El Jardín del Califa

We just ate at this charming café in our hotel and wow—what a hidden gem! El Jardín del Calista completely exceeded our expectations. We ordered the shawarma, hummus, and Mediterranean salad, and every bite was bursting with flavour. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, and the quality was top notch. The highlight was definitely the spicy sauce—packed with flavour but seriously fire. If you’re not into heat, you might want to skip it, but if you are, it’s a must-try. This spot is perfect for a quick, satisfying snack or light meal. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something tasty and fresh in a relaxed setting. We’ll definitely be back! UPDATE We loved it so much we went back for dinner and it was spectacular. Easily one of the best overall experiences from atmosphere to food quality to service that we’ve experienced in Europe.

One of our favourite restaurants- anywhere. The haloumi starter is out of this world, and the slow cooked lamb with caramelised ginger and pistachio couscous is insane. The deserts are also superb. All of this in an extremely charming setting. I couldn’t rate it higher!

We went here after a friend’s recommendation and was very happy. The food was very tasty. As a cheese lover, I really enjoyed the “crujiente de queso”. The eggplant dish was very delicious as well. The main course “kuzu tandir” has a peculiar presentation and was extremely delicious. Staff is friendly and helpful, prices are okay. Surroundings are really beautiful, especially the terrace, patio with lots of plants, and the bathroom area.

During our road trip, we stopped in the beautiful white village of Vejer de la Frontera for lunch at El Jardín del Califa—and it was a fantastic choice! The stunning decor and warm ambiance instantly transport you to Morocco. The food was excellent—we had Harira (a flavorful vegetable soup with chickpeas), a delicious Mezze selection, and perfectly grilled mixed meats, all packed with authentic flavors. As we had our small dog, we booked outdoor seating in advance. Despite unpredictable March weather, the skies cleared, letting us enjoy a wonderful meal in the garden. Welcoming staff and a memorable experience—highly recommend for anyone visiting Vejer!

We had the absolute pleasure of dining at El Jardín del Califa this afternoon, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. We had originally booked a table inside, but as the sun was shining, the team kindly moved us to the most beautiful table in the garden—an idyllic setting that truly added magic to our meal. The food was simply exceptional—full of flavour, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care and passion. Every dish was a delight. The service was warm, attentive and faultless—nothing was too much trouble, and we felt genuinely welcomed throughout. The atmosphere? Just perfect. Surrounded by lush greenery, with the scent of jasmine in the air and the gentle hum of happy diners, it made for the most memorable and relaxed family meal. Thank you to the entire team for making it so special. A must-visit gem in Vejer!

The atmosphere here in this garden restaurant tucked back into the Hotel is lovely. Traditional style dishes are served up with flare, but unfortunately the ceramic did not keep my meal hot, so it was not as enjoyable as it could’ve been. Service was efficient enough, but not all that friendly.

We were recommended El Jardin del Califa by some locals. We dropped in, without a reservation on a Sunday evening. Even though there were no tables available, we were able to be squeezed in after a table left. The space feels magical, consisting of a beautiful courtyard, with beautiful decor and nice tables. Our server, Juan, was amazing. Not only was he professional and diligent, but also provided us with some recommendations that we decided to follow and have no regrets whatsoever. He was attentive during the entire meal, checking if everything was ok and if we needed anything else, but not in a pushy way at all. Kudos to him, he was great. Food was delicious too. We went with the Califa mezze, hallouimi and the eggplant dish with meat and rice. All were solid choices, packed with middle eastern flavours that we enjoyed a lot. I definitely recommend this place, and would come back in any future visits to Vejer.

A wonderful place. We had good food and great atmosphere. Very good service and helpful staff. Decent prices. The grill smells amazing. A great place to eat, talk and have a good time. You do need a reservation quite in advance. But it is worth it.