Go Experience Great Food Adventures in Seville

29 Nov Go Experience Great Food Adventures in Seville

I hit a whole other level of foodie while temporarily living in Seville, Spain. It felt like one huge food adventure. Part of it had to do with my friend, Julie visiting with her Conde Nast magazine in her purse and aggressive eating schedule. The running joke was that she had a second stomach reserved for Spanish tortilla.

But it wasn’t just her influence, it was the food culture of the city that beckoned us to the eateries, even though it was already 9, 10 pm. I’ve eaten my way through Paris, Florence, Rome, and New York City. And yet, I still think I was more lured than ever by the food and wine in Seville, Spain. It’s second nature to go out for lunch and dinner on the same day. And luckily, it’s quite affordable to do so too.

“Fear is Stupid. So Are Regrets” ~Marilyn Monroe

When I was 18, I visited Spain with my soccer team. I had an amazing trip, except for one incident in which I still have flashbacks of when I see Spanish Tortilla. Now I like eggs, potatoes and onions and I eat them regularly, but I have avoided the combination, in what is known as Spanish Tortilla, since that fateful day. I don’t know how it happened or if it was even linked to that food, but I became very ill for about 1.5 days after consuming it at lunch one day. To make matters worse, on my first outing after gaining enough energy to get out of bed, I threw up in front of a whole restaurant. Scars.

I avoided Spanish tortilla on my next two trips to Spain, as well as any time I had been at a Spanish restaurant in NYC. But when Julie came, her goal was to enjoy as much authentic tortilla before departing. The pressure to partake was mounting. I was afraid. But her giddiness over the scrumptious dish encouraged me to try it again, as I didn’t want to regret missing out.

WHOA. It’s incredible how flavorful and surprisingly light a well-made tortilla can be.

Do It Like The Locals

Similar to Spring brunch in NYC, the locals in Sevilla hit up the hundreds of outdoor eating spots in the city for the better part of the afternoon, munching on tapas and sipping wine.

One Saturday, in the end of October, we sought out The Feria Market and its famed restaurant, La Cantina.

While Gabe, Julie’s husband, and I scouted out tables that might free up, Julie and Daniel chatted up a local on what to order while waiting in line. The stars aligned and we scored a perfect table against the brick of the neighboring cathedral and tapas after tapas were rapidly ready. Within minutes, our table was covered – to the tune of 10 dishes. And it didn’t stop there.

After a short break to stretch the legs, we rushed to another tried-and-true local spot, Bar Yebra before close to sample a few of their specialties. When Julie ordered dessert, we reprimanded her. But alas, she was right. That was the best cheesecake I’ve ever eaten.

Food Adventures In Seville

While I know restaurants change over time and some may not be as impressive as they once were, I’ll still leave you with our list of some of our favorite dining spots so that you can investigate for yourselves.

Some of our favorite food spots in Seville (as in we ate there often)

Pan y Piu – we frequented this place for espresso, breakfast goodies, bread, the best fresh orange juice.

Ovejas Negras – nothing fancy on the inside, but that’s okay because the tapas speak for themselves. They don’t take reservations, and there will already be a crowd upon opening for dinner, so get there early and enjoy a drink if you can’t get a table right away. Pace yourself though, as you’ll be served a complimentary limoncello shot will the bill.

Bar Alfalfa – We discovered this neighborhood spot on our first night in town and it quickly became our go-to. The staff was welcoming, attentive and when not multitasking, conversational. We ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner here on a regular basis. And with ever-changing daily specials, we never got bored. You’ll also be amazed at their offering despite having a smaller kitchen than most apartments.

Ena by Carles Abellan – part of the Hotel Alfonso XIII, a stunning 5-star hotel that has impeccable interior and exterior design. Ena includes a large patio on the side of the hotel that serves as a comfortable and trendy spot to relax with a glass of wine and some tapas.

La Bodega de la Alfalfa – pork cheeks! I was a bit intimidated by this place because it is so bright and usually packed and clamoring with noise and napkins on the floor. One day we entered a little before the rush and were so enamored with the dishes and large menu, we returned on several occasions.

La Cantina – local seafood tapas hotspot on the side of the Mercado de Feria.

La Bartola – sister restaurant to Bar Alfalfa and a bit roomier. Lots of vegetarian dishes on the menu. Definitely try the zucchini flowers.

Sano Manjar – a tiny bakery with delicious mini croissants, baked bread, espresso, and gourmet store with cured meats and oil oils.

Other notable dining in Seville

Mamarracha – The atmosphere is more sophisticated than its sister restaurant, Ovejas Negras (which is almost directly across the street). The food is muy delicioso! It’s a shame we didn’t try this spot at the beginning of our stay…they would have gotten a lot of business from us. They even tend to a vertical wall garden, using its fresh herbs in their dishes. And like its relative, test tube shots accompany the bill.

ConTenedor – an artistic, funky, culinary hotspot in the Macarena neighborhood.

La Crème de La Crème pastelería – the perfect café to take a break and have breakfast, a snack or a treat.

María Trifulca – built into the bridge of Triana, and apparently an old maritime station, this spot is a gem! You enter into the bar area and you can go down a floor to a stunning dining room. We discovered it between meals when the kitchen was closed, so we enjoyed a drink at the bar.

Al Cartuchito – food in a cone – get your Spanish tortilla to go!

Bar Yebra – a family owned restaurant with decades of experience serving high-quality tapas. It’s an esteemed local joint north of the Macarena neighborhood (outside of the historic center) without menus in English. A very friendly Spaniard sitting at the next table helped us navigate the menu.

El Traga – upscale and inventive dining.

Fez – traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Lonja de Feria – food market stalls where you can find paella, sushi, seafood and chicken dishes on special: 1 tapa + bebida (drink, including alcohol) for 3.50 EUR. Go early as the food sits and won’t be as fresh in the later afternoon.

Bolas Helados Artesanos – a gourmet gelato chain with a ton of flavors to please your palate.

Markets in Seville

Mercado de la Encarnacion – exceptional vegetables, fruit, seafood, meat, and poultry. They’re open daily, but get there early for the best produce and because they close at 3 pm (15:00). Also beware, the weekends are a mob scene.

Mercado de Feria – a variety of cheeses, spices, flowers, produce and seafood.

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Want to read more about Seville? Check out our post about living there for a month+

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Do you have any favorite food stories from Seville? Or are you now drooling and planning some food adventures in Seville?!

Leave a comment 🙂