Eating out in Grazalema – The definitive guide to bars and restaurants

For a small village nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Sierra de Grazalema, the culinary scene has Grazalema may be a small mountain village, but there is a surprisingly good choice of places to eat. Traditional restaurants, tapas bars, cafés and more modern gastrobars serve everything from simple local dishes to more contemporary interpretations of Andalusian cuisine.

Eating out is also one of the best ways to experience the character of Grazalema. Local ingredients feature prominently, including mountain cheeses, cured meats, lamb, venison and seasonal produce, while traditional dishes such as sopa de Grazalema and migas serranas remain part of the local food culture.

This guide covers the restaurants, tapas bars and cafés in Grazalema, together with some of the traditional dishes and local products worth looking out for. I’ve included practical information where available, but opening hours and other details can change, so it’s always worth checking before setting out.

Cordero en salsa de manteca colorá is another traditional dish to look out for in Grazalema. It consists of lamb served with a rich sauce made with manteca colorá, a seasoned pork lard. The combination makes for a hearty dish that fits naturally with the traditional mountain cooking of the Sierra.

Estofado de venado is another traditional dish to look out for in Grazalema. This hearty venison stew is cooked with red wine, vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it a particularly warming choice on cooler days. Game meat has a long association with the mountain areas around Grazalema, and venison can still be found on local restaurant menus.

Gastrobars and fine dining

Alongside the traditional restaurants, Grazalema also has a number of more contemporary gastrobars. These offer a change from the classic mountain dishes, with modern takes on tapas and other dishes alongside more familiar local ingredients. They are a useful option if you want to try something a little different while still eating in the village.

Cheese

The Quesos de Grazalema are another important part of the local food tradition. These artisanal cheeses are made using milk from the local Grazalemeña Merino sheep and Payoyo goats. You will often find them served as part of a cheese platter or used in other dishes on restaurant menus, making them well worth trying while you are in Grazalema.

Traditional desserts and pastries

If you have a sweet tooth, Grazalema has plenty of traditional desserts and pastries to try. Look out for sweet potatoes (boniatos) served with honey or syrup, as well as torrija, a type of milk-soaked fried bread that can be served with warm toffee and vanilla ice cream. Local pastries include cubilete, almond cake and amarguillos, traditional almond cookies.

Restaurants, bars and cafés in Grazalema

Here is the definitive guide to eating out in Grazalema, covering the village’s restaurants, tapas bars, cafés and other places to eat. I’ve included the practical details available for each establishment, but remember that opening hours and other information can change, so it’s worth checking before you visit.

Opening hours can change without notice, particularly outside the main season, so check before setting out.

The Villa Turística in Grazalema – El Olivar restaurant

The El Olivar restaurant at the Villa Turística in Grazalema offers a good selection of dishes featuring local products. Among the specialities mentioned are roast lamb, tagarninas revueltas (scrambled eggs with wild thistle), venison in sauce, wild asparagus soup and the traditional sopa de Grazalema.

There is also a selection of desserts, including boniatos (sweet potatoes) cooked, boiled or baked and served with honey or vanilla ice cream, as well as traditional pastries such as cubilete, almond cake and amarguillos.

Want to stay at the Villa Turística in Grazalema? See dates and prices here.

Hotel Fuerte Grazalema – “De La Tierra” restaurant

The De La Tierra restaurant at Hotel Fuerte Grazalema offers guests the opportunity to eat surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema. The restaurant’s name, meaning “from the earth”, reflects its focus on the local setting and cuisine.

Hotel Fuerte Grazalema is located approximately 5 kilometres from the village, making the restaurant an option to consider if you are staying at the hotel or travelling through the area by car.

Check out prices and available dates for the Hotel Fuerte Grazalema at booking.com

Hospedería Casa de las Piedras – Patio San Diego restaurant

Inside the Casa de las Piedras hotel, the Patio San Diego restaurant has a warm, traditional setting, with a fireplace in the dining room and a pleasant patio where guests can eat.

The menu includes a variety of meat dishes, from traditional local stews to more contemporary preparations. There are also fish dishes, including red tuna, together with a selection of rice dishes.

Check out prices and availability at the Hotel Casa de las Piedras here.

Rural hotel Tambor del Llano – La cocina del Tambor

La Cocina del Tambor at the rural hotel Tambor del Llano combines traditional local cooking with a more contemporary approach. The kitchen places an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including lamb and vegetables produced on the property’s own farm.

