Try some of the best braised meat tapas at El Quincho Braseria, Almeria.
Credit: Regina Tommasi, Pexels.
Some restaurants try to recreate authenticity. For others it comes naturally. In central Almeria, El Quincho has become one of those places where the city’s tapas culture still feels original – a lively bar, an open kitchen, a constant buzz of conversation, and food that keeps people coming back week after week.
Setting the scene
Located just off Calle Jovellanos, El Quincho looks unassuming from the outside, but step indoors and the energy shifts immediately. The bar – a wide U-shape wrapped around the open kitchen – anchors the entire space. High stools line the counter, all facing the chefs and bartenders who work in quick, confident rhythm. Tall tables fill the surrounding floor, and even when the restaurant is packed (which is most of the time), it somehow maintains an easy, relaxed atmosphere.
This is a place where you go to be part of the action. Sitting at the bar means watching dishes come off the pass, hearing the clatter of pans, and being served in that classic fast-paced Spanish style – efficient, friendly, and always with a touch of humour. Drinks are simple but well chosen, especially the selection of wines by the glass, which pair neatly with the generous house tapas.
Tapas built around bold flavours and a communal atmosphere
And the tapas are the reason El Quincho has cemented itself as a favourite on Almeria’s ever-competitive tapas route. While the variety is wide, the meat dishes are the real stars. Their slow-cooked rib is the sort of plate people talk about afterwards – tender enough to fall from the bone, served with a small spoonful of mashed potato that ties the whole thing together. Equally impressive are the braised beef cheeks, a rich, intense bite that could easily be a main course elsewhere.
The communal spirit is part of the charm. It’s not unusual for strangers to sit side-by-side at the bar, trade comments on the tapas, and offer recommendations. The friendliness feels organic, not staged – a trait reflected online too. One guest described “exquisite tapas with every glass… and impeccable service”.
A must stop on Almeria’s tapas route
For locals, it’s already a staple. For visitors passing through the city, it’s a must-try. El Quincho manages to capture the very thing people love about Almeria dining: unfussy plates, bold flavours, and a buzzing bar where you instantly feel part of the evening.
If you want an authentic night out built around conversation, your drink of choice, and excellent tapas, El Quincho delivers exactly what you hope for – and a little more.
Read more of our restaurant reviews here.