SEVILLA
The best part about visiting Sevilla is that you can find great places to eat and drink in every area of the city. When I was living in Sevilla, my favorite part of the city to go for tapas was Barrio Santa Cruz, an area centrally-located by the Cathedral, Alcazar and the Ayuntamiento (City Hall).
Click HERE to view some restaurant suggestions in Barrio Santa Cruz, pictured below.
If you feel like venturing slightly outside of the city center, I recommend walking the bridge to Triana and sitting down at a restaurant by the river for tapas and a refreshing tinto verano, by far my favorite drink in Spain (a mixture of chilled red wine and flavored seltzer water). Calle Betis, which runs along the river, features many restaurants and bars to visit during the day, as well as a nightlife scene should you like to extend your stay in this area of the city.
CORDOBA
The people of Cordoba have incorporated the traditional foods of their history into the local gastronomy of today. Many traditional restaurants in Cordoba feature dishes adorned with nuts or raisins, a tribute to the Arabic culture that once occupied the city. The Romans introduced olive oil to Cordoba, which has heavily influenced local dishes.
One dish in particular that - while present all throughout Spain - is prized in Cordoba is Salmorejo. Salmorejo is a cold soup, thicker in texture and prepared with tomato, bread, olive oil and usually garnished with jamon (ham) and hard-boiled egg. It is a delicious and truly unique dish!
The several times that I dined in Cordoba, I enjoyed eating in the Historic Quarter, near the Mezquita, as well as in City Center. However if you know there is a specific area of Cordoba that you will be staying and would like to find dining in your region, click HERE to view restaurant selections throughout the city.
MALAGA
Because of its coastal location, Malaga features a highly-influenced "Mediterranean diet" of mariscos (seafood). If you are looking to try traditional food, I definitely recommend the local seafood, including Seafood Paella.
Paella is a relished dish all throughout Spain. Like its coastal cousin of Valencia, Malaguena paella recipes call for saffron rice, broth, vegetables: including peas, peppers and onion, chorizo or chicken and traditional seafood: prawns, calamari, scallops, etc.
There are many great places to eat in Malaga. While I was there, I dined close to the old historic center in the shopping district, enjoying the modern feel of the stores paired with the old-world dining and architecture.
Another feature of Malaga that I loved was the option for beach dining. After spending a long day on Playa Malagueta, you can take a quick stroll up the sand to one of the many local bars with simple, outdoor seating.
In the past few decades, Malaga has experienced a culinary revolution, where many chefs have taken the traditional style of the Mediterranean influences and refined them into more modern cuisine. International cuisine has also made its way into Malaga, allowing for more variety in eating. I found an interesting blog, "Eating Out in Malaga," that is dedicated to reviewing all types of restaurants in the city. I definitely recommend reading it over for some dining ideas!
GRANADA
If you're a fan of free food, then Granada is the city to be! It is custom in Granada to receive a complimentary tapa upon ordering a drink, something that I fell in love with and absolutely took advantage of once I found out its secret. Many times the tapas will follow a sequence, starting with a small ensalada (salad) and advancing on to meats, cheeses and other tapas that we've highlighted.
Imagine, sitting back and enjoying your free tapas all the while taking in a majestic view of the Alhambra. Oh, and I forget to mention the best part - washing it down with Granada's very own beer, "Alhambra"!
Another interesting dining experience in Granada is to visit a teteria, or teahouse. An Arabic influence from when the Moors occupied Granada, teterias commonly offer an arrangement of teas, coffees and pastries.
There is so much to see and do in Granada. In addition to receiving complimentary tapas, many of the restaurants feature flamenco performances.
Where to Eat in Seville - Eating Out Guide
Guide to Cordoba: Where to Eat
Guide to Malaga: Where to Eat
Eating Out in Granada - Cuisine and Where to Eat in Granada
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