EBG Rating: 8.6/10

Choice/Quality of Drinks:
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Style/Décor:
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Atmosphere/Character:
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Amenities/Events:
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Value For Money:
❤️❤️

Description:
Situated in the heart of the La Viña district deep into Cádiz old town and a stone’s throw from the beach, historic Casa Manteca has developed to become one of Spain’s iconic tapas bars and reference points, trading on its founding in 1953.

As you move west through central Cádiz the vibe, even the feeling of the sea air alters, the compact city beginning to clear and widen out towards Playa de la Caleta. There’s a hint of Barceloneta to this district.

Casa Manteca is popular, busy and bustling, the sort of place where any stool or perching spot is gold dust at certain times of day. Be sure to try both sides of the bar, which are partitioned by a chain.

You’ll find many of the key features of Andalusian tapas bars here – painted tiling, walls filled with framed photographs and artwork, much of it relating to bullfighting and festivals and a patina of ochre and sandy colours behind it.

In traditional tapas fashion there is an afternoon and evening session punctuated by a siesta, so don’t turn up at 6pm expecting to find it at your disposal.

Keeping traditions alive, their tapas are served on wax paper rather than plates which adds to a certain casual element. Particular dishes stand out like the shrimp fritters you’ll see half the bar munching on, tuna, and prawn croquettes.

Wines and sherry take precedence with a typically basic beer selection designed only for helping slug down the tapas.

Although locals weary of the tourist trade the place attracts, Cádiz is far from the worst example you’ll find in Spain, while on our visits we found a genuine mixture of locals who were in the clear majority.

Casa Manteca have also expanded to nearby properties in the manner of several Andalusian iconic bars, but it’s the original on the corner that has that bit of magic to it.

Lastly, be aware of intrepid pigeons who try to sneak in to bite crumbs – they aren’t shy!

(Added September 2026)