Archidona | Azahar Tapas

Updated September 2017

Located in Spain’s only octagonal square, Arxiduna is made even more unique by its natural cave dining areas, which were once used as a Mozárabe church and have been declared a Heritage site by the Andalucía government. There are three such dining areas inside along with a cosy bar area, and a spacious terrace with lovely views out in the square.

The first time I visited I was there on my own, and the chef kindly offered to create a tasting menu of some of his favourite dishes so I could try a few different things. This took me into a world of fusion food that was all very good (even – surprisingly – the tuna with chocolate!) but for my personal taste there were a few too many sauces. Simpler dishes like the calamar bocata and the grilled abanico (pork) worked best for me. More recently I visited with friends and we were able to try more dishes between us. I definitely recommend you stop in when you’re in Archidona – great atmosphere, fab staff, and a menu that has something for everyone.

Plaza Ochavada de Andalucía, 7
Archidona
Tel 658 77 03 46
€ € € €

Food 8 | Wine 8 | Service 8 | Ambiance 9

arxiduna bar the bar

arxiduna ceiling

porra with purple carrot crumble, olive oil foam, tomato

arxiduna pringa pringá “sabor a madre”

arxiduna mini burgers whack of mini burgers

arxiduna boquerones in pastry boquerones in flaky pastry

arxiduna bbq ribs BBQ’d pork ribs

chargrilled octopus with guacamole and oyster sauce

arxiduna mackerel tuna mackerel with pickled veg and tuna in dark chocolate

grilled sea bass with fresh grilled veg and berberecho sauce

arxiduna chicken pastel moroccan chicken pastela with dried fruit and apple sauce

arxiduna bocata calamar bocata de calamares on a squid ink bun with mustard alioli

chicken curry risotto with coconut milk and parmesan,
served in a beef bone

arxiduna abanico putaitas (abanico Ibérico) with peppers, mango and black garlic

grilled presa Ibérica with mojo picón

arxiduna choc van vanilla and chocolate coulantes with berries

arxiduna coffee

arxiduna open kitchen open kitchen with charcoal grill

Team Arxiduna

arxiduna caving dining area one of the cave dining rooms

arxiduna terrace view terrace view

arxiduna sign

Updated September 2017

Bar Central came recommended by, well, everybody who heard I was going to Archidona. And it’s easy to see why. It’s a traditional restaurant that serves great tapas in a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. You can either sit at the bar (my preferred spot), take a seat at one of the tables on the sidewalk terrace, or eat in either of the two dining areas inside.

Although I was only in town for about 24 hours I managed two visits to Bar Central, both times trying their house speciality lomo a la sal, wonderful salt cured pork loin made on premises. The scallop with octopus and king prawns was also outstanding, but to be honest I enjoyed everything I ate and just wished I had more time to try more things on the menu. There are very good wines by the glass at very reasonable prices and on top of all this you just feel so at home right away thanks to the lovely staff.