Jardines de Zoraya, Granada

The popular Jardines de Zoraya is a restaurant and Flamenco performance venue in the Albayzin neighborhood of Granada. The neighborhood itself is the Moorish old town, not a far walk from the center of Granada. Generally, patrons arrive to dine and observe a Flamenco performance. The combination of a meal with a performance is called the Flamenco tablao.

Flamenco is the local music and dance form of Andalucía, the Spanish region where Granada is located. The performance represents the best expression of Andalucía’s folklore. Originally of the gypsies and poor Andalucían farmers, Flamenco embodies the sadness and emotion of each participant.  The powerful taconeo heel stamping of the two dancers, the beating of the percussionist, and the rhythm of the guitarist combine to form a wonderful show.

The Jardines de Zoraya is the most popular venue for Flamenco tablao in the city. It is located near the viewpoint San Nicolas. Shows happen every night at 8:00 or 10:30, and also at 3:00 p.m. on weekend days. The show itself lasts around one hour. The venue boasts the participation of the famous professional Flamenco dancer Ana Cali every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

To see the show, customers have a number of options. If they belong to a large group, they can reserve the group menu 48 hours in advance with a minimum of 8 in their company. Otherwise, the regular show ticket includes one drink and tapas. Dinner á la carte is another possibility, but the set Flamenco menu comes highly recommended.

Clients arrive before the show starts to a spacious dining area, where the performance will take place. The walls are decorated with French art, and a palm tree grows from the floor. The outside terrace is heated or cooled depending on the time of year. Customers can choose to view the performance in the main dining room, or sit in the terrace anytime throughout the day.

The food is exceptional. The smells that come from the kitchen can be grilled meat, stewed oxtail, skewer of monkfish and lobster glazed in almond sauce, Iberian pork fillet, Spanish cured meats or any of a number of alternative dishes. The local wines Barranco Oscuro, Muñana and Veleta are offered among a list of other international varieties. Dessert comes in the form of Greek yogurt cream with a bit of rum and banana toffee. Otherwise chocolate fondant is also exceptional.

Patrons generally agree that visiting the Jardines de Zoraya is worth every minute. Its fame is only the beginning of the experience.