Where to Find the Best Tapas in Seville, Spain

Although the concept and customs related to tapas can vary depending on which city you are in (for example, tapas are complimentary with drink orders in some parts of Spain, such as Granada), most would agree that a ‘tapas’ refers to a small snack or portion of food, typically consumed with your alcoholic beverage of choice.

Eating tapas is an essential part of any visit to Spain, but especially a visit to Southern Spain (a.k.a. Andalusia) where the tapas dining concept was born. And so, it only made sense for Kevin and I to take on the challenge of bar-hopping and eating as many tapas as we could during our short weekend getaway to the sunny city of Seville (pronounced Sa-vee-ya). The result of our gluttony? This wonderful list of our favorite tapas finds. Enjoy!

FUN FACT: Legend has it, the tapas was born because of a serious illness that the great Spanish King Alfonso 10th had, which only allowed him to eat small morsels of food at a time.

1- El Pasaje Bar

Both a tapas bar and restaurant, El Pasaje offers traditional Spanish recipes with modern flair. It’s a calm and comfortable place tucked off away in side streets, offering respite from the hot and bustling streets of Seville. Although the service was slow, the food was fresh and delicious, and the drinks were excellent (get the caipirinhas or sangria!). And if you’re looking for something other than tapas, word-on-the-street is they make a mean paella.

What to get: Burrito of Iberico, Butterfish Ceviche, Foie Gras Delights

Location: Pje. de Vila, 10, 41004 Sevilla

2- Eslava

Eslava is one of the more well-known tapas bars in Seville (as can be seen from the multiple Michelin Guide stickers on the window of the bar!), and I highly recommend coming here for a meal. We didn’t have to wait for a seat when we went (we arrived at 12pm sharp!) but shortly after we were seated, a line started forming out-the-door. By 1pm, the place was completely packed, and standing-room only! The food at Eslava is both traditional and refined, and it’s no surprise the chef has received several awards at various gastronomic competitions. The pork cheeks ‘melt-in-your-mouth’, and the fried anchovies tasted fresh and not fishy. Best of all? We ordered 5-6 plates to share and a few drinks, were STUFFED at the end of our meal, and our bill was less than $30!

What to get: Pork cheeks stew with red wine sauce, Fried anchovies, Slow-cooked egg with wine reduction

Location: Eslava 3, 41002 Sevilla

3- Bodeguita Romero

Bodeguita Romero serves hands down, the best pork sandwich ‘a.k.a Pringa’ I’ve ever had in my life. This is not an exaggeration. If you only have time to eat one meal while in Seville, then this should be it. The Pringa Montadito at Bodeguita Romero is what I like to call ‘porky heaven’, a blend of fatty pork, chorizo, and blood sausage served between warm toasted bread. Despite it’s unassuming appearance and bright fluorescent lighting, this old-school no-frills tapas bar is the real deal. Locals love it. Tourists love it. And consequently, there’s always a steady line out-the-door (be there before 8pm if you don’t want to wait for an hour).

What to get: Porky heaven and a cold glass of sangria

Location: Calle Harinas, 10, 41001 Sevilla

4- Zalata Bar and Tapas

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique and non-traditional, visit Zalata Bar and Tapas for tapas with a twist. The chef (Younes Belbaida) blends flavors from all over the world, and the result is an innovative Spain-meets-France-meets-Japan fusion menu. We stumbled into this place only by chance on a Saturday early afternoon (we had intended to visit La Taberna Aguilas located just around the corner, but it happened to be closed for ‘staff break’), and thank goodness for that! The food was interesting and delicious. The service warm and friendly. And best of all, there was no queue of tourists to get in!

What to get: Camembert cake with spinach and apple, Gazpacho ‘La Andaluza’, and the Nachos Combo

Location: Doña María Coronel Street, 17, 41003 Sevilla