Taste the City
From tapas to gelato, Granada will delight even the most picky palates.
A few notes on eating in Spain
Siestas
Siestas are real. Siestas are important. Embrace siestas. Every day from about 2–5pm, all shops will close. Plan accordingly.
When to Eat
The Spanish aren't big breakfast eaters; lunch is traditionally the largest meal of the day. We suggest eating breakfast at your hotel, finding a local cafe, or stopping by a market for fresh local basics.
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Plan to eat lunch before siesta begins. We suggest looking for a place starting around 12/12:30. Packed lunches are also a great option for a busy day. If you are taking a tour, see if the meal is included, or if your guide has any suggestions.
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Spaniards eat dinner later in the evening. All the siesta napping means late nights are normal for locals. Dining options often won't open until around 8pm, but it is common to see people sitting down starting at 9 or 10 as well.
Where to Eat
Spaniards like to enjoy life. Hustle and bustle are anathema to the laid-back lifestyle. Eating on the go is an easy way to get bewildered looks from the locals. To eat like a true Granadino, take the time to sit down to enjoy your food, and more importantly, to enjoy the people you are eating with.
Restaurants vs. Tapas Bars
Restaurants are different than tapas bars. If a dining option has "restaurante" or some variation in the name, or a posted menu, it is a restaurant. This is a classic restaurant you would encounter in other parts of the world which require you to order an entree. Tapas bars, on the other hand, serve a small plate free with each drink you order.
Breakfast
Most hotels will include breakfast fare in the nightly rate. Margaret and Shand's favorite breakfast was a tostada con tomate—a delicious baguette covered in fresh crushed tomatoes and drizzled with a touch of olive oil. Add queso, jamón, or other toppings to riff on the classic. To try it, stop by Pilar del Toro in the Plaza de Santa Ana.
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If you are craving more traditional breakfast fare, note that morcilla is a type of black pudding (blood sausage) unless it is specifically morcilla blanca (pork sausage).
Embrace Authentic
Tapas Culture
You may have had tapas before. You may have had tapas in Spain before. But you haven't experienced true tapas culture until you eat in Granada.
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What does that mean? With every drink you order, your food is 100%, absolutely, completely free. Sometimes you will get to choose your tapa. Sometimes you won't. That's half the fun! If you try one you really like, you can order a whole ración of it. Although any place you choose is bound to be good, here are a few of Shand & Margaret's favorites. TripAdvisor also keeps a running list of hot spots.
Sample Traditional
Dishes
A kaleidoscope of flavors, aromas, and textures, Spanish food has something for everyone. Adventure doesn't have to be limited to sights and sounds. Dive into the local culinary scene and maybe you'll be taking home a few new weeknight favorites in addition to your souvenirs.
Teterías
& Shawarma
The legacy of the Arabic kingdom of Al Andalus lives on in Granada. Teterías, or Arabic tea rooms, serve up té (from tea leaves), infusiones (herbal teas), and other indulgences like hookah. If you won't get the chance to visit Morocco on your trip, instead explore Calle Calderería Nueva or the Alcaicería (the medieval bazaar) and you might forget you're in Spain altogether!
The Spanish know how to party, and late night spots are key. If you find yourself out after a night of fun and looking for a bite, pop into a shawarma shop to try this after-hours staple. Additionally, neighborhood bodegas (chinos) are often open late if you need anything from snacks to Advil to toothpaste.
Other Shand &