If you’ve ever wondered what heaven tastes like, grab a fork (or better yet, your fingers) and dive into Seville’s legendary tapas scene. This sun-soaked Andalusian capital doesn’t just serve food – it serves up centuries of culinary passion on tiny plates that pack enormous flavour. From the marble-topped bars of the historic centre where locals have been arguing about the perfect jamón for generations, to hidden neighbourhood gems that tourists walk past without a second glance, Seville’s tapas culture is as rich and layered as a perfectly aged Manchego.
Ready to eat your way through Spain’s most delicious city? Let’s uncover the spots where tradition meets innovation, where every bartender is a curator of flavour, and where your biggest dilemma will be deciding which tiny plate of perfection to try next.
What to Order at a Tapas Bar in Seville
Walking into a Sevillian tapas bar for the first time can feel like stepping into a delicious maze – the chalkboard menus are scrawled in rapid Spanish, the counter is laden with mysterious plates under glass domes, and everyone else seems to know exactly what they’re doing. Fear not! Here’s your insider’s guide to navigating the menu like a local.
The Absolute Essentials
Start with jamón ibérico – this isn’t just ham, it’s edible poetry. The paper-thin slices of acorn-fed pork literally melt on your tongue, and watching the jamónero (ham slicer) work his magic is half the experience. Pair it with manchego cheese and you’ve got Spain’s most perfect marriage.
Gambas al pil pil should be your next move – prawns swimming in olive oil infused with garlic and chilli that’s so good you’ll want to drink it with a spoon (and honestly, no one’s judging). The sizzling clay dish arrives at your table still bubbling, and the aroma alone will convert you to the tapas way of life.
Don’t leave without trying patatas bravas – crispy potato cubes drowning in a spicy tomato sauce that varies wildly from bar to bar. Each establishment guards their bravas recipe like a state secret, so sampling different versions becomes a delicious obsession.
The Local Favourites
Espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) might sound humble, but this Moorish-influenced dish is comfort food at its finest – earthy, warming, and utterly satisfying. Meanwhile, carrillada (slow-cooked pork cheeks) falls apart at the mere suggestion of a fork and represents everything wonderful about Spanish slow cooking.
For something quintessentially Sevillian, order montaditos – small open sandwiches piled high with everything from lomo (cured pork loin) to pringá (a heavenly mixture of leftover stew meats). They’re messy, magnificent, and utterly addictive.
Where to Get the Best Tapas in Seville
Bar Casa Vizcaíno
Tucked away on Calle Feria in the bustling heart of Sevilla’s old quarter, Casa Vizcaíno has been serving as the neighbourhood’s beloved meeting point since 1936. This isn’t just another tapas bar in Seville – it’s a living piece of Sevillian history where three generations of stories have unfolded over plates of perfectly executed traditional fare.
The magic of Casa Vizcaíno lies not just in its impressive longevity, but in how effortlessly it balances authenticity with accessibility. Their carefully curated selection includes ice-cold beers, house-made vermouths, and a varied tapas menu designed to satisfy every palate – from the traditionalist seeking perfect jamón to the adventurous foodie hunting for unexpected flavour combinations. The atmosphere strikes that perfect Andalusian note: lively enough to feel the pulse of the city, yet intimate enough for proper conversation over a lingering lunch.
- Price range: Budget-friendly (£3-£6 per tapa)
- Location: Calle Faria, 27 – in the historic Feria neighbourhood, perfect for tapas crawling
- Vibe: Traditional family tavern with warm, neighbourhood atmosphere
- Recommended dish: House-made vermouth paired with their signature montaditos
El Pinton
Step into the landmark Peyré building, a former textile warehouse originally built in 1790 and refurbished in 1919 by regional architect Aníbal González, and you’ll discover that El Pintón is far from your typical Seville tapas bar. Located at Calle Francos 42, just steps away in the shadow of the Giralda, this is where Seville’s culinary scene gets seriously sophisticated. The moment you walk through the doors of this historic space, you’re transported into a world where tradition and innovation merge – both in the stunning architecture and on every plate that emerges from the kitchen.
