Can Kiku Cafe & Restaurant

We visited Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a beautiful coastal village in Costa Brava in North Eastern Spain. We decided to go for an early dinner at Can Kiku, Cafe & Restaurant. It was recommended to us by one of the staff at Eden Roc Hotel. It was just about 5pm, when we arrived, I asked politely in my bad Spanish, are you serving dinner? The waiter shook his head and said in broken English “no food only drinking.” The waiter seemed distressed that we were even asking about food.

Can Kiku Cafe & Restaurant

The bartender beckoned us, so we approached the bar. I never assume anyone speaks English, so I always attempt to speak their language. In this case I was speaking bad Spanish, but I found out later, I should have been attempting to speak Catalan. In Cost Brava, the local language is Catalan, not Spanish. Since I had no clue, I said “¿Habla usted inglés?” Thankfully, the bartender responded yes, so I asked about dinner. He immediately said no food just alcohol.

Best Short Rib

The staff did not appear very welcoming. We jumped to the conclusion that perhaps they just did not like Americans. Then another waiter approached and said in English, we have one tapas. My husband and I both agreed that it would be fine, and ordered two. We figured “hey we were on an adventure, let’s see what they serve us.” It turned out to be braised short rib with plantains, mashed potatoes and a touch of gravy. It was not just delicious, it was exquisite. I had ordered one wine – vino tinto (of course that was in Spanish too). My husband ordered nothing, since he does not often drink.

Catalan versus Spanish

Since we went in with the hope of having a meal, we ordered two more of the same tapas item – the only food that was available at this time. Looking back, the staff may have been annoyed that I was trying to speak Spanish, when I should have been attempting to communicate in Catalan. Ah well, you live, you learn.

The waiter asked if we wanted more vino. Again, he looked distressed when we shook our heads no, so I immediately said “Si, uno mas.” Then my husband looked distressed, saying “you haven’t even finished your first glass.” I am a lightweight when it comes to drinking, but I wasn’t driving. So ok…I was already a bit tipsy, but I was also on vacation. I wanted the wine and more of that incredible rib tapas.

Best Dinner Costa Brava

We ended up having a great time, and it turned out to be one of the best dinner in Cost Brava. We were shocked at how inexpensive the check was. So we left a relatively large tip. After we closed out our bill, the staff seemed so much more friendly. We later discovered that tapas in Spain are frequently served along with wine and other spirits. You are buying your drink and the tapas just come with it. That was why our bill was so low. Back home you could easily order a glass of wine with a small appetizer and pay so much more. At Can Kiku, the wine was what we were paying for (it was so inexpensive) and the tapas came with it!

Local Eatery Costa Brava

The next morning we had a fabulous breakfast at Eden Roc overlooking the sea and cliffs. We skipped lunch again, so by around 5 we were quite hungry. Once again we were searching for a place to eat. Why was everything closed? Duh – this is when it dawned on us…ahhh everyone is on siesta. This little town shuts down from 1:30 to 5pm, plus some restaurants do NOT open until 8pm. Apparently Can Kiku stays opens for locals who want to drink at this time. They serve only alcohol and ONE tapas dish until 8pm. THEN the full menu is available.

Believe it or not, the second day we ended up back at Can Kiku, because nothing else was open. The staff remembered us, and they were so much nicer, probably because we gave them a nice tip. Or maybe it was because they now knew that my husband did not drink. I am guessing almost no one goes to Can Kiku, unless they want to drink. We discovered that the wine was what they were selling, not the food. So, during our first visit they thought we were nuts for just ordering more food, and not ordering the wine. The second day, the tapas was the same tasty dish – braised short rib with plantains, mashed potatoes and that glorious gravy. We were happy and returned home to our lovely hotel.

Back Again at Can Kiku Cafe & Restaurant

So if you want some fantastic food for an amazing price without a lot of options from 5-8pm, be sure to visit Can Kiku. Otherwise just wait till 8pm, or dine earlier for lunch. Just be aware, the food prices will not be as inexpensive as the tapas, since the tapas were gratis with a drink during siesta. We can only imagine how great the food must be after 8pm, considering how good the braised short rib was. I am sure you will enjoy a fantastic meal. Can Kiku, Carrer Major, 10, 12, 17220 Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Girona; https://www.restaurantcankiku.com