Cordoba Restaurants and Dining

(Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain)

As is the case elsewhere in Spain, dining out in Cordoba can range from a sit-down meal in a restaurant, to a succession of 'tapas' or small snacks that are served in the city's bars. The latter give you the advantage of being able to dine on the move, as you sample one bar after another.

If you are looking for a good-value meal, but don't think your budget can cope with a restaurant bill, then it is best to look out for a 'comedor' or 'dining room'. On the whole, meal prices are reasonable, except, of course, if you happen to be in the immediate vicinity of the Mezquita.

Breakfast in Cordoba is usually served between 08:00 and 10:00. Restaurants and eateries that open for lunch serve from 13:00 to 15:30. Dinner is served relatively late, from 20:30 to 23:00. Bars and cafes tend to open throughout the day.

What to Eat

Cordoban food is heavily influenced by Andalucian cuisine and by the region's Moorish past. Consequently, aubergines feature on most restaurant menus in some form or other, as do almonds, olive oil, garlic and dried fruit, such as figs and dates.

Specialties of the city include 'rabo de toro', a slow-cooked stew made from bull's tail. 'Salmorejo' takes the form of a thick and creamy gazpacho, with the addition of chopped ham and sliced hard boiled eggs. 'Flamenquin', basically a roll of breadcrumbed pork or ham, is also popular.

Cordoban desserts typically show strong Moorish influences. They include Pastel Cordobés - pumpkin-stuffed pastries, and Reganás - crispy bread biscuits that are often found in the city's tapas bars. Alfajores, meanwhile, are made from almonds and honey.

Where to Eat

After a busy day of sightseeing, there is no shortage of places to refuel in Cordoba. Many bars and restaurants can be found in the Juderia district of the city, coming with extensive and authentic dining menus.

If it is tradition you are after, Cordoba has several long-established restaurants that have been serving locals and tourists for many years. Perhaps the best-known is the Casa Pepe de la Juderia. This restaurant has been serving meals for over 80 years and comprises a tapas bar, as well as a restaurant.

Other long-established dining venues that have featured in many a guidebook include the El Caballo Rojo and the El Churrasco, the latter of which was opened in the 1970s by Rafael Carrillo and his wife Mari. Both offer good old-fashioned service and meals. The Taberna San Miguel-Casa El Pisto is a 100 year-old tavern that is famed as much for its traditional decor as for its tapas.

Cordoba also has a few restaurants where you can take a break from tradition and enjoy contemporary cuisine. La Regardera is a modern eatery that is situated close to the heart of the old part of the city. Likewise, the Michelin-starred Restaurante Choco on the Calle del Compositor Serrano Lucena has an innovative menu that is served in modern and minimalist surroundings. Some restaurants, such as the Senzone, based in the Hospes Palacio del Bailio, offer summer dining in the intimate setting of their courtyards.

If you prefer to steer clear of high-end restaurants, Cordoba's bars offer a good alternative for eating out. Bodegas Mezquita, situated next to the mosque-cathedral itself, is particularly well known for its tapas, as well as for its sit-down meals. Taberna Salina, on Calle de Tundidores, is also a good value dining option.

Cordoba's many squares are populated with cafes. Many of them offer charm and atmosphere, as well as a welcome place to take a break from sightseeing. Top of the tourist list are both the Plaza del Potro and the Plaza de la Corredera.