Cadiz cuisine draws much from Phoenician, Roman and Moorish influences to produce a rich and sumptuous Andalusian dining experience.
Craving for authentic Andalusian cooking? Cadiz has plenty to offer. As Cadiz is close to the sea, its cuisine is predominantly about seafood. Cadiz offers savoury servings of oysters, squid, clams, shrimps, sea snails, prawns, lobsters and much more.

Pescadito frito (fried fish served Cadiz style) is a must-try Cadis seafood dish. There are numerous freidurias de pescado (fried fish bars peculiar to Cadiz) around town as well as stands along the beaches. From a window opening, you can buy a variety of fish fried in a batter served in a cartucho (thick paper funnel). Freiduria Las Flores in Plaza de las Flores is a must-stop for crunchy pescadito frito.

Other specialty seafood dishes are: abaja de pescado (fish stew filled with all the best ingredients there is in Cadiz); gambas al ajillo (garlic fried prawns); tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters); cazon en adobo (marinated dogfish); caldillo de perro (fish stewed in tangy orange juice) and bacalao en rosa verde (salt cod in vegetable and tomato sauce).

For meat lovers, Cadiz also serves guiso de rabo de toro (oxtail stew); perdiz estofada (partridge casserole) and other pork, lamb and chicken dishes. Not to be missed is gazpacho, the trademark Andalusian cold vegetable soup.

For desserts, Cadiz has alfajores (Arab pastries); turron (Spanish nougat); tocino de cielo (pudding made with syrup and egg yolk) and pestino (honey-coated fritters).

Tapas are small portions of local dishes served on a small platter usually eaten standing up and with a glass of beer or sherry on hand. Tapas may include slices of chorizo sausage, spicy prawns, slices of fresh squid and other foods mentioned above served with cheese and Iberian ham. Cadiz hosts the “Ruta del Tapeo” (Tapas Route), an annual contest where the city’s local restaurants and tapas bars compete for the title “The Best Tapas Bar” or the one with “The Most Unique Tapas”.

Cadiz cuisine is also influenced by the wine produced in the north of Cadiz known as the “Sherry Triangle”. Cadiz’ neighboring towns of Sanlucar de Barrameda, Puerto de Santa Maria and Jerez de la Frontera are homes to some of the most famous producers of wine and sherry.

For a taste of succulent Cadiz cuisine, the upmarket El Faro (San Felix 15) is a must try. It is one of the best fish restaurants in Andalusia. El Ventorillo del Chato on the road between Cadiz and San Fernando which dates back to 1780 offers a wide range of traditional Andalusian dishes and other Spanish favourites.
For budget meals, Plaza San Juan de Dios or the Calle Virgen de la Palma has several inexpensive restaurants. Plaza Tio de la Tiza, in the old fishing district near the beach, has various good fish eateries.

On the lookout for a tapas bar? Just walk around the city centre and take your pick. The tourist office in Plaza San Juan de Dios has maps of tapas bars belonging to the Ruta del Tapeo.

Enjoy your Cadiz gustatory treats!