Restaurante La Fortaleza

Restaurante La Fortaleza is located within Melilla la Vieja, the fortified promontory that constitutes the oldest part of the city, offering diners the rare combination of authentic regional cooking and a setting steeped in centuries of military and civic history. The menu draws on both Spanish Andalusian tradition and the Melillense culinary identity that emerged from the city's multiethnic past. Puchero de trigo melillense — a substantial wheat-grain stew with vegetables and assorted meat cuts — is the most distinctive regional dish on the menu, rarely found outside of Melilla itself. Pinchitos morunos, small marinated meat skewers of Moorish origin, arrive charcoal-grilled and served with flatbread, and berenjenas con miel (aubergines in honey) provide a sweet-savoury starter drawn from Andalusian tradition. Tapas served with views of the fortress walls are a favourite option for visitors exploring the old town on foot. The kitchen closes on Tuesdays. During summer evenings, the combination of fortress illumination and warm Mediterranean air makes dining here a particular pleasure.