Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclaimer here. Thank you for your support!
If there’s one thing Seville does better than anywhere else, it’s tapas – and the tapas bars in Seville are worth planning a trip around.
I’ve been visiting the city for over a decade and even spent two months living here, eating my way through neighbourhood haunts, old-school institutions, and the newer spots shaking things up.
This guide brings together my personal favourites – places I’ve gone back to again and again – along with a few of the city’s most iconic bars that deserve their reputation.
From counter-hopping classics to modern twists inside local markets, these are the best tapas bars in Seville (from my experience, anyway) that I always recommend to friends.
Table of Contents Show
Quick Tapas Picks for Seville
Planning where to start? Here are a few favourites I always recommend:
- Top overall pick: Espacio Eslava – my all-time favourite for classic dishes done perfectly.
- Best modern twist on tapas: Bar Condendê – South American–style small plates inside Feria Market.
- Neighbourhood favourite: Bar San Lorenzo – local, sunny, and always buzzing at lunch.
- Best way to get oriented: Join one of the best Seville food tours – Devour’s Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville tour on your first morning – it’s a brilliant intro to the city’s food culture and will help you choose better spots all week.
Where to Get Tapas in Seville: My Top Picks
1. Espacio Eslava – A Modern Classic That’s Earned Its Place
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
I’ve been coming to Eslava since my first visit to Seville. Back then, it still sort of felt like one of the city’s newer names; now it’s a full-blown institution – a cornerstone of Seville’s tapas scene and one of the most consistently loved spots in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood.
Founded in 1988 by Sixto and Rosa Tovar, Eslava began as a small family bar and has grown into a benchmark for how Seville does contemporary tapas without losing its soul.
It’s famous for its cigarro para Bécquer – a charcoal-coloured, cigar-shaped pastry filled with cheese – but my personal favourites are the honey-glazed ribs (a local legend in their own right), the beef cheek (carrillada) in red wine, and a gorgeous pork with blue-cheese sauce that hits that sweet spot between hearty and indulgent.
What keeps me coming back, though, is the atmosphere. Warm, convivial, and always buzzing, Eslava strikes that rare balance between polished and genuinely welcoming.
You can book a table if you’re organised, but I actually prefer to just rock up, grab a glass of wine, and wait for a spot at the counter or one of the outdoor tables. Half the fun is standing outside with a drink in hand, chatting and people-watching while the line moves.
Even after decades, it still feels rooted in its neighbourhood – a reminder that tradition and creativity can happily share the same bar counter.
2. El Rinconcillo – The Oldest Bar in Seville
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
I first came to El Rinconcillo on my first trip to Seville too, and remember standing outside trying to figure out how to get in. We eventually booked a table for later in the week and sat out front beside the red Santa Catalina church.
I still distinctly remember ordering the black rice risotto and the bustle of the lunchtime crowd coming and going, the pace of it all starting to slow as we lingered into the afternoon.
El Rinconcillo dates back to 1670 and is considered the oldest bar in Seville. Inside, it looks exactly how you’d hope an old Andalusian bar would: dark wood cabinets packed with bottles, cream-painted shelving behind glass, tiled floors, and those slightly yellowed lamps that make everything feel warm.
The barmen keep your tab in chalk directly on the wooden counter and carve jamón ibérico straight from the leg. One of said barmen seems to have been there for years and now seems to appear in half the travel photos you see of the place.
There’s a small room to one side lined with barrels, where you can stand for a drink if the main bar’s packed, and a more formal dining area upstairs if you want to sit down.
But downstairs is where you feel the heartbeat of the place: people crowding the counter, plates of croquetas and spinach with chickpeas sliding past, glasses of sherry clinking on marble. It’s busy, a bit chaotic, and exactly how it should be.
3. Bodega Santa Cruz “Las Columnas” – A Santa Cruz Stalwart
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
The cheery deep-yellow façade of Bodega Santa Cruz, better known as Las Columnas, is one of those sights that instantly tells you you’re in Seville.
There’s usually a small crowd gathered under the covered portico, glasses in hand, perched at the outdoor tables that spill onto the pavement.
Inside, the atmosphere ramps up – a constant swell of plates, voices, and orders being shouted over the counter – and if you head through to the back, there’s a quieter Andalusian-style courtyard for a sit-down meal. It’s all dark, ornate chairs, and cobbled stone- the kind of space that feels straight out of a traditional hacienda.
