Where to Eat & Drink

The Lecrín Valley boasts a fantastic array of dining options to suit every taste. Whether you’re craving an ice-cold beer with complimentary tapas, a rich coffee paired with steaming hot churros, or an exquisite meal for a special occasion, you’ll find plenty of inviting places to enjoy delicious local flavors.

You can find restaurants on the Lecrin Tourism association website and we have listed information about bars and restaurants below, conveniently sorted by village.

Below is a selection, recommended by locals sorted by village.

Last updated December 2025

DURCAL

El Molino del Puente/ Biodurcal. Traditional with a twist. This fairly upmarket restaurant serves delicious food using organic and local grown produce. Two lovely areas: a cosy indoor dining room and a large outdoor shaded terrace.

´Menu del día´ at lunch time is amazing value for money.

Necessary to book a table, T: 652 34 50 96

Meson La Buhardilla in the corner of Plaza Magnolios. This lovely intimate restaurant in Dúrcal serves the best of Spanish cuisine. Great service in a traditional restaurant with linen tablecloths. Open all week, Spanish kitchen hours, so lunch from 13.00 until 16.00 and dinner from 20.30. It has a few tables outside where they serve drinks and tapas.

Phone:  958 781 546

Plaza los Magnolios, 1, Dúrcal,

El Zahor – Family run restaurant and hostel. Open all day, every day and also specialises in catering for large parties.  A great selection of traditional Spanish food. Don´t get carried away when ordering as portions are massive!

Open every day 10h a 24h. Phone: 958 780 101

Carretera Bailén-Motril, Dúrcal

Pastelería Cafetería Heladería Flamboyant

Top spot in Dúrcal for a coffee and a slice of cake, all of which are made just across the road – including the giant soufflé bomb. Ice creams and milkshakes very popular in the Summer. I highly recommend the “blanco y negro”, a coffee with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream. The staff here are really friendly; it´s a great place to catch up with friends with seating both inside and out.

Located at the bottom of Dúrcal, just opposite the Parque de la Estación: Calle San Jose 34, Dúrcal

Closed on Mondays but open every other day from 9am until 9pm although they shut for a break between 2 and 3pm.

Phone: 958 78 07 30

Mascarón

A fabulous restaurant in Dúrcal on the way into town. Although unassuming from the street, once inside you´ll find a welcoming buzz, a varied menu and great choice of specials chalked up on the blackboard. There´s also a bar if you´re after no more than a drink and tapa. The waitress is really friendly and service is speedy.

Closed on Tuesdays but open every other day from 11am to 11.30pm

Phone: 604 25 26 39

Calle Comandante Lázaro 54

Bars around the square

There are several bars, such as Bar Central, Mesón Fuera de Juego and Pontichelo, on the main square in Dúrcal which will serve you a decent (yet strong) coffee and tostada or a cool beer with a tapa. The prime attraction is being able to sit on the plaza and watch the Durqueños go about their daily business – parking where they shouldn´t and shouting greetings at one other.

Mercado de San Blas

After sitting abandoned for 15 years, Durcal´s covered market has recently been renovated into a fabulous new gastro-market showcasing the best of local produce. It´s a stylish yet simple space with comfortable seating, exhibitions by local artists and a children´s play corner. The café has a great selection of teas as well as good coffee and there´s an extremely tempting offering of homemade cakes.

Prized local chef Miguel Molina runs the restaurant where he offers an innovative and sumptuous take on classic dishes. There´s also a great selection of wine, craft beers and vermouth.

Prices are a little higher than standard fare, although deservedly so.

Closed on Mondays, open every other day from 9am – midnight

C. de Rocio Durcal, 15, 18650 Dúrcal, Granada

NIGUELAS

Bar Rincón de Miguel ( or Miguel´s)

The sort of place where you stop for a quick beer to quench your thirst and find yourself leaving three hours later! Sit outside on the terrace, soak up the winter sun and enjoy the varied and generous free tapas which come with each drink. A lovely relaxed vibe with a mix of locals, hikers and cyclists at the end of their route, and Granadinos who are spending the day in the Valley.

Open every day except for Thursdays from noon until midnight.

Located at the entrance to the village next to the main car park.

Phone: 667 66 32 97

Alqueria de los Lentos – Lovely restaurant, boutique hotel and spa on the edge of Niguelas, built on the site of a 16C flour mill. Fantastic tapas, cocktails and live music. If you´re here on the first Saturday of the month, there´s a fabulous local artisan´ market which is well-worth a visit.

Phone: 659 91 29 61, Camino de los Molinos, Nigüelas, http://www.alqueriadeloslentos.com

Other bars in Nigüelas…

There is a good choice of tapas bars in the village squares of Nigüelas, in Plaza de la Constitucion (Bar Plaza and La Falla) and then in Plaza Iglesia (Bar Salvador and Café Bar El Molino). Find a free table, and if the tapas is to your liking, stay for another drink! If you can´t drink that quickly, there´s also the option to order a larger ración to share. 

