Where to Eat in Úbeda
Úbeda’s food tells the story of its landscape. The town sits in the heart of Jaén, surrounded by a vast sea of olive trees. As a result, olive oil features in almost every dish. Cooks pour it over toast, stir it into stews and even serve it with dessert. Local classics include andrajos, a hearty stew with torn pasta, and lomo de orza, which is pork loin preserved in oil. You will also find morcilla de caldera, a soft black pudding, and ochíos, small bread rolls made with olive oil. Read our Úbeda travel guide for more ideas.
Tapas culture is strong here. Most bars serve a free tapa with every drink, so you can eat well on a small budget. Our guide to ordering tapas in Spain explains how it works. Below, we have grouped our favourite places into traditional, fine dining and budget-friendly choices.
Traditional restaurants
These classic spots serve the flavours of Jaén in lively, welcoming surroundings. Most sit close to the historic centre, so you can walk between them.
Taberna Misa de 12 sits on Plaza 1 de Mayo. It is known for lomo de orza, mojama (salt-cured tuna) and morcilla de caldera. Google scores it 4.4 from over 2,100 reviews. Reviewers praise the helpful staff and excellent service. Tables with plaza views go fast, so arrive early. Get directions.
Antique Restaurante y Tapas on Calle Real mixes local flavours with creative twists. It scores 4.4 on Google from more than 1,800 reviews. Reviewers love the modern, cosy feel and the street terrace. One diner called it the best meal of their stay, with not a single miss. Get directions.
Gastrobar Llámame Lola on Calle Baja del Salvador is famous for grilled vegetables from its own garden. Cooks finish them with just salt and olive oil. Google scores it 4.3 from over 2,500 reviews. Reviewers praise the delicious food and the understanding, friendly staff. Get directions.
Restaurante Asador Al Andalus has Arabic-style décor that nods to Úbeda’s past. It is known for its daily menu and elaborate tapas. Google scores it 4.5 from over 1,400 reviews. Reviewers praise the atmosphere and smiling service. However, a few find the portions small. Get directions.
Taberna Calle Melancolía pays tribute to singer Joaquín Sabina, who grew up in Úbeda. Photos and memorabilia line the walls, and his music plays all day. Tapas and wine are the main attraction. Google scores it 4.5 from over 1,400 reviews, and the vibrant atmosphere is a big draw. Get directions.
Taberna El Mercao is a cosy neighbourhood tavern on Plaza 1 de Mayo. It is known for lamb chops, generous portions and a free tapa with each drink. Google scores it 4.1 from 145 reviews. Reviewers praise the friendly service and the views of the Church of San Pablo. A few mention a poor experience over table reservations. Get directions.
Taberna Gastronómica Tintafina stands near Plaza de Andalucía. It is known for black pudding in a cauldron and cod andrajos. Google scores it 4.2 from over 460 reviews. Reviewers like the friendly waitresses and generous portions. However, some find the prices a little high. Get directions.
Restaurante Asador el Trujal is a meat lover’s stop on Calle del Moral. It is known for rib-eye steak and roast lamb from its oven. Google scores it 4.6 from over 600 reviews. One reviewer called it the best restaurant they found in Úbeda. Others praise the excellent waiters and local atmosphere. Get directions.
Restaurante La Imprenta fills a charming former printing house on Plaza Doctor Quesada. It is known for regional ingredients and dishes such as toasted egg yolk with olive oil snow. Google scores it 4.2 from over 1,300 reviews. Reviewers praise the attentive service and complimentary tapas. Expect to pay around €25 per person. Get directions.
Fine dining restaurants
Úbeda’s smarter restaurants put olive oil and local produce centre stage. Book ahead, especially at weekends. Our guide on how to reserve Spanish restaurants can help.
Restaurante Cantina la Estación is recommended by the Michelin Guide. Its dining room looks like a vintage train carriage, with a winery and a bar. The kitchen serves creative small plates with Mediterranean and Spanish flavours. Google scores it 4.5 from over 1,500 reviews. Diners love the creativity and the unusual setting. Get directions.
Cibus Renacimiento Culinario sits on Plaza 1 de Mayo. It is known for a fusion tasting menu and a standout beer list. Google scores it 4.7 from 168 reviews, so it is a smaller, newer favourite. Diners enjoy the stylish design and the creative dishes. Reserve early, as seats are limited. Get directions.
Asador de Santiago blends traditional and creative cooking just off the main street. It is known for Huelva white prawns, slow-roast lamb and red tuna sashimi with garlic soup. Google scores it 4.4 from over 700 reviews. Reviewers praise the produce, tasting menu and friendly staff. However, a few find it pricey. Get directions.
Restaurante El Porche is a calm, elegant spot near the Hospital de Santiago. It is known for candied artichokes with foie gras, oxtail, grilled squid and a lime cheesecake. Google scores it 4.5 from almost 400 reviews. Reviewers praise the generous portions and the peaceful atmosphere. Some say there is a short wait between dishes. Get directions.
Budget friendly restaurants
Eating well in Úbeda does not cost much. Many places also offer a menú del día at lunchtime, which is excellent value.
Taberna Bar El Yelmo on Calle Cronista Pasquau is cheap and cheerful. It is known for homemade croquettes and mini sandwiches filled with minced meat or black pudding, costing around €5. Google scores it 4.2 from over 540 reviews. Reviewers love the friendly owner and the generous tapas. Get directions.
La Bodega de Úbeda on Calle Real serves traditional Jaén food at fair prices. It is known for a hearty cocido costing about €15, plus lomo de orza and morcilla. Google scores it 4.2 from over 800 reviews. Reviewers enjoy the tasty lamb, the free tapas and the beautiful old bar. A few reviews are more mixed. Get directions.
El Zaguán is a local favourite for its daily menu. You get a first course, a second course and dessert or coffee at an affordable price. Google scores it 4.5 from over 900 reviews. It also serves upscale Spanish dishes and cold beers with tapas. Get directions.
Restaurante Bocata Burger is the place for a quick, filling bite. It is known for its bocadillo de tortilla y pimientos and its huge burgers. Google scores it 4.3 from 460 reviews. Reviewers say the burgers are enormous and the staff are friendly. Get directions.
Úbeda rewards hungry travellers at every price. If you are planning a longer trip, read about Spain’s olive oil regions and visit nearby Baeza. Whatever you choose, order something with olive oil first.