Granada, Spain, is a city where history and culture intertwine, offering a unique blend of European and Moorish influences. Exploring the best of Spain often means encountering traces of history, and Granada stands out with its modern customs that pay respect to the region’s Moorish past. If you're looking for a taste of Morocco in the heart of Andalusia, Granada offers some excellent options.
The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, towers over Granada, reflecting its Moorish heritage.
A Fusion of Flavors: Andalusian and Arabian
If a fusion of Andalusian and Arabian flavors appeals to you, several restaurants in Granada could be a good option. These establishments offer a taste of Moroccan cuisine, blending traditional dishes with local ingredients.
Albidaya: A Culinary Beginning
Albidaya, an Arabic word that could be translated as “the beginning,” is the first stand-alone personal venture for Ismael Abderrahaman (in the kitchen) and Jorge Seco (front of house and sommelier), both of whom have extensive experience in the restaurant sector. Their cuisine is centered around a market-inspired seasonal menu that changes weekly and features contemporary dishes that showcase interesting influences from Moroccan cooking (we particularly enjoyed the red tuna with marinated aubergine).
Bab Mansour: A Safe Bet for Moroccan Cuisine
While it's challenging to definitively name the "best" Moroccan restaurant in Granada after only visiting a couple, Bab Mansour is a strong contender. Located on Calle Elvira, this restaurant offers great food, atmosphere, and service. A return visit is definitely warranted for a reliable and enjoyable dining experience. They have a Lebanese tasting menu that especially appealed to the meat eaters in our family. The meat skewers were served on a plate of salad, and it came with a large “starter” plate with couscous, hummus, and other tasty treats. The Moroccan tasting menu was also excellent. The selection of dips and salad was popular with everyone in our group. We had more than one of these, and everything was quickly devoured with our bread. The beef couscous and vegetables was also very good. I might have been the only person who liked the Moroccan chicken tart, although everyone tried it and ate some.
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Moroccan tasting menu.
Mirador de Morayma: Moroccan Chicken Pastilla
In the Albaicín, you must visit Mirador de Morayma for the beautiful setting and the incredible Moroccan Chicken Pastilla. Make a reservation in advance. Morocco’s iconic Pigeon Pie is done justice here, with a flaky outer shell of crispy puff pastry dusted in powdered sugar. Inside, there is this fragrant, crumbling dark meat chicken, hit with cinnamon cumin, coriander, and crushed almonds.
Mirador de Morayma.
Embracing Moroccan Influences in Granada
Granada's connection to Morocco is evident not just in its restaurants but also in its culture and commerce.
Tea Culture
Tea is everywhere in Andalucía, though it may differ from what you expect. In major cities, tea is sold by the leaf in shops and street stalls, offering a sensory experience with exotic names and descriptions. Stepping into a tetería feels like entering a tale from The Arabian Nights. Generally, you have to wait to be seated, and waiters in Granada’s busier spots are usually bilingual and will offer to help. It’s generally waiter service; ask for la cuenta at the end and it will be brought, though you may have to settle it at the till on your way out.
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Tea in England is simple. Tea in Southern Spain less so.
Trying the Moroccan tea.
Shopping for Exotic Goods
The majority of the souvenir shops here offer fantastic bargains on exotic goods brought from Morocco (and occasionally India). You won’t find it difficult to pick up stained glass lamps and ornaments, small items of furniture, mirrored boxes and jewelry here. Bright skirts and baggy trousers hung on outside walls ruffle with the breeze, with the inside of many shops full of the heady scent of incense and real leather. The leather is where the real bargains are to be had. There are usually options from around twenty euro to upwards of a hundred, depending on the leather itself, the style, and the size (the $21 options were real leather, but very small and simple).
Culinary Delights Beyond Moroccan
While exploring Moroccan cuisine, don't miss out on other culinary experiences Granada has to offer.
- Chikito: A restaurant that offers divine, grandmother-worthy dishes. Try the braised Oxtail.
- Jardines Alberto: Grab a sandwich here. Crunchy, chewy, freshly-baked bread is hit with a drizzle of peppery olive oil, encasing thin slices of fatty, salty jamon. It also has a spread of cold, pulverized, juicy tomato pulp that really sets it over the edge.
- El Huerto de Juan Ranas: This cliffside bar/restaurant is right below the Albaicín’s famous lookout spot--Mirador de San Nicolas. The views of the railing tables here are unstoppable.
- Magia Arabica: This place oozes North African charm, and loves sustainable, fair-trade practices. Plus, it’s located only a few steps from Granada’s towering, Baroque cathedral, best witnessed in the early morning light.
- Babel Bar: The quirky Babel Bar is possibly one of my favourite restaurants in Spain, with an interesting burger and tapas menu, and a board from which you can select your free tapa.
The BEST Weekend in Granada (the GEM of Andalucía!) 🇪🇸 What to Do + Eat
Planning Your Granada Adventure
To make the most of your visit to Granada, consider these tips:
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- Visit the Alhambra: Book your tickets as soon as you know you’re going to Granada. More than 8,000 people visit per day, and it sells out nearly every day.
- Explore the Albaicín: Wander for hours around the Albaicín neighborhood. This is Granada’s old, Moorish Quarter, and some of the highest vantages in the city.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse culinary scene, Granada promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you're savoring Moroccan delicacies or exploring ancient sites, this city offers a unique blend of the old and the new.
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tags: #Moroccan