Terraza La Venta

Just opposite the turning to Nigüelas is La Venta, a restaurant in a cortijo hidden amongst olive groves. It is set within extensive grounds with an allotment showcasing bulging tomatoes, clucking hens and a large expanse of grass with tables. Produce is fresh, much of which is grown on-site and some of the tastiest dishes are cooked on hot coals or in the stone pizza oven. A great place to go in summer evenings where there is usually a cool breeze. Ideal for larger groups and families with children.

Opening times vary across the year so best to check before your visit.

Venta del Hoyo, S/N, 18657 Nigüelas Phone: 681 644 439

Restaurant Terraza La Erilla

In the heart of Nigüelas, linked to the Centro de Interpretación Almazara La Erilla, is La Erilla restaurant offering a unique dining experience with high-quality local ingredients crafted by a renowned chef. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and a scenic outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Lecrín Valley and Sierra Nevada. Pair your meal with a carefully selected regional wine. Address: Calle Larga, 36 (where La Tasca used to be)

https://almazaralaerilla.es/restaurante-terraza-la-erilla/

TALARA/LECRIN/Mondujar

Bar Nuevo

Bar Nuevo – Open for breakfast and lunch, this is the place in El Valle for churros. Damián starts frying in his caravan parked on the roadside just outside the bar from 7am, either to take-away or eat in the bar with a gloopy hot chocolate.

At lunch time this is a favourite spot for hearty portions of tapas and raciones as well as a menu with generous sandwiches, burgers and other typical fare. Often frequented by hungry builders – definitely a good sign! There is a covered terrace set back off the road at the front of the bar.

Open from 7am to 5pm, Avenida de la Constitución, 5, Talará, Phone: 958 78 81 57

Restaurante Bar Garvi – This family-owned establishment is the heart of Lecrín.

The bar is on the corner of the main junction in town, next door is the restaurant and across the road is a large terrace. The waiter certainly earns his wage hustling backwards and forwards across the street.

The terrace connected to the bar is the most popular, for coffee, drinks or a full meal. The restaurant is famous for its goat cooked in a garlic sauce – a dish to share, especially given the amount of garlic you´ll be consuming!

Closed on Mondays, Phone: 958 79 50 09- Carretera de Granada, 26, Talará

https://www.restaurantegarvi.com/

Venta Natalio – Pizza restaurant in Talara opposite the petrol station. They also serves drinks accompanied by generous tapas, making it an excellent choice for a couple of drinks or a full meal in an authentic setting.

Calle Granada, 37, 18656 Lecrín, Granada, Spain Phone: +34 958 79 50 82

Café-Bar Albudeiz

Café-Bar Albudeiz is located on Avenida Europa, No. 21, in Mondújar (former Acropolis) This café-bar-restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu that includes breakfasts, brunch, Pizza and homemade desserts. Customers praise the quality of the food and the exceptional service. In summer the large swimming pool at the back of the restaurant is open to the public. Drinks are typically served with complimentary tapas.

Open from 6.00 – 24.00h Closed on Wednesdays

BEZNAR

Leo Beznar – Bar, cafe – Carr. Bailén-Motril, 68, 18656 Lecrín – authentic Spanish roadside bar/cafe with tapas. They also organise charity coffee mornings and theme nights with live music.

Lakeside Chiringuito: The Valley´s very own beach bar is a great space to chill out at the picnic area next to the reservoir. During the Summer it´s open every day and there´s a great programme of live music at the weekends.

Aventura Alpujarras watersportscentre. https://www.aventuraalpujarra.es. (see activities page)

CHITE

In the teeny tiny village of Chite is a little tapas bar off the plaza called La gallega y punto. Open Monday to Saturday 11.30 to 4pm and most evenings from around 6.30pm.

MELEGIS

Restaurant Los Naranjos

A firm favourite. This family-owned bar and restaurant in Melegís has helped put El Valle on the map. Offers both traditional Andalusian dishes, and also more innovative options concocted by the young chef José. Portions and even the plates are huge, especially the meat: the roast chicken is one whole mini chick and the shoulder of pork is of Viking proportions.

At lunch time on weekdays there is a menu del día about which you need to ask. The waiter will read at full speed two or three options for starters, mains and deserts from which you can choose. A good test of your Spanish listening skills! 

The place to go if you are eating with anyone who has food allergies or intolerances, everything is clearly labelled on the menu and 99% of dishes are gluten free.

Essential to book at the weekends and worth doing so during the week in peak season too. If it´s not too hot or cold, request to sit outside on the lovely terrace which overlooks the reservoir.

