Cordoba Food: Ultimate Foodie Guide

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Looking to indulge in the local cuisine during your visit to Cordoba? You’re in luck! The city has a rich culinary tradition that combines local ingredients and Moorish influences. From refreshing soups to hearty stews, and from crispy fried dishes to savory tapas, there’s something for every taste bud.

Here’s a guide to the must-try local foods and best places to eat in Cordoba, plus tips for eating out in Cordoba.

Must-Know Tips for Eating in Cordoba

Food culture in Spain is quite different from elsewhere in the world, and if you’re like me, eating out in Spain for the first time can be a bit of a culture shock! Here are some tips for eating out on Cordoba.

Meal times in Cordoba

Get ready to shift your meal times. In Cordoba (similar to the rest of Spain), lunch happens later typically from 2.00pm onwards. If you see people in restaurants and bars at 1.00pm, don’t be surprised to see them just having a drink and maybe a tapa.

But don’t worry, if you’re really hungry, there will be restaurants that serve lunch at the “usual” time for us non-Spanish folks. If you want to lunch early, it’s a good idea to ask the waiter if the kitchen is already open when you sit down. Another thing to note is that many restaurants close their kitchens from 4.00pm onwards before they open again for dinner.

But before dinner, there’s merienda, the afternoon coffee and snack. This usually happens between 5.00pm and 6.00pm and it’s a good time to take a break from your sightseeing and relax for a bit. Spaniards usually have a cafe solo which is just an espresso so if you want milk, ask for a cortado (for just a little milk) or a cafe con leche (for a “normal” cup).

And dinner in Spain also runs late. Dinner in Cordoba happens from 9.00pm to 11.00pm but there will be places that serve dinner early as well.

Tapas in Cordoba

There’s a vibrant tapas culture in Cordoba that you shouldn’t miss! In Andalucia, some tapas bars still follow the tradition of giving a free tapa with every drink ordered so don’t be surprised if your cerveza (beer) comes with one. For complimentary tapas, you usually don’t get to choose but you do get a different one with each subsequent drink.

The best way to enjoy tapas is to try a little bit of everything. In my experience, five or six tapas are good when shared between two people (you can always order more if you’re still hungry or really liked something!).

Sometimes you’ll see a food item listed as a media racion (half-portion) or racion (portion). This is a bigger portion than a tapa and works best as a shared dish.

Many of the cordoba food mentioned below are available as tapas or raciones.

What to Eat in Cordoba: Breakfast

A typical Cordoban breakfast is coffee with tostada. There are endless varieties of tostada but if you want to go classic, you won’t go wrong with tostada con tomate (toasted bread with a thin layer of tomate and a generous drizzle of olive oil) or tostada con jamon (toasted bread with a topping of Spanish ham).

Go with a media (just one half of the loaf) if you’re just perking or size up to entera for both sides of the loaf. Complete your meal with a coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice for the perfect start to your day in Cordoba.

Most bars and cafes will serve tostadas. For breakfast close to the Mezquita, check out Aromas Cafe.

Cordoba Food You Must Try: Tapas, Lunch & Dinner

All right, it’s now time for the main event: here’s a list of must-try Cordoba food. They’re a mix of Spanish favorites as well as regional dishes that are specific to Andalucia. If you’re able to try even a handful of dishes on this list, it’s well worth it!

Salmorejo

You’re probably familiar with gazpacho but chances are this Andalucian take on a Spanish classic is new to you. This refreshing cold soup is made from tomatoes, bread, garlic, and olive oil. It’s similar to gazpacho but thicker and creamier and is made with sherry wine.

Salmorejo is usually topped with a hardboiled egg and jamon but they can be omitted so this is a great dish to try if you’re vegetarian or vegan.

You can find it on the menu at most restaurants in Cordoba but I recommend trying it at Casa Pepe de la Judería or Casa Rubio.

Flamenquín

For a decadent treat that’s unique to Cordoba, try flamenquín. Think serrano ham, rolled in pork loin and cheese, then breaded and fried. Just the sound of it is yummy!

