Taberna Casa Manteca

Ignore the BS review recently shown by a so called local guide. You will notice that every other review is excellent ! This place was highly recommended by English and Spanish alike and when Spaniards wait to get in a place you know it is good, they don’t like waiting ! Been here twice in two days. Didn’t disappoint. Husband said the tortillitas camarones they’re famous for were best he’d ever had. Sadly they’re not gluten free but there are loads of gluten free options on the menu which is clearly labelled for allergens and the staff are allergen aware. The chicharrones were heavenly as was the carne al horno. Boquerones en vinagre, morcilla de hígado (white pudding), jamón bellota (best jamón there is) grilled marrajo fish in garlic and parsley oil, and patatas aliñadas were some of the absolutely delicious gluten free/lactose free/egg free options all naturally free from those three allergens and of course there is plenty of traditional fried fish (not gluten free) which all looks delicious. All you have to do is put your name on the list and wait then enjoy the atmosphere. Staff are great, so friendly and helpful, even offered to take my hubby to watch the tortillitas being made as he ordered so many. Not the cheapest place to eat but worth every penny. Top quality traditional Spanish food.

Overhyped tourist trap. Too crazy busy for its own good. The staff is overall good except for the muscle-head waiter serving outside who must hate his life and is not welcoming and is flat out disrespectful. The older one running outside tables is very professional as is the inside staff. Food is solid. Shrimp tortillatas are as good as any as long as they get them to you when piping hot. Sometimes they don’t. Tomatoes were meh and way overseasoned. The salmorejo is good with the olive oil ice cream gimmick. Fried fish has been way over salted. If you’re up for dealing with the constant crowd and BS go for it but same fare can be had elsewhere in town without the drama and disrespect.

When success comes and gets unchallenged, the management & staff get relax and uncaring. After my 3rd attempt to eat- expect long, very long queues to get seated- I finally managed to have “the epic Manteca experience”. Honestly, this place is highly over rated & the waiters are unhelpful, unkind & obnoxious. For me, the eating experience goes beyond the food quality, also encompassing the swift, helpful & caring interaction with the serving staff. Regarding food quality, the only, truly remarkable dish was “tortillas de camarón”, all the rest of tapa options was pretty much the same quality you can find elsewhere , and perhaps cheaper too! Most non-Spanish speaking tourists may not notice this nuances, but I speak Spanish and there many things that are easily spotted…save your time queuing & spend your money elsewhere.

Very delicious, only very hot - you can sit outside only (33 degrees in June), lots of people, noise and the waiters tired too. And you have to wait. The meal was delicious, especially tartita de camarones, salmorejo con helado. Mojama de atun had lot of salt for my taste. Fried fish was ok. Potato salads (both) were delicious, only it came too late, after all the food, after we asked again. Croquetas de jamon y camarones were very delicious. A guide from Cadifornia recomended us the place. Overall, my recomendations!

What an absolute find. Firstly, get here early! Queues form very quick! The food served here is cooked fresh, and comes dish at a time, dont expect everything to come at once. That's not how tapas works. The patatas alioli was absolutely out of this world!

Great place , have been 12 times in the last 3 weeks. Must get there early and line up . Sitting inside the main bar has all the atmosphere. Chicharrón is the best

Wonderful simple food, great service and magical typical Spanish atmosphere. Come at least 20 mins before opening if you want to be sure to find a seat.

Easily the best meal we had in Cádiz! A MUST TRY: tomate alinado con bacalao ahumado balsamic vinegerette My tip is to eat at 2nd location across the road to avoid the queue at the original restaurant. They have the exact same menu.