Sevilla Restaurant Tips by acemj

Cafe de Indias: Is this the Starbucks of Sevilla?

Cafe de Indias has a few locations around the city and I stopped in twice for coffee and once for coffee and a dessert pastry. Neither one was exceptional, but the coffee was passable.

Favorite Dish: Grab a coffee and come in for the social scene. This place seems like it's pretty popular with locals. They have breakfast pastries, heavier desserts, coffees, alcoholic drinks, ice cream and more.

Address: Calle Santa Maria l Blanca, 42

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: There is more than one location

Phone: 954 987556

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Coffeehouse

Website: http://www.cafedeindias.com

Sacristia: Definitely try to tuna!

I stopped in here one night and sat at the bar for a drink. I ended up being treated to some great food.

Favorite Dish: I ordered the Atun a la Naranja (Tuna with Oranges), which made my mouth water. The warm, slightly sweet orange sauce served with the tuna was amazing. Then I had the Lomo al Whisky, which is Pork in a Whisky sauce, which was also very good.

Address: Mateos Gago, 18

Comparison: about average

Directions: Near the Cathedral

Phone: 954 21 92 07

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Meson de la Infanta: More Great Tapas

This great tapas joint is close to the Torre de Oro and the Maestranza (bullring). It was lively when I visited, full of locals chattering and sampling the food.

Favorite Dish: Try the Cured Dried Tuna (mojama) which is so soft it dissolves in your mouth.

Address: C/ Dos de Mayo

Comparison: about average

Phone: 95 456 15 54

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Modesto: Great Fried Fish

This is probably a place that you won't be able to avoid because of its great location. You're very likely to stumble across this place while you're exploring the area. The outdoor seating is inviting, but it was a bit too windy the day I visited so I sat at the bar inside.

Favorite Dish: I ordered the fried anchovies (boquerones fritos) which were really delicious. If you don't like anchovies on your pizza, don't worry because those are salty, canned anchovies. These anchovies are fresh and are really delicious. As you can see, I also had some good bread and a glass of manzanilla.

Address: Cano y Cueto, 5

Comparison: about average

Directions: Barrio Santa Cruz

Phone: 954 416 811

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.grupomodesto.com

Cerveceria Giralda: A View of the Giralda Tower

This street is one of the best in the city for good tapas and lively nightlife. Bar Giralda has outdoor tables with great views of the tower, but I sat inside as you can see from the photo. The interior has Mudejar influences in the architecture and the staff is very friendly.

Favorite Dish: I tried the Pimientos Rellenos, which are stuffed pimientos with meat and cheese and a nice tomato-based sauce. It was heavenly! I also had a beer and then finished with a fino (sherry).

Address: Mateos Gago, 1

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Near the Cathedral

Phone: 95 422 74 35

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Enrique Becerra: Neighborhood Favorite

Here's another restaurant that I had read about before visiting Sevilla. Enrique Becerra is the owner and somewhat of a local celebrity because of his food and his charisma. The interior is decorated with relics of historical significance and elegance.

Favorite Dish: The cuisine is Andulusian with Moorish influences. Dishes often contain interesting ingredients like pine nuts, honey and bitter oranges. Try the honey roasted lamb (cordero asado a la miel).

Address: C/ Gamazo, 2

Comparison: about average

Directions: Near the Cathedral and Plaza Nueva

Phone: 95 421 30 49

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Casa Robles: One of my favorites

I came here twice because I enjoyed it so much and sat at the bar. The tapas and wines are excellent. There are many different rooms within the restaurant that are appropriate for different occasions and the staff is courteous and efficient.

Favorite Dish: I ate tapas both times I visited and everything was good. I had a plate of aged Manchego cheese (Manchenieto), which really opened my eyes to the quality of Manchego. I had previously only tried the younger, softer variety in the States and was never impressed, but this was delicious. I also had a plate of assorted Serrano meats as well as a great salad with tuna fillets.

Address: Alvarez Quintero, 58

Comparison: about average

Directions: Steps from the Cathedral

Phone: 954 213 150

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.casa-robles.com

Casa de Ruiz: Tapas in Santa Cruz

I stopped in here on my way for a final look at the Cathedral on my last night in Sevilla. It's a small bar that attracts a big local clientele located in Santa Cruz.

Favorite Dish: I had a glass of wine and some assorted ham. The bartender carves the meat right off the leg of the ham and it melts in your mouth!

Address: C/ Francos, 59

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 95 422 86 24

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Poncio: Award Winning Chef

This place is near the cathedral in Triana (Santa Ana) on a quiet street. People come here to sample the creative dishes prepared by award winning chef Willy Moya, whom I had read about before I visited and I was surprised to meet when I visited his restaurant. There is no dining at the bar, so be prepared to sit at an elegant table.

Favorite Dish: Try the non-traditional gazpacho which has chunks of egg and ham.

Address: C/ Victoria, 8

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Triana

Phone: 95 434 00 10

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

Salvador Rojo: Fine Dining

I actually didn't eat here, but my sister and her husband were here in January of 2001 and they swear by this place. This was their favorite restaurant in the city and since I think they have great taste, I'll trust them.

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: On San Fernando across the street from the University and Hotel Alfonso XIII

Phone: 954 229 725

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 0

Theme: Local