Hola everyone!
I'm back with more recommendations for places to eat in Seville. In my last post, I talked about traditional eateries and markets, but this time I want to share some spots run by young Spanish chefs who are putting their own modern twist on traditional ingredients. Some have even earned Michelin recognition, while others offer a more casual experience, but all are making waves in the Seville food scene. Here are my top picks for non-traditional restaurants:
Vuela Tapas and Cocktails - I stumbled upon this place while walking back to my apartment on a scorching afternoon. Tucked away on a quiet street, the cool, minimalistic interior with traditional wooden beam ceilings, a sleek cocktail bar, and an open- plan kitchen caught my eye.
It's the brainchild of the talented young chef Victor Blandòn, who returned to Seville after a stint in London. The menu is a reflection of his culinary journey, featuring about 15 small plates that change with the seasons. I had the pleasure of trying their Tuna Tataki with curly fennel and lime gel, pork cheek brioche with spicy salad, and Crunchy Octopus.
I was impressed by the lightness of the dishes and the wonderful flavours. If I had to choose, the slow-cooked pulled pork cheeks in buttery brioche and jalapenos were my favourite. Their signature cocktail, the Seville Jam with Seville Orange Gin and triple sec, was also a hit. With prices starting at 4 euros per plate and cocktails at 8 euros, it’s a testament to their commitment to ‘Honest Cooking’ and providing great value for money. After experiencing the food, ambience and chatting with the friendly team and chef, I couldn't agree more. It's the epitome of a casual and contemporary tapas bar at its best.
Amara - I accidentally discovered this place since my apartment is next door. When I peeked inside during the day, I immediately loved the minimalist yet elegant decor, including exposed brick walls, modern art, and an open kitchen where the chefs proudly showcase their skills to the diners. Amara is led by chef patron Javier Fabo, a young chef from San Sebastian who trained in Basque cooking under some famous Basque chefs and also worked in London for Gordon Ramsay.
After 12 years of culinary journey, he finally opened his dream project. Amara takes pride in combining produce from North Spain with flavours from the South and beyond. Javier also experiments with international flavour combinations. The restaurant offers a 6-course tasting menu for 44 Euros and wine pairing for an additional 25 Euros, providing an affordable yet high-quality dining experience. For those who prefer to choose their own dishes, there is also an à la carte menu. During my visit, I chose the chef’s tasting menu and pairing, which included some great local wines. Javier kindly sent an extra course to the table and came to chat with me. My most memorable dishes on the menu were the Coconut Ajoblanco with Pineapple Chutney and Barbate Mojama, Puchero Croquette with Red Tuna and Kimchi Mayo, Baked Cod in Chili and Garlic, and Red Pepper Piepperada.
It was a fantastic dining experience with 6 unique dishes alongside wine pairing for 69 Euros. I highly recommend it.
Bāsque by Eneko —A restaurant by 5 Michelin-starred Chef Eneko Atxa is situated in the heart of the old town of Seville. It showcases innovative Basque gastronomy paired with the vibrancy and boldness of Seville. I booked this place even before I left for Seville.
Upon entering, you'll be impressed by the stunning contemporary interiors adorned with lots of greenery and blue hues, representing the land and the skies of Andalusia. The smartly dressed team's warm greeting assures you that you are in for a gastronomic treat. They offer 2 tasting menus priced at 59 and 79 euros. I opted for the 59 euros tasting menu since I had already had a lot of pork and tuna by then, and I wanted to try other dishes.
Each dish was unique, well-presented, and a celebration of Basque flavours. I started with the foie curd and citronella, moved on to the Tuna and caviar Tartlet, Scallop and marine granita, and enjoyed the flavours of the land in the form of Farmhouse egg yolk Estofado, Grilled beef, payoyo gnocchis, and piparras pesto. Each dish complemented the others while being distinctly different. The creme brulee with caramel ice cream brought this culinary show to an end, leaving me with memories for a lifetime and a desire to return again.
Almeda de Hercules
If you still have time and want to spend an evening hopping to different places while enjoying alfresco tapas, make sure to visit the quirky and artsy 'ALAMEDA DE HERCULES', just a short walk from the stunning 'Setas De Seville'. The street is lined with orange trees and small, independent tapas bars. I particularly enjoyed 'Arte Y Sabor' there. I had a nice walk along the street, enjoying the cool breeze, having beers and tapas whenever I felt like it. Don’t be surprised if you find live bands performing on the street, and people getting up from their tables to start dancing. Almeda de Hercules is fun, young, vibrant, and lively – a great way to spend my last evening in Seville.
This is all I could do on this trip, but I've already made a list of restaurants that I'll visit next time.
Seville is definitely worth visiting more than once because of its music, flamenco, art, and architecture and above all it’s thriving food scene.
Here are some of my recommendations for things to do and tips that might make your life
easier:
- Stay in the old town so that all the historic attractions are within walkable distance.
- Rent an apartment rather than a hotel so that you can buy some amazing produce at the
market, bring it back, and cook.
- Start early in the morning and return home before 3 pm as it gets too hot, then venture out
again after 6 or 7 pm.
- October was really good, although it was hot during the day, the evenings are pleasant and
you can get away with wearing cottons.
- The city is well connected with public transport and there are direct buses that connect the
airport from the centre of the city for as little as 4 euros.
- The queues to get into the Royal Alcázar and Seville Cathedral are long. I recommend booking
tickets in advance on apps like ‘Get Your Guide’ to avoid queuing up.
- It's always better to finish the tourist attractions during the first half of the day as you will be
indoors mostly, and in the evening you will have time for the following:
- An evening walk along the El Arenal and enjoy sundowners at Bombay Bar.
- A boat cruise on the river Guadalquivir.
- A flamenco show in the oldest theatre of Seville.
- Light show at Setas De Seville.
Tasting Seville pt2.
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