Where to Eat in Calahorra
Calahorra is the vegetable garden of La Rioja, and its food shows it. The town sits between the Ebro and Cidacos rivers, so fresh produce arrives every day. Local asparagus, artichokes, peppers and borage star on many menus. Each spring, the Jornadas Gastronómicas de la Verdura celebrates these veggies with special tasting menus. In autumn, the Pepper Fair and a tapas route called the Jornadas de la Cazuelilla keep the party going. Beyond vegetables, you will find roast lamb, Riojan potatoes and cod cooked Rioja style. Naturally, good local wine flows alongside everything. Before you book, read our guide to Calahorra for the full picture. Also, check what time Spaniards eat dinner, as kitchens often open late. Now, let’s dig in.
Traditional restaurants
Calahorra’s tapas bars cluster around Plaza del Raso, Paseo del Mercadal and the Old Town streets. Not sure how it works? Our guide to ordering tapas in Spain will help.
Bar Restaurante La Comedia is a Plaza del Raso favourite for creative Riojan cooking. It is known for sardines with chilli, Iberian pancetta montaditos and roast lamb. Google users rate it 4.3 out of 5 from over 900 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the friendly staff, the tasty food and the excellent wine list. Get directions.
Gastrobar Capi is the place for breakfast and pintxos. It is known for its tortilla de patatas, which many locals call one of the best around. Google users give it 4.3 out of 5 from nearly 1,500 reviews. Reviewers regularly praise the homemade pintxos and the tortilla. However, service can slow down when the bar is full. Get directions.
Bar sabor.es is a tiny tapas bar with a loyal following. It is known for freshly made pintxos and its weekly Croqueta Day on Wednesdays. Google users rate it 4.5 out of 5 from almost 500 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the friendly service and the fair prices. Be aware that it gets crowded on Thursdays and weekends. Get directions.
Bar La Montanera is a great stop for Iberian ham and cheese. It is known for its platters of cured meats, chorizo and salchichón. Google users give it 4.1 out of 5 from over 500 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the helpful staff, who explain each dish, and the strong wine list. Get directions.
Bar Smiley is a cheerful spot for classic pinchos. It is known for its tasty bites and spotless, welcoming bar. Google users rate it 4.5 out of 5 from around 660 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the friendly staff and the clean surroundings. As a result, it makes an easy first stop on a tapas crawl. Get directions.
La VermuterÃa sits on the Paseo del Mercadal. It is known for vermouth, local wine and relaxed bites. Google users give it 4.6 out of 5 from about 200 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the warm welcome and the reasonable prices. Try it for a pre-lunch aperitivo. Get directions.
The Way Street Food is a lively wine bar on Plaza del Raso. It is known for tinned seafood, Santoña anchovies and vermouth on tap. Google users give it a very high 4.8 out of 5. It makes a fun, casual stop for a drink and a nibble. Get directions.
Restaurante Mercadal 21 serves hearty dishes on the Paseo del Mercadal. It is known for paella, local vegetables and a good weekend menu. Google users rate it 4.3 out of 5 from around 1,800 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention generous portions and a lovely terrace. On busy days, however, service can be slow. Get directions.
PastelerÃa Agus is the town’s best-loved sweet shop. It is known for its puff pastry and meringue cake, meringue buns and Christmas nougat. Google users give it roughly 4.1 out of 5, from a smaller number of reviews. Reviewers regularly rave about the milhojas cake and the friendly service. You usually need to order the big cake in advance. Get directions.
Fine dining restaurants
Calahorra is a small town, so fine dining here means thoughtful, produce-led cooking. Book ahead, especially at weekends.
Coliceo 29 is the town’s most creative kitchen. Chefs César and Patricia turn the local vegetable garden into modern Riojan dishes. It is known for croquettes, lamb brioche and fresh fish. Google users rate it 4.5 out of 5. Reviewers regularly mention the garden produce, the friendly service and the big portions. A few find it slightly pricey. Get directions.
Carpas Chef Nino offers a special-occasion feel in a leafy garden. It is known for grilled turbot, scallops and homemade bread with oil from its own olive trees. Google users give it 4.5 out of 5 from almost 400 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the polished service and the superb desserts. Note that the venue also hosts weddings, so check opening times first. Get directions.
BraserÃa La Damajuana cooks over charcoal in a cosy, stylish dining room. It is known for grilled meats, careta and cachopo. Google users rate it 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 400 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the friendly service, the generous portions and a good-value weekend menu. It also offers a vegan option. Get directions.
The restaurant at Parador de Calahorra is a classic. It serves Riojan dishes and local wines in an elegant setting beside the park. Google users give the Parador 4.2 out of 5 from almost 1,900 reviews. Reviewers regularly praise the professional staff and the calm atmosphere. Meals are good rather than spectacular, so book a table early. Get directions.
Budget friendly restaurants
Lunchtime is the best time to eat well for less. Many places offer a set menú del dÃa with several courses, bread and a drink.
Hostal Gala is a reliable choice near the station. It is known for its daily menu, tablecloths and a decent Rioja. Google users rate it 4.2 out of 5 from nearly 600 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention good value, friendly service and free parking. However, it can feel noisy and slow at busy times. Get directions.
Restaurante El Silo is a homely spot with a huge menu. It is known for black rice, mushroom risotto and generous fish dishes. Google users give it 4.1 out of 5 from almost 300 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the variety of dishes, the friendly service and great value. Get directions.
Café Restaurante El Camino mixes affordable lunches with specialty coffee. It is known for its set menu, Rioja-style cod and homemade cheesecake. Google users rate it 4.3 out of 5 from over 300 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the fantastic value and the excellent coffee. Get directions.
Bar Restaurante MarisquerÃa Sara is a friendly neighbourhood bar. It is known for big portions and free tapas with your drinks. Google users give it 4.1 out of 5 from over 300 reviews. Reviewers regularly mention the welcoming owners, the clean bar and the low prices. Get directions.
If you need somewhere to stay, read Where to Stay in Calahorra for a range of options. Planning more time in the region? Our three days in La Rioja guide shows how to fit Calahorra into a longer trip.