El Quinto Toro
Bullfighting-themed taberna beside Almería's Mercado Central, opened by former novillero Juan Leal in 1947 and famous for papas a lo pobre with fried egg.
About El Quinto Toro
Juan Leal Espinar (1925–1994) fought as a novillero in Almería's bullring in 1945 before opening El Quinto Toro on 11 July 1947 in a former garage on what is now Calle Juan Leal, named after him in 1994. The name refers to the old custom of saving the best bull for fifth place on the bill; the heads on the walls were from bulls killed by Domingo Ortega and Rafael de Paula. For years it was a men-only bar known for flamenco and bullfighting tertulias. His sons Manuel and Curro now run it, with Carmen and Reyes in the kitchen. In 2024 the city gave it its Escudo de Oro, dating its role as a meeting point to 1949.
The star tapa is papas a lo pobre con huevo frito y pimentón, potatoes fried slowly with peppers, topped with a fried egg. Other classics are meatballs, fritada de lomo, remojón de San Antón (salt cod and orange salad), Almería-style ensaladilla, tomate raf with melva, mojama and hueva de maruca with fried almonds. There is a spoon stew each weekday and rice on Fridays and Saturdays, and a free tapa with every drink.
The tourist office lists Monday to Saturday 12:00–16:00, plus Thursday 20:00–24:00 and Friday 21:00–24:00; it closes on Sundays. A drink with tapa costs about €3–3.50 and raciones €8–16 (2026); about €15–25 per person. Book the dining room; the bar and terrace are walk-in.
The busiest moment is 13:30, when shoppers arrive from the market; come at 12:30. Tip: order the papas a lo pobre first.
El Quinto Toro in pictures
What you’ll find
- Ham and charcuterieHam and cured meatsBuy
- Historic interiorHistoric premisesFree
- RacionesSharing plates (€8–€16)Buy
- ReservationsTable bookingBook
- Sherry and wineWines by the glassBuy
- Signature dishHouse specialityBuy
- Standing barBar counterFree
- TapasTapas at the bar (€3–€4, 12:00–16:30)Buy
- TerraceOutdoor seatingFree
Nearby places to visit
El Quinto Toro stands right beside the market, and its customers have always come straight from the stalls. The Mercado Central de Almería (50 m), opened in 1892, is next door, while Almería Cathedral (450 m) and the Alcazaba of Almería (690 m) are a short walk through the old town. Casa Puga (340 m) and Casa Joaquín, Almería (530 m) complete a classic Almería tapas round. The long town beach, Playa de San Miguel (1 km), is reached by walking down the Rambla, the landscaped former riverbed.
El Quinto Toro at a glance
Category
Food & Wine Gastronomy
Location
Metropolitana de Almería, Almería
Town
Almería
Address
Calle Juan Leal 6, 04001 Almería, Almería, Spain
Phone
+34 950 239 135
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 12:00–16:00; Thu also 20:00–24:00, Fri 21:00–24:00; closed Sundays (tourist office 2025; phone to confirm).
Prices
Drink with free tapa about €3–3.50, raciones about €8–16 (2026); about €15–25 per person.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 on the official website. Times and prices can change, so confirm before you go.
More places nearby
Other places within 25 km of El Quinto Toro, nearest first.
