The cuisine in Arcos de la Frontera is quintessentially Andalusian, featuring simple yet flavorful dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Olive oil, garlic, and fresh vegetables are the cornerstones of many traditional recipes. One of the most popular dishes is cabrillas en tomate, snails cooked in a rich tomato sauce, often served during local festivals.
Another local favorite is gazpacho, a cold tomato soup ideal for the hot summer months. Visitors should also try tapas in one of the many traditional taverns, with offerings like jamón ibérico, queso manchego, and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). Local sweets include pestiños, fried dough pastries drizzled with honey, which are especially popular during religious festivals.
For a true culinary experience, visitors can dine at restaurants like El Convento or Taberna Jóvenes Flamencos, which serve traditional Andalusian fare alongside modern interpretations. Arcos is also known for its sherry wines, produced nearby in Jerez, making wine tasting an essential part of any visit.