My husband and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary in Spain in October. I am hoping to book a Carmen in Granada for a romantic dinner celebration. Does anyone have thoughts or even a recent experience? We will likely be there on a Monday or Tuesday. Both El Trillo and Las Tomasas look good -- but happy to hear of other places. It looks like Mirador de Aixa (a rec that comes up when I search the forum) is only open to private parties now.
Posted by
Alexandria, VA
771 posts
We were on the Best of Spain tour, and in Granada, at the end of April. I believe we ate a group dinner at Carmen Mirador de Aixa. (I can’t believe I didn’t pay more attention to the name.) As we passed Carmen de las Tomasas our guide, a Spaniard, said it also was very good.
RS also mentions El Trillo. He says most tables are in the garden with no view of the Alhambra, but there are some tables with views upstairs
Another place in the RS guide is Carmen de Aben Humeya. It has outdoor only seating. He calls it a “smart option”.
I would try to make sure you have a view at sunset. It is magical!
Happy Anniversary, and enjoy your trip to Spain!
Posted by
Vermont, USA
729 posts
Carmen Aben Humeya — spectacular view and great food:
Posted by
1056 posts
My husband and I ate at Carmen de Aben Humeya in April 2019. The walk up to the carmen was the stuff that dreams are made of as was the view while dining. Right at sunset, shafts of sunlight lit up the Alhambra. Time your reservation for sunset views. I don't even remember what we ate but it was very good. The view and ambience upstage anything else. The terraced gardens are perfectly tended and lovely in and of themselves.
We will return in October, and will be eating at other carmens as well.
I hope you have a marvelous 5th wedding anniversary. We just celebrated our 51st in Cambridge, England at a restaurant that we didn't like, so two days later at a stellar restaurant, we decided that that would be our celebratory dinner! If at first you don't succeed. . .
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
We ate at El Trillo just last night—walked in, so couldn’t get a table with a view, but we had a wonderful meal, and were delightfully looked after.
Posted by
5 posts
We are in Granada now, and we are trying to book a Carmen for Monday night.
The only one taking reservations is El Trillo, but they want my credit card so that they can charge me 40 euros if I cancel within 24 hours.
Even though they will give away my table if I am 15 minutes late.
A bit of a rip off. Why does Rick recommend places like this?
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
hhdellar- I can only imagine how many times they’ve been burnt by no-shows to end up with a policy like that. I don’t blame the restaurant—I can only find fault in thoughtless fellow tourists for having screwed them over in the past.
Posted by
USA
227 posts
Carmen de Aben Humana is wonderful!! Just dined there last week. We sat on terrace and had amazing view of Alhambra. Food was just delicious and the staff were so friendly and attentive. A memorable dinner for sure!
Posted by
Detroit
31 posts
Timely post, I just booked Carmen de Aben Humana. I'm a bit concerned as I didn't plan on packing a suit - not planning on rocking up in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but how is the dress code situation there?
Posted by
1056 posts
No suit or dressing up is necessary. We dined inside in April 2019 which you would think would require dressier clothes, but did not. I'm sure I wore my usual black slacks, white top and running shoes/Sperry boat shoes. My husband was probably wearing his LL Bean nylon pants and a fly fishing shirt from there.
The most important thing is to be there just before the sun sets to take in the most spectacular view. I hope you have good weather--enjoy!
Posted by
Detroit
31 posts
Cheers! Thanks very much for the reassurance!