We found out about this place via Tripadvisor- originally we just wanted to check out their olive oil selection and perhaps bring some back home. But once we heard about their food/wine tasting, we made sure that we put forth our best effort in finding this place on our last day in Granada. We actually went there twice- the first time we thought they were closed, but it turns out that we didn't find the right entrance. Anyway, if you want to have the food/wine tasting dinner, you pretty much need to make a reservation ahead of time. (Although we lucked out that evening without one). The place is really small, and won't seat more than 9 people. The tasting is meant to give tourists a sense of what the locals typically eat and drink. The food is simple, fresh, and worth every euro you pay (~30-40 EU/person). You have the option to purchase some of things you get to taste (olive oil, wine, Jamon Iberico, etc.) when the meal is finished. The owner Francisco is a super nice old man who explains every bit of what is brought to your table. We ended up tasting 5 different wines, 3 different olive oils, and so many courses of tasty food (small courses, as it's a tasting) that our meal took roughly 2.5 hours to finish. Don't come here planning to have a fast meal. You need the time to thoroughly enjoy what's placed in front of you. La Oliva is an absolute "Must-visit" if you're in Granada. read more

See all

7 years ago I lived in Granada while I was studying at the university. Before moving back home to Kansas, 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! read more

See all

Francisco and our night at La Oliva was surely the highlight of our Spain experience. Do yourself a favor, call ahead for a reservation, and make the journey for this tasting menu and memorable evening. Great for Kids - We took our 9, 11 and 2 year old with us. Francisco was helpful in providing "games" for the 2 year old, while also customizing the menu as desired for the two older kids (one was heavy on the chorizo, less on the sauces, plus a special trip for ice cream!) Food - 5/5 Through over a dozen small plates, the variety and freshness were unparalleled. A true taste of Spain, starting with a taste test of three different varieties of Spanish Olive oil, showcasing different taste profiles and blends, served simply with bread. The menu is a tasting menu only, driven largely by Francisco's whim, and the availability of fresh/local/in season ingredients. The saffron cream sauce served over hake was silky and beautiful! The charcutterie served was vibrant and immensely tasty, even by the high standards of Spanish tapas. The infused accents on ice cream at dessert added depth and spice to an otherwise elegant treat. Each dish featured few ingredients, but brought together thoughtfully, with care, and made to order. Drink - 5/5 A number of delightful treats accompanied the aforementioned food. A beautiful cava to start, white wine, red wine and a sweet Spanish raisin-based wine complimented the tapas. Carefully chosen and delightful to try. The cava and dessert wines were especially memorable. Experience - 5/5. I felt like I was eating in a friend's kitchen. Francisco was immensely affable. Conversation flowed, and Francisco had already gone out of his way to accommodate us with a last minute reservation request. How lucky we were to have this amazing experience. Value - 4/5. I would have paid double, and only give the slightest of dings because of the number of amazing deals we found throughout Granada. I'd especially heap great praise on the value of the a la carte gift bottles of wine / olive oil we took home with us as gifts. A truly memorable experience, highlighting all that is right about Spanish food, drink and hospitality. Not to be missed- read more

We happened upon this place on a Sunday evening and - with unbelievable luck on our side - a couple had not shown up for their reservation. Francisco welcomed us in and was amazingly accommodating to us and our 8yo. We ended up having the best dinner of our trip here. Make a reservation because this place sits around 10-12 people and feels like you are in Francisco's home and this master chef is cooking just for you. Five different wines and food so good you'll eat and eat and eat til you burst...and then he brings out the 3 courses of desserts, or was it four? Who cares, it was awesome. If you are looking for a unique, authentic Spanish experience, look no further. Prepare to be there several hours and get to know the other guests in this cozy atmosphere. Francisco decides the menu but it's better this way, trust me! read more

The tasting dinner is awesome! I'm so glad we came here last year on our trip to Spain... Do it if you have time! It's a little pricey, but it's so worth it. The hubs and I learned so much about local Spanish cuisine through Francisco, the owner. Francisco is such a cute little old man who really knows his culinary stuff (he does the tastings in English, so don't worry about language barriers). read more

Dinner with Francisco was probably one of my best experiences in Spain. Bought a bunch of his olive oil at his store and brought it back to the States with us, and my family grieves every time we finish a bottle. So delicious! If you are in Granada, this is a must. read more

Best meal of my life!! Actually, this was more of an experience than a meal. Each dish that was presented to us was better than the last. The ambiance was cozy, intimate & warm. The wine & food were amazing. Francisco, the owner, made us feel like we were in his home. He was detailed, funny & a fantastic host. This was our first night in Granada & he really set the bar high for everything else. If you are ever in Granada, you MUST dine at La Oliva! read more

Francisco and his team are amazing! My family and I came around lunch time for our tasting and spent the afternoon at la Olivia. Francisco prepares some incredible meals on a small burner in the back and uses fresh, local ingredients. Easily some of the best food I have ever eaten. Amazing wines, Francisco makes sure that your glasses stay bottomless. Any trip to Granada is not complete without a trip to La Olivia. I wish I could give it 6 stars! And be sure to come hungry! read more