What sets El Pintón apart is its bold approach to Mediterranean cuisine, elevating traditional Andalusian flavours with modern culinary techniques and presentation that wouldn’t look out of place in a Michelin-starred establishment. Their philosophy of “life is much better on a slow fire” permeates everything they do, from the carefully crafted cocktails in their hidden upstairs bar to the meticulously prepared dishes that arrive looking like edible art.
- Price range: Mid to high-end (£9-£19 per dish)
- Location: Calle Francos, 42 – in the historic Santa Cruz area, walking distance from the Cathedral
- Vibe: Sophisticated brasserie meets cocktail lounge – trendy, Instagram-worthy, perfect for special occasions
- Recommended dish: Ideazabal Risotto paired with their signature white sangria with pear and banana
Bodeguita Casablanca
There’s something deeply authentic about finding a place that’s been doing things the same way for decades, and Bodeguita Casablanca, with over 25 years of history on the prestigious Avenida de la Constitución, embodies that rare combination of tradition and excellence that makes Sevilla so special. Located just steps from the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, the Cathedral, and the Arenal neighbourhood, this Seville tapas restaurant is a shrine to Sevillian culture.
The moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by photos and memorabilia of great toreros, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and utterly authentic. Run by brothers Antonio and Tomás Casablanca, this bodeguita has earned its stripes not just through longevity but through genuine respect for traditional Sevillian cooking. Their menu reads like a love letter to Andalusian cuisine: classic pescaíto frito, delicious espinacas con garbanzos, and succulent carrillada ibérica – each dish executed with the kind of care that comes from decades of perfecting recipes.
- Price range: Mid-range (£5-£12 per dish)
- Location: Avenida de la Constitución – prime location near the Cathedral and bullring
- Vibe: Traditional taurine tavern with authentic Sevillian character
- Recommended dish: Carrillada ibérica (Iberian pork cheeks) with a glass of house red wine
Bar Casa Morales
Some places transport you through time, and Casa Morales, founded in 1850 by Leocadio Morales Prieto and located beside Seville’s Cathedral, does exactly that with breathtaking authenticity. Now in its fourth generation under current owner Reyes Morales, this charismatic establishment holds the distinction of being the oldest bar in the city still run by the original family. Walking into Casa Morales feels like stepping into a sepia photograph – the kind of place where much of the original décor remains intact, including the three gigantic wine urns that have watched over countless generations of Sevillanos sharing stories over fino and olives.
The magic lies in its complete commitment to remaining unchanged in the best possible way. The bar features high-ceilinged spaces with antique charm, including a wooden-barrel serving area and a backroom surrounded by massive antique wine vats from its winery origins. This traditional bodega-style tapas bar offers a rustic interior adorned with large wine barrels, creating a cozy setting for enjoying classic tapas and raciones – it’s the kind of authentic experience that’s increasingly rare even in Sevilla.
- Price range: Budget-friendly (£3-8 per tapa)
- Location: Calle García de Vinuesa, 11 – in the historic centre, steps from the Cathedral
- Vibe: Historic bodega atmosphere with authentic vintage charm
- Recommended dish: Carrillada (melt-in-your-mouth pork cheeks) paired with a glass of manzanilla sherry
La Barra de Canabota
In a city renowned for traditional tapas, Canabota opened its doors in October 2016 in the city centre of Seville with a revolutionary approach that has since earned it One Michelin Star recognition. Located next to the Capilla de San Andrés (also known as the Hermandad de los Panaderos or Brotherhood of Bread-makers), this isn’t your typical tapas bar – it’s what happens when Andalusian seafood tradition meets contemporary culinary artistry.
What makes Canabota utterly captivating is their commitment to transparency and theatre. “We do everything in front of you because we have nothing to hide,” they say, offering live cooking at their embers where they “Cook the Sea, Roast, Stew and Fry”. Specialising in fresh, locally sourced fish and shellfish, their presentation focuses on letting the ingredients take centre stage, enhanced by subtle artistic elements. Whether you choose to eat à la carte or from their tasting menu, at the table or at their gastronomic bar, you’re witnessing the elevation of Andalusian pescaíto culture to fine dining heights whilst maintaining the soul of coastal Spain.
