Top 5 Places to Eat in Seville

Captivating view of Plaza de España in Seville, showcasing its stunning architectural beauty.
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Seville's culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from historic tapas bars to Michelin-starred establishments, with a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients and a lively dining culture.

1. El Rinconcillo

Cuisine: Traditional Sevillian Tapas

Stepping into El Rinconcillo is like a journey back in time, as it holds the title of Seville's oldest bar, operating since 1670. The atmosphere here is authentically rustic, with an antique wooden bar and walls adorned with classic Triana ceramic tiles. It specializes in traditional Andalusian-Mozarabic tapas, with a notable focus on local pork products and fresh fish. A must-try is the 'espinacas con garbanzos' (spinach with chickpeas), a classic Andalusian dish often enhanced with cumin, pine nuts, and raisins. To truly soak in the lively local ambiance, it is recommended to enjoy your meal standing at the bar downstairs.

Price: Tapas: €2-€4 per dish (approx. $2-4 USD)

Getting There: Located in the city center, El Rinconcillo is easily accessible on foot from major attractions like the Cathedral and Alcázar.

2. Eslava

Cuisine: Modern Tapas

Eslava stands out as a contemporary tapas bar celebrated for its innovative and award-winning dishes. The ambiance is typically lively and bustling, reflecting its popularity among both locals and visitors. Signature dishes include their legendary honey-glazed pork ribs and the 'cigarro para Bécquer,' a crispy pastry filled with cuttlefish. Another highlight is the cheese emulsion on tomato bread with anchovies and olives. Due to its high demand, arriving shortly before opening or being prepared for a short wait is advisable to secure a spot.

Price: Tapas: €4-€8 per dish (approx. $4-9 USD)

Getting There: Situated in the Alameda de Hércules area, Eslava is a pleasant walk from many central points, or a short taxi ride.

3. La Brunilda

Cuisine: Refined Contemporary Tapas

La Brunilda offers an elevated tapas experience in a relaxed yet stylish setting. This establishment has gained a strong reputation for its creative interpretations of traditional dishes, presenting them with both artistry and balance. Notable items include their beet salmorejo, creamy risotto, perfectly cooked octopus, and delicate cod fritters. Other highly recommended dishes are the duck confit, steaks with potatoes, and the tuna tataki with couscous. Portions are generous for tapas, and the quality provides excellent value. It is a very popular spot, so arriving early is recommended to ensure a table.

Price: Tapas: €5-€12 per dish (approx. $5-13 USD); a full meal with several tapas per person would typically be €15-€30.

Getting There: Located near the Fine Arts Museum, La Brunilda is easily reachable by walking from the city center, or a quick taxi journey.

4. Abantal

Cuisine: Andalusian Fine Dining (Michelin-starred)

Abantal provides a sophisticated fine dining experience, holding a prestigious Michelin star. Chef Julio Fernandez Quintero crafts a menu rooted in Andalusian culinary traditions, yet presented with a modern and innovative approach. The restaurant offers multi-course tasting menus, typically featuring 10 or 13 expertly prepared dishes, with optional wine pairings. The dining room exudes a contemporary elegance, utilizing natural materials like granite and oak to create a refined atmosphere. This is an ideal choice for those seeking an upscale meal and an experimental take on local flavors.

Price: Set menus from approximately €88-€90 per person (around $95 USD), excluding wine pairings.

Getting There: Abantal is situated slightly outside the immediate bustling tourist core, making a short taxi ride the most convenient option. Walking from the historic center takes around 15-20 minutes.

5. Freiduría Puerta de la Carne

Cuisine: Fried Seafood (Pescaíto Frito)

For an authentic and quintessential Sevillian cheap eat, Freiduría Puerta de la Carne specializes in 'pescaíto frito,' a variety of lightly battered and fried fish and seafood. The establishment is renowned for its commitment to freshness, using only fresh, never-frozen fish brought daily from the coast, and new oil and flour for each service. Here, you can enjoy crispy calamari, succulent codfish, and 'boquerones en adobo' (marinated anchovy-sized fish). It's a no-frills, traditional spot that offers substantial portions at a very affordable price, embodying a true local culinary experience.

Price: Dishes generally under €10; a kilo of fried fish can be less than €30 (approx. $11 USD for a small plate; $32 USD for a kilo).

Getting There: Located conveniently in the city center, it is easily walkable from many of Seville's main attractions.