Category Archives: Jerez de la Frontera

Cuchara de Palo

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ajonegro

Cuchara de Palo (formerly Ajonegro) is a bit of a walk out from the centre, but it is worth the effort. Located in the NH Hotel, it’s not the sort of place I’d normally be attracted to, but the setting is spacious and bright, with lots of natural light from the massive floor to ceiling windows. There is also a terrace, though it’s on a rather trafficky street.

The menu hasn’t changed much since it changed hands. You can find both tapas and raciones and it’s a nice mix of traditional and fusion (mostly Asian influences). Must tries include the beautiful artichoke “flowers”, which taste as gorgeous as they look, and we also liked the courgette “pasta” with watercress pesto and the grilled presa Ibérica. The wine list is interesting with lots of good options by the glass.

Service was a bit… weird… with the waiter first telling us we couldn’t drink the tap water because it came from the well (huh?) and that we’d have to order mineral water. We didn’t. Though perhaps he was just having a bad day because he seemed to warm up after awhile and get a bit chatty. But really… a smile goes a long way.

Avda Alcalde Álvaro Domecq, 10
Jerez de la Frontera
Tel 956 33 23 71
€ € € €

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Food 8 | Wine 8 | Service 7 | Ambiance 7

ajonegro bar

cuchara de palo (3)

cuchara de palo (2)

ajonegro artichokesgrilled artichoke flowers with olive oil

cuchara de palo cazoncazón (marinated small shark) in batter

ajonegro burgermini beef burger with bacon

ajonegro chickenpanko breaded chicken with guacamole

cuchara de palo calabacin pastacourgette “pasta” with pancetta, watercress pesto & parmesan

ajonegro prawnsking prawns in tempura with kimchee

cuchara de palo rib stripsstrips of pork ribs with shiitakes and bamboo shoot

cuchara de palo presagrilled presa Ibérica with chips

cuchara de palo (4)

cuchara de palo (1)

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Albores

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Updated June 2016

alboresAlbores has more than doubled in size since my first visits, having expanded into the space next door. What used to be the entire restaurant is now a bar area with both low and high tables, and the new spacious dining area is stylish and comfortable. There is also an ample terrace on the pedestrianised street. And the location is also very good, just of the Plaza Arenal. The only thing that hasn’t kept up is the service. Head-set wearing staff are now less friendly and efficient than previously.

The menu, with daily specials, has also seemed to have suffered after the expansion in terms of quality and consistency, and tends to be hit and miss. The all-day kitchen makes it a popular spot for tourists, but it’s definitely not as good as it used to be.

Calle Consistorio 12
Jerez de la Frontera
All-day kitchen 13.00 – midnight
Tel 956 32 02 66
€ € € €

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Food 7 | Wine 8 | Service 5 | Ambiance 7

albores (4)

albores (2)

albores grilled veggrilled veggies

albores puntillitaspuntillitas (small whole squid)

albores pulpo tempuraoctopus in tempura

albores calamarcalamares

albores croquetasprawn fritters

albores croquetasprawn and spinach croquetas with pistachio sauce

albores tuna ventrescagrilled tuna belly with creamy soy sauce and tomato jam

albores morcillacrispy grilled morcilla de Burgos

albores albondigasmeatballs and chips

albores keftakofte lamb kebab with yoghurt sauce

albores presapresa Ibérica a la plancha

albores carrilladacarrillada Ibérica

albores presa salmorejopresa Ibérica with salmorejo and jamón Ibérico

albores profiteralsprofiteroles

albores browniechocolate brownie

albores (1)

albores (5)

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Updated June 2016

Albalá

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Updated February 2018


A stylish modern restaurant with a small tapas bar area and covered terrace, located just down the road from the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art. Chef Israel Ramos has created a pleasant menu of contemporary tapas and raciones, accompanied by a very good wine list. Some favourites include the asparagus in tempura, tuna tartare with guacamole, and the secreto meatballs. Reservations recommended.

Conjunto Residencial Valdespino 6 /corner Divina Pastora
Jerez de la Frontera
Tel 956 34 64 88
€ € € €

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Food 8 | Wine 8 | Service 7 | Ambiance 8

albala (2)

albala (13)

albala tortillitatortilla de camarones

albala croquetascroquetas de rabo de toro (oxtail)

albala asparagusasparagus in tempura with soy mayo

albala tacocochinita taco with chilli threads

tuna tartare with guacamole and tomato in lime

albala chili prawnschili prawns

albala albondigassecreto Ibérico meatballs with baby broadbeans and baby octopus

albala pulpo papadaconfit pork jowl with grilled octopus and artichokes

wild boar tenderloin

presa Ibérica with curried hummus

apple tart

albala (3)

albala (10)

albala (14)

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Updated February 2018

Bar Arturo

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Updated August 2015

bar arturo
Bar Arturo is your typical no-frills, family-run biz, with paper table cloths and kitch decor (intentional or otherwise). It will no doubt be busy when you arrive, with a varied clientele of families, couples and groups of friends.

