The ISA JournalHidden Gems for Food, Drinks, and Views in Granada

When you first arrive in a new city, it can be so hard to filter through all the restaurants and bars to find a place you like. And when you are abroad, you definitely want to make sure the places you visit are worth your time and money! If you are looking for some fun places to try, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite spots for drinks, food, and sweets. Some made the list because of great taste and some because of great atmosphere and views, but all are definitely worth checking out while you are in Granada! 

Bohemian Jazz Cafe

When you only stay somewhere for one month, you don’t get to frequent many places. But when I discovered Bohemian Jazz Cafe, it instantly became one of my favorite places for a night out! After you walk through its unassuming exterior, you are met with walls of books, antique music memorabilia, and live jazz music. Our table was even made from an old piano!

Accompanying their cozy atmosphere is an extensive drink menu with cocktails, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks. My favorite was the Teddy, an ice cream cocktail with coconut and chocolate flavor. So decadent and refreshing! This cafe is well-known among locals, and I highly recommend checking it out for some drinks after dinner. People were always hanging out and chatting until their closing time at 2 a.m.

Teteria Marrakech

Teteria Marrakech is a Moroccan restaurant and a great place to take a break from Spanish food and sample some cuisine from North Africa. Given the long period that the Moorish people ruled Granada, Moroccan culture is still very prevalent in Granada. Teteria Marrakech has a beautiful terrace and, as you may have guessed from the name, has an excellent selection of tea. Each one comes with a little teapot and cup for a very fun experience!

Most of all, though, Teteria Marrakech made my list because of its location—just a street away from Mirador de San Nicolàs. This mirador (lookout) is also one of my favorite places in Granada, as it offers spectacular views of the Alhambra. To catch it at sunset is simply amazing and a must during your trip!

There are restaurants right on the Mirador, but their prices reflect their prime location (aka too high for my study abroad budget). If you want to experience dining by the mirador at sunset without breaking the bank, Teteria Marrakech is the place to go! You can still see the mountains from the terrace, and you’ll be able to hear the flamenco music coming from street performers at the Mirador while you dine.  

Los Italianos and Grillo

I put these next two together because they were my two favorite places for ice cream and gelato in Granada. Los Italianos is my all-time favorite pick! Its small storefront is inconspicuous, but the gelato is the best I’ve ever had! Once inside, you will see that Los Italianos brings a very old-fashioned, classy ice cream parlor vibe.

Don’t be surprised if you don’t see heaps of decorated gelato in the store, though. In fact, a good tip wherever you are traveling is that this kind of gelato, although beautiful to look at, is usually a tourist trap and not the best you can find.  My favorite flavors at Los Italianos were the raspberry (tasted just like eating an actual raspberry!) and nata, a whipped cream flavor we don’t really have in the States but is so creamy and delicious. 

I have to include Grillo on my list, too, mostly because of their chocolate orange flavor.  Chocolate orange is one of my favorite flavor combinations, and Grillo does it really well with a rich chocolate ice cream and ribbons of sweet orange marmalade. They also offer a gluten-free ice cream cone, which, as someone who eats gluten-free, was a sweet bonus since I often miss the experience of walking around with an ice cream cone (a dish just isn’t the same…). Grillo also serves ice cream, so it’s a good choice for anyone who prefers that over gelato. 

Hotel Alhambra

I saved the best place for last!  Located waaay up the hill by the famous Alhambra, this hotel has AMAZING views over the city. The hotel is a little fancier, so this place is more expensive than the others on this list, but the view and experience are worth paying for.

We came here for a special night out on our last day in Granada for drinks and dessert after dinner. Looking out over the city while reminiscing our favorite moments during the trip is a memory I definitely cherish.  If you want to visit, you can make reservations online. They have a restaurant with elaborate decorations resembling the design of the Alhambra, and a terrace with a panoramic view of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Go at sunset to enjoy the rosy colors reflecting on the mountains and the city lights at night. Be ready for a hike getting up and down from the hotel, though.  Or, if steep hills aren’t your thing, you can always call a taxi to get you back to the city center. 

I hope you enjoyed this short list of my favorite places in Granada! Spain has an amazing culture of going out and trying local cuisine, drinks, and sweets, so happy exploring and enjoying.

Braxton Brown is a student at Edgewood College and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is doing a service-learning program with ISA in Granada, Spain.