Where to Eat in Tarifa
Tarifa sits at the meeting point of two seas, and its food shows it. Fishermen here still use the ancient almadraba method to catch bluefin tuna. As a result, tuna appears on almost every menu, from meatballs to tartare. Cádiz province also loves fried fish, hearty rice dishes and simple tapas. Moroccan flavours drift across the Strait, too, adding spice and sweetness. Locals wash it all down with chilled sherry from nearby Jerez. Read more in our guide to Andalusian sherry. Below, you will find the best places to eat in Tarifa. For more on the town, see our Tarifa travel guide.
Traditional restaurants
El Lola is the Old Town’s most popular tapas bar. It is known for lightly creative tapas, bluefin tuna and live flamenco. Google gives it 4.6 out of 5 from almost 6,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the tuna platter and the ham croquettes. They also say the wait is worth it. Get directions.
Bar El Francés is a Tarifa institution on Calle Sancho IV El Bravo. It is known for Andalusian classics with a modern twist. Google scores it 4.7 out of 5 from more than 2,000 reviews. Reviewers love the pork cheeks in red wine, the spicy patatas bravas and the tuna meatballs. They also advise arriving early, because there are no reservations. Get directions.
Bar Los Mellis is a small, lively spot near the castle. It is known for early-evening tapas, especially tuna meatballs and cuttlefish croquettes. On Google, it earns 4.6 out of 5 from nearly 4,000 reviews. Reviewers mention the cheap prices and the tiny bar room. Luckily, outside tables give you extra space. Get directions.
Restaurante La PescaderÃa is the place for seafood. It is known for local almadraba tuna, fried fish and rice dishes. Google gives it 4.5 out of 5 from over 4,000 reviews. Reviewers like the relaxed mood and the shaded outdoor tables. They also enjoy the fresh fish. Get directions.
Mesón Picoteo is a local favourite for honest, traditional food. It is known for fresh seafood and a warm welcome. Google scores it 4.6 out of 5 from more than 3,000 reviews. Reviewers often mention the friendly owner and the great value. Many call it one of the best meals in town. Get directions.
El Ancla sits near Los Lances beach and Playa Chica. It is known for fresh fish, shellfish and rice dishes. Google rates it 4.5 out of 5 from over 3,300 reviews. Reviewers like the nautical décor and the gluten-free choices. As a bonus, it feels cosy and traditional. Get directions.
Bar El Otro Melli shines in a pleasant old-town square. It is known for tuna meatballs and cosy, buzzing evenings. Google gives it 4.4 out of 5 from about 1,000 reviews. Reviewers say everything from the kitchen is good. They also suggest arriving around 9pm to grab a seat. Get directions.
Café Azul is the top spot for breakfast. It is known for big sandwiches, crêpes and homestyle plates, served until 3pm. Google scores it 4.7 out of 5 from nearly 1,600 reviews. Reviewers praise the huge variety and the friendly staff. Locals Pepe and Jorge run it, so the welcome feels personal. Get directions.
Restaurante Mesón El Pozuelo sits just outside town on the N-340. It is known for generous homemade food, with grilled meat and fish. On Google, it scores 4.6 out of 5 from nearly 1,400 reviews. Reviewers love the open fireplace and the helpful staff. Overall, it is great after a day at the beach. Get directions.
Fine dining restaurants
Tarifa is a relaxed town, so formal restaurants are rare. Even so, a few places offer a special night out.
Restaurante Raizes is a creative kitchen on Calle Mariano Vinuesa. It is known for playful, seasonal dishes that mix regional produce with Far Eastern spice. Two chefs trained in top Basque restaurants run it. Google gives it 4.7 out of 5 from nearly 1,000 reviews. Reviewers often mention the beautiful presentation and the clean, sharp flavours. Get directions.
Silos 19 is set in an elegant 18th-century building. It is known for its high ceilings, stylish design and Andalusian and French cooking. Google scores it 4.7 out of 5 from more than 1,200 reviews. Reviewers like the romantic mood and the lovely terrace views. It also has a small hotel upstairs. Get directions.
El Patio lies inside the La Residencia Puerto Hotel & Spa. It is known for honest, conscious cooking that mixes traditional and modern dishes. Google rates it 4.6 out of 5 from 700 reviews. Reviewers rave about the beautiful breakfast spread and the pretty setting. Some feel a few dishes could be bolder. Get directions.
Mesón Siglo XIX sits in a 19th-century building on Calle Sancho IV El Bravo. It is known for tuna tartare and steak in a quaint dining room. Google scores it 4.6 out of 5 from more than 1,000 reviews. Reviewers praise the attentive table service and the charming atmosphere. Get directions.
Budget friendly restaurants
Eating well in Tarifa does not need to cost much. For more ways to save, see our guide to the menú del dÃa.
Morilla is a no-frills favourite right beside the Iglesia de San Mateo. It is known for top value, with seafood soup, grilled tuna and homemade almond flan. Google gives it 4.0 out of 5 from nearly 1,700 reviews. Reviewers like the terrace and the low prices. Locals eat here too, so it is often busy. Get directions.
Chilimosa is a lovely vegetarian and vegan spot. It began as a takeaway in 2005 and now has a few tables. It is known for global dishes such as falafel, samosas and Thai green curry. Google scores it 4.8 out of 5 from over 1,100 reviews. Reviewers often mention the fresh flavours and the fair prices. Get directions.
Restaurante Mic Moc sits near the port. It is known for fresh ingredients, homemade sauces and a spicy twist. Most main courses cost between €10 and €20. Google gives it 4.7 out of 5 from almost 1,000 reviews. Reviewers praise the friendly owners and the creative menu. Get directions.
Petit Bistro is a cosy, newly refreshed spot on Paseo de la Alameda. It is known for a daytime set menu that will not break the bank. In the evening, it serves creative dishes made from local ingredients. Google rates it 4.1 out of 5 from more than 600 reviews. Benoit and Veronica run it. Get directions.
Tarifa rewards hungry travellers. You can graze on tuna tapas in the Old Town, linger over seafood by the beach or enjoy a special dinner. Book popular places early in summer, and bring an appetite. If you have more time, try nearby Zahara de los Atunes or Vejer de la Frontera for more Cádiz flavours.