I have been in love with this place since I was first directed to it last year, and have been back a couple of times since then. But my last visit was marred – in fact ruined – by some of the worst service I’ve ever experienced. We were actually shocked when the manager told us off for politely asking if we’d been given the correct order (still convinced we hadn’t been). And the rudeness continued until we finally gave up and left. Very sad and unfortunate when something like this happens. I won’t be back.

Guita 9
Jerez de la Frontera
Tel 956 33 00 12
€ € €

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Food 7 | Wine 6 | Service 1 | Ambiance 7

bar arturo backdining area in front of the bar

bar arturo bar
bar arturo tomatoes
tomatoes with garlic, evoo, salt

bar arturo gambas al ajillogambas al ajillo

IMG_4348calamares & sea bass

bar arturo mystery fishfried tuna ventresca? with fins attached?

bar arturo friturafried fish selection: hake, cuttlefish, red mullet, cuttlefish, john dory

IMG_4340fried prawns

bar arturo shells

bar arturo sign

bar arturo front

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Updated August 2015

La Cruz Blanca

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Updated June 2016

la cruz blanca
One of Jerez’s best-loved tapas bars, La Cruz Blanca is located on the corner of Calle Consistorio and Plaza de la Yerba in the heart of the old city. It consists of a bar area with a couple of tables in the front, two dining rooms in the back, and a large and busy terrace in the Plaza. Although the bar has existed since the early 20th century, it ceased trading for several years before the current owners purchased and refurbished it in 2005. Decoration is fairly minimalist, but pleasant, and the food a mix of traditional and more modern fare, available either as tapas or full or media raciónes. There’s a good selection of wines by the glass, including sherries of course. Only complaint is that service can sometimes be slow, especially out on the terrace, so don’t go if you’re in a hurry. And be sure to ask for the “off the menu” specials of the day.

Consistorio, 16
Tel 956 32 45 35
€ € € €

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Food 8 | Wine 7 | Service 7 | Ambiance 7

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cruz blanca croquetas (2)prawn, leek and wakame croquettes

cruz blanca tuna chicharronesred tuna chicharrones

cruz blanca saladmixed salad

cruz blanca (2)breaded chocos (cuttlefish)

cruz blanca buñuelosbacalao fritters over roasted peppers

cruz blanca huevos rotosfried egg with artichokes and jamón

cruz blanca arroz negroarroz negro with strips of chocos

cruz blanca berenjenaassea bass in tempura with piquillo sauce

cruz blanca carrilladacarrillada Ibérica

cruz blanca presagrilled presa Ibérica with chips

cruz blanca presa jamon salmorejogrilled presa with jamón and salmorejo

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Updated June 2016

Bar Juanito

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bar juanito terrace

Bar Juanito seems to figure on every list of bars to go to in Jerez, largely I think because it’s been around for over 70 years, is very typical, and it’s in a good location in the centre. There’s a small bar section when you walk in and a big dining area in a pleasant covered patio just beyond. Outside are several tables on the terrace, so lots of seating options.

I’ve been here twice, only stopping each time for a couple of tapas, but wasn’t overly impressed on either occasion. The signature artichoke dish was a bit tough and stringy, and the venison “bric”, while nice enough, could have been filled with almost anything. Nice fried cuttlefish, okay meatballs. Overall, it simply failed to make any deep impression. Nothing wrong with the place, just nothing that stood out as special. Service is very good.

Calle de Pescadería Vieja, 8
Tel 956 34 12 18
€ € € €

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Food 6 | Wine 5 | Service 7 | Ambiance 5

bar juanito ensaladillacomplimentary ensaladilla starter

bar juanito artichokesstewed artichokes with jamón

bar juanito venado bricbric pastry filled with venison

bar juanito chocoscrispy fried chocos

bar juanito meatballsmeatballs

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El Almacén Vinos & Tapas

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Updated August 2015

el almacen

El Almacén Vinos & Tapas is located in the center of town in a refurbished 18th century building that once housed a tradition grocery warehouse (almacén). A rather trendy, faux traditional bar, but despite that I liked the appearance of the place with its wooden beams, demi-john lights, antiqueish furniture and bric-a-brac. And it’s big, with 150 square metres divided into smaller dining spaces. My favourite place is sitting in front of the 15-metre original wood bar, but you can also opt for the terrace if you prefer sitting outside.

As the name suggests, wines feature prominently here and they specialise in local Cádiz wines, including a wide selection of sherries. There are a few tapas on the menu, but it’s mostly raciones (larger plates). Service could be improved – ie, make your clients feel welcome. But overall it’s an okay place to stop in for a drink and a snack.

Calle Latorre 6
Jerez de la Frontera
Tel
€ € € €

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Food 6 | Wine 8 | Service 5 | Ambiance 7

el almacen (6)

el almacen (1)
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el almacen prawnsprawn skewers with avocado dip

el almacen lomo jerezlomo al Jerez on toast with PX reduction

el almacen cod fritterssalt cod fritters with wasabi mayo

el almacen secretogrilled secreto Ibérico with fresh tomato and jamón

el almacen (4)

el almacen (5)

el almacen (7)

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Updated August 2015

 

Reino de León

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reino leon

A trendy, gastrobar-type establishment with lots of exposed brickwork, but actually not at all bad. There’s a little terrace out in the pedestrianised street as well. Really we just stopped in for a snack and enjoyed an excellent white wine (Palomo Cojo – rueda), some ensaladilla negra and very good barbecued secreto Ibérico with fried potatoes and salmorejo. Service was a bit patchy given that it wasn’t overly busy, but overall we had a good time.

