10 Must-Try Tapas in Granada

This blog post was originally posted on January 15, 2018, and was updated on April 16, 2019. 

Tapas are an essential part of Andalusian cuisine, and there’s no better place to enjoy them than Granada.

After all, Granada is famous for its free tapas culture! Order a drink, get a free tapa (sometimes of your choice, but not always). While this practice is somewhat common in other parts of Spain, there’s nowhere you’ll find it more widespread than in Granada. The city has some incredible food and small plates are a great way to get a taste of it. Here are some of our all-time favorite tapas in Granada for a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget!

SEE ALSO: The Best 9 Tapas Bars in Granada

1. Tortilla del Sacromonte

Everyone loves tortilla de patatas, the quintessential Spanish egg-and-potato omelette. Try it with a granadino twist! The tortilla del Sacromonte has its roots in the Sacromonte caves near the city, nowadays a popular flamenco spot. It includes some adventurous ingredients such as mutton brains and bone marrow in addition to nuts and ham. One of the most unique tapas in Granada, it may not be for the faint of heart, but we certainly recommend trying it!

2. Habas con jamón

Beans with ham—what’s not to love? In one of the most typical tapas in Granada, tender, flavorful broad beans are cooked to perfection and mixed with melt-in-your-mouth jamón. This dish truly exemplifies the “less is more” concept of many Spanish dishes: you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to create a delicious meal.

3. Gazpacho or salmorejo

Summer temperatures in the south of Spain can be extreme. Naturally, Andalusians have created the perfect way to cool off: chilled tomato soup! Many visitors might be familiar with gazpacho, a blend of raw vegetables (mainly tomato) pureed into a drinkable liquid. Its lesser-known yet equally delicious cousin, salmorejo comes from nearby Córdoba and is a thicker tomato purée perfect for soaking up with hearty bread. Both are among the best tapas in Granada to enjoy on a hot summer’s day!

4. Patatas a lo pobre

The name of this recipe might translate as “poor man’s potatoes,” but it’s incredibly rich in flavor. The name refers to the simplicity and low price of its ingredients: potatoes, parsley, peppers and garlic. They’re sautéed to perfection and served in bars all across town as one of the most popular tapas in Granada!

5. Jamón de Trevélez

If Spain is famous for its cured ham, jamón de Trevélez is the undoubted king. No, really—the Spanish royal family chose this Granada delicacy as their own private ham brand! It hails from the picturesque village of Trevélez in the stunning Alpujarras mountains just outside of Granada, where it’s cured to perfection at 1,400 meters above sea level. You can’t leave Granada without trying some!

6. Queso montefrieño

This award-winning cheese is more than just one of the best tapas in Granada. It’s also an amazing gourmet gift for the foodie in your life! This goat cheese comes from the beautiful granadino village of Montefrío, which National Geographic named as having one of the best panoramic views in the world. Amazing views and delicious cheese—we’re in!

7. Albóndigas

Tasty meatballs in delicious homemade sauce are a favorite all over Spain, but taste even better when served as a free tapa in Granada. Another popular variation is albóndigas en tomate, or meatballs in tomato sauce. You won’t even miss the spaghetti. Use the incredible homemade bread on your table to mop up every last bit of the hearty sauce!

8. Migas

You might have heard the word migas to refer to a popular Tex-Mex dish, but the Spanish food of the same name is not the same thing! While there are many different variations of migas all over Spain, the most common type served in Andalusia might remind you of couscous. They can be prepared with a variety of different ingredients, from cured meats to fish.

9. Remojón Granaíno

Another one of the best tapas in Granada for those scorching summer days, remojón granaíno is a simple salad made with local ingredients. Oranges, onions, hard boiled eggs, olives and codfish combine beautifully in this unique blend of flavors. It’s a perfect tribute to Granada’s Moorish past and best washed down with an ice cold Alhambra beer.

10. Croquetas

Another all-time favorite all across Spain, croquetas are one of the most popular tapas in Granada. Iconic tapas bar Los Manueles, a Granada institution, is famous for their giant croquettes, but there are many other incredible places to try them as well. Whether they’re filled with jamón, bacalao, vegetables or something else, they’re always undoubtedly delicious!