Mezquita

Bodegas Mezquita Céspedes is a tapas restaurant on C. Céspedes in Córdoba’s old town, serving traditional Cordoban and Andalusian food. Build a meal around small plates: fried eggplant with Pedro Ximénez reduction, patatas bravas, or Mozarabic meatballs in almond and saffron sauce. The menu also has vegetarian choices, seafood and larger dishes such as oxtail. There is an extensive wine list, and the restaurant can get busy, so book ahead if you have a set dinner time.

Cordoban tapas and a varied menu

Bodegas Mezquita Céspedes serves traditional Cordoban tapas and Andalusian dishes in Córdoba’s old town. It began as a tapas bar in the early 1960s. The menu includes familiar plates such as patatas bravas alongside regional dishes, with options for both vegetarians and meat-eaters.

For a local-style meal, try the Mozarabic meatballs with almond and saffron sauce or an oxtail dish. Fried eggplant with Pedro Ximénez reduction is another distinctive choice. Other dishes mentioned on the menu include pumpkin soup, risotto, octopus and tortilla de patatas. The menu also includes desserts such as apple pie.

Planning your meal

The restaurant is on C. Céspedes, close to Córdoba’s historic centre. Its popularity means tables can fill up, so make a reservation if you are planning to eat at a particular time. If your schedule is flexible, an off-peak visit can make for a calmer meal.

There is an extensive wine list, and staff can help with recommendations. If you have a food allergy, explain it when ordering so the team can check which dishes are suitable. Some diners have encountered a QR-code menu, so be prepared to view the menu on your phone.