El Balcón de San Nicolás - Restaurante
Perched in Albaicin, this cafe offers unparalleled Alhambra views from its terrace, making every meal a visual feast. A truly magical Granada experien...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
El Balcón de San Nicolás - Restaurante
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Perched in Albaicin, this cafe offers unparalleled Alhambra views from its terrace, making every meal a visual feast. A truly magical Granada experience.
"The view is so magical & unlike the other comments who I’ve seen complaining abt the prices, I think it’s pretty reasonable."
Opt for downstairs seating
For a more relaxed atmosphere, consider sitting downstairs rather than on the rooftop.
Budget-friendly drink options
Stick to drinks to enjoy the view affordably; meals can be pricey. Sangria is recommended.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Spanish
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+34 958 28 57 14
Address
Cjón. Atarazana, 2, Albaicín, 18010 Granada, Spain
Website
elbalcondesannicolas.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unforgettable Alhambra Views
Dine with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Alhambra from plush sofas on an open-air terrace. A truly magical setting.
Generous Cheese & Ham Plates
Savor delicious and generously portioned cheese and ham platters, perfect for sharing with a view.
Warm & Hospitable Service
Experience friendly and attentive wait staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Opt for downstairs seating
For a more relaxed atmosphere, consider sitting downstairs rather than on the rooftop.
Budget-friendly drink options
Stick to drinks to enjoy the view affordably; meals can be pricey. Sangria is recommended.
Visit during sunset
Experience a relaxing ambiance with fewer crowds during the beautiful sunset hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Opt for downstairs seating
For a more relaxed atmosphere, consider sitting downstairs rather than on the rooftop.
Budget-friendly drink options
Stick to drinks to enjoy the view affordably; meals can be pricey. Sangria is recommended.
Visit during sunset
Experience a relaxing ambiance with fewer crowds during the beautiful sunset hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about El Balcón de San Nicolás primarily for its unparalleled, breathtaking views of the Alhambra, especially during sunset. While some find the food and drinks to be pricey, many agree the generous portions and quality, like the cheese and ham plates, make it worthwhile for the unique experience. The service is frequently highlighted as friendly and hospitable, contributing to a memorable visit.
"You definitely come here for the views. Drinks and food are pricey, but makes sense considering the location. We just had some beers, tea, and coffee, and the staff were super friendly. I'd recommend skipping the rooftop and chill downstairs, it’s just as nice and a bit more low-key. Didn’t try the food (saw the prices and passed), but if you keep it simple with a drink or two, it's a great spot"
José Bermúdez
"Food is definitely overpriced in comparison to other restaurants in downtown, however, for the view we felt it was worth it. We went to see Alhambra and we looked at it from the view area up the street, but wanted a longer look and to sit down. So we went to this restaurant and got a couple drinks and their cheese and ham plate, it was delicious and a very generous portion! The table in the shade next to the wall was unbeatable. We’d reco for sure!"
Kristine Lemmermen
"Our favorite restaurant in our whole Spain trip. Wait staff was very kind and hospitable. We immediately got an amazing seat with a perfect view despite having no reservation. The food was delicious - large healthy portions. We have no complaints about this place - it was perfect and we’ll be back!"
Jamie Rotbert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is renowned for its breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Alhambra from its open-air terrace, offering a magical dining experience.
Some diners find the food and drinks pricey, but others feel it's reasonable given the prime location and views. Opting for drinks can be a more budget-friendly option.
Visiting during sunset is highly recommended for a relaxing atmosphere and stunning golden hour views of the Alhambra.
While reservations are not always necessary, arriving early can help secure a good table with unobstructed views, especially during peak times.
The menu includes a variety of dishes such as salads, lasagna, sea bass, cheese and ham plates, and desserts.
Yes, for a more low-key experience, consider sitting downstairs, which offers a pleasant ambiance as well.
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The Best Cafés And Coffee Shops In Granada, Spain
Hiding behind a battered old wall at the top of Albaicin, squeezed in among the barrio’s scruffy rooftops, is the best café in the neighbourhood. From the plush white sofas on its open-air terrace, you can enjoy a staggering perspective on the Darro Valley and the Alhambra; in fact, so unspoilt and direct is the view that the mighty Arabic fort seems to have been erected on the hillside opposite solely for the benefit of El Balcon’s clients. It’s the kind of setting – vast, humbling, unchanged in centuries – that makes profound conversations about life and love almost compulsory.
The best restaurants with views of the Alhambra in Granada
Mirador de San Nicolás has magnificent views of the Alhambra, so restaurants like El Balcón de San Nicolás are perfect when visiting the lookout point during meal times. Since El Balcón de San Nicolas is located directly below the overlook, it boasts the same views but without the crowds. The menu features sea bass en papillote and grilled calamari.
Mirador de San Nicolas in Granada
Restaurant is situated just below the Mirador de San Nicolás, providing the same views with fewer people. It features a terrace in one of the most impressive places in Granada, equipped with about 10 tables. One can imagine that on days with good weather, the terrace is often full.
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