Ruta del Veleta

Description:

• Despite its 1976 origins as an unpretentious roadhouse restaurant, this place rapidly evolved into what's usually decreed the best restaurant in or around Granada. It's in the hamlet of Cenés de la Vega, about 6km (3 1/2 miles) northwest of Granada's center, and has six dining rooms of various sizes, each decorated with a mix of English and Andalusian furniture and accessories. (They include a worthy collection of hand-painted ceramics from the region, many of which hang from the ceilings.) The owners are a pair of Granada-born brothers, Miguel and José Pedraza, who direct the impeccable service rituals. Menu items change with the season but are likely to include roast suckling pig; roasted game birds like pheasant and partridge, often served with Rioja wine sauce; preparations of fish and shellfish, including monkfish with Andalusian herbs and strips of Serrano ham; filet steak in morel-studded cream sauce; and a dessert specialty of frozen rice pudding on a bed of warm chocolate sauce. The wine list is one of the region's most comprehensive.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010