Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Traditional Dishes in Seville

Seville’s cuisine is a reflection of its Andalusian heritage, with influences from Moorish, Mediterranean, and Spanish traditions. Here are some must-try dishes:

Tapas (Small Plates)

Espinacas con Garbanzos: A hearty dish of spinach and chickpeas, often spiced with cumin and garlic. A Moorish-inspired classic.
Salmorejo: A cold, creamy tomato soup made with bread, olive oil, garlic, and vinegar, typically garnished with hard-boiled egg and jamón (cured ham).
Tortilla de Camarones: Thin, crispy shrimp fritters made with chickpea flour, a specialty from nearby Cádiz but popular in Seville.
Carrillada de Cerdo: Slow-cooked pork cheeks in a rich, flavorful sauce, often served with potatoes or bread.
Pescaito Frito: Lightly battered and fried fish, such as anchovies, squid, or cod, served with a wedge of lemon.
Montaditos: Small sandwiches filled with a variety of ingredients, such as Iberian ham, chorizo, or cheese.

Main Dishes

Rabo de Toro: Oxtail stew, slow-cooked with red wine, vegetables, and spices until tender.
Arroz con Mariscos: A seafood rice dish, similar to paella but with a local twist.
Flamenquín: A rolled and breaded dish of ham and pork loin, fried to golden perfection.

Desserts

Torrijas: A sweet treat similar to French toast, made with bread soaked in milk or wine, fried, and topped with sugar or honey. Popular during Holy Week (Semana Santa).
Polvorones: Crumbly almond cookies, often enjoyed during Christmas.
Yemas de San Leandro: Sweet egg yolk confections made by nuns in local convents.

2. Dining Customs in Seville

Understanding local dining customs will enhance your experience in Seville:

Meal Times:
- Breakfast (Desayuno): Light, often just coffee and toast with olive oil, tomato, or jamón.
- Lunch (Almuerzo): The main meal of the day, typically eaten between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. It often includes multiple courses.
- Dinner (Cena): A lighter meal, usually served after 9:00 PM.
- Tapas: Tapas culture is central to Seville. Locals often go on a "tapeo," hopping from one tapas bar to another, sampling small dishes and drinks.
Social Aspect: Dining is a social activity. Sharing plates and enjoying long conversations are common.
Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. Leaving small change (5-10%) is customary for good service.
Pace: Meals are leisurely, so don’t expect rushed service. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

3. Popular Food Markets

Seville’s food markets are a great way to experience local flavors and culture:

Mercado de Triana: Located in the historic Triana neighborhood, this market offers fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local delicacies. It’s also home to small tapas bars.
Mercado Lonja del Barranco: A modern, upscale market near the Guadalquivir River, featuring a variety of food stalls serving tapas, seafood, and desserts.
Mercado de la Encarnación: Situated under the iconic Metropol Parasol, this market combines traditional vendors with trendy eateries.

4. Typical Costs for Meals

Seville is an affordable city for dining out. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

Breakfast: €2-5 (coffee and toast or pastry).
Tapas: €2-4 per tapa. A full meal of 3-4 tapas and a drink will cost around €10-15.
Lunch/Dinner: A menu del día (set lunch menu) costs €10-15, including a starter, main course, dessert, and drink. À la carte meals at mid-range restaurants range from €15-25 per person.
Fine Dining: High-end restaurants may cost €40-60 per person.

5. Recommended Local Restaurants and Tapas Bars

Seville is home to countless excellent dining spots. Here are some highly recommended ones:

Traditional Tapas Bars

El Rinconcillo: Established in 1670, this is the oldest tapas bar in Seville. Try their espinacas con garbanzos and jamón ibérico.
Bodega Santa Cruz (Las Columnas): A bustling spot near the cathedral, known for its affordable and authentic tapas.
Casa Morales: A historic bar with large wine barrels as decor, serving classic tapas like salmorejo and montaditos.

Modern Tapas and Fine Dining

Egaña-Oriza: A fine dining restaurant offering a modern take on Andalusian cuisine.
La Azotea: A contemporary tapas bar with creative dishes and a great wine selection.
Abantal: Seville’s Michelin-starred restaurant, known for its innovative Andalusian tasting menus.

Seafood Specialties

Freiduría Puerta de la Carne: A casual spot for pescaito frito.
La Cantina: Located in the Mercado de Triana, this is a great place for fresh seafood.

6. Seasonal Specialties and Food Festivals

Seville’s culinary calendar is enriched by seasonal specialties and food-related festivals:

Semana Santa (Holy Week): Torrijas (sweet fried bread) are a must-try during this religious festival.
Feria de Abril (April Fair): A week-long celebration featuring casetas (tents) where locals enjoy traditional food, including jamón ibérico, pescaito frito, and rebujito (a mix of sherry and soda).
Christmas: Polvorones and mantecados (shortbread cookies) are popular treats during the holiday season.
Orange Season: Seville is famous for its bitter oranges, used in marmalades and desserts. Visit in winter to see the city’s orange trees in full bloom.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is a cornerstone of Andalusian cuisine. Many dishes are prepared with or drizzled in high-quality local olive oil.
Jamón Ibérico: Iberian ham is a prized delicacy. It’s often served thinly sliced with bread or as part of a tapa.
Wine and Sherry: Pair your meals with local wines or sherry (Jerez), such as fino or manzanilla. Beer (cerveza) is also a popular choice, often served in small glasses called cañas.
Vegetarian Options: While Seville’s cuisine is meat-heavy, vegetarian options like espinacas con garbanzos and salmorejo are widely available.

Seville’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, offering a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and social connection. Whether you’re hopping between tapas bars, exploring vibrant markets, or indulging in fine dining, the city’s food culture is sure to leave a lasting impression. ¡Buen provecho!

Seville

Cuisine