What to Eat in Seville
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is one of Spain’s greatest culinary destinations. The city’s food scene is a delightful blend of tradition, creativity, and local pride. Known as the birthplace of tapas, Seville offers a wide variety of small dishes that capture the essence of southern Spanish cuisine — simple, fresh, and full of flavor. Whether you’re dining in a bustling tapas bar or a charming local tavern, Seville’s gastronomy reflects the warmth and richness of its culture.
Below is a guide to the most iconic and must-try dishes in Seville.
1. Tapas – The Heart of Sevillian Cuisine
No visit to Seville is complete without indulging in tapas. The city is famous for originating this Spanish dining style, where you enjoy small plates of food meant for sharing.
Typical tapas to try include:
- Tortilla Española: A traditional Spanish omelet made with potatoes, onions, and eggs.
- Croquetas: Crispy fried croquettes filled with béchamel sauce and ingredients like ham, chicken, or spinach.
- Montaditos: Mini sandwiches filled with cured meats, cheese, or local spreads.
- Pimientos de Padrón: Small green peppers, lightly fried and sprinkled with sea salt.
Where to try: Traditional bars like El Rinconcillo (one of the oldest in Seville) or Bodega Santa Cruz (Las Columnas) in the Santa Cruz district.
2. Jamón Ibérico (Iberian Ham)
Seville takes great pride in Jamón Ibérico, especially the finest variety known as Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. This delicacy is made from free-range Iberian pigs that feed on acorns, giving the ham its distinct nutty flavor.
How to enjoy it:
- Served thinly sliced on its own as a tapa.
- Often paired with cheese, olives, or wine.
Why try it: It’s one of Spain’s most iconic gourmet products, and tasting it in Andalusia is an unforgettable experience.
3. Salmorejo
A cold, creamy tomato soup similar to gazpacho but thicker and richer. Salmorejo originates from nearby Córdoba but is extremely popular in Seville.
Ingredients: Tomatoes, bread, olive oil, garlic, and vinegar, blended into a smooth consistency. It’s typically topped with chopped boiled egg and diced jamón.
Why try it: It’s refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for Seville’s warm climate.
4. Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spinach with Chickpeas)
This is one of Seville’s oldest and most traditional dishes, reflecting its Moorish influence.
Ingredients: Spinach, chickpeas, garlic, paprika, cumin, and olive oil, slow-cooked into a comforting stew.
Why try it: It’s hearty, healthy, and vegetarian-friendly — a delicious taste of Andalusian home cooking.
5. Solomillo al Whisky (Pork Tenderloin in Whisky Sauce)
A local favorite found in many tapas bars, this dish features pork tenderloin cooked in a rich sauce made from whisky, garlic, and olive oil.
Why try it: It’s a uniquely Sevillian recipe that combines bold flavor with simple ingredients. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
6. Bacalao con Tomate (Cod with Tomato Sauce)
A traditional dish made with salted cod cooked in a slow-simmered tomato sauce with onions, peppers, and olive oil.
Why try it: It’s a great example of Andalusian seafood cuisine — flavorful, rustic, and satisfying.
7. Gazpacho Andaluz
Gazpacho is another cold tomato soup, lighter than salmorejo, made with tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, garlic, bread, olive oil, and vinegar.
Why try it: It’s a healthy, refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot days. In Seville, it’s often served as a drinkable appetizer rather than a spoon dish.
8. Huevos a la Flamenca (Flamenco Eggs)
A colorful baked egg dish with tomato sauce, peas, chorizo, jamón, and vegetables, cooked in a small clay dish.
Why try it: It’s hearty, flavorful, and beautifully represents Andalusian comfort food.
9. Carrillada (Braised Pork Cheeks)
A slow-cooked meat dish that has become one of Seville’s most popular specialties.
Why try it: The pork cheeks are incredibly tender, cooked for hours in red wine or sherry until they melt in your mouth. It’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.
10. Churros con Chocolate
A classic Spanish breakfast or afternoon treat. Churros are deep-fried dough pastries served with thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping.
Where to try: Cafés such as Bar El Comercio in the city center serve some of the best churros in Seville.
11. Queso Manchego (Manchego Cheese)
Although originally from the La Mancha region, Manchego cheese is widely enjoyed in Seville’s tapas culture.
Why try it: Its slightly salty and nutty flavor pairs perfectly with local wines and hams.
12. Seville’s Sweets and Desserts
Seville has a rich tradition of Arabic-influenced desserts and convent sweets made by nuns in monasteries.
Popular choices:
- Torrijas: Similar to French toast, soaked in milk and honey, usually eaten during Easter.
- Yemas de San Leandro: Small, sweet egg yolk candies made by local convents.
- Polvorones: Crumbly almond cookies often enjoyed during Christmas.
13. Drinks to Try in Seville
Seville’s food experience wouldn’t be complete without trying its traditional beverages.
Local favorites include:
- Tinto de Verano: A refreshing mix of red wine and lemon soda, ideal for hot days.
- Sherry (Jerez): A fortified wine from nearby Jerez de la Frontera, served as an aperitif.
- Cruzcampo: Seville’s most famous local beer, light and refreshing.
Best Areas for Food in Seville
- Santa Cruz: Great for traditional tapas bars in a historic setting.
- Triana: Known for authentic local taverns and riverside dining.
- Alameda de Hércules: Trendy area with modern restaurants and creative tapas.
- El Arenal: Excellent for seafood and Andalusian cuisine near the river.
Final Thoughts
Seville’s culinary scene is a reflection of its culture — vibrant, flavorful, and full of character. From iconic tapas to traditional Andalusian dishes like salmorejo, espinacas con garbanzos, and carrillada, every bite tells a story of history and passion. Whether you’re savoring a plate of jamón ibérico in a bustling bar or enjoying churros for breakfast in a quiet plaza, Seville’s food is as unforgettable as the city itself.
