La Pulguilla is a tapas bar/restaurant - you get a tapas with every drink in the bar at the front. There is also a very good restaurant in the back and an open terrace in the summer. You can enter from the carpark in los Huertos at the rear. Very friendly staff, service and prices.
Calle Cristo,(Calle Almirante Ferrandez)
La Mariposa is a bodegas and tapas bar serveing very good wines, beers and soft drinks at very very good prices. You are also given a tapas with every drink ordered. It is run by a young friendly couple from Cadiz and the food they serve is from that area of Spain. It gets very busy as it is used by the local population, so there is aways a very friendly family atmosphere.
Calle Almirante Ferrandiz (Cristo),124
29780 Nerja, Malaga.
Tel,:627 504 840
647 982 916
Unkown even for the locals, it is a place full of personality and character. The owner is spontaneous and likes to chat with everybody.
You cannot go without trying a 'pincho moruno with piripiri'.
Van Dyck Street
I booked a tapas tour with Gayle Mackie when my husband and I were visiting the city. It's a great way to see the real tapas bars that are often hiding down back streets. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and Gayle´s company was very much appreciated. I really liked the fact that she also recommended lots of other bars for us to visit as well as the ones we saw on the night of the tour (so we could try them out ourselves during the rest of our stay in Granada). She has just published a book too... Granada Tapas Tours: 100 Best Bars in Granada. Well worth it!
For tours (www.granadatapastours.com)
For the book (www.guiriblogspot.com)
Having left behind the red hills and olive groves of rural Andalucia where the only sound was the deep dong of sheep bells across the valley, the prospect of an eight hour wait for my plane in Malaga was not appealing. I thought "concrete, high rise, tourist capital of the Costa del Sol." So imagine the delight of finding the old town centre – a maze of narrow streets with traditional tall houses covered in roses and wisteria reaching to the sky. After a delightful few hours in the Picasso Museum, it was time for a drink and some tapas. Wandering around the alleyways I was intrigued to find an entrance to a Tapas Bar up a steep flight of steps. At the top of the steps huge wrought iron gates opened on to a white painted courtyard where hundreds of blue flower pots strewn with ferns and creeping plants hung on the walls. A sculptural antique sink provided a focus. The tapas menu was typical – I had ‘Tostas Pimpi’ – a satisfying array of salt cod, jamon, egg, olives, salmon and anchovies on little pieces of toast. I ate and drank watching the (mostly Spanish) people from my spot in front of a pile of huge wine barrels. Well satisfied, spiritually as well as having a full tummy, I walked about 10 minutes through the passages out on to the busy main street to my bus which took me to the airport.
62 y Jardines de Alcazabilla
With the Picasso Museum on your right, walk to the next alleyway and turn right - the bar is on the right.
Bodega Santa Cruz, Las Columnas is just a stone's throw away from La Giralda and is a charming Sevillian tapas bar. This is the Andalucian tapas tradition in one stop and is well worth seeking out. The few old wooden tables set against the apricot coloured walls and the bar's trade mark columns are a perfect spot to sit and soak up the old city's life. Situated on the old cobbled Calle de Rodrigo Caro, it's the bar for anyone who loves Spanish food or wants to try something a little different. Along with fantastic coffee, the cafe cortado is particularly good. The bodega serves the local beer, Cruzcampo and a very impressive menu of tapas ranging from the familiar Spanish tortilla to rincones al jerez (kidneys cooked in a local sherry.) But one of their best is patatas alioli (a potato salad with a velvety garlic-infused mayonnaise). If you choose to eat or drink at the bar you can expect to see your bill chalked up before you on the wooden-worn bar. Also, it's cheaper to stand. Be sure to get there early for lunch for this tapas bar is so popular with the locals that the Sevillanos pour out onto the cobbled street to eat, drink and catch up in the hot Andalucian sun.
Calle de Rodrigo de Caro, Seville, Andalucia, Spain
If you are looking for the classic combination of tapas and flamenco in Seville (without being surrounded by hoards of tourists), then head
to Peña Pies Plombo. Food is authentically Andulasian - we tried the chorizo, the chickpea-based stew potaje, the pringá (a meat feast for pork lovers), plus the seasonal dish of papas aliñas which even has its own song. Only open to the public in the evenings, there is a small stage for live flamenco performances while photographs of Spanish greats Cameron and
Paco de Lucía cover the walls. The
bar is hosted by enthusiastic Loli who is always keen to start dancing, especially when accompanied by her husband, Paco. Reassuringly, his Spanish guitar playing is more convincing than his wig.
