Top 10 Best Restaurants in Granada (2025)

El Rincón de Julio

This intimate eatery has become a gem in the city center and one of the best restaurants in Granada for authentic homemade cuisine. Opened after the pandemic, it quickly earned a loyal following with dishes that evoke the warmth of a family kitchen.

The interior is small, with just seven tables, and there are a couple more outside. Because of the limited space, reservations are recommended or you should arrive early.

What makes this place special is not just the food but the way you are welcomed. Run like an extension of the owners’ living room, the restaurant feels like a well-kept secret passed between friends.

Traditional tapas, pure Granada spirit

The menu includes classics like patatas a lo pobre, remojón granadino (orange and cod salad), Spanish tortilla, and slow-cooked oxtail. Don’t miss the “mother-in-law’s croquettes,” which regulars rave about. The star attraction, is the pork knuckle: tender, juicy, and considered one of the best in town.

Dining here feels personal—the owners greet many customers by name, and the service is warm and attentive.

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Restaurante Oliver

For those seeking authenticity, Restaurante Oliver is a must. This establishment captures the essence of Granada and is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Its location is perfect: just steps from the cathedral and within easy reach of major attractions.

Its location makes it a perfect stop after exploring Granada’s historic center. Many visitors enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace before heading inside to discover the charming bodega hidden within the old cistern.

Inside, the restaurant has two spacious dining rooms, a picturesque terrace, and even a cellar set within an old cistern, which adds character.

Mediterranean cuisine with top-quality products

The menu emphasizes Mediterranean flavors and premium ingredients. Grilled meats like beef sirloin and presa ibérica are highlights, as are fresh fish and seafood options. Traditional Andalusian dishes, including oxtail stew, remain staples.

Whether you’re stopping for a quick lunch after visiting the cathedral or sitting down for a long dinner, Oliver combines tradition with reliability.

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La Auténtica Carmela

Located in the lively Realejo neighborhood, La Auténtica Carmela is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Its two-level terrace offers views of bustling city life, making it one of the best restaurants in Granada for people-watching. 

The restaurant’s setting in the Realejo adds an extra layer of charm. This old Jewish neighborhood is now a vibrant district filled with street art, small squares, and a lively nightlife. From the terrace, you can watch the city’s pulse while enjoying creative tapas.

No reservations are accepted here; diners are seated in order of arrival. The informal system adds to the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere

Fusion cuisine with Mediterranean roots

The kitchen blends Mediterranean staples with international influences. Standout dishes include fried octopus with tobiko mayonnaise, salmon with tahini, cauliflower and white chocolate croquettes, and chicken-and-prawn noodle stir-fry.

For traditionalists, there are familiar favorites such as freshly cooked Spanish tortilla, homemade fries with Iberian ham, and classic salmorejo.

This mix of innovation and comfort food makes La Auténtica Carmela appealing to all kinds of diners.

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Los Diamantes – Plaza Nueva

When discussing where to eat in Granada for tapas, Los Diamantes is always mentioned. This legendary seafood bar has several locations, but the Plaza Nueva branch is one of the most iconic.  

Stepping into Los Diamantes is stepping into pure Andalusia. The air is filled with the sizzle of frying pans, waiters shouting orders across the bar, and locals clinking glasses of cold beer. It is noisy, bustling, and entirely authentic. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Granadinos while ordering “una de boquerones” is as much a part of the experience as the food itself.

It’s not possible to book a table; instead, guests line up and are seated as spots open. The quick pace of service keeps the experience dynamic.

Fried fish, Andalusian essence

The house specialty is the mixed fried fish platter, a celebration of Andalusia’s coastal bounty. Other offerings include anchovies, cod, red mullet, tuna, octopus, prawns, and grilled squid. Meat dishes are available too, but seafood is the star.

Tapas can be ordered as half-portions, which makes it easier to sample a variety of dishes during one visit.

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Restaurante Carmen El Agua

Few places combine fine dining with unforgettable views as seamlessly as Carmen El Agua. Set in a traditional carmen house with its own garden, it overlooks the Alhambra and Generalife. Dining on the terrace at sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The décor is carefully curated to match the stunning surroundings, blending traditional elements with contemporary elegance. Many couples choose this restaurant for romantic dinners or special celebrations.

As the sun sets, the terrace glows with lanterns and soft lighting, creating one of the most romantic dining spots in Granada. Many couples choose it to celebrate anniversaries or special occasions. 

