If you’re heading to Seville, get ready to loosen your belt and dive into a culinary adventure that's as rich and colorful as the city’s flamenco heritage.
Forget the tourist traps and overpriced paellas; we’re talking about the real deal — eating like a local in Seville. From the perfect tapas to the quirkiest bars, this guide will have you munching and sipping like a Sevillano in no time.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Poike. Image Location: Seville, Spain
Your guide to food & drink in Seville
What is the most popular local food & drink in Seville?
Seville’s food scene is all about tapas, tapas, and more tapas. These small dishes are perfect for sharing and sampling a bit of everything. Look out for local favorites like Jamón Ibérico (cured ham), Espinacas con Garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), and the classic Tortilla Española (Spanish omelet). To wash it all down, try a refreshing Tinto de Verano (red wine with lemonade) instead of the touristy, yet still delicious, sangria.
Read also: Discover Spain’s famous landmarks, food, and culture
What are the best food tours in Seville?
Food tours are a fantastic way to dive into Seville’s culinary delights. Check out Devour Seville Food Tours or Mimo Sevilla for guided tours that take you to the best local spots, where you can taste everything from tapas to sweets, paired with local wines and sherries.
What are the best food markets in Seville?
Head to Mercado de Triana for fresh seafood, meats, and veggies, all prepared on-site for your enjoyment. Mercado de Feria is the oldest market in the city, offering a more traditional market experience with a wide variety of local produce and ready-to-eat treats.
Image Credit: Getty Images, BillKim. Image Location: Seville, Spain
How many tapas bars are there in Seville?
Seville is home to hundreds of tapas bars, each with its own special flair. You can easily find a new place to try every day of your trip and still not hit them all!
What is the best street in Seville for tapas?
Calle Mateos Gago, near the Cathedral, is a tapas hotspot. It’s lined with bars and restaurants, making it the perfect place for a tapas crawl.
Are tapas free in Seville?
Unlike Granada, where tapas often come free with your drink, in Seville you’ll generally pay for each tapa. Prices are reasonable, and the quality is exceptional — so it’s worth every euro.
What time do they eat tapas in Seville?
Lunch tapas are typically enjoyed from 2 pm to 4 pm, while dinner tapas start around 9 pm. Remember, dining late is a Sevillano tradition. How convenient!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Felipe Rodriguez. Image Location: Seville, Spain
Best tapas restaurants in Seville
- El Rinconcillo. The oldest tapas bar in Seville, serving up traditional favorites since 1670.
- Bodega Santa Cruz (Las Columnas). A bustling spot with great vibes and even better tapas.
- La Brunilda (temporarily closed). A modern take on tapas with innovative dishes and flavors.
Best fish & seafood restaurants in Seville
- La Cantina. Tucked inside Mercado de Triana, this cozy bar serves the freshest seafood around. Don’t miss their Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) or the perfectly grilled octopus, all cooked to order right in front of you.
- La Isla Restaurante. This place is a dream for seafood lovers. Their Pescaito Frito (fried fish) is a must-try that keeps both locals and tourists coming back for more.
- Restaurante El Pesquero. Dive into their famous Arroz Negro (black rice with cuttlefish) or the impressive Mariscada (seafood platter) for a true taste of the ocean’s bounty.
Best local restaurants in Seville
- Taberna Águilas. A local favorite known for its hearty, traditional Andalusian dishes.
- Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo (temporarily closed). Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and delicious plates perfect for sharing amongst friends.
- Bar Alfalfa. This little gem serves the best Andaluz breakfast and the most amazing Salmorejo (a creamy tomato soup) in town.
- Casa Moreno. This quirky spot doubles as a grocery store and a bustling tapas bar. Mingle with locals while enjoying tapas made from the store’s own products, like cured meats, cheeses, and stews.