C/Dársena, 22. Tel: 954905964
Bar Ochoa is a beautiful, friendly family run traditional tapas bar in Alhama de Granada , Andalucia. Paco, his wife Josephina and daughter Pilar offer a warm Andalucian welcome. The food is exquisite, try the gambas a la plancha (tiger prawns fried in olive oil and garlic) or setas (wild mushrooms in herbs and olive oil.) Jamon Iberico hangs above the bar and is a wonderful compliment to the large selection of local wines and beers. In the summer sit outside and watch the Alhamites stroll about their day. In winter get cosy at your table with a brasero (tray of burning olive wood under your table to keep you warm). Alhama is a beautiful little town with stunning countryside views and a very relaxed pace of life. Enjoy and relax.
Independence Plaza
ALHAMA DE GRANADA
ANDALUCIA
Bar El Tigre is a wonderful, fun and very traditional Spanish tapas bar in the centre of Alhama de Granada. Antonio the boss is a very lively friendly host. He prepares simple but exqiusite food - Jamon Iberico is a must in El Tigre. Antonio is known mostly for his tostadas which are toasted local bread with a mixture of tasty toppings. Tomato, anchovy, jamon, all with lashings of olive oil and black pepper. There is a wonderful aromoa of coffee and red wine as you enter the bar. Feel the warm friendly atmosphere as you sit by the bar or find your seat on the large terrace and watch the locals meander around this dreamy little town. Views abound,everywhere in Alhama de Granada. Dont miss it.
Independence Plaza,Alhama de Granada,Andalucia Spain
Bar Giralda is a beautiful tapas bar that looks as though it hasn't changed in 60 years. The choice is staggering, and the food tastes as it should.
Bar Modesto had the best service in Seville. The waiter took a liking to us, and kept slipping us more olives, bread, Manchego cheese, wine and beer. We left to see some Flemenco with a smile and very full stomachs.
Bar Giralda (c/Mateus Gagos 1) Next to the cathedral.
Bar Modesto ((c/Canoy Cueto 5) North Santa Cruz area
The Bodegas Castaneda is the most perfect way to experience local life and beautiful tapas. My mum and I found this bar wandering around (in the rain!) on a Tuesday night in February and it was packed to the barrelled rafters! We tried the manzanilla and were given crusty rustic bread topped with a slice of Manchego cheese and some mouth-wateringly good local jamon. Mmm. Another great bar is just around the corner, Bodega la Antigualla, the bartender was really friendly and with two small beers we received a garlic topped toasted roll filled with jamon and cheese with fries. Not thinking we ordered another drink and got the same again! I'm looking forward to my next trip, just writing this is making me hungry.
Bodegas Castaneda is on Almireceros, head to Plaza Nueva and to the left of the square is Calle Elvira. To the right you'll find Bodega la Antigualla and opposite is Almireceros, walk down there and you'll find Bodegas Castaneda.
granadainfo.com/elvirag/index.htm
After a full day soaking up some culture and strolling through the pristine gardens of the Alhambra, what better way to re-energise than indulging in a fine meal at the El Agua Casa De Vinos.
Situated in the heart of the Albaicin, this hidden gem is very popular with the locals. Reserving a table in advance is a must because the terrace, which boasts remarkable views of the Alhambra, is in great demand with alfresco diners.
I’d recommend ordering a quality bottle of Rioja from the extensive wine list while contemplating whether to opt for a three-course meal or indulge in the fine selection of Tapas. It would be easy to spend the evening soaking up the alcohol with the small portions of cheeses, pates and meats on offer at very reasonable prices. The El Agua’s speciality is fondue and they boast a varied selection including veal, chicken, ham and also cheese. Smoked fish and substantial steak fillets are also among the choices for the main courses.
The setting of the restaurant is enough to bring out the romantic side in anybody and what better way to impress your partner than to order a fondue with chocolate, strawberries and other fresh fruit to share as the moon illuminates the Alhambra in the distance.
El Agua Casa De Vinos - Placeta De Algibe De Trillo 718010 Granada, Spain Tel: (34) 958 224 356
This bar and restaurant although named “The Pizzeria” is Spanish run and not to be compared with the typical pizza restaurant nor the typical takeaway!
Although a restaurant offering a good range of meals and great ambience, it is also a bar for local people and visitors alike.
Perched on a stool at the bar, drinking a wine or beer you will be handed a tapas for each drink you order. It is included in the price and you don’t get a choice. The lack of choice turns out to be an advantage; with each round something different, freshly cooked and delicious that you don’t know the name of, is placed before you. This of course is the trick used to impress and interest you into ordering another round, before you leave, just to see what might be the next offering. Eventually falling off the stool or turning to alcoholic-free beer is your choice.
Seated at the bar, you will also be entertained by a confident chef whipping up fresh dishes at an impressive rate. Given the chance he will also want to tell you all about them, their ingredients, from whose garden they came, and when, all while whipping, slicing, ducking and diving.
It’s a great value visit.
The Granada province has long had fame for its free tapas, although it is a matter of judgement for the traveller to choose the right establishment. Some rules of thumb are:
The posher the place, poorer the tapas.
