My Favourite Tables, from Mijas to Ronda
Food, in Andalucía, is never just about eating.
It’s about timing, the hour of the day, the light, the company. It’s about small plates that arrive unannounced, long lunches that turn into afternoons, and dinners that stretch effortlessly into the night.
On this journey, shared with two friends, we didn’t try to find everything.
We simply followed places that felt right, and these are the ones that stayed with me.
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Mijas, simple beginnings
Mijas was where everything began, gently, simply. We didn’t arrive with a list, just an appetite and a willingness to stop when something looked inviting.
Pampa Tablas y Tapas
A lively, central spot known for generous, flavourful tapas and a relaxed atmosphere. A great place to settle in and share a few dishes.
Tomillo Limón
Slightly more refined, with a creative Mediterranean menu and a lovely terrace, ideal for a slower dinner.
VIENTO SUR Brunch Café
Perfect for a late breakfast or light lunch, simple, fresh, and very relaxed in the Opuntia Hotel.
Radikal Street Food
A fun, modern twist, casual, creative, and great for an easy evening.
Frigiliana, quiet and atmospheric
Frigiliana is not a place where you rush from one restaurant to another.
It’s a place where you choose one, sit down, and let the evening unfold slowly.
The setting does so much of the work here, terraces, views, soft light, that the food naturally follows that same gentle rhythm.
Restaurante El Jardín
A terrace overlooking the valley, simple but carefully prepared dishes, and a setting that makes you stay longer than planned. Known for its views and Mediterranean cooking
Ronda, a table to remember
Ronda was where everything came together.
Tragatá
This is a place you come to with intention.
A modern tapas restaurant, but deeply rooted in Andalusian flavours. The kind of place where every dish feels considered, but never overworked.
We ordered to share, as you should. Plates arriving one after another, each one slightly unexpected.
Also in Ronda
- Casa María
Intimate, personal, almost like being invited into someone’s home
A different perspective
Ronda also lends itself beautifully to Almazara by Philippe Starck, Olive Oil Tour & Tasting experience.
A discovery or the Olive Oil Museum designed by Philippe Starck and an appreciation for olive oil and local traditions as you taste a variety of fine local oils.
A small stop, Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil is not about refinement. It’s about setting.
We sat under the rock, ordered a few simple tapas, and stayed longer than planned.
It’s informal, slightly chaotic, and completely memorable.
Where to Eat in Granada
For a classic Granada experience
- Bar Casa Julio
Lively, traditional, and full of character. The kind of place where you squeeze in, order a drink, and immediately feel part of the rhythm of the city. - Los Diamantes
Always busy, always energetic, and known for its seafood. Stand at the bar if you can, it’s part of the experience.
For something a little more refined
- Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán
Set near the river, with views towards the Alhambra, this is where you come for a slower, more considered meal. - Carmen de Aben Humeya
A beautiful setting in the Albaicín, with terraces overlooking the Alhambra. Ideal for a long, atmospheric dinner.
For something a little different
- EntreBrasas
A warm, inviting spot for perfectly grilled meats and generous plates, simple, flavourful, and deeply satisfying.
A different way to experience Granada
If you want to understand the city’s food culture more deeply, a small group tapas and wine tour is a wonderful addition.
Especially in the Albaicín, where history and food are closely intertwined.
Walking between stops, tasting local specialities, hearing the stories behind them, it adds another layer to the experience, without taking away the spontaneity that makes Granada so special.