This is one of Seville’s most popular tapas bars, and the locals keep it that way.
The food is as classic as it gets – a showcase of traditional tapas in Seville that locals love: montaditos de pringá (small sandwiches stuffed with slow-cooked meats), tortilla de patatas, salmorejo, solomillo al whisky or al roquefort, and of course carrillada.
You can order most dishes in either tapa or media portions, which makes it easy to mix and match.
It’s loud, fast, and good-humoured – exactly what you want from a traditional bar in Santa Cruz. You squeeze in, grab a spot if you can, and join the steady flow of plates and conversation that make Las Columnas one of Seville’s most-loved institutions.
4. Bar Dos de Mayo – A San Lorenzo Reliable
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
When we were based in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood, Bar Dos de Mayo quickly became one of our go-tos.
It probably gets more of a mix of tourists and locals than some of Seville’s older spots, but plenty of Sevillanos still eat here.
Part of that is down to location – it’s a little way out from the main tourist streets – but it’s also because it opens earlier than most tapas bars. That’s how we first ended up here: looking for somewhere to eat before 8 p.m., which can be surprisingly difficult in Seville.
The bar sits on Plaza de la Gavidia, with a big terrace that’s perfect for lingering. Even in January and February, it was lovely sitting out there with heaters on and a glass of wine.
It’s not one of the headline names like Eslava or El Rinconcillo, but it’s reliable, busy, and always delivers – the sort of place that works whether you’re dropping in for lunch or a casual evening meal.
The menu covers all the staples – tortilla de patatas, carrillada, solomillo al whisky – but there are a few stand-outs too.
They do great skewers (pinchos), and the deep-fried cod balls are a must-order: somewhere between a croquette and a fritter, crisp outside and soft, herby fish inside. I found their food to be simple, satisfying, and consistent every time.
At lunchtime you’ll see plenty of locals, and by evening groups of friends fill the terrace with plates and glasses. It’s a proper neighbourhood bar – nothing flashy, just good tapas and a steady hum of conversation from the square.
5. Barra Castizo – A New Generation of Tapas
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
Barra Castizo came recommended by Elena, my excellent food guide on Devour Tours’ Tastes and Traditions of Seville tour – which I’d genuinely recommend if you want an introduction to Seville’s food culture beyond the usual tapas crawl. Elena’s a serious foodie, and her tip was spot-on.
This is one of the newer names on the scene, opened in 2017 by the same team behind Ovejas Negras. It’s the kind of place that shows how Seville’s younger chefs are re-imagining tapas: keeping the Andalusian foundations but giving the dishes a polished, restaurant feel.
Their Spanish omelette is a good example – thick, golden, and topped with a layer of meat rather than left plain. The scallops with chorizo sauce are another standout, as are the bacalao balls (salt-cod fritters) that come crisp on the outside and light inside.
You’ll also find playful twists like tortilla de patatas a la carbonara, and a warm cheesecake (tarta de queso templada de Castizo) that’s rich and just barely set. Even the desserts have flair – a chocolate mousse with milk and mandarin sorbet manages to feel both nostalgic and bright.
Everything here looks considered and contemporary without losing touch with what makes tapas fun. Barra Castizo isn’t trying to reinvent Seville’s food identity – it’s just proof that the next generation of chefs knows exactly how to move it forward.
6. Bar Condendê – Latin Tapas Inside Mercado de Feria
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
Bar Condendê is a little off-piste for what people usually expect in Seville, but that’s exactly why I love it.
It’s proof that the city’s food scene isn’t limited to Spanish classics. Condendê serves South American–style tapas, and it’s tucked inside the Mercado de Feria – worth visiting for the market alone, but even more so for this place.
If you asked me to name my top three spots in Seville, this would be right up there. It’s a small corner bar with just a few counter seats along one of the market aisles, and the kitchen is tiny – I couldn’t quite believe how much good food comes out of it.
The staff are brilliant too: friendly, chatty, completely unpretentious – just genuinely engaged and interested.
The menu changes a little, but everything I’ve eaten here has been excellent. The arepas – especially the one with stewed pork cheek and sheep’s cheese – are incredible. The carnitas (confit pork with butter, yellow chili, cilantro, and scallions) are another standout.
