The 20 Top Mytouries in Seville, Spain
Boasting over 300 sunny days each year, Seville has earned its reputation in Spain for a lively social atmosphere. On any given Tuesday, you’ll see countless callejeros, or 'street people,' enjoying chilled beers, savoring reasonably priced tapas, and celebrating into the early morning hours. To accommodate these thirsty and hungry night owls, Seville offers an abundance of bars and restaurants that no visitor could hope to experience in a single trip.
As the capital of Andalusia in southern Spain, Seville has long served as a melting pot for cultures from Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The influence of Moorish rule during the Middle Ages is particularly evident in the city’s architecture and cultural landscape. Today, these influences are visible throughout the city and in its historic, centuries-old venues, setting it apart from other gastronomic hubs in Spain.
Megan Frances Lloyd is a freelance food and travel writer based in Seville, Spain. Her work has appeared in publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, United Hemispheres, and Fodor’s Essential Spain.
La Cochera del Abuelo
Housed in an 18th-century carriage house, La Cochera del Abuelo offers a cozy yet sophisticated dining atmosphere. Owner Cinta Romero's expertise shines through in the attentive service from her front-of-house staff, complemented by a curated selection of captivating wines. The menu evolves frequently, but chef Bosco Benítez has a notable passion for vegetables and grilling, adding delicate hints of smoke to even the lightest dishes. The standout one-bite appetizers, such as a shell-on carpaccio-style scallop paired with smoky eggplant, are truly unforgettable. Reservations are a must.
Eslava
Nestled behind the Basílica de Jesús del Gran Poder, Eslava offers refined Andalusian tapas and is often bustling with both tourists and locals. The restaurant has rightfully received accolades for many of its dishes, including the huevo sobre bizcocho de boletus y trufa (egg yolk on a truffle mushroom cake), but don't overlook the honey rosemary pork ribs, which are equally noteworthy.
Casa del Tigre
According to legend, the former owners of Casa del Tigre (House of the Tiger) once kept a real pet tiger in the building, attracting neighbors who would gather to watch the wild cat lounging on the terrace. This charming hideaway just north of the Setas enchants first-time visitors with its Parisian-style dining area, a unique twist on patatas bravas, and pancetta brioche bites. However, it’s the extensive list of weekly specials and enticing sherry cocktails from the stylish wraparound bar that draw patrons back. Although the tiger departed long ago, some claim it can still be seen peering through an upper window.
Lama La Uva
Spanish wines often take a backseat to popular Riojas and albariños, even in the south. However, owner Ana Linares Martínez is shaking things up at Lama La Uva by curating fascinating selections from small producers, especially from Andalusia. Here, you’ll find natural wines and quirky ancestrals. If you’re fortunate, you might come across a few trace bottles of Lama La Uva’s own blends, which Linares fondly describes as “extremely nerdy.” Guests can enjoy six-course tastings paired with tapas or simply grab a bottle from the shelves to accompany the shop’s excellent charcuterie board, which is always a hit.
Virgin Coffee
In 2015, Pedro Sierra launched Seville’s first micro-roaster in the shadow of the Setas, initially setting up his roaster in the back of his take-out only craft coffee shop. He later relocated the roaster, but the space remains cozy, and visits can be tricky. There are only a few stools outside for seating, and Sierra operates the shop for just six to seven hours each day to accommodate school runs for his kids. However, the effort is worthwhile for a taste of the coffee maestro’s nearly flawless flat whites.
Barra de Cañabota
For the freshest seafood in town without the high cost, skip the Michelin-starred dining at Cañabota and grab a barstool next door at its sister venue. Dishes from Cañabota’s tasting menu—such as the sardine seaweed tosta or rich bites of raw bluefin tuna—make an appearance on the tapas menu at La Barra. Allow the friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you navigate the selections as you create your own tasting experience. While many dishes change daily, you can always expect fresh mollusks, crustaceans, and fish sourced straight from the Mediterranean and Atlantic, featuring delights like raw sweet shrimp from Huelva drizzled with olive oil or tender snapper in confit tomato and garlic.
El Rinconcillo
Recognized as the oldest tapas bar in Seville, El Rinconcillo first opened its doors in 1670, just two blocks southeast of the Palacio de las Dueñas. The decor is a quintessential reflection of Seville: vibrant Arabic tiles, dark wooden barrels, and a curtain of cured Iberian hams draped over the bar. While the bustling crowds of tourists and locals might tempt you to seek a quieter table upstairs, it’s more authentic to embrace the lively atmosphere and stand around the bar to enjoy your tapas. Don’t miss the espinacas con garbanzos (braised spinach with chickpeas), and observe as servers mark your orders directly on the mahogany bar, which serves as a chalkboard.
Créeme
In Seville, the sweltering summer often stretches beyond the calendar, making ice cream the go-to dessert for a significant part of the year. No one crafts it quite like the local ice cream artisan known simply as Chami, who operates Créeme. Nestled under the impressive ficus trees in the Plaza del Museo, his shop features hyperseasonal flavors that change frequently. Each scoop, whether it’s classic pistachio or vibrant orange with dark chocolate flecks, is crafted from carefully sourced ingredients, with flavors inspired by events, people, or ideas from Chami’s life. The range of dairy-free options also deserves high praise.
Cafetería Doña Carmen
This quaint café, located just a short stroll from the Plaza del Duque, begins serving churros at 7:30 a.m., drawing in morning crowds. A second rush of customers arrives around 5 p.m. Whether you visit in the morning or evening, grab a spot at the bar to watch bartenders swiftly prepare steaming cups of coffee and thick hot chocolate, while servers rush out freshly made churros. The café offers two varieties: the traditional thick and airy churros, and denser, corrugated ones made from potato flour. Sample both and choose your favorite!