This is a popular tapa that you can find in many bars in Cordoba. Try it at El Paseo Iberico. Cafe-Bar Hermanos Bonillo is another spot that has legendary flamenquin in the city.

Rabo de Toro

This oxtail stew is slow-cooked with wine, vegetables, and spices until it’s meltingly tender. It’s a local delicacy that shouldn’t be missed and it’s one of my personal favorites. I love mopping up the gravy with bread – so much flavor!

Try Rabo de Toro at Taberna Salinas or El Caballo Rojo. It’s usually served as a racion. You won’t regret it!

Berenjenas Fritas con Miel

This dish of fried eggplant with honey is a classic Andalusian dish, and Cordoba has some of the best. I was skeptical when I first saw this… somehow the combination of eggplant and honey sounded weird.

But spoiler alert: it’s amazing and totally addictive. I ordered it many times in Andalucia!

This sweet and savory combination is a popular tapa in Cordoba. You can try it at Taberna El Número Uno, a cozy tavern in the historic center.

Ajo Blanco

With the hot hot weather in Cordoba, it shouldn’t be a surprise that cold soups are on the menu here. An alternative to salmorejo, this cold soup is made from almonds, bread, garlic, and olive oil.

It has a different taste and texture from tomato-based soups and is worth trying. You can find it at most restaurants. Try it at El Churrasco or La Siesta.

Cogollos al Ajillo

This dish sounds deceptively simple: lettuce hearts and garlic. But it packs a ton of flavor!

Often served as a side dish or as part of a tapas spread, this showcases the simplicity and freshness of traditional Spanish cuisine. The garlic adds a pungent flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the lettuce. I particularly enoy it as a side dish to meat dishes.

You can try cogollos al ajillo and other traditional Spanish dishes at Restaurante El Churrasco in the historic quarter.

Croquetas

Croquetas are, to me, the best tapa — easy to eat, always delicious, and comes with various fillings. They’re just little deep-fried balls of happiness!

Mushrooms, cod, chicken and ham are common fillings but if you can, you should definitely try rabo de toro croquetas. One tapa won’t be enough so feel free to try a few flavors. Head to Taberna El Abanico for rabo de toro croquetas. (You’re welcome!)

Caracoles

If you’re more adventurous when it comes to food, then a Cordoba food you have to try is caracoles aka snails.

They come into season in the springtime and they’re a local fave. In late February, little stalls pop up all over town, serving snails soaking in a flavorful broth. So if you’re here during that time, pull up and get a cup of caracoles and have this local experience.

Check out Caracoles Los Patos, which is an award-winning food stand which serves different-sized snails in various broths.

Pastel Cordobés

Don’t leave Cordoba without having dessert! This traditional dessert is a sweet pastry is filled with spaghetti squash, sugar, and almonds. It may seem an unlikely combination for dessert but the end result is super delicious.

You can find it at Confitería Roldán, a bakery that has been around for over a century.

Montilla Moriles Wine

Wash down these amazing Cordoba food with local wine and give Montilla Moriles a try.

Similar to a sherry, Montilla Moriles is made in the province of Cordoba and locals are justifiably proud of it. Unlike its sherry cousin, this wine is made with the Pedro Ximenez grape and is not fortified. But like sherry, it also comes in different flavors and varieties so there’s bound to be one you’ll like.

This local wine isn’t imported much so your best bet is to try some when you’re in Cordoba… and maybe get a bottle or two for home!

Best Places to Eat in Cordoba

Now that I’ve whetted your appetite, you might be wondering what are the best places to eat in Cordoba. I’ve already mentioned a few of the best tapas bars and restaurants in Cordoba above but here are more recommendations on where to eat.

