Granada Tapas Uncovered: Your Ultimate Guide

Whether you know what they are or not, chances are that you’ve heard the word “tapas” before. Tapas are a “must-experience” when visiting Spain – particularly the Andalusian region which is home to the best tapas culture.🇪🇸 This ultimate guide will teach you everything you need to know or may be asking yourself about Granada tapas – or tapas in general.

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Everything You Need to Know About Granada Tapas

What are Tapas?

Essentially, tapas are small plates served with drinks. Tapas originate in Spain, and supposedly date to the 13th century. According to popular legend, when King Alfonso X was ill, he was “prescribed” to drink a large quantity of wine. The ruling King would eat small dishes to off-put the alcohol effects; when he realized this “method” helped him out, he demanded that every place serve a small dish to prevent public drunkness.

Another legend regarding the origins of Tapas is that bartenders would place bread slices on top of drinks to prevent flies from falling in. “Tapa” means “lid”, and “Tapear” means “to cover” – which makes this legend sensible.

Even though many Spanish regions individually claim to be the home to tapas, the practice of serving free tapas originates in Granada.

Traditional Granada Tapas dish of colorful Almejas (clams).

What are Traditional Granada Tapas?

Depending on the region, restaurant, or bar you find yourself in – tapas will vary.

Being on the northern side of the Andalucian region, the cuisine is the perfect mix of seafood and land food. Due to this, you’ll often find seafood tapas or more hardy tapas. It is common for Granada tapas to offer dishes like Gambas de Huelva, Arroz, Jamon Serrano, and Aceitunas Aliñadas.

These are just some examples of traditional tapas you could encounter. At the end of the day, Spanish food is full of wonders – unless you have allergies or don’t like surprises, tapas are simply the BEST!😍

Here are some traditional tapas and what they are👇

Patatas a lo Pobre. These are delicious pan-fried, thinly sliced potatoes with green peppers, onions, and sometimes jamon.

Ensaladilla Russa. This is the Russian potato salad, and is incredibly popular here! If you are not familiar with it, this “salad” contains potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, shrimp or tuna, and more.

Arroz. This rice-based dish can come in many different ways – at times it’s a squid ink dish (Arroz Negro), other times it’s a seafood paella, others it could have meat, and so forth.

Aceitunas Aliñadas. These are olives that are usually seasoned with olive oil, peppers, laurel leaf, and garlic.

Tortilla. This is the famous, Spanish omelette. This dish has eggs, thinly sliced potatoes, and at times onion.

Berenjenas Fritas con Miel. These are fried eggplants with honey on top. Personally, if you receive them as a tapa – you’ve won the lottery. They are just THAT good.😍

What is a Tapas Restaurant, or Bar?

This is a frequently asked question that we’ll “debunk” together. Especially when in Granada, there is no such thing as a “Tapas Restaurant”.

Why is that? Because tapas are an essential part of Granada’s culinary culture and are everywhere. Chances are, if you look up a tapas restaurant you are likely going to fall for a tourist trap.

However, when it comes to Tapas Bars, that name is more common. One important name to look out for is Tabernas, “taverns”. These places often offer the best tapas and traditional food. My personal, and many local’s, favorite is Tarberna Britania.

What is the Tapas Culture?

The best tapas culture is the one in Granada. Why? Because tapas are free! When you go out to a restaurant or bar, and you order a drink, you get a tapa.

Free tapas are offered in most restaurants, bars, and taverns – not in places like a Poke restaurant, or a pool bar. When it comes to the drink of choice, you usually would need to order an “alcoholic beverage” or any drink besides water – like a beer, non-alcoholic beer, soda, or wine. However, some places make exceptions and will give you tapas for a different drink.

As an additional note, tapas come as a serving for the whole table – not individual dishes. So if you don’t want to drink, but a friend or loved one does, you’re set!

Tapa, Champiñones (mushrooms) with garlic and parsley.

If you want to make sure you experience the best of Granada tapas and culture, here is an amazing walking food tour that provides just that! You will eat so many tapas that they will basically become your lunch or dinner.👇

Are Tapas Gluten Free?

First of all, if you’re in Granada – welcome to the gluten-free safe-haven! As a celiac, I’ve never felt safer and I cannot wait for you to experience the same.

In Granada, the majority of restaurants are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to food allergies. With that being said, most restaurants will be able to offer you a gluten-free tapa – just make sure to communicate it with them early on.

Where are the best tapas in Granada?

Here are some of the best spots to get tapas in!

📍 Taberna Britania
📍 Casa Julio
📍 Bar Los Diamantes
📍 Calle Navas Street
📍 Calle Virgen del Rosario

How to enjoy Granada Tapas Correctly

To enjoy the Granada tapas culture to the fullest, here are some tips and important things to know:

Look out for crowded/standing bars. This is where you’ll find the best tapas.
Don’t order from the menu right away. Your tapa will arrive with your drink.
Mention your allergy when you are ordering your drinks. By doing so, you’ll receive a safe-to-eat tapa right away.
Instead of Sangria, try Tinto de Verano! This is the drink of choice for the locals. This is less sweet and more refreshing.
- My way of ordering it is Tinto de Verano con Casera. If you want little red whine and more soda, simply say; “Tinto de Verano corto de vino con Casera“
SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY IT! One of the beautiful aspects of tapas is that they are made to share and enjoy with friends and loved ones. When “tapa-ing”, slow down, savor every bite, and relax. You can even do some wholesome and fun people-watching.

Granada Tapas FAQ

What is the famous tapas street in Granada?

The most famous street in Granada for tapas is Calle Navas. This street is home to various tabernas and tapas bars. Walk around here to do some “window shopping” and decide what appeals to you the most.

Are tapas still free in Granada?

Yes! Granada is the one Spanish city you can always count on for the free tapas.

Do you have to ask for tapas in Granada?

No. The tapas culture in Granada is that you receive a free tapa with every drink you order. The only thing you may be asked, in some places, is what tapa you would like.

What time do tapas start in Granada?

There is no specific time for tapas. Often times you are served tapas with your drink while you wait for your meal – either lunch or dinner. You can also visit any bar and get several drinks with complimentary tapas – which can become the equivalent of a meal.

Are tapas expensive in Spain?

In Spain, tapas are not expensive. In different cities and regions there will be different tapa cultures – in some of which you pay for them. However, tapas will rarely be more than 5 euros. If they are, you’re probably getting a more filling plate.

Unfortunately, when you are outside of Spain and go to Spanish restaurants, the true tapas culture is lost and prices are jacked up. In a way, treating tapas as if they are fancy appetizers.

Summary

Tapas are an important aspect of Spanish culture and cuisine and are simply a must-try when traveling in this beautiful country. To travel deeper, allow yourself the excitement of the surprise and go to an authentic tavern or bar to surround yourself with locals.❤️

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I have to ask…

Did I answer all your tapas-related questions? If so, share this with your friends and family who might also find this helpful. Feel free to comment below with any other questions you have or clarifications you need from me!

If you are celiac or are traveling with someone celiac, here are the best gluten-free restaurants in Granada!

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Everything You Need to Know about Granada Tapas