They also do Japanese-style beef and vegetable gyozas, Venezuelan empanadas, crispy tuna tacos, and brioche toast with steak tartare. Even the bravas yucas – fried yuca with spicy sauce – are spot on.
It’s Latin street food done at tapas-bar pace: colourful, full of flavour, and made with real care. The fact that they’re turning it out of such a small kitchen inside a local market makes it even better.
Grab a stool, order a glass of wine, and just work your way through the menu – there’s not a single miss.
7. Casa Morales – A Classic Worth the Scramble
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
Casa Morales is one of those Seville institutions that everyone seems to have a story about – and for good reason. It’s been around since 1850, and while it’s absolutely authentic and rooted in tapas tradition, getting in can be an event in itself.
When we visited, we made it our mission to be prepared. The funny thing is, if you’re eating early, you’re not really competing with locals but with other visitors doing the same thing. We arrived just before opening and there were already people gathered outside.
As soon as the doors opened, there was a gentle dash for tables in the front room that was part enthusiasm, part mild panic. If you turn up later, you’ll probably find a spot once the first round of tables turns over, or you can do what most people do: hover, watch for movement, and slide an elbow in when you see a gap.
Inside, it’s gorgeous – a warm, yellow-hued space introduced by retro signage out front, intricate shelving, and a dark wooden bar that’s stood here for generations.
The lower half of the walls is lined with those beautiful Andalusian tiles, reminiiscent of the Alcázar nearby. Dishes are chalked up on the wall, the floor is tiled, and the whole place glows under soft light.
If the front is packed, head around to the side room where massive wine vats line the walls – it’s a bit quieter and every bit as atmospheric.
The food is straightforward and traditional – all the classics you’d expect, done well: tortilla de patatas, salmorejo, carrillada, croquetas, cured meats, and cheese. It’s not about invention; it’s about the mood.
Casa Morales feels like the template for what a tapas bar should be – busy, convivial, and deeply local, as well as being just a short walk from the cathedral.
8. El Pasaje Tapas – Contemporary Tapas in the Heart of Santa Cruz
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
Tucked away in the narrow lanes of Santa Cruz, Seville’s old Jewish quarter, El Pasaje Tapas brings a modern edge to a very traditional setting.
It’s a sleek, contemporary restaurant surrounded by centuries-old walls – a reminder of how seamlessly the city’s food culture balances heritage and reinvention. You can reserve a table online, which, when visiting as a tourist, is a welcome luxury in a city where most places still run on patience and luck.
The menu keeps the foundations of Andalusian cooking but gives them a sharper, more international polish. You’ll still find Iberian cold cuts and cheeses, but they’re plated with the precision of a fine-dining kitchen.
Expect dishes like tuna tartar and ceviche, or a beautifully tender Iberian pork cheek (carrillada ibérica) slow-cooked in red wine. The tataki de solomillo de cerdo – seared Iberian pork sirloin with rocket salad and soy mayonnaise – is a perfect example of how they fold global flavours into local ingredients.
Even the croquetas come out looking refined, served on minimalist plates with delicate garnishes rather than the usual paper napkin.
Prices reflect the step up in presentation and quality, but if you’re after something a touch more polished – a restaurant that shows how tapas tradition continues to evolve – El Pasaje Tapas is one of the best places in Seville to see it done well.
9. Bar San Lorenzo – A Neighbourhood Favourite with Real Soul
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
Bar San Lorenzo would be one of the first places I’d go back to if I returned to Seville. It’s partly because of a personal soft spot for it.
The first time I ate here was actually by chance – I didn’t want to wait for a table at Eslava, which is just around the corner – but it quickly became a fixture in my routine.
I’d argue San Lorenzo has the better spot anyway. It sits right on Plaza San Lorenzo, with rows of tables looking onto the square. The plaza feels almost cloistered, framed by the dramatic red-and-yellow walls of the church and its bell tower overhead. There’s a statue, a few trees, and plenty of sunshine.
We used to come here for lunch two or three times a week, often on the way back from the gym, and order a tinto de verano in the sun – absolute bliss.