This farm-to-table approach means that the restaurant can use ingredients raised or grown locally, with the aim of keeping the food fresh and closely connected to its rural setting in the Sierra de Grazalema.

Check out availability and prices for Tambor del Llano over at booking.com

Are there vegetarian options in Grazalema?

Vegetarian options are fairly easy to find in Grazalema, and some dishes can be adapted if you ask. For example, scrambled eggs with asparagus and Iberian ham can usually be prepared without the ham, and other dishes may also be adjusted to suit your requirements.

If you are vegetarian, vegan or have a food allergy or intolerance, the best approach is to explain your requirements when ordering and ask what can be prepared. Local restaurants are generally used to helping customers with dietary preferences and can tell you which dishes are suitable.

Our sister site Ronda Today has a great article for eating out in nearby Ronda if you are a vegetarian! https://www.rondatoday.com/vegetarian-vegan-gluten-free-food-options-in-ronda/

Restaurants, bars and cafés in Grazalema

Here is the definitive guide to eating out in Grazalema, covering the village’s restaurants, bars, tapas spots and cafés.

Opening hours can change without notice, particularly outside the main season, so it’s worth checking before setting out.

Restaurante Cádiz el Chico

Restaurante Cádiz el Chico is in the centre of Grazalema, with two dining rooms as well as a bar area where you can have tapas. The larger dining room includes a patio and can also be used for celebrations and larger gatherings.

The menu includes several traditional dishes from the region, including sopa de Grazalema, lomo en manteca and fried eggs with potatoes and cured meats. Local lamb is another speciality, available as chops or oven-roasted leg. Desserts include the restaurant’s own tarta de bellota (acorn cake) and a goat cheese tart made with Payoyo cheese.

• Location: Plaza de España, 6 (by the church)
• Tel: 956 132 067
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12:30pm to 4:30pm and 8pm till late. Closed on Monday.
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cadizelchico/
• TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.co/Restaurant_Review-g608970-d1004863-Reviews-Cadiz_El_Chico

Gastrobar Cocina de Gaidovar

Cocina de Gaidovar offers a more contemporary take on cooking in Grazalema. The menu includes dishes such as prawn or Iberian ham croquettes and mushroom and La Pastora cheese risotto.

Chef Sergio’s approach is based on traditional recipes combined with different techniques and textures. The menu also reflects his experience abroad, with dishes such as risotto and spaghetti with pesto, pine nuts and Payoyo cheese alongside more traditional ingredients and flavours.

• Location: Plaza de España (next to the church)
• Tel: 672 10 35 22
• Hours: 12pm to 4pm and 7pm to late – Closed Sunday night and Monday
• Web: https://lacocinadelgaidovar.wordpress.com/
• Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.es/Profile/lacocinadelgaidovar
• Instagram: @la.cocina.del_gaidovar

Bar la Plaza

Bar la Plaza, on the Alameda beside Plaza de España, offers a broad menu covering tapas, seafood, cheeses, soups, cod dishes, revueltos, meats, desserts and pastries.

Its location makes it a convenient place to stop for something to eat while exploring the centre of Grazalema, with tables overlooking the surrounding plaza.

• Location: Plaza de España (close to the fountain)
• Tel: 956 132 053
• Hours: 11am to 11:30pm. Closed on Monday.
• Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g608970-d2403038-Reviews-Grazalema_Plaza

Bar Rumores

Café Bar Rumores is located on Plaza de España and serves breakfast, tapas and lunch. The menu includes traditional dishes with a local influence, including soups, salads and locally sourced meats.

Among the meat dishes are secreto (a cut of pork), grilled steak and oxtail, making Bar Rumores another option for trying traditional-style food in the centre of Grazalema.

• Location: Plaza de España (next to the fountain)
• Tel: 695 554 457
• Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 7:30am to 5pm. (Closed Sundays.)
• Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g608970-d3136752-Reviews-Bar_Cafeteria_Rumores

Burger bar Kiboka (sports bar)

Bar Kiboka is a burger and sports bar on Calle Agua, offering burgers and chips in a more casual setting than the village’s traditional restaurants.

The bar has two TVs showing sporting events, with music and a lively atmosphere. It is an option for a casual meal or for watching sport while you’re in Grazalema.

• Location: Calle Agua,10
• Tel: 956 132 313 – 687 554 221
• Hours: 12pm to 11pm (sometimes later). Closed on Thursdays.
• TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g608970-d23910120-Reviews-Bar_KIBOCA

Gastrobar La Posadilla

Gastrobar La Posadilla, on Calle Agua, offers a menu that combines traditional and international flavours. Its location on the small town square makes it a relaxed place to eat while watching the activity around the village.

