Cádiz, considered western Europe's oldest continually inhabited city, is often overshadowed by other Andalusian foodie hotspots such as Seville and Granada. The city was founded by the Phoenicians as Gadir in around 1200 BC.
The province is famed for sought-after bluefin tuna, sharp vinegars and world-class sherry. Chef Ángel León put the province on the global stage when his experimental seafood restaurant Aponiente in nearby Puerto de Santa María became Andalusia's first establishment to bag three Michelin stars.
Jerez de la Frontera, with its historic bodegas, lively tabancos and hearty tapas scene, was recently voted Spain's capital of Gastronomy. Sanlúcar de Barrameda showcases exceptionally dry manzanilla sherry and well-priced restaurants serving Andalusian stews and prized langoustines. Further south, Barbate has some of the world's freshest bluefin tuna, with around 70 per cent exported to Japan, caught using almadraba fishing net techniques dating back to the Phoenicians.
In Cádiz, the Mercado de Abastos, one of Spain's oldest fresh food markets, dates back to 1838. The La Viña neighbourhood is the main foodie area, home to Casa Manteca, a famous tavern founded in 1953. Historic freidurías offer cut-price fried fish, while restaurants such as El Faro and Código de Barra, which brought the city its first Michelin star in 2023, serve local specialities.