Poor Cordoba. Too often it’s simply tacked on as a day trip from Seville, or left off the Andalusian itinerary altogether. But for that reason alone it’s well worth a visit. Because having fewer tourists around just means you’ll have the winding white-washed streets and gorgeous tumbledown squares nearly to yourself.

Additionally, for the gourmand, eating in Cordoba is a treat: the food is fabulous and the prices are reasonable. Plus, this sleepy southern town—once the largest and most splendid city in the world—is home to two delicious cornerstones of Spanish cuisine: bull tail stew and salmorejo (a thicker, creamier cousin of gazpacho).

So, let’s go on with it. Without further ado, our roundup of the best restaurants in Cordoba to help you narrow down where to eat—whether you’re here on a day trip or even longer.

Paseo Ibérico

It’ll be you and a handful of boisterous locals in this rustic little tavern run by one-man-band Argimiro. Get a plate of jamón, perhaps some local cheese from Zuheros and throw in an order of grilled garlicky mushrooms…of course, your welcoming host Argimiro will be doing all the cooking.

Bodegas Guzman

As Spanish sherry is quickly becoming the drink du jour in New York and London’s trendiest bars, Cordoba’s own fortified wine—Montilla-Moriles—is still rather unknown. It’s similar to its more famous cousin, with a few key differences: firstly, Montilla-Moriles doesn’t require additional fortification, and secondly, it’s made primarily with the Pedro Ximénez grape (sherry relies mainly on the Palomino Fino).

Sip glasses of the stuff straight from the barrel in this old-timers bar (Calle Judios, 7) where locals hunker down over strong wine and simple food. And even if you don’t order food, this bar is a great spot to sip and ruminate on where to eat in Cordoba that night.

Garum 2.1

With its bright and breezy bistro-style atmosphere, Garum 2.1 turns out especially inventive version of Cordoban classics. The salmorejo with sherry and the bull tail stew are both excellent, without a doubt. They even do a bull tail churro, if you’re feeling post-modern.

Gastrotaberna Macsura

Gastrotaberna Macsura is a modern restaurant and bar serving tasty local food. If they’re on the menu when you go, try the coquillas (small clams) and ortiguillas (sea anemones) here. They have an outside terrace that’s especially perfect for al fresco tapas and drinks.

El Tercio Viejo

As you wander through the tumbledown north-eastern part of the old town, you’ll stumble across this tiny bar with a buzzing terrace. And you’ll notice that the locals are drinking tall tumblers full of… snails.

Yes, snails are a classic Cordoban dish! They’re served in a glass that’s filled with a minty, slightly spicy broth—you eat the snail meat with a toothpick and round off the meal drinking the broth. Not for the unadventurous, but if you’re feeling up to it, this is a great option for where to eat in Cordoba.

Restaurante La Boca

Come to La Boca for the food: traditional recipes given a modern touch and prepared with organic ingredients. But stay for the delicious vermouth cocktail, best drunk in the gorgeous patio out the back. With capacity for nearly 100 guests, this place is bigger than it appears from the street and is a particularly great option for dining with a large group.

Regadera

If you’ve only got a day (or an afternoon) and you’re wondering where to eat in Cordoba, Regadera should be high on your list. The menu mixes tradition with innovation, and everything has a light, modern touch. The space itself is especially beautiful as well, with a kitchen and even a small herb garden visible from the dining area to showcase the freshness and quality of everything that goes into their dishes.

Choco

Feel like a Michelin experience? Choco, the brain-child of Cordoban chef Kisko García, offers highly inventive tasting menus, wine included. It’s a little out of the old center, but being one of the best restaurants in Cordoba, it’s well worth the hike (and the taxi fare).

El Rincón de Carmen

For incredible Andalusian dishes served in a breathtaking setting, you can’t miss El Rincón de Carmen. Their commitment to showcasing the rich flavors of regional cuisine shines through in every dish. Sit out on the beautiful Cordoba-style patio for a real treat.

Casa Pepe de la Judería

A reference for where to eat in Cordoba since 1930, Casa Pepe is a longtime favorite of locals and visitors alike. Housed in a beautiful old home in Cordoba’s Jewish Quarter, its crown jewel is a spectacular rooftop terrace with views of the nearby Mezquita. On the menu you’ll find simple and delicious Cordoba classics made with market-fresh ingredients and lots of love.

El Churrasco

Sometimes all you need is a good, well-cooked piece of meat. Luckily, that’s exactly what El Churrasco does best: Cordoba-style grilled meats, traditionally paired with a set of Arab-influenced sauces. Pair your meal with a wine from their excellent onsite bodega for an even more unforgettable experience.

La Sastrería

An intimate little gem of a spot just off of Plaza de Colón, La Sastrería is full of pleasant surprises. Their selection of artisanal dishes marries the best of Spain with a bit of international flair (salmon kimchi with coconut-almond ajoblanco, anyone?). Enjoy your meal inside the cozy restaurant or out on the pretty terrace.

Cielito Lindo

Cordoba has a small but growing international food scene, and Mexican joint Cielito Lindo is one of its standouts. Proudly run by a Mexican family, this place serves authentic south-of-the-border fare at its finest. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the mole enchiladas are a sure winner.

La Tranquera

La Tranquera combines the best of Andalusian and Argentine flavors, making it a great option for where to eat in Cordoba if you’re craving a bit of variety. Their simple yet excellent entrañas steak is the star of the show, and their Argentine empanadas stuffed with Cordoba-style rabo de toro provide a delicious fusion of two culinary powerhouses.

El Nido

Just a little ways over the Roman Bridge in the southern part of the city, you’ll find no-frills local favorite El Nido. They’re famous in Cordoba for their roast chicken, but in case you’re craving something a little lighter, they also do great tapas (their gambas al ajillo are the best in town). Everything is great value for money, and being able to enjoy it surrounded completely by locals makes it even better.

La Siesta

A modern Mediterranean restaurant located in beautiful Plaza del Potro, La Siesta is a great option for where to eat in Cordoba for a fresh and fun meal among friends. Options here range from the classics (the abanico ibérico is a standout) to the contemporary (a langoustine risotto you’ll be dreaming about long after you’ve taken the last bite).

Where to Eat in Cordoba FAQs

Update Notice: This post was updated on May 13, 2021.