Somehow, Europe has not embraced the culture of Yelp and flocks by the thousands instead to Google reviews. Nonetheless, this excellent establishment deserves recognition, and hopefully will catch the stray eye of an American in Granada.
Located in the historic Parador hotel, this restaurant provides excellent food, an unbelievable price, and a historic ambiance that puts your meal at the crossroads of Nasrid Moor and Castilian cultures on the steps of the final fortress against the Reconquista.
I want to highlight the Nasrid tasting menu (39€, $40 Jan 2025), as well as its guided printed menu (see photos). After a succulent soup amuse-bouche, this guided tour de force began with a rich, saffron and spice soup filled with meat and grains. Accompanying this was a poultry briwat filled with minced meat, dates and raisins, all surrounded by a flaky pastry. Following was a spicy crusted sea bass atop vegetables that paired perfectly and was incredible. A somewhat unremarkable stewed veal proceeded but this was cut with sour apple and aubergine for an excellent combination. Finally a boiled fruit, pastry, and myrtle-berry ice cream (made from berries harvested from the trees surrounding the Alhambra) completed the meal with a light decadence.
It is criminal this restaurant wasn't filled to the brim the Sunday night we attended. This tasting menu is easily worth at least $125 - if not $200 - rather than a paltry $40 we paid. While the exchange rate and season were in our favor, this is unquestionably one of the greatest value finds in my Yelp career. A special word must also be made for the Childrens menu - where for 16€ a child can have a generous four course meal of their own - complete with two scoop ice cream sundae.
Language barrier notwithstanding, the service was polite and attentive. I encourage all visitors to stroll around the historic Parador hotel as well to find amazing views of the Generalife, a well preserved cloister, and the original burial site of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, founders of Spain. History beneath your feet.
Restaurante del Parador, and in particular its established Nasrid tasting menu, is a tour de force and a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable taste of the last morsels of Moorish Spain at an incredible price.
Food: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Value: 5/5 read more