Barbate de Franco is renowned for its gastronomy, especially its focus on seafood, with the bluefin tuna being the star of the local cuisine. The city celebrates this with dishes such as marmitako (tuna stew) and tartar de atún (tuna tartare), which can be enjoyed at various local restaurants. Visitors can savor the catch of the day at many seafood restaurants along the coast, where fresh fish, clams, and squid are also popular.
Apart from seafood, traditional Andalusian dishes like salmorejo (a cold tomato-based soup), gazpacho, and pescaito frito (fried fish) are staples. The region is also known for its wines and sherries, with local vineyards producing excellent varieties that pair well with the region’s food.
One of the best places to experience the local food scene is at the Mercado de Abastos, where visitors can buy fresh fish and local produce. For those interested in food tourism, the annual Tuna Route offers a gastronomic journey through the best tuna dishes in the area.