The restaurant also boasts a curated wine list, highlighting bottles from Granada’s emerging vineyards and prestigious Andalusian appellations that perfectly complement the refined cuisine.

Creative cuisine, local inspiration

The kitchen focuses on contemporary, author-driven cuisine. Dishes highlight fresh, often local, products. Starters such as burrata with pesto and citrus or duck ham salads set the tone. Mains include famous extra-confit artichokes, Galician beef sirloin with foie gras, and marinated monkfish.

Here, every plate is designed to surprise and delight, matching the breathtaking scenery.

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Restaurante Palacio Andaluz Almona

Granada’s heritage is deeply tied to its Nasrid past, and Palacio Andaluz Almona embraces this with authentic Moroccan cuisine. It offers diners a chance to taste flavors that connect directly to the city’s history.

The restaurant stands out not only for its dishes but also for the atmosphere: Moroccan décor, warm hospitality, and the option to enjoy tea or shisha after a meal.

Eating here feels like a journey back to Granada’s Nasrid past. The aromas of saffron, cinnamon, and fresh herbs instantly transport diners across the Mediterranean. The ritual of tea is an essential part of the evening, with servers pouring Moroccan mint tea from ornate kettles into delicate glasses.

Moroccan flavors, Nasrid soul

The menu is authentically Moroccan: vegetable couscous with chickpeas and seasonal produce, tagines slow-cooked over charcoal, and beef-and-prune tagine with rich, sweet flavors. Drinks include homemade lemonade, Moroccan mint tea, and fresh juices. Desserts feature traditional Arabic pastries.

This restaurant is perfect for those who want a relaxed, culturally immersive dining experience.

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Il Gondoliere (centro)

For a taste of Italy without leaving Granada, Il Gondoliere is the answer. With several locations across the city, the central branch is especially convenient for visitors.

This restaurant takes pride in authenticity: fresh pasta, artisanal pizza dough, and gelato are all made daily in its own production center. The interior design is sleek and modern, providing a sharp contrast to the traditional Italian recipes.

Italian classics and Spanish wines

The menu is extensive, offering black spaghetti, bolognese, tagliatelle with fresh salmon, and an impressive range of pizzas. Meat dishes such as filet mignon and chargrilled chicken breast also appear. The wine list is noteworthy, featuring Italian classics alongside Spanish reds.

What makes Il Gondoliere stand out is its dedication to detail. The pasta is rolled fresh every morning, pizzas come with crisp, wood-fired crusts, and desserts like tiramisu or gelato remind Italians of home. For locals tired of tapas or visitors craving variety, it offers an authentic change of pace without leaving Granada’s city center.

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Wild Food Granada

Vegetarians and vegans wondering where to eat in Granada should head to Wild Food, a restaurant fully dedicated to plant-based cuisine. While many places offer vegetarian options, Wild Food goes further with a complete meat-free menu.

Wild Food has become a hub for Granada’s growing community of vegetarians, vegans, and health-conscious diners, from Erasmus students to digital nomads.

 Menus change seasonally to reflect the best produce, and the plates are as colorful as they are nourishing. Every dish is presented with care, making it as photogenic as it is satisfying

Plant-based cuisine with Asian flair

The dishes reflect global inspiration, particularly Asian flavors. Highlights include fruit salads, tofu with mushrooms and spices, whole-grain pancakes, curries, creamy rice dishes, and Mediterranean pizzas. Desserts such as the nostalgic Pantera Rosa cake add a playful touch.

The atmosphere is fresh, modern, and welcoming, making it one of the best spots in the city for healthy dining.

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Restaurante Sirio Castillo de Aleppo

Finally, Castillo de Aleppo showcases the richness of Syrian and Arabic cuisine, another reminder of Granada’s multicultural soul. The exotic décor transports guests to another era.

Inside, the décor is rich and evocative: patterned carpets, brass lamps casting warm light, and the unmistakable aromas of cumin, coriander, and roasted meats.

 It is ideal for sharing mezze-style plates with friends, encouraging conversation and communal dining, just as meals are enjoyed across the Middle East.

Authentic Syrian cuisine in the Albaicín

The menu includes traditional kebabs, creamy hummus, falafel, lentil soups, and kafta. The freshly baked Arabic bread, served warm with many dishes, is unforgettable.

This restaurant combines generous portions with genuine flavors, making it one of the best restaurants in Granada for lovers of Middle Eastern food.

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