Almeria's national cuisine features a variety of dishes made from products grown on the mainland and harvested from the sea.
Almeria has concentrated elements of Spanish, Italian, French and even Chinese cuisine. In the city you can easily dine in restaurants with menus from different countries - here sushi can easily "make friends" with classic Spanish dishes.
In addition, tapas, served with beer or wine, are popular in the resort region. Tapas are a culinary tradition in Almeria. When ordering wine or beer as tapas you can try swordfish, rice (paella), anchovies in marinade, fried calamari, snails, cuttlefish, ribs, prawns or the delicacy of shark catfish.
Light versions of tapas can be purchased on almost every street in Almeria. According to legend, tapas began to be served in the city's establishments after Alfonso X el Sabio ordered in the 13th century that wine in taverns should not be sold without appetizers. Alcoholic beverages always had to be accompanied by food. Tapas translates from Spanish as "lid", as originally a dish of food was placed on top of a glass of wine.
The variety of dishes in restaurants and cafes in Almeria will not leave indifferent and satiate even a sophisticated tourist. In the menu of most establishments there are such dishes as steamed mussels, potato salad, fried tuna in sauce, traditional local stew with various additives and ham. Also, the people of the region cook potatoes in spicy sauce or in a sauce of olive oil and garlic, octopus under olive oil and with red peppers. First courses in Almeria are often served cold (garlic, tomato, vegetable soup).
Best Restaurants in Almeria
La Charka classic bar in Almeria's central neighborhood that serves different types of grilled tapas to accompany wine or beer. The address is Calle Trajano, 7.
La Bodeguilla is another great tapas bar. Here you can try the house wine. The address is Calle Trajano, 22.
El Postigo is a cafe with tables on a quiet street under the trees. Here they cook tapas over charcoal. The address is Calle Guzman, 1.
Casa Puga is one of Almeria's best bars. The address is Calle Jovellanos, 7.
La Aldea is a restaurant where you can relax to flamenco music. The address is Calle Méndez Núñez, 6.
Bahia de Palma is another great cafe for flamenco lovers. The address is Plaza de la Administración, 1.
La Estrella is a small, lively bar that is located near Puerta Purchena.
El Quinto Toro is a bar where you can have a good lunch. The address is Calle Reyes Católicos, 6.
Bodega Aranda is a great bar that was built on the site of a boarding house visited by Jarald Brenan back in 1920. The address is Rambla Obispo Orberá, 8.
Prices in Almeria's restaurants range from 710 EUR per dish. Lunch for two with a bottle of local wine can cost 30 EUR.
