Food enthusiasts are increasingly in search of the most innovative and exciting dining experiences, and Gibraltar’s culinary scene is certainly rising to the occasion. The local food scene is booming and foodies will find no shortage of gourmet delights that bring more to the table than just what’s on the plate.
According to a report conducted by Big Hospitality, travellers are no longer only looking for delicious food when they travel, but experiences which go beyond the everyday meal. From lunchtime views looking down over the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, to vibrant evenings enjoying live music and cocktails in the streets, Gibraltar’s culinary scene has something for everyone.
Zero-kilometre drinking at Gibraltar’s Spirit of the Rock distillery
Due to its size, it may come as a surprise to learn that Gibraltar is home to its very own gin distillery. Boasting the title of the only distillery in Gibraltar, Spirit of the Rock produces crafted bottles infused with botanicals that are found naturally within the local environment.
Despite the compact size of the premises, the distillery produces and supplies seven different types of gin which can be purchased both online, from the distillery and its suppliers. Due to the gin being produced in Gibraltar, with the botanicals sourced from the surrounding environment, the gin can be classified as a zero-kilometre product.
According to the Michelin Guide for 2023, sustainability is at the forefront of diners’ minds. People want to know that the food or drink they’re consuming hasn’t reached them at the cost of the environment, so the distillery is a popular pick for those looking to be more conscious with their choices, making the most of sampling local produce in the very place where it’s been made.
For those looking to try before they buy, Spirit of the Rock hosts daily tasting sessions, where guests are invited to take a look behind the scenes at what goes into the production of a bottle of gin, learn about its history and take part in a tasting session.
Dramatic dining at Mons Calpe Suite
For those seeking a thrill, Gibraltar’s Mons Calpe Suite offers one of the most dramatic dining experiences around. Perched at the very top of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, this spectacular venue offers a range of delicious food, amazing cocktails, and sweeping views across the Rock and out to sea.
Beyond just a great meal, diners are now seeking truly memorable experiences, and this can certainly be found here. Visitors will feel like they’re on top of the world in this impressive, glass sided building, which has tables pressed right up against the windows to provide uninterrupted views of the coastline, whilst guests enjoy a host of traditional, fresh Mediterranean fare, all cooked on site. After lunch, visitors can take a stroll around the dramatic Nature Reserve to soak up the unforgettable scenery.
Bar hopping at Chatham Counterguard
Chatham Counterguard, which was originally built as a defensive wall, has been converted into a collection of hidden gem style bars and eateries. Now known as one of Gibraltar’s most vibrant and trendy hangouts, Chatham serves as the bustling heart of the destination on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Its old vaults have been given a new lease of life and now serve as venues for a popular collection of innovative bars and restaurants, offering tapas, wine and cocktails, with some also providing regular music gigs and cultural events. Although the area still retains many of its old features signifying its heritage, the restaurants here are popular with Gibraltar’s younger crowd, making it a lively spot for a fun night out.
An immersive food experience at The Queen’s Picturehouse and Eatery
Opened in 2021, Queens Picturehouse and Eatery provides the ultimate immersive dining experience for its visitors, combining a delicious, contemporary menu with handcrafted cocktails, alongside a boutique cinema.
Paying homage to Gibraltar’s former Queens Cinema, which was once a pivotal part of the community, Queens Picturehouse and Eatery has been designed to seamlessly blend dining and entertainment, showing a range of popular films, both old and new, and is also available for private screening parties.
The walls of the restaurant are adorned with original memorabilia from the old cinema, but the interiors are contemporary and vibrant, providing the perfect setting for an evening spent dining with family and friends, and celebrating the legacy of the cinema with a post-dinner film.
Eat around the world at Little Bay Bar and Indian Tapas
Gibraltar is well known for being wonderfully multicultural, and this is reflected through the destination’s eclectic food scene. Different foods from all around the world have made their way into the local cuisine over the years, and Indian food is no exception.
Little Bay Bar and Indian Tapas, situated in the picturesque, waterfront location of Ocean Village, is undoubtedly Gibraltar’s leading Indian offering. This family run spot is loved by tourists and locals alike, and seamlessly blends the traditional tapas style way of eating with their own vibrant Indian dishes. For those keen to make the most of Gibraltar’s sunshine, the extensive menu can be enjoyed al fresco, overlooking the marina, offering a perfect location for a long lunch or evening meal with family and friends.
Follow in the footsteps of the famous with afternoon tea at The Rock Hotel
Those keen to follow in the footsteps of famous faces can do so at Gibraltar’s The Rock Hotel. An indulgent and decadent afternoon tea experience is available to guests and visitors alike and offers the opportunity to explore a hotel that has traditionally been a popular choice for famous guests over the years including Sir Winston Churchill, Alec Guinness, Sean Connery, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, to name just a few.
The hotel’s traditional British afternoon tea consists of all the usual favourites; finely cut sandwiches with classic fillings, freshly baked scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, followed by a delicious choice of afternoon tea cakes. The Rock’s glamorous dining room and lounge, which combine colonial elegance with contemporary touches, is an ideal place to take in views of Gibraltar’s main town, making the most of the hotel’s fortunate position, perched upon the Rock face.
For more information about Gibraltar, visit visitgibraltar.gi.