Go for a bar where you have seen lots of locals.
Choose the right time of day (an hour or so before Spanish lunch or dinnertime).
Tapas are not generally offered with spirits.
Also, remember that the tapas, if offered free, is a courtesy given and not a right to demand.
It is opposite the church, in The village of Capileira, 90 minutes drive from the city of Granada, in the area known as La Alpujarra.
One of the best tapas bars in Andalucía, snuggled in a side street near Plaza Nueva not far from the Alhambra palace. Dating from the 1930's this two section bar and restaurant turns out spectacular tapas to locals and visitors alike.
Traditional bull’s heads and pictures of matadors decorate the walls, the floors are awash with paper and sawdust and the crowds pile in ebbing and flowing as the evening progresses.
In Granada most tapas are free with a drink and this can really set you up for the evening. For something more substantial you can order a racion or even a half. This will be on a larger plate with bread and olives. The local Serrano ham and Manchego cheese are delicious and washed down with a tasty rioja you know you are in Spain.
Finally this particular bodega has its own fiery drinks combination called calicasas a mix of several different casks and served in a tall glass. Be aware, this is potent stuff but then so is Granada.
Almireceros 1-3, Granada, near plaza Nueva. Telephone 95-822-32-22
If you fancy something a little off the beaten track, then Bar La Pamela, in the entrance to the little fishing village of Punta del Moral, near Ayamonte in the Costa de la Luz has an excellent range of about 20 different tapas. These range from the basic potato or egg salad to classic offerings such as meatballs, tuna or octopus, all in a rich tomatoey sauce. Or go for the pinchitos (mini-kebabs).
If you sit outside you can look across to the marina at Isla Canela, or watch the fishing boats returning followed by screaming seagulls. Always plenty to see.
The restaurant menu is excellent as well.
Bar La Pamela, Avenida La Palmera 4, 21400 Punta del Moral, provincia de Huelva Tel. +34 959 477 211
Possibly the best Tapas Resturant in Andalucia!
If you want a 'real' local tapas experience look no further than Los Diamantes in Granada. Standing room only, this gem is packed to the rafters with locals who come in their droves for great value seafood, a sure sign of a good thing! An assault on your senses that's too good to miss! Order a 'cana' (small beer) from the super efficient bar staff to top of your meal.
Calle Navas 26, (nr Plaza del Carmen), Central Granada
Tapas bar in Andalucia. Locals loiter in the street outside waiting for it to open (12-4 and 8-12 every day except Sunday), with good reason. It's an old bar, dating from 1870, in a narrow street in the old part of town. Marble bar, big jars, range of bottles, obligatory dripping hams, azulejos tiles, some comic, one proclaiming(in Spanish) "Neither the best French pate, nor the Belugar caviar from Iran, can be compared to the unrivalled tapas offered in Casa Puga.". Slight exaggeration, but the huge variety of good quality, generous tapas makes a great effort. With your glass of Rioja or Ribera or cold beer comes a free tapas which only tempts you to try something else - perhaps fried fresh fish, kidneys, mushrooms, tuna, prawns, squid, beans or ham, or visit the adjoining dining room. Attentive friendly service.
Casa Puga, calle Jovellanos 7, Almeria. In the centre of the historic quarter, near the cathedral.
Tapas bar in Andalucia. It's not much to look at from the outside and you always have to fight to get to and from the bar inside or to find a seat outside on the pleasant terrace in the square and many people are put off. Don't be, because the huge range of high quality, affordable tapas, listed on blackboards inside and in menus outside, are the reason for the crowds. Tortillas de camarones, berenjenas rellenas, salmorejo are the pick, taken with, naturally, a glass of cold manzanilla, but there is something wonderful for everyone. Amidst the mayhem the bar staff and the waiters are attentive, friendly and eager to please.
Casa Balbino, Plaza de Cabildo, in the very centre of Sanlucar de Barrameda, Andalucia, away from the port and the river/beach
Classic Andalucian tapas bar with a great atmosphere, Ochoa serves great rustic plates of food, local wine and draft beer. A plate of tapas is free with every drink you order. In the summer the tables spill out into the narrow street and in the winter they close the big wooden doors and place trays of burning olive wood (Braseros) under your table to keep you warm. Try a media plate of the Setas (fleshy mushrooms) and the calamari plancha (grilled squid) - both incredible. In summer the tinto verano (red wine and lemonade cooler) hits the spot. In winter the local full bodied red wine is ideal.
Independence plaza, Alhama de Granada, Andalucia, Spain
Tasty tapas selections - with window seats enabling great people-watching. The lunchtime platters are great value at £7.50 for a varied and filling selection (the veggie one comes highly recommended), or pick from the menu if you want more control.
Little Clarendon St, Jericho
www.tapasoxford.co.uk/