- Price range: High-end (£25-40 per dish, tasting menu £80-120)
- Location: Calle Orfila, 3 – in the city centre near historic chapels
- Vibe: Michelin-starred seafood theatre with open kitchen – sophisticated yet approachable
- Recommended dish: Their signature pescaíto frito reimagined, or opt for the tasting menu to experience their full creative range
El Rinconcillo
When you step into El Rinconcillo, which first opened as a Spanish tavern in 1670, you’re not just entering a restaurant – you’re walking into what might become a museum if it ever shuts down, complete with ornamental décor from the 17th century. Located at Calle Gerona 40, at the intersection of three streets (Gerona, Bustos Tavera and Sol), this isn’t just Sevilla’s oldest bar – it’s a place with centuries of history that still preserves the magical taste of old Seville. Some even claim it’s the birthplace of tapas itself, making it essential pilgrimage territory for any serious food lover.
The atmosphere is absolutely extraordinary: beautiful wooden bar, Spanish tile work, high ceilings, and Spanish decorations and architecture spanning multiple centuries. Originally smaller, an adjoining townhome was purchased and added in the 19th century, creating the multi-level space that exists today. The truth is, you can find better food at other restaurants around Seville at the same price point, but what you can’t find elsewhere is the history, allure, and charm that makes El Rinconcillo special. Even though it has now turned into a tourist attraction with visitors queuing up, there’s something genuinely magical about sipping sherry in the same space where Sevillanos have been gathering for over three and a half centuries.
- Price range: Mid-range (£4-12 per dish)
- Location: Calle Gerona, 40 – in La Macarena district, slightly north of the historic centre
- Vibe: Historic time capsule with tourist crowds – an essential Seville experience despite the queues
- Recommended dish: Lomo de Lubina a la Cazuela (sea bass stew with peppers and seafood sauce) or any traditional Andalusian speciality
Ovejas Negras Tapas
Sometimes the best tapas experiences come from breaking the rules, and Ovejas Negras proudly describes itself as “the most informal” of the Ovejas Negras Company restaurants, defining itself simply as “a TAPAS BAR” serving internationally inspired food in tapas form. Located on Calle Hernando Colón, 8 in the historic centre, this is where traditional Spanish tapeo culture gets a cosmopolitan makeover without losing its authentic spirit. They love “the noise, the people, and the movement” – it’s the kind of place that embraces the beautiful chaos of a proper Spanish tapas bar.
What sets Ovejas Negras apart is their fearless approach to fusion cuisine that somehow works perfectly in the Sevillian context. You’ll find creative tapas from international cuisine served in an urban tavern with characteristic iron columns, creating an industrial-chic atmosphere that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition. The menu reflects “worldly cuisine in tapas form” – think Asian-inspired flavours, creative interpretations of Mediterranean classics, and unexpected combinations that would make purists gasp but will leave your taste buds singing.
- Price range: Mid-range (£6-14 per tapa)
- Location: Calle Hernando Colón, 8 – in the historic centre near the Cathedral
- Vibe: Industrial-chic tapas bar with international flair – buzzy, modern, and unpretentious
- Recommended dish: Their creative fusion tapas that change seasonally, paired with craft cocktails from their innovative drinks menu
From the century-old marble counters of Casa Morales where history whispers through every glass of fino, to the innovative fusion plates at Ovejas Negras where tradition meets global inspiration, Seville’s tapas scene is a beautiful contradiction that somehow makes perfect sense. This city doesn’t just serve food – it serves stories, each small plate a chapter in an ongoing love affair between past and present, local and cosmopolitan, simple and sublime.
So grab your appetite, your sense of adventure, and prepare to fall head over heels for a city that has perfected the art of turning every meal into a celebration. After all, in Seville, life really is much better when shared over small plates and big stories. ¡Buen provecho!
Techno-Mads 