Poë has several creative vegetarian tapas, including falafel and vegetable skewers.
What to Order:
- Brazilian black bean and pork stew or spicy chicken liver.
- Pair with a local beer or the house wine.
Tip: You can choose your tapas here, which is rare in Granada!
No Regrets Booking Advice
4. La Tana
If you’re after an intimate, cozy spot, La Tana in the Realejo neighborhood is perfect. Known for its extensive wine selection, La Tana is a favorite among locals for its authentic tapas and welcoming atmosphere.
What to Order:
- Pork cheeks (carrillada) cooked in a rich wine sauce.
- Pair it with a glass of local wine from the Sacromonte vineyards.
Insider Tip: La Tana offers all-day service on weekends, making it a flexible option for late tapas.
5. Casa Julio
For a traditional experience, Casa Julio is a tiny standing-room-only bar famous for its fried fish tapas. Their specialties include fried shark and boquerones (anchovies), making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
What to Order:
- Fried shark with a squeeze of lemon.
- Pair with a cold Alhambra beer for the perfect combination.
Insider Tip: This place is small, so be prepared to stand while you enjoy your tapas and drinks.
6. Oum Kalsum
For a taste of Morocco in Granada, head to Oum Kalsum. Located near Bar Poë, this tapas bar specializes in Moroccan-inspired dishes, offering a unique twist on the city’s Granada food scene.
Vegetarian-Friendly: The couscous and falafel options are crowd favorites, ideal for plant-based eaters.
What to Order:
- Tajine de kefta (meatballs in zesty tomato sauce) or couscous.
- Pair with a Moroccan tea for an authentic experience.
7. La Bodeguita (La Chana Neighborhood)
If you want to escape the tourist areas and experience local favorites, take a short bus ride to the La Chana neighborhood and visit La Bodeguita. This lively spot offers a more relaxed, suburban vibe and serves excellent traditional tapas.
What to Order:
- Lomo stroganoff sandwich with pickle sauce.
- Pair with Alhambra Especial for a refreshing finish.
Tip: The outdoor terrace is perfect for enjoying your tapas in the warm Andalusian sun.
8. Los Manueles
A Granada institution since 1917, Los Manueles is known for serving some of the biggest and best croquetas in town. The menu changes throughout the day, but the service is always quick, and the flavors are consistently delicious.
What to Order:
- Croquetas (available in various fillings like ham or chicken).
- Pair with vermouth or a local red wine.
Family-Friendly: Spacious and welcoming to families, this spot is great for group outings.
9. La Sitarilla
La Sitarilla is a hidden gem loved by locals for its carne en salsa (meat in sauce) and homemade meatballs. The small, cozy interior adds to the charm, making it the perfect spot for an intimate meal.
What to Order:
- Carne en salsa or their famous meatballs.
- Pair with a glass of Alhambra beer for a classic Granada combo.
Insider Tip: Get there early; this small space fills up fast!
10. Rincón de Rodri
Known for its gigantic tapas portions, Rincón de Rodri is a great spot if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck. The tapas here are so large that many visitors find one drink and tapa to be enough for a full meal.
What to Order:
- Grilled meats or fried fish.
- Pair with Alhambra Reserva beer for a bolder flavor.
Neighborhood Vibe: Located outside the tourist center, it’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy some quiet time.
How to Plan Your Granada Tapas Crawl
If you want to experience the best tapas bars in Granada, consider planning your own tapas crawl. Start in the city center with spots like Bodegas Castañeda and Los Manueles, then move toward Realejo for La Tana. For a more local feel, end your crawl in La Chana at La Bodeguita.
Tip: Pair your tapas with local drinks like Alhambra beer or vermouth for the ultimate experience.
Ready for Your Granada Tapas Adventure?
Granada’s tapas scene offers something for every traveler, from seafood tapas at Los Diamantes to Moroccan-inspired dishes at Oum Kalsum. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, a vegetarian-friendly option, or a more local experience, these hidden gems and traditional tapas bars have you covered.
Ready to plan your tapas crawl? Start exploring these top spots and discover the best free tapas with every drink Granada has to offer!