Castizo
Sevillanos frequently refer to a traditional tapas bar as 'castizo,' and this venue truly embodies that spirit, offering classic regional dishes crafted with high-quality ingredients. The modern open kitchen creates a vibrant ambiance, complete with large windows and an L-shaped bar that evokes the feel of a contemporary French bistro. You can’t go wrong with their well-curated selection of sherries and standout Sevillano plates like atún encebollado (tuna stew with onions) and salt cod fritters. Don't forget to inquire about the ultra-fresh daily selections showcased at the seafood counter.
Amara
Javier Fabo, an energetic Basque chef, offers the most underrated tasting menu in the city. His cozy restaurant on Zaragoza Street pays tribute to his hometown near San Sebastián, as reflected in the paintings by his mother that adorn the walls and the cabinetry crafted by his father from wood he transported from the north. The menu features refined takes on traditional Basque dishes while honoring Andalusian ingredients. With limited fridge space, Fabo sources fresh produce from the local market every couple of days, which is evident in every dish, from the constantly changing seafood tartares to the vibrant Basque stews, all executed with skill.
Bodeguita Romero
This family-run establishment has several locations throughout the city, but the one on Harinas Street in the Arenal district offers the finest Andalusian cuisine and a true Sevillian atmosphere. Renowned for its classic montadito de pringá (a toasted roll stuffed with various braised pork cuts), be sure to also try the artichokes with cured Iberian ham and the refreshing salmorejo (a chilled tomato puree).
Sr. Cangrejo
Nestled quietly in the bustling Arenal neighborhood, this chic establishment is managed by two talented young professionals: Fátima Villanueva, known for her inventive wine selections, and Jesús León Delgado, who crafts a seafood-focused menu. While some favorites are always available, daily specials often feature lesser-known fish cuts like tuna neck and exquisite preparations of Iberian pork. Embrace the experience with “déjate llevar” (let yourself go) as Delgado guides you through a culinary journey along the Andalusian coast. Sitting at the bar offers a front-row view of the kitchen's action.
Casa Morales
Established in 1850, Casa Morales has been a cherished local gem, managed by generations of the Morales family. Located just a block from the bustling Avenida de la Constitución, its walls are adorned with large earthenware wine jugs, some serving as chalkboards for the daily specials like arroz con higado (rice with liver) and chicken cooked with mushrooms in amontillado sherry. The anchovies on toast pair beautifully with a glass of their house vermouth.
Freiduría Puerta de la Carne
Pescaito frito (fried fish) is an essential part of the Sevillano cuisine. While you can find it featured on many menus across the city, this fry shop in Santa Cruz has been perfecting the art since 1929. Order a mixed quarter kilo (around half a pound) of seafood, choosing from a delightful selection of fresh squid, shrimp, fish, huevas (roe), and the uniquely Sevillano boquerones en adobo (vinegar-marinated anchovies). Enjoy your meal with a local beer like Cruzcampo, then either find a table to sit or take your feast to the serene Jardines de Murillo for a peaceful picnic.
Mercado de Triana
When in Seville, make sure to explore the city's vibrant food markets, particularly Triana’s. Nestled beneath the historic Castillo de San Jorge, this market is alive with seafood, local fruits, and an array of cured delicacies. Pick up fresh tomatoes, payoyo cheese, Iberian ham, and zesty olives from the various stalls for a delightful riverside picnic.
Casa Román
While the blooming flowers and charming pastel streets of Santa Cruz might entice you to eat there, many lackluster tourist traps in the area are best skipped. Casa Román stands out as a gem. The cazón en adobo (vinegar-marinated dogfish) and carrillada (braised pork cheeks) are among the finest in the city. Secure a coveted patio seat beneath the orange trees or enjoy the cozy, lively interior, starting with a plate of hand-sliced jamón Ibérico and a refreshing gazpacho.
Blanca Paloma
Step away from the bustling city center for a leisurely walk across the Puente de Isabel II bridge over the Guadalquivir River and into Triana, a neighborhood that exudes a unique charm distinct from the rest of Seville. Here, you'll discover Blanca Paloma, a beloved local Mytoury serving both traditional dishes and subtle modern twists to the residents of Triana. Don't miss the seasonal coquinas (clams in white wine and garlic) and bocaditos mejillones (mussels stuffed with béchamel and breadcrumbs), which are well worth the wait. For something contemporary, try the seared tuna with shiitakes or a delicate crepe filled with stewed bull's tail. While you can book a table in the dining room, it’s more enjoyable to savor tapas at the bar for a wider selection and better prices.
Ispal
Nestled between two of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Plaza de España and the Alcázar, Ispal offers a lavish homage to Sevillano cuisine. With an impressive 10- to 15-course tasting menu, it presents a relaxed alternative to the hustle and bustle of the typical stand-up tapas bars. The chefs skillfully modernize Seville’s beloved dishes while honoring local ingredients and culinary traditions. A standout example is their remarkable interpretation of gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), which is truly exceptional.
Sobretablas Restaurante
After working at some of the nation’s top Michelin-starred establishments, chef Camila Ferraro and sommelier Robert Tetas launched their acclaimed restaurant in a charming 1920s building originally built for the Ibero-American Exposition. Allow Tetas to guide you through an enchanting wine selection that primarily features Andalusian varietals and distinctive sherries, a refreshing change from the typical syrupy aperitivo. Next, indulge in Ferraro’s seasonal tasting menu; her commitment to utilizing fresh, local ingredients has earned her numerous national awards.
Evaluation :
5/5