Bar Avila Granada Review: Best Tapas & Jamon Asado
An insider's review of Bar Avila, a legendary tapas spot in Granada, Spain. Learn why their famous jamon asado is worth standing in the crowds for.
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An insider's review of Bar Avila, a legendary tapas spot in Granada, Spain. Learn why their famous jamon asado is worth standing in the crowds for.
Going on a tapas crawl is an absolute must-do when you visit Granada. While the city is packed with incredible spots, my absolute favorite is Bar Avila.
Here is my honest review, along with some menu recommendations and tips for your visit.
1. Bar Avila Overview
Opening Hours | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM 8:00 PM - Midnight |
Closed | Sundays |
Reservations Required | No |
Bar Avila has been a beloved Granada institution for decades. I first visited this spot over ten years ago, and returning in 2026, I was thrilled to find it just as incredible as I remembered.
They actually have two locations now. I visited the second branch, which was closer to my hotel. Since they are located relatively close to each other, I highly recommend marking both on your map. If one is too packed, you can easily walk over to the other.
2. A High-Energy Local Hotspot
To say this place gets busy is an understatement. Even on a Tuesday night, the bar was absolutely buzzing with a lively mix of enthusiastic locals and clued-in travelers.
It is the kind of authentic Spanish bar where you have to be assertive. Seating is extremely limited, so as soon as you step inside, look for any open standing space at the bar or a high table and claim it quickly.
The menu has English translations right under the Spanish descriptions, making ordering a breeze. Most of the main dishes can be ordered as a full portion (ración) or a half portion (media ración).
We managed to snag a standing spot near the kitchen. The staff was incredibly busy, so you might need to catch their eye to get your order in.
We started with two cold beers, which came with a complimentary side of olives. One of the best things about Granada is that you get a free tapa with every drink order. At Bar Avila, you can often choose your free tapa from the menu, so feel free to ask the staff what is available.
We also ordered separate portions of "papas con alioli" and their legendary "jamón asado". The complimentary tapas are on the smaller side, so if you want to properly experience their best dishes, ordering a half or full portion is the way to go.
The jamón asado (slow-roasted pork) is Bar Avila's absolute signature dish. It is tender, savory, and incredibly flavorful. It tasted just as spectacular as it did a decade ago.
Papas con alioli (potatoes with garlic aioli) is a staple across Spain, but because most bars make their aioli from scratch, the flavor profile varies everywhere you go. Spain has some of the best potatoes in the world, and paired with Bar Avila's rich, garlic-forward aioli, this dish is a must-order.
The only real downside is how crowded and loud it gets, making it hard to find a place to sit. If you prefer a slightly more relaxed experience, the first branch is a bit larger and offers more seating. Alternatively, I highly recommend visiting during their lunch service instead of the late-night rush.
3. Why I Keep Coming Back
Despite the chaotic standing-room-only crowd, I would return to Bar Avila in a heartbeat just for that jamón asado. On my next visit, I also want to try their "morcilla" (Spanish blood sausage), which I remember being fantastic years ago.
While Seville is often praised for overall culinary refinement, Granada is unbeatable for value and the sheer fun of the free tapas culture. Bar Avila stands out as a place that delivers both incredible value and top-tier flavor.
Do yourself a favor and add this to your Granada itinerary—just try to go for lunch to beat the craziest crowds!
It is open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and from 8:00 PM to midnight. It is closed every Sunday, and reservations are not required.
When you order a drink, one free tapas is included. You can choose most items on the menu as your tapas, but it is recommended to check with the staff about available options when ordering.
You can choose Jamon asado as the free tapas included with your drink, but the portion will be very small in this case. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a different item for your drink's tapas and order the Jamon asado separately as an additional dish.
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