Restaurante Abades Triana, Seville

Suggestions for foodies in Seville

Sevilla

The latest culinary temptations in the Andalusian capital


Good food is another reason to visit Seville. While places like the cathedral, La Giralda, the Alcázar, the Plaza de España, María Luisa park or Santa Cruz neighbourhood are fascinating, the culinary charms of the Andalusian capital are just as tempting. We suggest some of the latest culinary trends among the local foodies and some very Sevillian specialities that are really worth trying.

Basic tapas vocabulary

Before you venture out to try the festival of flavours that is Seville, we recommend memorising some key words to help you navigate the menus. If you suddenly find yourself in areas like La Alameda, Los Remedios, Macarena, Nervión or Triana, you’re on the right track!A tapa of… adobo? Why not? Although this is a very traditional snack, these small portions of marinated fish (normally dogfish), dipped in flour and fried, can be dazzling in more modern, sophisticated presentations. There is only one thing guaranteed when ordering a montadito: The bite of bread – cold or hot – that encloses the variety of ingredients that we can find inside. And the expression ‘pes-pa’? If you are visiting Seville and walk into a bar, you must try their swordfish: a true delight when grilled. If someone offers you a fino or a manzanilla, it’s a sherry, from the Jerez designation of origin, and if you’re served a ‘rebujito’, the alcohol has been diluted a little with a fizzy mixer. These technical terms should be enough to get you through an evening of ‘tapeo’ in Seville, and you’re sure to pick more up as you go.

Tapa of adobo and glass of wine

Pairing food with craft beers

Local markets can be fun to explore, and it’s always interesting to see what people are cooking in the places you visit. Seville has quite a few. The culinary centre, Lonja de Feria, located in a historic food market on Calle Feria, offers fixed-price drink and tapa combinations. Rice dishes, fried fish of the day, oysters, seafood, croquettes, salmorejos and plenty of international options.Another gastromarket of reference is the Mercado del Barranco, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and with more than a dozen establishments where you can eat and even buy some 'cool' souvenirs. From smoked meats to gourmet conserves, and a corner where you can try unusual salmorejos. And while you’re trying new things, how about pairing food with craft beers? This is possible at Triana Market, where there is even an intimate theatre with just 28 seats, with offerings ranging from classic films to live music.

Dinner with opera or zarzuela

Music and food go together well, especially in Andalusia. The famous flamenco shows at tablaos are usually accompanied by snacks and tapas. And for more refined audiences, Seville offers more possibilities, including combinations with other types of music, such as opera. One way to enjoy a very Spanish evening is attending a zarzuela over a delicious dinner. Zarzuela is a Spanish version of the French opéra-comique, the German singspiel, or a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.Another increasingly popular option on the banks of the Guadalquivir is a visit to the bars and restaurants located close to the navigable river. Wooden shacks serving all kinds of cocktails, hammocks and deckchairs where you can enjoy the views, and a chill-out atmosphere perfect for drinks after work or to recharge your batteries after a hard day’s sightseeing.

Shows with dinner at El Patio Andaluz, Seville