- Mamarracha. Near City Hall, this laid-back eatery features a cool vertical garden and a menu full of tasty options. Perfect for a relaxed meal with friends.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Victoria Bee Photography. Image Location: Seville, Spain
Best paella restaurants in Seville
While Seville isn’t exactly known for paella, La Paella Sevilla serves up a taste of Valencia right in Andalusia with their well-crafted dishes. Another must-try spot is La Comilona on Calle de Luis Arenas Ladislao. It’s a top lunch spot in town, blending traditional Spanish flavors with a modern twist. Their menu is packed with delicious paellas, tapas, and regional goodies made from fresh, local ingredients.
Best Michelin-starred restaurants in Seville
- Abantal. Dive into avant-garde tasting menus with modern twists on Andalusian cuisine. Abantal boasts a sleek setting with a chef’s table that lets you see the magic happen up close.
- El Restaurante Cañabota. This informal restaurant and bar takes seafood to a whole new level with elevated tasting menus. The white-tiled interior is both chic and cozy, perfect for enjoying some of the finest seafood creations in Seville.
Bib Gourmand restaurants in Seville
- Az-Zait (temporarily closed). Named after the Arabic word for olive juice, this place mixes traditional and international dishes with modern flair. They’ve got top-notch service and a killer cheese selection.
- 12 Tapas. Despite the name, this gastro-bar isn’t just about tapas. Run by a former radio host and a family doctor, they blend contemporary and traditional flavors in both à la carte and tasting menu options.
- Lalola de Javi Abascal. Located in the historic One Shot Palacio Conde de Torrejón hotel, Lalola puts a modern spin on classic dishes like Iberian pork and beef. You can order à la carte or go for a tasting menu.
- Sobretablas. This spot focuses on modern cuisine with local and traditional influences. They serve up dishes meant for sharing, with a personal touch in every bite.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Kusska. Image Location: Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville, Spain
Best restaurants in Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville
- Casa Román. A charming spot in the heart of the historic Jewish Quarter renowned for its exquisite jamón and traditional Andalusian dishes.
- Restaurante El Pasaje Tapas. A modern tapas bar serving innovative meat and seafood plates. Enjoy your meal in the peaceful interior or in the tiny courtyard at the back.
- El Librero Tapas Y Quesos. This cozy spot is a must-visit for cheese and tapas lovers. Try their artisanal cheese plates and delicious local wines.
How to eat like a local in Seville
- Get your timing right. Breakfast at 10:30 am, lunch around 2:00 pm, and dinner after 9:00 pm. Nailing these meal times is your ticket to blending in with the locals.
- Breakfast time is tostada time. Skip the hotel breakfast and grab a tostada topped with tomato, jamón, or pringá at a local café.
- Tame your sweet tooth at La Merienda, the Spanish afternoon snack time. Indulge in pastries from Confitería La Campana or enjoy churros at Bar El Comercio.
- Order calentitos (not churros) like a true Sevillano. In Seville, they call the thicker, spiral-fried ones Calentitos de Rueda. Standard star-shaped churros, known as Calentitos de Papas, have a softer, mashed potato-like texture.
- Have your main meal at lunch. Lunch is the most significant meal — it’s a serious affair here! Go for some tasty tapas or treat yourself to a Menú del Día.
- Keep dinner light. Hit up a bunch of local bars for a tapas crawl and snack your way through the night.
- Avoid paella and sangria — they scream “tourist!” Instead, dive into some local favorites like Espinacas con Garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and wash it down with a refreshing Tinto de Verano.
- Embrace the aperitif tradition. Enjoy a vermouth at El Comercio or an orange wine at Taberna Álvaro Peregil before dinner.
- Be prepared to eat standing up. Join the locals at bustling bars, start with a drink, order a tapa or two, and keep adding more as you go (while still standing). It’s the Seville way to snack, socialize, and skip leg day.
- Shop at Seville’s markets. Check out Mercado de Triana and Mercado de Feria for some fresh local bites and a lively, bustling vibe.
- Pay at the end and don’t overdo the tip. No need to play accountant before dessert. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, so just round up the bill if you’ve had a blast.
Ready to feast your way through Seville? Download the Trainline app and plan your journey to the heart of Andalusian cuisine!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, ESh.
