Satisfy your appetite for authentic, soul-stirring cuisine as we take you on a sun-kissed tour of Andalucia’s eight provinces.
With majestic mountains, lush pastures, vibrant orchards, and thriving shores, Andalucia’s land and seas offer a wealth of remarkable ingredients – and a new generation of chefs is showcasing this diversity through creative dishes prepared with passion.
Let’s explore this vibrant dining scene of Southern Spain. Beyond flagship fine-dining establishments and Michelin-starred restaurants, here we introduce you to a more homespun experience. Discover restaurants you may not have heard of before, welcoming places that will immerse you in local traditions, and the time-honoured ingredients of their respective provinces.
Malaga – Restaurante Arte de Cocina
Arte de Cozina Malaga ©
Let’s start in the most sought-after province in Andalucia – Malaga. Over recent years the capital has thrived and its dining scene is flourishing, but it’s also a pleasure to venture into the countryside to experience traditional dishes that represent this sun-kissed region.
In Antequera, Arte de Cozina is led by Chef Charo Carmona, who has dedicated over 30 years to reviving historic Andalusian recipes, showcasing the depth of the region’s culinary heritage. The restaurant offers unforgettable tapas at the bar and high tables, featuring innovative takes like gildas made with preserved sardines, roasted peppers with fried boquerones, and fresh tomato salad made with Huevo de Toro heritage tomatoes.
The beautifully designed traditional restaurant is known for its rich dishes, such as roast goat, and desserts that include Arroz con Leche, enriched with chestnuts, and the signature ‘Bienmesabe’, a typical Andalusian pudding made with almonds.
Restaurante Arte de Cozina
Address: Calzada, 27, 29200 Antequera
Cadiz – Restaurante El Faro de El Puerto
El Faro de el Puerto Cadiz ©
Continuing west we reach the Costa de la Luz, and arrive in Cadiz, a province bathed in brilliant Atlantic sunlight and renowned for its seafood, particularly locally caught tuna.
Venture away from the tourist trail to the lively coastal town of El Puerto de Santa María, where El Faro de El Puerto tells the gastronomic story of Cadiz. High tables create an inviting space to enjoy a bar menu featuring enticing tapas like scallops with sweet potato, crispy calamari, and sumptuous Iberian ham croquettes, each bite rich in local character.
The restaurant excels with its almadraba tuna, richly layered rice dishes, and vegetarian options like roasted artichokes.
Restaurante El Faro de El Puerto
Address: Avda. de Fuenterrabía, Km. 0.5, El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz
https://www.elfarodelpuerto.com/
Cordoba – Restaurante Bodegas Campos
Bodegas Campos Cordoba ©
Inland Andalucia is home to the province of Córdoba, a region steeped in remarkable history from Roman times to the era of Al Andalus.
In the capital, the iconic Bodegas Campos offers a unique dining experience steeped in tradition. The welcoming atmosphere invites you to dine beside iconic barrels signed by celebrities like Rafa Nadal and renowned flamenco artists.
Tapas include the emblematic flamenquin—a deep-fried, breaded snack of jamón serrano wrapped in pork loin with cheese—while the main menu features dishes made with produce from their organic farm. Enjoy hearty stews like El Potaje de la Talegona and Cocido Andaluz, complemented by a selection of fine Andalusian wines, perfect for exploring the region’s rich viniculture.
Restaurante Bodegas Campos
Address: Calle Liners, 32, Córdoba
Granada – Restaurante Betula Nana
Betula Nana Granada ©
In Granada, Restaurante Betula Nana is a charming, intimate spot known for its focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Managed front of house by Alba Hernández and in the kitchen by partner David Salinas, the restaurant provides a seamless dining experience in a cosy space with an open kitchen design.
The menu changes daily, showcasing the best produce available, with exciting specials. The style is contemporary, featuring dishes like Cod Ceviche and Octopus en Papillote served on coconut hummus with a curry dressing.
Betula Nana is celebrated for its thoughtful fusion of flavours alongside traditional simplicity, making it a standout destination for those seeking an authentic culinary experience in Granada.
Restaurante Betula Nana
Address: C/ Málaga 9, Granada, Spain
https://www.facebook.com/betulananarestaurante/
Huelva – Restaurante Azabache
Azabache Huelva ©
Huelva in the province on the western edge of Andalucia. From these shores, Christopher Columbus and other Iberian explorers set sail to the Americas in the 15th century, returning to Europe with new produce like cacao, vanilla, tomatoes, and potatoes, which would dramatically influence our cuisine.
Huelva is once again on the culinary map, thanks to its exceptional produce, including the finest Iberian jamón from pigs raised on lush Dehesa estates, feasting on a vegetarian diet of local acorns. The province also boasts fantastic seafood from the deep, cold waters of the Atlantic, alongside beef and lamb from its rolling pastures.
At Restaurante Azabache, led by Juan Francisco Martín Martína, you’ll find flavoursome dishes that highlight these local ingredients along with seasonal produce. Sample the stuffed mushrooms or carabineros croquettes from the bar menu, paired with a chilled glass of local Albaleia Colombard white wine. For a more elegant à la carte experience, the main menu features fresh ‘gambas blancas’ as a starter, followed by specialities like artichokes with ham and the unmissable lamb shank.
Restaurante Azabache
Address: C/ Vázquez López, 22, 21001, Huelva
https://restauranteazabache.com/
Jaen – Restaurante Casa Antonio
Casa Antonio Jaen ©
Jaen has firmly established itself on the dining scene with some remarkable Michelin-starred restaurants and a creative approach to local produce. Renowned for its olive oil—the largest producer in the world – as well as local game hunted in the province’s vast natural parks, Jaen offers a rich gastronomic landscape.
For an authentic experience, visit Restaurante Casa Antonio in Jaén city, serving diners since 1992. The restaurant offers a nostalgic take on traditional recipes, using the finest extra virgin olive oil. Chef Pedro Beltrán de la Torre leads the kitchen, creating dishes like Ensaladilla, reimagined with prawns and wasabi for a modern twist. Local game dishes highlight the region’s flavours, while the Arroz Bomba stands out, prepared with lobster, ginger, and tobiko. Other notable plates include smoked anglerfish with saffron and succulent suckling pig with oyster sauce.
Restaurante Casa Antonio
Address: Calle de Fermín Palma, 3, 23008, Jaén
Almeria – Restaurante Juan Moreno
Juan Moreno Almeria ©
Almería, one of the lesser-known provinces of Andalucia, is well worth a visit. In the capital, Restaurante Juan Moreno stands out for its innovative approach to traditional Andalusian cuisine. Known for its use of fresh, local ingredients, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes that showcase the region’s culinary heritage.
Signature dishes include Scallop Ceviche and Rabo de Toro (oxtail). Juan Moreno also features seasonal tasting menus, providing diners with a curated experience that highlights the best of the region.
Restaurante Juan Moreno
Address: Ctra. de Ronda, 3, 04620 Vera, Almeria
https://restaurantejuanmoreno.es/
final thoughts
When considering the culinary heritage of Spain and the vibrant contemporary dining scene, it’s no surprise that the country is one of Europe’s premier gourmet destinations with Spanish chefs frequently winning accolades among the best in the world.
The food and wine scene alone is reason enough to visit these sun-kissed shores, and for those who prefer fine-dining at home, many of our most professional villa chefs cut their teeth in Andalucia’s best restaurants before striking out as freelance private chefs.
To find your perfect home away from home in Southern Spain, take a look at our curated selection of spectacular villas in Andalucia.
Andrew Forbes
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