Casa Pepe de la Judería: Located in the historic Jewish Quarter, this restaurant is a favorite with both tourists and locals. Expect classic Andalucian and Cordoban dishes while in a traditional local house. If you can, get a table on the rooftop for the best views.
Bodegas Guzman: If you want to try the local Montilla Moriles wine, Bodegas Guzman is the place to go. Get a glass or two straight from a barrel and fortify your stomach with some local dishes while you’re at it.
Taberna Salinas: Get some of the best tapas in Cordoba in this tavern that’s decorated in a local style. You’ll find most of the food items I’ve mentioned in the Cordoba food to try, so here’s your chance to tick them off the list.
El Rincón de Carmen: With a menu full of Andalucian classics, you’ll get a great sense of the local cuisine at this restaurant in Cordoba. The best part is the setting: a Cordoba-style patio!
La Sastrería: For a modern twist on old faves, check out La Sasteria. They blend international influences on Spanish dishes in surprising and delicious ways! If the weather’s good, opt for a table in their pretty terrace.
Noor Restaurant: If you’re ready for a splurge, head to the two Michelin-starred Noor for a modern fine-dining Andalucian meal that’s influenced by the city’s Moorish heritage. Your palate will embark on an adventure it won’t soon forget!
Mercado Victoria: Prefer a more laid-back eating experience? Check out Mercado Victoria, a lively food market that’s home to various food stalls. I love the variety here and it’s a great choice for groups or families as you can try many different things.

Try a Cordoba Food Tour!

Getting to know the local food scene is an awesome way to get to know a city. Before I did food tours, I was a bit doubtful about them but now I think they’re great and I’d love to do more of them! On a food tour, you’ll learn how about local dishes, the local food culture, and local recommendations for the best dishes and restaurants. They’re also a great way to meet other travelers!

So if you’re a foodie or you just want to eat your way through the city, here are some Cordoba food tours to check out:

Tapas Tour in Cordoba: Part walking tour, part food tour, you’ll explore Cordoba’s Old Town and learn more about the city’s interesting history. Along the way, you’ll stop by three tapas bars where you’ll sample some local faves
Evening of Local Wine Tasting: Join your guide in a local wine shop where you’ll sample four varieties of Montilla Moriles, paired with some tapas. This is a great interactive way to learn about Cordoba’s wine history and culture.
Cooking Class & Market Tour: If you prefer to get a bit more hands-on, check out this cooking class where you’ll learn how to prepare a three-course Spanish menu. You’ll also get a taste of local shopping with a visit to Corredera Food Market to buy ingredients for your meal.

Cordoba Food: Frequently Asked Questions

What food is Córdoba famous for?

Here are 3 suggestions for local Cordoba food to try: salmorejo (cold tomato soup similar to gazpacho), flamenquín (ham rolled in pork loin, breaded and deep fried), and rabo de toro (delicious oxtail stew, best enjoyed with some bread).

I’m vegetarian. What Cordoba food can I eat?

While there are many meat dishes in Cordoba, there’s also a surprising variety of items that are suitable for vegetarians such as:

Salmorejo (ask to leave off the ham topping)
Croquetas (there’s usually a veggie option such as mushrooms or spinach)
Berejenas con miel (delicious, crispy eggplant fritters with honey)
Ajo blanco (a cold soup made of almonds, bread, garlic)
Cogollos al ajillo (lettuce/romaine hearts)

Many restaurants also indicate vegetarian/vegan items on their menu. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your waiter as they may be able to request the kitchen to prepare vegetarian versions of certain dishes.

What are the best tapas in Cordoba, Spain?

When in Cordoba, don’t miss trying rabo de toro, a rich oxtail stew with tender meat just falling off the bone. For a veggie option, try berenjenas con miel which is fried eggplant fritters with a drizzle of honey. You also can’t go wrong with croquetas (small deep-fried balls filled with a filling and mashed potatoes or bechamel sauce).

What is the traditional drink in Córdoba?

Montilla Moriles wine, which is produced in the province of Cordoba, is a popular drink with the locals. It’s similar to sherry but isn’t fortified and it is made from a different grape. This wine isn’t imported much so be sure to try it when you’re in Cordoba!

For more on Cordoba

Liza S.

Liza’s love affair with Spain began when she started taking Spanish language classes. Since then, she regularly travels to Spain to explore new places and discover new things to love about this gorgeous country. This travel blog is her way of sharing her love of Spain and helping you plan your dream Spanish holiday!