The menu is a mix of classic Sevillian tapas and a few more inventive dishes. There are excellent montaditos (small sandwiches), but also things like shredded pork in a bao bun, truffle and wild-mushroom ravioli, and a sharp, citrusy ceviche that I still think about.
They do a lovely melted cheese dish – perfect for mopping up with the little cracker bread they give you – and a simple but delicious potato and tuna salad (patatas aliñadas con melva).
The tuna loin on toast with seaweed and soy mayo is another standout, and even the chicken gyozas are great. It’s that perfect mix: some traditional, some unexpected, all done well.
What I love most, though, is the atmosphere. It’s just a proper neighbourhood bar – no bells or whistles, just locals meeting for lunch, chatting over a beer, or sitting on the benches catching the afternoon sun.
We’d see the same faces week after week: an older man who seemed to meet a different friend every day, kids kicking a football against the gate, people stopping to talk in the square. It’s simple, familiar, and quietly wonderful – the kind of place that anchors a neighbourhood.
10. Bar Alfalfa – Small, Lively, and Quintessentially Sevillano
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
Bar Alfalfa is one of those little places that seem to pull you in as you walk by.
It sits right at a small intersection – almost on a corner, with pedestrian crossings leading to the door from both sides – and its red-brick façade gives it a handsome, old-fashioned look.
The bar’s location also makes it a handy stop if you’re visiting the Casa de Pilatos, which is just a short walk away.
Inside, it’s tiny but full of character. The bar is tucked into the back, and the shelves and ceiling are hung with Iberian ham legs, bottles, and old photos.
There are terracotta jugs and clay vases in the window, small wooden tables squeezed into every corner, and a friendly hum that never really fades, even between lunch and dinner.
We came here a few times for a tinto de verano and a few plates to share – their carrillada (slow-cooked beef cheek) is excellent, and the jamón ibérico is beautifully cut. They also serve a rather tasty pan con tomate, a simple Andalusian favourite of toasted bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with olive oil. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s done right.
Bar Alfalfa opened in the early 2000s but feels much older thanks to its worn wood, tiled floors, and steady local crowd. It’s exactly what you want from a traditional Seville bar: small, warm, and always full of life.
11. Bar Triana – A Relaxed Spot Across the River
Useful Links: Google Reviews | Instagram
Over in Triana, Bar Triana is a simple, classic café-bar that’s great for a change of scene from the bustle of the old town.
The interior is fairly plain – bright tiles along the walls, a traditional bar counter, and a few tables tucked inside – but it spills onto the pavement with plenty of outdoor seating, which is where you’ll want to be when the sun’s out.
The menu features many dishes you could order from blindfolded in Seville and still be happy: solomillo al whisky, Russian salad, croquetas, and grilled vegetables.
There are also montaditos – small sandwiches with fillings like chorizo picante or gambas alioli – and plenty of fried staples done well. They do, however, offer some inventive dishes of their own.
One such dish that stands out is the aubergine sticks with cream cheese, honey, and walnuts: crisp, sweet, and rich all at once.
It’s not a showy place, and the décor won’t win awards, but it has that easy, lived-in feel that defines so many of Triana’s neighbourhood bars. A good stop for a low-key lunch or an early evening drink before walking back across the river into the city centre.
How to Eat Tapas in Seville (and Not Look Like a Rookie)
Eating tapas in Seville isn’t difficult, but there are a few things worth knowing so you don’t stick out for the wrong reasons.
Portion sizes
Most dishes come in one of three sizes:
- Tapa – a small portion, roughly a few bites.
- Media ración – a half plate, usually enough for one hungry person or to share between two.
- Ración – a full plate, best for sharing if you’re staying put.
If you’re hopping between bars, stick to tapas or medias – you’ll want room to try a few places.
Opening hours
Lunch service usually starts around 1.30 p.m. and runs until about 4 p.m. Dinner doesn’t really get going until 8 or 8.30 p.m., but some bars do open earlier. You’ll also find a few that stay open straight through the afternoon, though they might close earlier at night. Every place has its own rhythm, so it’s worth checking before you head out.
Getting a table (or a spot at the bar)
Some places take reservations while others don’t, but even the ones that do often split the space: a seated, table-service area for bookings and a standing-bar section for everyone else. You can usually just walk into the bar side – no reservation needed – and order while standing at the counter or, if you’re lucky, perched on a stool.
