Alhambra Café and Tapas Bar

By Franz Scheurer

The food of the South of Spain and North of Morocco is a culinary reflection of history. The intermingling of cultures is mirrored in the use of Moorish ingredients (such as dried fruits) in Spain and Spanish cooking methods and ingredients (such as smoky paprika) in Morocco. Alhambra tries to do justice to this fused cuisine, introducing food from this corner of the world to Sydneysiders.

Alhambra Café and Tapas Bar is a large comfortable restaurant, with sienna, gold and green the dominant colours and the whole front open to the street. The menu offers lots of choice and meals are best shared. Owner/Chef Aziz Bakalla makes his own harissa and preserved lemons and both are truly excellent. We liked the ‘Andalusian Baked Egg’, a tapas-style dish with egg, tomatoes, fresh peas, chives and lots of spice, and enjoyed the soft-textured ‘Bissara Dip’, a broad bean dip accompanied by wholemeal pita.

The ‘Charmoula Chicken’, a daily special, was served on ultra-fine, buttered couscous, which, although well seasoned, was a touch dry and overcooked. The ‘Warm Lamb Salad’ showed off succulent, well-charred lamb pieces on a bed of greens with preserved lemons. The seasoning was especially good, a mixture of orange, ginger and coriander flavours with the odd piece of cherry tomato and cucumber. Servings are more than generous and you certainly won’t leave hungry. For dessert we ordered the ‘Burnt Cream Custard’, a dense and wonderful take on a ‘crema Catalana’. We don’t think the strawberry and mint leaf on top were necessary though.

The wine list is short and acceptable and with a few wines by the glass. Value for money is good and service is attentive and friendly. Things can get a bit hectic towards the end of the week, so if you really want to enjoy the food you might consider going early in the week.

Score: 6.5/10

For more information or bookings:

Alhambra Café and Tapas Bar

1/54 West Esplanade

Manly, NSW 2095

Tel.: (02) 9976 2975