Granada is a city that stands out not only for its rich history and architecture but also for its culinary culture. If you’re thinking of visiting, you can’t miss the opportunity to dive into its tapas tradition. After all, who can resist a good tapa accompanied by a refreshing drink? In this article, I’ll guide you through some of the best places for tapas in Granada, based on a real and unfiltered experience.
What is a Tapa?
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a tapa is a small portion of food served with a drink. Although tapas are offered in many places across Spain, Granada is especially famous for the generosity and quality of its tapas. In fact, in some establishments, the tapa can be as large as a full meal. So, if you decide to enjoy tapas in Granada, be prepared to enjoy yourself and, probably, to get full quickly!
If you’re visiting the Alhambra, you can eat at the Bar de los Diamantes, which is about a 20-minute walk away.
Well, if you’re hungry now, here’s a summary of everything we’ve tried while enjoying tapas in Granada. Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments! Then we’ll talk about each of the bars in more detail.
| Establishment | Description | Price (per beer and tapa) | Google Maps Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar de los Diamantes | You don’t choose your tapa, they surprise you. Generous and excellent quality tapas. Recommended shrimp tapa. | €2.40 | Go with Google Maps |
| Los Manueles | Large tapa. Recommended to try the paella. | €2.50 | Go with Google Maps |
| Bar Príncipe 17 | Generous tapas, delicious mushroom risotto, exquisite croquettes. Complimentary tapa with an alcoholic drink. | €2.30 | Go with Google Maps |
| El Ávila | You can choose the tapa you like best from a menu. Recommended typical tapa. | €2.50 | Go with Google Maps |
| Restaurante Oliver | Serves up to 14 different tapas with a glass of red wine. Offer: order seven beers, get the eighth free. | €2.50 | Go with Google Maps |
Bar de los Diamantes: A Recommended Classic
The first place we visited was Bar de los Diamantes. Located in Plaza Bib Rambla, this place has a unique feature: you don’t choose your tapa, they surprise you. And what a pleasant surprise it was. The tapas are generous and of excellent quality. Many had recommended this spot, and upon arrival, expectations were high. The bustling atmosphere and variety of tapas on display promised a delightful experience. We opted for a shrimp tapa, which, although tasty, seemed a bit small for the place’s reputation. The price, including beer, was €2.40 per person.
After visiting the Granada Cathedral, you can head to Bar de los Diamantes, which is just a 2-minute walk away.
Restaurante Los Manueles: A Pleasant Surprise
Following recommendations, we headed to Restaurante Los Manueles. Here, the tapa was considerably larger, and we also opted for some recommended dishes. Here, Pedrito and I decided to try a paella. Although Granada isn’t particularly known for this dish, the quality was undeniable. This place certainly left us wanting more. The beer and tapa cost €2.50.
If you’re at the Mirador de San Nicolás, you can walk about 15 minutes to reach Los Manueles.
Seeking Local Flavor
We decided to move a bit away from the tourist center in search of places where locals typically enjoy tapas. It’s said that by moving away from the more crowded areas, you can find more generous and better-priced tapas. At Bar Príncipe 17, we tried a mushroom risotto that was simply delicious. However, not all choices were hits. In other bars in the area, some patatas bravas we ordered didn’t meet our expectations, and a pizza turned out to be smaller than expected.
Príncipe 17: The Trip Favorite
We returned to Príncipe 17, which was undoubtedly the highlight of our route. The croquettes were exquisite, the tapas generous, and the risotto unforgettable. Additionally, the service was so friendly that they even gave us a complimentary tapa with an alcoholic drink. The beer and tapa cost €2.30.
Here you can find more information about the Alhambra: Palacios Nazaríes. And if after the visit you fancy a good tapa, Príncipe 17 is about a 25-minute walk away.
El Ávila
In the heart of Granada, we found Bar El Ávila. It’s one of Pedrito’s favorites, our local friend, and for a good reason. As soon as we arrived in the city, it was the first place he took us. Here, not only do they serve a tapa with your drink, but you can choose the one you like best from a menu. During our visit, we opted for a typical tapa, and for just €2.50, we enjoyed a Coca-Cola accompanied by a delicious picadita.
Restaurante Oliver: The Grand Finale
Our tour culminated at Restaurante Oliver. Although many other places are recommended by locals, we decided to stop here. With a glass of red wine in hand, we were served up to 14 different tapas. Additionally, we ordered a special tapa, which we were told is the best in Granada: the Russian salad tapa. And a fun fact: if you order seven beers, the eighth one is free. A nice touch from the house! We continued with the same price range: €2.50 per beer and tapa.
After exploring the Royal Monastery of Saint Jerome, you can end your day at Restaurante Oliver, about an 8-minute walk away.
Granada is a city that enchants not only for its monuments and landscapes but also for its gastronomy. Tapas are a tradition you can’t miss. And if you decide to visit, it’s essential to research and listen to recommendations to avoid places that don’t offer good value for money. Don’t just stick to the most touristy spots; sometimes, moving a bit away from the center can offer you unparalleled gastronomic experiences. Until the next gastronomic adventure!
