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Latest update: 12 March 2025
I have the impression that there are more restaurants and bars in Cádiz than there are houses. Lots of tapas bars, and lots of international cuisines. So it’s basically impossible to eat everywhere and give you a complete overview. But I’ve tried quite a few places for you, and the ones below have made it onto my list of favorite restaurants and bars in Cádiz!
Upscale coffee: Café Royalty
It’s not hard to see where the name Café Royalty comes from. When you step inside, it almost feels like walking into a palace. Elegant beige chairs, white tablecloths, gold details and ornaments on the ceiling, mirrors, and paintings on the wall: welcome to Café Royalty. You can also dine here, but they are known for the picatostes: fried, sweet bread with lots of powdered sugar. One serving I think is enough to share between the two of us with the (unfortunately) mediocre coffee. The service isn’t fantastic either, but oh well. I came here for the setting and the picatostes. Chances are you’ll have to wait in line for a while, as it is pretty popular.
Coffee bar El café de Ana
At El café de Ana, you’ll feast your eyes. It is colorful and overcrowded. No spot on the wall is left unused. So, even if you’re sitting outside on the terrace, go inside for a little while. El Café de Ana has three locations in Cadiz. I’ve been to the one on Calle Nuevo, but the interiors of the other two are probably similar. The menu here is simple and affordable. There are sandwiches, croissants, pancakes, and even eggs benedict. I stick to a Spanish breakfast with a coffee and only have to pay €4.50.
Breakfast spot: Bokallena
For breakfast near the Playa de la Victoria beach, Bokallena is the place to be. The people in the neighborhood know that, too, because it is always busy. There’s a good chance you’ll have to wait for a table. The decor is modern, and the service is reasonably fast. Except for one waitress, she doesn’t want to speak English or deal with our limited Spanish and goes out of her way to avoid us.
La Bodeguita de Plocia
La Bodeguita de Plocia is a tapas bar where you eat amidst the Spaniards. The portions are large, and the service is attentive. The Calle Plocia this tapas bar sits on is a good bet if you’re looking for food. It is full of restaurants and bars, so if La Bodeguita doesn’t have a spot for you, you’ll quickly find something else.
Freiduria Marisquería Las Flores
For a quick snack or simple lunch, Freiduria Marisquería Las Flores offers all kinds of fried fish. Have it inside or order it in a bag at the counter if it’s too busy. Because it will be busy. The Spaniards also like to go there because it is reasonably priced for good fish.
Empanadas Malvón
Another snack tip: the empanadas from Empanadas Malvón. An empanada is a dough filled with, for example, cheese or chicken and then it gets deep fried. At Empanadas Malvón, they have many different ones, and they experiment with unique flavor combinations.
Tip! Wondering what else there is to do in the city? Of course, I’ve written down my tips for Cádiz for you!
Tapas: La Tapería de Columela
In the heart of downtown Cádiz, you’ll find tapas bar La Tapería de Columela. I always think this is a great spot for some tapas and a glass of wine: service is quick and there are plenty of options. Is it the best tapas you’ll ever eat? No, the food is all served rather casually, but that fits with the informal atmosphere. I recommend this tapas bar primarily for a snack and drinks, not for a dinner.
Taberna Almarcén
On a sunny afternoon, you’re in the perfect spot for lunch at Taberna Almarcén. This small establishment is located next to the Cádiz market, where it serves delicious tapas. It also offers some tapas that you don’t see everywhere, like a wonderful beetroot salmorejo (a cold, thick beetroot soup) and superb tuna. In addition to tapas, it has larger dishes on the menu—I’ll have to try those next time!
Luxury dinner: Código de Barra
Reserve one evening in Cádiz for a luxurious dinner. And then go to Código de Barra. This restaurant (owned by a Dutchman by the way) is so good! The Gadir menu is no less than 13 courses (for 70 euros) and it’s very surprising. The service knows how to explain in detail what is on our plate and is at the table in no time to pour water and wine. It is a bit of a fancy restaurant where it can feel like a museum sometimes, but the food… yum!
ETTU
A simple dinner at ETTU turned out quite differently than expected. We had misjudged just how fancy this beautiful place is. Waiter Manuel personally welcomes us and pours an aperitif. Okay, tonight we’re going all-in. And the food here is really delicious too. Beautifully prepared, beautifully presented, and the dining room is also cozy and warm. The tuna tartare on bone marrow is highly recommended, and the pistachio dessert is delicious too. So make sure to leave some room. By the way, ETTU is located in the Olom boutique hotel, which also looks absolutely gorgeous on Booking.
More Spain inspiration?
Helpful links for your Spain trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always a popular choice. But you could also check Homecamper | campspace or Hostelworld for more options. HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. You can also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk and try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Bus and train. If you want to travel by bus or train to or in Spain, Busbud and Omio are excellent companies for planning your transportation.
- Boat. You can take a boat from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, or take a ferry between the islands. Check out the options at Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Spain.
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First published: May 2023. The article has been updated since!