The only place I’ve ever known to actually have a waiting list is Eslava, during really busy times. Everywhere else, it’s usually a case of timing and observation. When you spot someone finishing up, make eye contact, hover politely, and move in before someone else does – it’s a gentle sport of elbows and timing.
How to order
Start with a drink and one or two dishes. Don’t order everything at once – that’s not how locals do it. Tapas is meant to be eaten in stages. Order a couple of plates, see what you feel like next, and build from there.
Paying up
Don’t be surprised to see tabs kept the old-fashioned way – scribbled on scraps of paper or even chalked directly onto the bar in front of you (as they still do at El Rinconcillo). When you’re done, just catch the bartender’s eye and ask for “la cuenta, por favor.” Rounding up a euro or two is more than enough.
Tapas Tours in Seville Worth Doing
If you’re new to Seville – or even if you’ve been before – I can’t recommend Devour Tours highly enough. They’re the best in the business when it comes to understanding the food culture here, and their tours go well beyond a simple tapas crawl.
Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville
The tour I did was Devour’s Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville – a four-hour morning food tour led by our brilliant guide, Elena. It’s limited to around ten people and walks you through a typical day of eating in Seville, from breakfast bites to lunchtime tapas.
Along the way, you’ll visit family-run bars, old bakeries, and local markets while learning about Andalusian food traditions and how they fit into daily life here. It’s a fantastic way to start your trip: you’ll not only eat well but also learn how to read menus, recognise regional dishes, and pick better spots for the rest of your stay.
I’ve written a full review of the Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville tour here if you’d like a detailed look at what’s included.
📍 Best for: first-timers who want an overview of Seville’s food culture
⏰ Duration: 4 hours (morning)
👥 Group size: about 10 people
Tapas, Taverns & History Tour (Evening)
If you prefer to explore after dark, Devour’s Tapas, Taverns & History Tour is another excellent option. It takes place in the evening and focuses on tapas bars around Santa Cruz and Arenal, two of Seville’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. You’ll visit traditional, family-run spots and try all the classics – solomillo al whisky, carrillada, and salmorejo – while hearing how tapas evolved with the city’s history.
📍 Best for: night owls and anyone who wants a guided tapas crawl through Seville’s historic centre
⏰ Duration: 3.5 hours (evening)
More Devour Tours in Seville
Devour also runs several other experiences around the city, including:
- A Triana Tapas Tour focusing on food across the river in Seville’s old ceramics district.
- A Tapas & Flamenco Tour that pairs traditional dishes with a live flamenco performance
Whatever you pick, Devour’s guides are consistently knowledgeable, friendly, and deeply connected to the local food scene.
Keep Eating Your Way Around Seville
If you take one thing from this list, let it be that eating in Seville isn’t just about what’s on the plate – it’s about how the city does it. Whether you’re standing at a bar with a glass of tinto de verano or sitting down to something a bit more polished, the joy is in the mix of both.
If you want a shortcut to the very best bites without wasting a single meal, I highly recommend starting your trip with a Devour Tour. Their “Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville” walk is more than just a food tour – it’s the foundation for understanding the local culture, flavours, and how to avoid touristy duds.
It’s where I learned the backstories behind some of these spots, discovered hidden dishes I never would have ordered on my own, and got enough insider tips to map out an entire week of meals.
👉 Book the Devour Tour here – and go hungry. It’s worth every bite!
*****
Ready to keep exploring? These guides will help you dive deeper into Seville’s food scene:
- Where & What to Eat in Seville (coming soon) – my all-round guide to the city’s food culture, from breakfast to late-night bites.
- Best Coffee Shops in Seville – my favourite places for proper coffee and quiet morning corners.
- Best Food Markets in Seville – where to shop, snack, and soak up local life.
- Best Cooking Classes in Seville – hands-on experiences for learning Andalusian dishes from the pros.
- Best Wine Tours from Seville – my pick of the top wine experiences near the city.
- Things to Do in Seville – for everything beyond the food, from culture to cool neighbourhoods.
And for a full overview of visiting the city, head to my Seville Travel Guide hub – it’s packed with itineraries, insider tips, and all my latest updates from years of exploring this city.
Related reading for Seville
Like this post? Pin for later!
