BEST ANDALUSIAN SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANTS

Andalusia is with no doubt, one of Spain’s most scenic regions, attracting thousands of tourists each year.

Regarding the sustainable concept, restaurants around the world are sourcing local produce, minimizing waste, and reducing energy use. Part of the drive to sustainability is because of flavor — fresh, local food simply tastes better than the same food out of a package — and part of the recent resurgence of sustainable practices in restaurants is because it’s what the people want.

Thanks to its culinary scene, the region of Andalusia has plenty to offer beyond the traditional salmorejo (cold and garlicky tomato soup), seafood and tortilla de camarones. With a focus on ecological, healthy, local ingredients, sustainable restaurants are putting something different on the table. We take you on a journey to discover a selection of some of the best Andalusian sustainable restaurants.

Fargo: 95% of the menu is organic and varies weekly

A unique establishment now attracting a crowd of locals and tourists alike, all keen to try fresh, seasonal homemade organic food. Fargo abides by two keywords: local and seasonal. 95% of the menu is organic and varies weekly depending on what’s in season and local farmers’ production. During summer months, the restaurant even manages to find exotic fruits, nuts, cereals and even quinoa, which makes for a colorful and delicious selection of dishes. Beyond its commitment to seasonality and organic ingredients, the restaurant also goes a long way to pursue its efforts in favor of sustainability. From using organic cleaning products to recycling glass and offering private patios for staff to put their bikes thus inciting them to cycle to work.

Address: C/ Pérez Galdos, 20, Seville

La Noria: km zero, slow food and support for small producers

This gourmet restaurant opened last year right on the famous Plaza Nueva in Granada, close by the mythical Alhambra palace. The philosophy of the restaurant revolves entirely around the concept of sustainability. Its values are km zero, slow food and support for small producers. The seasonal menu is made up of fresh certified ecological products that come from nearby farms. They are showcased behind the glass window of La Noria so that people can see first hand the fresh ingredients they are going to indulge in.

Address: Calle Ánimas, 7, 18009 Granada

Breathe: an oasis of freshness in Marbella

Breathe, a trendy restaurant in the trendy city of Marbella, is an oasis of freshness and particularly ideal summer comes. One of the most original initiatives at Breathe is that unused drinking water and rainwater are used to water the lush 175 m2 vertical garden and the small wooded area surrounding the restaurant. All the dishes are created from ecological and local ingredients, in line with the restaurant’s values of km zero and “farm to table”. Some of the fruits and vegetables even come from Breathe’s own gardens.

Address: Nueva Andalucia, Calle Los Lirios, 29660 Marbella

Casa SiempreViva: a peaceful environmentally-friendly haven

Near Malaga, Casa SiempreViva is a peaceful environmentally-friendly haven located inside a small hotel. Dishes are essentially vegetarian, with a focus on edible flowers: “We started cooking with them and now it’s difficult to find one of our dishes that doesn’t contain some flowers” owner Mayte and Javier comment. The food is made each day depending on the ingredients found in the garden and surrounding local markets in order to keep everything fresh and seasonal and to avoid waste. Soaps are made with ecological herbs picked in the garden. The sheets and pillows are made of ecological materials, and the rooms are filled with recycled furniture or objects made with wood from sustainable forests.

Address: Calle Gloria Fuertes, 29793 Torrox, Málaga