Along its nearly 700 metres, as well as on the surrounding streets, an increasingly varied gastronomic offering has emerged. Here, visitors can enjoy traditional tapas, home-style dishes, hearty recipes, Aragonese wines and carefully served vermouths in an environment that has preserved its essence while embracing new proposals.
For those looking to enjoy tapas at a leisurely pace or have a good-value set menu, Calle Mayor is a perfect alternative to the bustle of other areas in the city centre. In this article, we review some of the essential bars on this emblematic Zaragoza street.
EL FUELLE
On Zaragoza's Calle Mayor, just a few steps from Plaza del Pilar, lies El Fuelle, one of those restaurants remembered not only for its excellent food but also for the complete experience. Decorated with farming tools and staffed by waiters dressed in traditional Aragonese clothing, this establishment has been serving roast suckling lamb, migas, grilled dishes and homemade desserts for more than three decades in an atmosphere steeped in Aragonese tradition. Its fame has travelled so far that even King Felipe VI had dinner there in 1986, and the cutlery he used is still displayed as a relic.
El Fuelle is one of the highest-rated restaurants in Zaragoza. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
With more than 6,000 Google reviews, El Fuelle is one of the highest-rated restaurants in Zaragoza. Highlights on its menu include the house migas, grilled snails, rabbit with poor man's potatoes, Orio-style cod and the classic oven-roasted suckling lamb, served in its own juices with a side dish. Set menus are also available from twenty-eight euros per person, including starters, a drink and dessert. Tradition, flavour and Aragonese hospitality in the heart of the old town.
Contact telephone: 976 39 16 40 Opening hours:
Monday and Sunday closed Tuesday to Thursday: 09.00 to 23.00 Saturday: 10.00 to 23.30
EL TRUJALICO
Founded in 1982, El Trujalico is one of those long-established bars that form part of Zaragoza's culinary landscape. Known for its friendly atmosphere and draught vermouth served with brine and crushed ice, this small establishment on Calle Mayor has been serving tapas, sharing dishes and hearty recipes for more than four decades to those looking to eat well without complications. There are no frills here: just quality ingredients, tradition and flavour.
El Trujalico is one of those long-established bars that form part of Zaragoza's culinary landscape. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
Its menu combines classics such as pickled snacks, anchovies, stew and croquettes with more substantial options for dinner or sharing tapas in a group. El Trujalico is also a meeting place for those who enjoy a good vermouth mid-morning, a well-poured draught beer or a drink after dinner. A bar from another era, where the food and service still make all the difference.
Address: Calle Mayor, 14 (Zaragoza) Telephone: 976 29 08 93 Opening hours:
Thursday to Saturday: 12.00 to 16.00 and 20.00 to 23.30 Sunday: 12.00 to 16.00
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday closed
EL SIDECAR
With a carefully designed aesthetic and constant nods to the world of motoring, El Sidecar is one of the most original bars on Calle Mayor. Its market cuisine draws on tradition to offer thoughtfully prepared tapas and sharing dishes, available both as part of a set menu and à la carte. Its most recommended dishes include confit broken eggs, baby squid, Aragonese migas, a cheese selection and stone-grilled beef chop, perfect for sharing.
This establishment is one of the most original bars on the street. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
El Sidecar is ideal for eating well without leaving the old town. The menu includes options for special celebrations, good wines and homemade desserts that round off the experience. An establishment with its own personality, where quality, service and atmosphere are evident on every visit.
Address: Calle Mayor, 8 (Zaragoza) Telephone: 976 29 63 59 Opening hours:
Wednesday, Thursday and Tuesday: 08.30 to 16.00 and 18.30 to 23.00 Friday: 08.30 to 16.30 and 18.30 to 24.00 Saturday: 12.00 to 16.00 and 19.00 to 24.00 Sunday: 12.00 to 16.00 Monday closed