The kitchens are open from 13.00 until 17.00 and then from 19.30 in the evenings, although it is open from 8.30am for coffee and drinks. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Phone: 958 793 414

Alvirillas de Rondan, 32, Melegís

https://losnaranjosdelvalle.com/

NB Los Naranjos is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Lemon Food take-away

The take-away option from the restaurant of Los Naranjos. Order online and pop by to collect at the back of the restaurant. Delicious and excellent value for money.

Ideal for feeding a crowd, the menu includes pizzas, quesadillas and whole roast chickens.  I challenge you to find nicer patatas fritas in Andalucía – one portion of chips feeds 2 people – And for that gourmet touch, order some spicy peanut sauce on the side – yum! 

Elysium fine dining Restaurant & Luxury Stays

Elysium is the latest standout in the Lecrin Valley’s culinary scene. After three years of meticulous preparation, Chef Michael Sandoval and his partner Jasmijn Saft, have opened this fabulous hotel and restaurant in Melegís which offers an exceptional gastronomic experience.

Diners can enjoy tasting menus featuring 12 thoughtfully crafted “moments,” each showcasing remarkable techniques, breathtaking presentation, and unforgettable flavors. Every dish is a masterpiece, thoughtfully curated with the finest ingredients and an exquisite balance of flavors. Whether you’re a connoisseur of haute cuisine or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Elysium certainly delivers.

The restaurant is refreshingly unpretentious, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the attentive team, who make you feel completely at ease.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday in the evenings, and Sundays at lunch. With no more than 25 covers, you certainly need to book your table in advance. 

Phone and Whatsapp: 689 50 97 92 Menu: elysiumlecrin.com

La Tabernilla

This locals´ bar, tucked away in the heart of Melegís, is well worth a visit. Irene offers a warm, welcome along with ice-cold beers, a choice of wine – including one from her family´s vineyards in the Valley – and copas and cocktails. Whatever you choose will be accompanied by generous and freshly prepared tapas, with vegan and gluten free options available. In the mornings, you can enjoy a coffee and toast, while at lunchtime and in the evenings there are sharing plates and sandwiches.

You’ll find it in the Casa de la Cultura, right next door to the doctor’s surgery. Take your pick from a seat at the bar, a table in the covered patio, or if it´s sunny (but not scorching) one of the tables which spills out onto the pavement.

Opening hours vary according to the season. At the time of writing, closed on Tuesdays. To be sure, check the bar´s Instagram @latabernilladelvalle.

C/Fuente 9, Melegís

RESTABAL

Mesón La Despensa del Valle, also known as Bar Jovi, is a traditional family-run bar/restaurant in the heart of Restábal, located at 5 Calle Santa Ana. As you drive through Restábal toward Pinos del Valle, you’ll spot the restaurant’s sign on the left. It’s best to park at the top of the village and walk down. Outside, you’ll find barrels and tables perfect for enjoying a tapa or two, while inside, there’s a spacious dining room and bar.

The tapas are generous, and they offer an excellent daily menu as well as a diverse à la carte selection. Guests praise the high-quality homemade food and the warm, friendly service. The menu-del-dia on weekdays is great value for money with a starter, main course, and dessert.

The restaurant has earned an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 400 reviews, reflecting high customer satisfaction.

Phone: 958 793 531. NB: closed Sundays and public holiday.

Café Bar Azahar opened its doors in July 2025, and is open for breakfast, coffee, lunch and evening drinks with generous tapas. It has a cozy atmosphere and great exterior terrace along the main road in the village, a favourite stop for hikers, bikers and neighbours catching up. Dogs are allowed on the terrace. Closed on Wednesdays.

SALERES

Local village bar with a large exterior terrace. Ideal for a coffee, or drinks with tapas, Ideal stop after one of the many hiking and mountainlike routes in that area or the famous Barranco de La Luna. Especially the mojitos made by the Cuban owner are praised.

PINOS DEL VALLE

Bar Venecia at Calle Eras, 42, (Google Map) is the main restaurant in Pinos, off the main road set up on a terrace. Great soups and menu del dia as well as coffee, drinks and tapas. Call +34 958 79 35 40.

Origen del Valle – Open weekends. Tel: +34 658 614290. www.Instagram.com/origen.elvalle

One of the newest bars in the Valley, this lakeside, spacious terrace bar is very cool, patronised by the local well-heeled of the province, including some well-known Spanish actors. A brilliant place with live music at the weekends and a cool vibe.

CONCHAR

Bar Huertecilla – Great little bar/restaurant in a steep little street of Conchar – Calle Huertecilla, 4. +34 958 77 71 21. Varied selection of simple, but good quality traditional Spanish food. Great value and Menu del Día.