The menu offers a mixture of dishes rather than focusing solely on traditional Grazalema cuisine, making La Posadilla an option if you want something a little different while eating in the centre of the village.

• Location: Calle Agua,19
• Tel: 654 762 796
• Hours: 12pm to 12am
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087463990659

Tapas bar Casa Martin 1920

Casa Martin 1920 is a small tapas bar near the main plaza where owner-chef Sergio combines carefully prepared small plates with an extensive knowledge of wine. The menu includes a mixture of local products and more contemporary dishes.

Among the dishes mentioned are organic tomatoes with sea salt and olive oil, lomo Ibérico, morcilla with local cheese and sashimi of wild tuna. There is also a selection of fine sherries and desserts such as dark-chocolate turrón.

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with Sergio often sharing stories about the food and wine. The small-plates format makes it easy to choose several dishes to share rather than ordering a traditional main course.

• Location: Plaza de España,18 (across from the UNICAJA bank)
• Tel: 645 382 055
• Hours: 11:30 am to 3:30pm and 6pm to 9:30pm 11:30h – Sunday 12pm to 4pm – Closed Monday
• Web: http://www.martin1920.com/
• Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g608970-d15330215-Reviews-Casa_Martin_1920
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casa_martin_1920/

Restaurante Mesón el Simancon

Restaurante Mesón El Simancón has a traditional tavern-style dining room and an outdoor terrace with views of the Sierra de Grazalema. The menu includes a range of dishes using local ingredients.

Local lamb is one of the specialities, available roasted or as chops, while trout is another traditional option. The menu also includes oxtail stew, venison loin with Pedro Ximénez sauce and piquillo peppers stuffed with seafood.

With its central location beside the large car park at Plaza Asomaderos, El Simancón is also a practical option if you want somewhere to eat close to where you have parked.

• Location: Plaza Asomaderos, 24 (The big car park in the centre of the village)
• Tel: 956 132 421
• Hours: 12pm to 4 pm and 7:30pm to 11 pm – Closed on Tuesdays
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mesonelsimancon
• Instagram: @elsimancon

Restaurante El Torreon

Restaurante El Torreón focuses on traditional dishes and ingredients from the Sierra de Grazalema. The menu includes acorn-fed ham, croquettes, creamed mushrooms, partridge and venison tenderloin.

The restaurant also has a cocktail and drinks lounge on the ground floor, with a large TV showing sporting events, making it an option for both a meal and a drink in the centre of the village.

• Location: Calle Agua, 44
• Tel: 622 252 889 – 956 13 23 13
• Hours: Closed on Wednesdays -12 pm to 4 pm and 7pm to 11pm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantstorreon.grazalema
• Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g608970-d3177714-Reviews-Restaurante_El_Torreon
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restorreon/

On the ground floor the Restaurant El Torreon also has a cocktail and drinks lounge with a huge TV for sporting events.

Bar Zulema II

Bar Restaurante Zulema II serves Spanish and Mediterranean-style food, with a menu that includes local specialities as well as more familiar international dishes for both lunch and dinner.

The bar has an outdoor terrace and a full bar, with table service and the option to make reservations. There is also disabled access and television screens.

• Location: Calle Agua, 4
• Tel: 655 917 476 – 617 68 68 41
• Hours: 12pm to 12am – Closed on Tuesdays
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barzulemagrazalema
• TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g608970-d3135011-Reviews-Bar_Zulema

Gastrobar La Maroma

Gastrobar La Maroma offers a homemade preparation of its high quality food and they also cater for vegetarian, vegan and celiac guests. Indulge in the Gastronomy of Grazalema and experience the delightful evolution of their menu since its opening. With a selection of nearly 60 dishes, including tapas, Iberian products, toasts, homemade salads, and combination plates, Gastrobar La Maroma takes pride in their homemade approach while ensuring the utmost quality of the ingredients.

During weekends, they also introduce specials menus featuring different variations alongside their regular menu, providing an authentic and attractive gastronomic experience for their weekend customers. It is truly a joy for them to offer a wide range of culinary delights at incredible prices without compromising on the first-rate quality they provide.

