Andalucian cuisine and the culinary heritage of Cádiz
What to eat in Cádiz? Andalusian cuisine is the backbone of what you’ll find in Cadiz, and it’s rich in history and flavor. Influences from Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish cultures are evident in dishes like pescaíto frito (fried fish), abaja de pescado (fish stew), gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters), cazón en adobo (marinated dogfish), and caldillo de perros (fish stewed in orange sauce). Meat lovers will also find plenty to savor, including guiso de rabo de toro (oxtail stew), pork, goat, lamb, and perdiz estofada (partridge casserole).
Cadiz is a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage, drawing on a diverse range of cultural and historical influences to create a truly unique and mouth-watering dining experience. As a coastal city, seafood is at the forefront of Cadiz cuisine, with an abundance of options ranging from fish, squid, and prawns to lobster and sea-snails.
For those who prefer meat, there are also plenty of options, including traditional dishes of pork, lamb, goat, and game dishes like perdiz estofada (partridge casserole).
How about a tapas tour in Cádiz?
Taste the best of the city on a gastronomical tapas tour with a local guide. Discover local establishments, each one with its own specialties, in a relaxed environment. This experience is available over at Get Your Guide.
A Taste of Cádiz with Eat With
Start your culinary journey with a visit to one of Cádiz’s hidden gems for a choice of coffee, traditional hot chocolate, or cava (sparkling wine). Next, explore the food market with tastings of olives, local cold tapas, preserved meats, fish, and cheese. Find out more over at Eatwith.
Indulge in Cádiz’s famous flavors, including shrimp tortillas, black rice, and freshly caught squid, along with generous plates of freshly caught red tuna, slow-cooked oxtail, or sherry-soaked carrillada (pork cheek)
Conclude with a selection of local wines, including sherries, and a post-lunch tipple in the sunshine to help you digest.
Read more about this tour and check out dates and prices over at Eatwith
Or this healthy option over at Viator?
What to eat in Cádiz? Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free?
Vegetarian and vegan food in Cádiz is fairly easy to find. Many dishes are made to order so the scrambled eggs with asparagus and iberian ham can be made a delicious vegetarian dish simply by asking the waiter to cut out the Iberian ham.. 🙂 The same goes with many other dishes served in Cádiz. Salads and soups often have a sprinkling of ham or something else. The key here is just ask the waiter!
Many restaurants also have gluten free bread on offer. I even saw a waiter run across the road to a local bakery to get gluten free bread for one of his clients even as they were sitting down at their table looking at the menu! If you are reserving a table for the next day, make sure that you mention it (or any other food related needs.) I can pretty much guarantee that they will be eager and happy to help you out.
Check out this video from Cádiz Turismo showcasing some of the traditional dishes available.
Tapas and Menú del Día in Cádiz
One of the best ways to experience Cádiz cuisine is through tapas – small portions of local dishes served on a small platter. The city boasts the “Ruta del Tapeo” (Tapas Route), where local restaurants and tapas bars compete for the honor of having the best or most original dish.
Another great way to experience Cadiz’s cuisine is through the “Menú del Día” – a three-course meal including two dishes, bread, a drink, and dessert. Many restaurants have their menu del día options listed outside their door, offering a delicious and affordable option for a complete meal.
Here is a list of some of the most popular and traditional tapas and dishes in Cadiz, along with English translations:
- Pescadito frito: Fried fish, Cadiz-style
- Abaja de pescado: Fish stew
- Gambas al ajillo: Garlic fried prawns
- Tortillitas de camarones: Shrimp fritters
- Cazón en adobo: Marinated dogfish
- Caldillo de peros: Fish stewed in orange sauce
- Guiso de rabo de toro: Oxtail stew
- Perdiz estofada: Partridge casserole
Tomato soup?
Sometimes you will come a cross a gazpacho or tomato soup similar to porra from Antequera but it might be a recipe from Jerez de la Frontera! https://www.rondatoday.com/savoring-tradition-the-best-tomato-soup-recipe-from-jerez-de-la-frontera-in-spain/
For the sweet tooths!
And let’s not forget the sweets! From Arab pastries like alfajores to Spanish nougat (turrón), tocino de cielo (pudding with syrup and egg yolk), and honey-coated fritters (pestiño), there’s no shortage of treats to end your meals on a high note.
- Alfajores: Arab pastries
- Turrón: Spanish nougat
- Tocino de cielo: Pudding made with syrup and egg yolk
- Pestiño: Honey-coated fritters
Don’t forget the vino!
Wine and sherry are integral parts of the dining experience in Cádiz. The north of the city is known as the “Sherry Triangle,” and the towns of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Puerto de Santa María, and Jerez de la Frontera are some of the most important producers of sherry and brandy.
With four main types of sherry to choose from – amontillado, fino, oloroso, and dulce – there’s sure to be a variety that perfectly complements your meal.
The Mercado Central in Cádiz
The Central Market is not only a famous indoor food market located in the historic center of the city, but also one of the oldest covered markets in Spain, having served the people of Cadiz for over 186 years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cádiz Cuisine
Cádiz’s cuisine reflects Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish influences. As a coastal city, seafood plays a central role, though local meats and traditional cooking methods are also widely celebrated.
Popular dishes include pescadito frito (fried fish), cazón en adobo (marinated dogfish), tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters), caldillo de perros (fish in orange sauce), and guiso de rabo de toro (oxtail stew).
Yes. Many dishes can be adapted upon request. Gluten-free bread is increasingly available, and restaurant staff are usually helpful in accommodating dietary needs.
Try the “Ruta del Tapeo” for tapas or enjoy a “Menú del Día” — a three-course set meal with drink and dessert. Guided tapas tours also offer a deep dive into the local food scene.
Don’t miss tocino de cielo, alfajores, honey-coated pestiños, and turrón. These sweets often reflect Arab influences in Andalusian baking.
Cádiz is part of the “Sherry Triangle.” Sample fino, amontillado, oloroso, or sweet sherries, all of which pair beautifully with local cuisine. Find wine tours and tasting here.
Located in the historic centre, the Mercado Central is one of Spain’s oldest covered markets. It offers fresh produce, seafood, and a gastronomic zone perfect for tasting tapas and sherry.
Explore Visiting Cádiz for guides on monuments, hotels, activities, beaches, and practical travel tips.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!