GRANADA
The Eats
What is Tapas?
Tapas is traditionally small savory dishes served as an appetizer. The Spanish have a very different schedule of eating than we do here in the US. They don’t usually go out for dinner until 9pm and even later on the weekends so these small dishes are absolutely necessary when partaking in beverages of the adult variety. What’s special about tapas in Granada specifically is their custom of serving a dish with each alcoholic beverage, usually a glass of wine or a variety of local beer. That is to say it is complimentary. Free. The catch: usually your plate is chosen for you by the server, but realistically how can you go wrong with any assortment of bread, meat, cheese, and olives. Below are some of the creme de la creme of tapas houses in the area.
Bar Los Diamantes
Calle Navas, 28 or Plaza Nueva, 13
This is easily the most well known tapas bar in town. It’s on damn near every travel guide I run into. And for good reason. The place is awesome. Best known for their seafood dishes, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. This place is a local favorite and it shows. There’s barely any room so be prepared to stand and just to be sure, I’d try to show up right when they open.
Bar Casa Julio
Calle Hermosa, 5
Right down the street from Los Diamantes is this gem. Also known for their seafood, their wine selection is unbeatable. Pretty ritzy in comparison to a lot of the other tapas spots, this place has a very upscale ambiance and classier presentation. Set back from the Main Street, it also gets a little less hustle and bustle.
Los Manueles
Calle Reyes Católicos, 61
This place is also right down the street so if your plan is to do a tapas crawl, you’re on the right track. Manueles is famous for their croquetas, but their menu is wildly impressive and incredibly long. My favorite: it’s annotated in English. They have five restaurants in the city but a reservation is still a great idea.