• Location: Santa Clara (opposite the Guardia Civil and La Mejorana guest house.)
• Tel: 956 13 22 79
• Hours: 1pm to 4 pm and 8pm to 10:30pm – Closed on Mondays
• Web: https://www.lamaromagrazalema.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maromagrazalema/ (Reserve online here)
• Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g608970-d12545035-Reviews-La_Maroma
• Instagram:

Restaurante La Merina Brasa Autoctona

Restaurante La Merina Brasa Autóctona is located up by the public swimming pool and the Mirador del Tajo, with spectacular views across the surrounding mountains. It specialises in grilled meats cooked over oak charcoal from the region.

The menu also brings together other products from Cádiz, including Retinto beef, sea bass from the Barbate estuary, Almadraba bluefin tuna, Barbate preserves, local cheeses and cured meats.

• Location: Avenida Juan de la Rosa, 1 (up by the public swimming pool.)
• Tel: 629 669760
• Hours: Monday to Friday 12:00 to 18:00. Saturday and Sunday 12:00 to 20:00
• Web: https://lamerinagrazalema.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acuerpolimpioarteypasion (Reserve online here)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_merina_brasa_autoctona

Mesón Los Alamillos

A traditional restaurant located approximately 5 km from Grazalema, nestled within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Situated at the Los Alamillos pass, at the crossroads of Ubrique and Ronda, it offers a serene rural setting surrounded by nature. (Its actually right next to the excellent hotel Fuerte! Check prices and availability here.)

The restaurant specializes in Andalusian and regional cuisine, featuring dishes such as roasted lamb, marinated venison, Iberian pork cheeks with mushrooms, and bull’s tail stewed in red wine. Seafood options include confit cod fillet with tomato and basil sauce. Seasonal salads, scrambled eggs, various starters, soups, and fish dishes round out the menu.

Facilities include two indoor lounges with fireplaces, a heated porch, a summer terrace, and private parking. Mesón Los Alamillos serves breakfast, à la carte meals, tapas, assorted dishes, and set menus.
During summer evenings, they often offer barbecues accompanied by live music. The venue is also suitable for various celebrations and provides catering services for events, including tasting menus available by reservation.

The restaurant is open daily, offering breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

• Phone: (+34) 600 06 52 06
• Email: reservas@mesonlosalamillos.com
• Website: mesonlosalamillos.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057602133235

Cafetería Rotacapa

Cafetería Rotacapa is a good option for coffee, breakfast or an afternoon snack. It also has a selection of cakes and a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff, making it a useful stop if you’re looking for something lighter than a full restaurant meal.

Bar Círculo la Unión de Grazalema

Bar Círculo la Unión is a membership club in Grazalema, but the tables on Plaza de España are open to the public. It is a simple place to stop for a drink while enjoying the atmosphere of the main square.

• Plaza de España, 22
• Tel: 630 143 047
• Hours: 10am to 11pm

Bar cafetería la Huella

Bar Cafetería La Huella is mainly open at weekends and is a simple option for coffee, cake or a drink. It is located beside the main Asomaderos car park, making it convenient if you’re arriving in Grazalema by car.

• Avenida Vázquez Pomar, 2 (The main carpark “asomaderos” in Grazalema)
• Tel: 647 887 122 – 617 268 287
• Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays

Bar el Copeo

Bar El Copeo is a local breakfast and drinks bar on Plaza Pequeña, opposite the statue of the bull by the entrance to the car park. It is a straightforward option for breakfast or a drink while you’re in this part of the village.

• Location: Plaza Pequeña. (Opposite the statue of the bull by the entrance to the car park.)
• Tel: 685 143 317
• Hours: 8am to 11pm

Frequently asked questions about eating out in Grazalema

Useful Spanish food and drink terms

A few Spanish words and phrases you may come across when eating and drinking in Grazalema:

• Sopa de Grazalema — traditional soup associated with Grazalema.
• Migas serranas — a traditional mountain dish made with breadcrumbs and ingredients such as garlic, chorizo, bacon or peppers.
• Cordero — lamb.
• Venado — venison.
• Manteca colorá — seasoned pork lard.
• Queso — cheese.
• Jamón — cured ham.
• Tapas — small portions of food, often ordered individually or shared.
• Raciones — larger portions of a dish, usually intended for sharing.
• Revueltos — scrambled eggs cooked with other ingredients.
• A la brasa — cooked over a grill or charcoal.
• Al horno — cooked in the oven.
• Vino blanco — white wine.
• Vino tinto — red wine.
• Cerveza — beer.
• Café — coffee.
• Agua — water.
• Refresco — soft drink.
• La cuenta, por favor — the bill, please.
• ¿Qué recomienda? — what do you recommend?
• Para compartir — to share.
• Sin… — without…

Clive Muir

I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!