We were staying nearby and our hotel receptionist recommended Salinas. The first day as we walked past we went inside and made a reservation for the evening. 8pm, we were told, well that was OK with us so that evening we turned up a few...minutes early. The lights went on at 8 and we, and the queue of others were let in and seated in a typical Spanish interior.
The waiting staff were friendly and helpful, offering us an English menu (which we never accept as it is often less accurate) . We chose the casserole of wild asparagus as a starter to share, it was exceptional, one of the two best Spanish dishes we ate on our stay in Cordoba. Our main courses were also good and we had an excellent bottle of wine. Service was efficient and friendly, moving quickly but not making us feel rushed.
We saw why the booking system worked as it did. After the 8pm reservations there was a constant queue waiting for a table. It was like that every day as we walked past, lunch and dinner because it is so popular. So, if you don't want to queue make a reservation for the start of service!
Good Spanish food, good wine, a lovely place, no wonder it is so popular.More