Taberna Ágora Mezquita — Restaurant in Córdoba

This place attracts attention with its relatively pretty patio dining area but fails to deliver on what a good restaurant experience is about - quality food and service. It would’ve been better had service been non-existent (which it nearly was) rather than terrible and disinterested.

For context, we were there on Sunday evening, from 19h-20h when the place was half-filled at most. When we entered, we were offered a table with fewer chairs than the number of guests. No problem, we can help ourselves even though it wasn’t busy at all.

When drinks were served, they were also served all to one of us, when it’s pretty clear who was having the drink since there were only 2 of us. When food was served, it was either plopped onto the table silently, or with some throat-clearing - no introduction, no “buen provecho” whatsoever. There was no effort at all to try and give customers a good experience.

The food was forgettable and overpriced for the quality. We ordered 2 tapas, 2 cocktails and 2 mains and it came to 62€. On the other hand, just the night before and at a restaurant just opposite, we had 7 dishes and more than a bottle of wine for 100€. (I was more than happy to leave a 5-star review for that place because it deserved it!) The quality here just cannot compare.

During the dinner, another guest complained that they’d not received the correct change, and the server only apologised for not understanding English that the guest spoke.

When we asked for the bill, it took ten minutes to arrive even though the servers were not all occupied nor was the restaurant busy. The last straw came when our server was clearing the table and instructed - not asked - one of us curtly to hand her the plate.

Guests at a neighbouring table were poorly served as well with their wine poured sloppily. We noticed they weren’t very happy, and ended up commiserating on the poor service. It’s every intrepid tourist’s worst nightmare - an inauthentic and disappointing...

Lovely atmosphere, professional staff. The vermouth: we discovered a hint of almond taste. After 9 years spent in Spain and many vermouths consumed, they managed to surprise me with this new, distinctive and delicious flavor. Although it is possible that it was a sweet Manzanilla sherry instead brought out as vermouth since "it doesn't matter to silly tourists". Aniways, next time in Córdoba, will definitely have another drink here! (and will ask for the name of the bodega) The Salmorejo: perfect texture. Nice presentation, tasted good to show my friends on vacation the Andalucian gazpacho. (Although, I am not convinced that it wasn't a ready-made salmorejo from the supermarket). Combo-fish: some bites too salty, some not salty. Definitely something wrong with the adobo. Never have tasted before made it so sour... Berenjenas con miel de caña: potentially very delicious and fulfilling. I missed a hint of salt from both the egg plant and breadcrumb. Tortillitas de gambas: more delicious than usually. Croquetas de gambas: I am not a fun in general of croquetas. I find them mediocre and overpriced, really just a tiny bit better than chicken nuggets.. However, when we are with friends who come to Spain for vacation, they always order these bites. And this time, it was the right decision, as the shrimp croquetas were surprisingly distinct and delicious! Probably the best I have...

Food 3 out of 5 (first star). Service 0 out of 5. The waiter was atrocious. No hola, no good evening, letting us wait joking around at the bar, slamming the plates on the table. Then he was rearranging some tables for a larger group literally throwing chairs around, hitting our buggy with our sleeping baby, though he did mumble something like sorry he did it almost again 30sec later. All in all zero respect for customers, which as per my understanding, being an entrepreneur, is the most important thing ever and that goes for every profession. I have three theories about the waiter: 1) he was completely overworked - @management please send him on vacation. 2) he doesn't like tourists (we are some of the very nice ones, even trying to speak some Spanish) - sorry but tourists are the ones bringing in the money perhaps he should get another job in a less touristy area (or the kitchen?). 3) he thinks he is to good to be a waiter - well in that case I would recommend getting some coaching, there is nothing wrong being a waiter... though the general setup and the courtyard is nice (the second star), we cannot...