We went back for a quick wine stop the next day while waiting for our train and appreciated that the bar is open all day (though the kitchen closes between 4-8 pm). I’d be interested in trying it out again.

Latorre, 8
Jerez de la Frontera
Tel 956 32 29 15
€ € €

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Food 7 | Wine 7 | Service 6 | Ambiance 7

reino leon (3)

reino leon ensaladillaensaladilla with squid ink and chocos

reino leon presagrilled secreto Ibérico with salmorejo

reino leon (2)

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Ajonegro

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ajonegro

I’ve been to Ajonegro twice now. First time was just over a year ago when I was attending a special sherry event and invited there for lunch (in a small group) by one of the bodegas. And it was fabulous! But of course I did wonder if it would be as good if I just went on my own without any “VIP treatment”. So on a recent visit to Jerez I stopped in with a friend to try some of their tapas, secretly pleased that the owner wasn’t there. But I needn’t have worried because we had very good service from one of the young waiters and the food was excellent. I’ve included photos of dishes from both visits below.

Ajoblanco is a bit of a walk out from the centre, but it is worth the effort. It’s a relatively new bar in a modern building across the avenue from the Sherry Park hotel. The setting is spacious and bright, with lots of natural light from the massive floor to ceiling windows. There is also a terrace, though it’s on a rather trafficky street.

The menu has both tapas and raciones and is a nice mix of traditional and fusion (mostly Asian influences). Must tries include the beautiful artichoke “flowers”, which taste as gorgeous as they look, and I was particularly surprised by the chicharrones de Chiclana, with payoyo cheese and tomato pesto. A simply amazing combination. We also liked the marinated chicken in panko with guacamole, but the mini beefburger with bacon was pretty much just a mini-burger. The grilled presa Ibérica (not a tapa) is also excellent.

 

Avda Alcalde Álvaro Domecq, 10
Jerez de la Frontera
Tel 956 33 23 71
€ € € €

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Food 9 | Wine 8 | Service 8 | Ambiance 9

ajonegro bar
ajonegro lobster

ajonegro peppers

ajonegro chicherroneschicharrones de Chiclana with payoyo Villaluenga and tomato pesto

ajonegro artichokesartichoke flowers with lots of evoo

ajonegro burgermini beef burger with bacon

ajonegro chickenpanko breaded chicken with guacamole

ajonegro patatasfried potatoes with alioli

ajonegro stewchorizo a la Riojana

ajonegro prawnsking prawns in tempura

ajonegro presagrilled presa Ibérica and chips

ajonegro dessertleche frita

ajonegro chalkboard
ajonegro talbes
ajonegro logo

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La Carboná

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carbona (3)
I had been hearing so much about “sherry chef” Javier Muñoz Soto from various friends and colleagues that while in Jerez for Vinoble at the end of last May I convinced two friends to join me for lunch there. I was keen to try the place for myself as I had also been recommending it to clients who were visiting Jerez. And well, either we were unlucky and the chef was having an off day, or the place has been over-hyped. The other day I saw another friend praising her meal here on Twitter and I was dumbfounded. Then again she was with a VIP group visiting Jerez so perhaps they pulled out all the stops for them.

The restaurant itself was unexpectedly massive, with tall beamed ceilings, which felt less barn-like as it started to fill up a little. There are also a couple of attractive private dining rooms that you can book for private parties (btw, apologies for quality of photos here – the restaurant was very dimly lit inside, even at midday).

Wines were good and reasonably priced (all things considered) with starters ranging from 4.50 – 12.50€ and main courses from 12 – 22€. Although the food was pleasant enough (other than an overcooked turbot, which in the end we weren’t charged for) it also wasn’t sensational – and for 20€ a plate you really do expect something above average. Most dishes were accompanied by a sherry sauce of some sort (hence the “sherry chef”) but it was only really apparent in the presa dish that came with a lovely PX sauce. All in all we found it a lacklustre experience. Not bad, but not really worth the money.

Finally, we were not only charged 1.25€ each for bread (5€ for bread?), but the IVA was not included in the prices on the menu. The latter not only feels like a cheap trick, but I believe this is also not legal in Andalucía.

San Francisco de Paula, 2
Jerez de la Frontera
Tel 956 34 74 75
€ € € € €

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Food 6 | Wine 8 | Service 7 | Ambiance 6

carbona barthe bar

carbona (5)

carbona (6)presa Ibérica and mushrooms

carbona (1)artichokes with sweetbreads

carbona (4)whole turbot

carbona (2)tuna belly with rice noodles

carbona fireplace

carbona private dining roomprivate dining room

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