One of the big pleasures of a stay in Seville is the opportunity to experience the local culture in the form of tapas – small snacks eaten with a drink in the bars and cafés. There are a multitude of really good tapas bars in Seville, ranging, both in food and ambience, from the most traditional to the more modern and innovative, many with their own particular specialities. Although some can be found in the more touristy districts, the best are usually those frequented by the locals, so don’t be afraid to stray from the beaten track.

With so many places to choose from, and so much variety on offer, choosing the five best tapas bars in Seville is a near-impossible task, but these are five of my personal favourites, chosen from five different neighbourhoods…

Eslava

Tucked away in the barrio San Lorenzo, Eslava is definitely one place not to miss. It’s always really busy, and once you are inside, it doesn’t take long to find out why. The food is simply some of the best in town, and very reasonably priced. Try breaded mushrooms stuffed with chorizo, pork ribs in honey sauce, or anything else from the menu, and you won’t be disappointed. The sauces are to die for. The staff are efficient, and the atmosphere noisy and convivial. Just remember to get there early!

c/Eslava 5
tel. 954 906 568
Open 13.00 – midnight
closed Sunday evening & Monday

La Azotea

Just five minutes’ walk from the main shopping streets, La Azotea is a relative newcomer, but thanks to owners Juan and Jeanine it has already acquired a reputation for excellent food and service. It’s small, cosy and intimate, yet lively and friendly. Unusually, there are two menus – one that changes seasonally, and the other every week or even daily, depending on what looks good and fresh at the market. Full and half raciones (portions) are available at the six tables – be sure to make a reservation – or just show up to enjoy tapas at the bar.

Jesús del Gran Poder, 31
Tel 955 116 748
Open 13.30 – 16.30 / 21.00 – midnight
Closed Sunday and Monday

Bodeguita Romero

Bodeguita Romero’s claim to fame is that it has the very best pringá montaditos – small toasted buns filled with a mixture of very tender roasted pork, blood sausage and pork fat – in the whole city! It’s usually served as a sort of paste in other tapas bars in Seville, but here it’s very meaty and chunky and served piping hot. But there’s more to its popularity than that. Not only are there lots of other excellent tapas – from marinated potatoes and crunchy roquefort croquettes (a roquefort/bechamel mixture rolled in crushed almonds then breaded and fried) to Argentinean beef and amazing stewed pig’s cheeks – but also the staff are extremely efficient, very friendly and make you feel at home.

c/ Harinas 10
tel. 954 229 556
13.00 – 16.00 / 20.00 – midnight
(closed Mondays)

Vinería San Telmo

Perhaps the first unusual thing you’ll notice when you go in are the mottos and quotations painted on the walls and ceiling, followed by the display case featuring homemade desserts that are just as delicious as they look. You can then go on to discover the friendly service and the interesting and varied menu, which has both traditional and innovative tapas, as well as several tasty vegetarian options. Try the aubergine, goat cheese and tomato tower, the chicken “things” (odd English translation…) or the grilled tuna with tempura fried onions. There is also an extensive selection of wines by the glass, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Murillo gardens.

Paseo Catalina de Ribera, 4
tel. 954 410 600
Open 7 days a week
8.00am – midnight (kitchen closes 16.00 – 20.00)

La Primera del Puente

Just across the river from the San Telmo palace you can find the delightful Primera del Puente. Definitely traditional, the decor celebrates Seville’s nautical past, the service is fast and friendly, and the tapas at the bar are excellent. The speciality is fish and seafood, and at the rate it flies out of the kitchen you know it has to be fresh. Try the pepito de gambas (a small toasted sandwich with langostines and alioli), grilled swordfish, battered prawns, chiperones or puntillitas and, well, just about anything else. There is also a riverside terrace across the street (serves raciones only) with a great view of the city. Lovely and naturally cool in summer.

c/ Bétis 66
Tel. 954 27 69 18
Open 12.30 – 16.00 / 20.00 – midnight
Closed Wednesdays

Guest blogger Shawn Hennessey is the driving force behind Azahar Sevilla – the undisputed authority on the best tapas bars in Seville. And now you can be guided through the city’s gastronomic landscape on one of her bespoke Seville tapas tours. Best to book in advance, though, as they tend to fill up quickly…

Planning a trip to southern Spain? See all Travel Intelligence’s luxury hotels in Seville.

Technorati Tags: Andalucia, Eating and Drinking, Food, Restaurants, Seville, Spain

Tags: Andalucia, Eating and Drinking, Food, Restaurants, Seville, Spain

This entry was posted on Monday, July 19th, 2010 at 10:31 am and is filed under TI Tips, Travel Writing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.