Gastronomy in Granada: Tapas Tradition and Haute Cuisine
For decades, Granada has been synonymous with tapa culture: that characteristic tradition whereby, when you order a drink —a beer, a soft drink or a glass of wine— it almost always comes with a free tapa. But in recent years, Granada’s culinary scene has been evolving.
That classic bar tapa is still very much alive, but now it coexists with a more refined, creative, and product-focused cuisine. And the recent award of a Michelin Star to the restaurant Faralá is the best proof of this!
Faralá: A Michelin Star Shines Over Granada
In November 2025, the 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide awarded its first star to Faralá, making it the first restaurant in Granada’s city centre to receive such a distinction. Located on the Cuesta de Gomérez, Faralá is led by chef Cristina Jiménez and offers an “updated take on traditional Granadan recipes” through three tasting menus.
Faralá also pays homage to local culture: its name evokes the ruffles of flamenco dresses, and on its ground floor it houses a wine bar called El Quejío Wine-Bar, where live singing and dance performances are held.
With this Michelin Star, Granada enters both the national and international map of high-quality gastronomy.
Tapas: the Popular Soul of Granada That Lives On
Despite this new turn toward haute cuisine, the tradition of tapas in Granada remains as alive as ever. For our students, one of the best ways to get to know the city is to explore its bars:
Order a drink and enjoy the tapa that comes with it — simple, spontaneous, delicious, and authentic. This experience is part of Granada’s charm: a blend of flavour, tradition, and affordability that makes going out for tapas the perfect option when you don’t want to spend too much.
Ultimately, Granada is no longer just “the city of tapas”: it is also an emerging destination for high-end gastronomy, without losing its accessible and popular essence.
