Adra’s cuisine is a reflection of its coastal location, with seafood playing a central role in many dishes. The town is famous for its sardines, often prepared a la brasa (grilled) or served in a traditional dish called espeto, where sardines are skewered and cooked over an open flame. Other popular seafood includes calamari, prawns, and octopus, all of which are freshly caught and featured in local tapas and main dishes.
Paella, a famous Spanish dish, is commonly served in Adra with a seafood twist, often incorporating shrimp, clams, and mussels. Locally grown vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines are also central to the cuisine, often included in dishes like pipirrana, a refreshing Andalusian salad made with ripe tomatoes, onions, and green peppers, drizzled with olive oil and vinegar.
For those with a sweet tooth, Adra offers traditional Andalusian desserts such as pestiños (honey-glazed fritters) and torrijas (similar to French toast, soaked in milk or wine and fried). The town’s cafes and restaurants, many of which are family-owned, provide an authentic taste of the region. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to dine at local seafood restaurants like Restaurante El Túnel or Taberna El Puerto, where fresh, local ingredients shine.