Las Alberquas de Conchar – family run restaurant and hotel in Conchar. Calle Huertecilla, Nº 7 – Conchar, Granada – 18659. Teléfono: 958 777 105 / 626 58 63 70, albercasdeconchar@hotmail.es, http://www.albercasdeconchar.es/. Traditional Spanish home cooking.   Very popular. Lovely setting. Open daily 1pm-10pm

Estación de servicio La Loma

What an honour to be able to recommend the Lecrin Valley´s service station for its food! Good for a coffee, large glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice and enormous toasts for breakfast. The lunchtime menu del día is copious and in the evening there´s a good choice of well-priced food. Speedy and smiling service and worth a stop even if you don´t need petrol. Adjoins the Repsol petrol station at exit 153 off the A44 heading towards Cónchar.

Hacienda Señorio de Nevada 

Hacienda Señorio de Nevada is a state-of-the-art modern bodega just off the motorway on the way into Conchar. The vineyards are in a stunning location with a backdrop of the majestic Sierra Nevada.

As well as being able to buy and taste fabulous wines, there is a hotel and superb restaurant.  The creative menu and beautifully presented food make this a great venue to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself to a fantastic meal. Be aware that the starters are huge so consider sharing, or even foregoing, in order to save space for the pudding.

Phone: 958 777 092 Carretera de Cónchar, 18659, https://www.senoriodenevada.es

ALBUÑUELAS

Cafe / Bar Aré in Albuñuelas is a very popular bar and terrace right on the Plaza Ayuntamiento. Drinks and free tapas, great breakfasts and a lovely place to watch the world go by, with a little bit of excitement from the Dominos games of the locals! Phone: +34 667 74 81 44.

Tres Lindes – Calle Cruz Colorada, 1, Albuñuelas. +34 958 77 62 79 Closed Wednesdays. Lots of great local food and wine plus regular live music and BBQ.

PADUL

There are lots of small restaurants in Padul serving great Tapas and meals,  many of which are on the Avenida de Andalucia – the main road that runs from the old Granada road -N323 – into the heart of town. Good ones include La Estación, La Cañita, Terraza Punto y Coma and Elisabeth & Voulevant Galician Bodega.

D’Amilia is one of the larger restaurants serving a variety of local cuisine – on the way down into Padul town.  Outdoor terrace, garden and bar for tapas and drinks.  Not the cheapest, but good quality and something for everyone. Av. Andalucia Nº 148 Padul. Teléfono: 958 790 147, info@damiliarestaurantes.com, http://www.damiliarestaurantes.com/

K2 pub – great for watching the processions of Semana Santa. Basic meals, good tapas and raciones.  Open daily until late.  Av. de Andalucía, 162, 18640 Padul.

Pizza Santa

On the edge of Padul´s industrial estate, this is a surprising location for a smart, bright, modern pizza restaurant. Ingredients are fresh, many are sourced locally and everything is made in the open kitchen with the vast wood-fired oven. Pizzas are excellent and pasta and burgers also look tempting.  And you won´t be disappointed with either the pannacotta or the tiramisu for pudding.

Carr. Bailén-Motril, 68, 18640 Padul, Granada Closed on Monday´s and Tuesday´s.

LANJARON

If you decide to pop up into the hills then there are loads of small restuarants, cafes and bars in Lanjaron.

La Casita de Papel is a good local bar and restaurant on the way into Lanjaron on the left hand side. Next to a fresh water fountain and on the left near an Arabic arch. Food is a little bit creative and out of the ordinary and all the better for it. Barranco Adelfas, s/n – local, 18420 LANJARÓN (Granada). E-mail: lacasitadepapel@hotmail.com, Teléfono: 958 770 028.  http://www.lacasitadepapel.es Closed on wednesdays

The Alcadima Hotel serves fabulous, high quality food. Lunch in their glassed orangery with an outlook onto their gardens and the Arabic castle beyond is recommended. It’s at the end of a small street on the right just after you’ve driven through Lanjaron as far as the small traffic island and continued along the main street. https://www.alcadima.com C/ Francisco Tarrega, 3. 18420 Lanjarón. 671 517 257, (+34) 958 77 08 09. 

GRANADA

Too many to name really. The city is awash with great tapas bars, restaurants and cafes.

Check out Tripadvisor’s top rated restaurants in Granada HERE.

For the Views:

Las Estrellas Mirador San Nicolas. Callejon Atarazana Vieja, 1, 19010 Granada. 958 288 739. Beautiful views across to the Alhambra.

Mirador De Aixa – Overlooking the Alhambra – ideal for something special. www.miradordeaixa.com. Closed Mondays. Open dinner only.

Also if you fancy a Tapas Tour – contact Gayle at enquiries@granadatapastours.com  or have a look at the website www.granadatapastours.com. She’s great and will take you to all the good places. Doesn’t have to be a big tour – just you and your friends or family is all that’s required and the lovely Gayle for all her local foodie/Granada knowledge and great company!