With the exception of Gibraltar IPA, most restaurants in Gibraltar sell British beer and operate under the same licensing hours as other European countries on the Mediterranean Sea. Although visitors can find a wide variety of international cuisine in Gibraltar, they may wish to stick to local specialties like spinach tortillas and the quiche-like dishes of calentita and panissa, both of which are prepared with chickpea flour. Tobacco and liquor are far cheaper in Gibraltar than in the UK so stock up on duty-free items before hopping the border.

Bars and Pubbing in Gibraltar

Gibraltar may not be known for its lively nightlife, but visitors can nonetheless find a few places to drink and party in Irish Town, a thoroughfare which locals often call Back Street. Royal Navy memorabilia and clipper ship engravings are the main décor at both The Royal Oak (59C Irish Town, Gibraltar) and The Clipper (59C Irish Town, Gibraltar). Steak and kidney pie and full English breakfasts served all day are just a few tastes from home British visitors will encounter at these English-style pubs.

Another popular Gibraltar bar with a naval theme is Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie (10 Casemates Square, Gibraltar), modeled after Lord Nelson’s legendary vessel. Visitors can also enjoy the daily happy hours and full Sunday lunches at Europe’s southernmost pub, The Edinburgh Arms (184 Main Street, Gibraltar).

The most upscale nightlife is found at the Ladbrokes Casino (7 Europa Road, Gibraltar), whose spacious terrace faces the harbor lights and whose cocktail bar serves drinks daily between 7:30 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Smart casual dress is appropriate for playing roulette, craps, blackjack, baccarat, and chemin der fer table games.

Dining and Cuisine in Gibraltar

The good quality Italian meals served at Café Solo (Unit 3, Grand Casemates Square, Gibraltar) stand out among the numerous British and Irish pubs in one of Gibraltar’s most popular people-watching spots. Those craving Spanish tapas need only walk a few steps to La Barcina Restaurant & Tapas Bar (Casemates Square, Gibraltar), which serves grilled English sole and fish stew alongside delectable small plates.

The modern Marina Bay and Ocean Village waterfront complexes contain a wide variety of Gibraltar restaurants like Casa Pepe (Unit 18, Queensway Quay Marina, Gibraltar), which serves tapas, fresh local fish, and Mediterranean meals. The more upscale Da Paolo (Unit B, The Tower, Admiral’s Walk, Gibraltar) touts seafood crepes and lobster bisque as its signature dishes.

However, few Gibraltar restaurants are as formal or as highly rated as the Rock Hotel’s Rib Room Restaurant (3 Europa Rd, Gibraltar). This fine dining establishment’s menu changes daily, but the stunning views of Morocco and Spain’s coastline continue to impress. Diners should save room for the chocolate soufflé dessert pancakes served with vanilla custard.