7 years ago I lived in Granada while I was studying at the university. Before moving back home to…read moreKansas, I bought presents for family and friends. My dad is into cooking and fine ingredients, so I had to get him some high quality olive oil from Granada. The only problem was that I knew nothing about olive oil. Luckily enough, I walked up calle Varela everyday from my Residencia to the Centro de Lenguas Modernas where my classes were. On this walk, I saw the sign for La Oliva down one of the small side streets almost every day. After months of this routine, I finally dropped in to La Oliva to see if it could help me find the olive oil I wanted to get my dad.
Upon entering, I met the owner Francisco and he carefully taught me about the differences between the different olive oils and sent me on my way with three unique bottles of oil to give my dad. This impressed upon me such a positive experience because it was so rare in Spain that someone would have the patience to talk to me and teach me about the things in their store.
After 7 years hiatus, I just returned to Granada, bringing my brother to show him the sites and to tour southern Spain. Remembering my experience at La Oliva, I decided to drop by again and see if the store was still there, and to buy more olive oil and other authentically regional gifts for friends and family.
What a pleasant surprise! Not only was the store still there, but Francisco greeted us with a friendly smile and a genuine delight to have the opportunity to teach us about olive oil and other regional products. Upon telling him that I'd returned after 7 years, he shook my hand and gave me his genuine thanks!
He promptly sat us down and told us he had to go buy some bread so that we could taste the different olive oils. So, we waited while he ran down the block to the panaderia. He returned and gave us samples of 4 different olive oils and sat with us answering our questions about the differences in the oils. He proved incredibly knowledgeable, explaining the differences between organic and conventional oils, why olive oil is so cheap in Spanish groceries, and how the weather and landscape affects the taste of the olives.
La Oliva and Francisco are the real deal. If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere in which you can purchase authentic regional products from Granada and the south of Spain, this is the place to go. Francisco speaks Spanish slowly and in a clear voice and even speaks a fair amount of English as well (he told us that he studied English in Oxford, England several years ago).
Beyond olive oil, he also sells turron (regional sweet typically eaten around the winter holidays/festivals), sherry, wine, and a number of produce items. In addition, he also does some catering and private dinner events in the store. While I haven't eaten there, I bet the food would be superb.
I cannot recommend this place enough as I think it is perfect for tourists and Spaniards alike who want to learn about and purchase authentic regional specialties. Most importantly, I cannot recommend this place enough because if it's another 7 years before I get the chance to return, I sincerely want La Oliva to still be there!
