Seville Tapas Guide: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Eat

Seville is the historical birthplace of tapas, where small plates are more than just something tasty to eat. They’re an integral part of the Andalusian way of life. From tiny neighborhood taverns to bustling market counters, each tapa tells a story of Seville’s rich culinary heritage.

So it seemed only fitting that I provide you with a complete guide to Seville tapas and all the great places you can find them on a Spain food tour.

What Are Tapas? An Introduction to Seville’s Tapas Culture

The term “tapas” is derived from the Spanish word “tapar,” meaning “to cover.” Historically they’re believed to have originated as small pieces of bread or meat used to cover a glass of wine to keep flies out of people’s drinks.

With the advent of modern pest control, the people of Seville transformed this simple custom into a cherished dining tradition that defines the city’s culinary identity. While the dishes are small, the tapas experience is boldly flavorful. Today tapas in Seville are more than just appetizers. They’re part of the local social life.

Many Sevillians distinguish between tapas, which are small individual portions, and raciones, which are larger plates of appetizers shared by everyone at the table. In some places, you’ll even find pintxos from the northern Basque country. They’re small bites, like tapas, except skewered on toothpicks.

While Seville’s bars, taverns, and bodegas offer many traditional favorite tapas, modern tapas have evolved into creative, chef-driven dishes that blend old and new. Whether you’re standing at a crowded bar or sitting on a shaded terrace, enjoying tapas is a quintessential cultural experience in Seville.

Must-Try Tapas Dishes in Seville

The following are some classical must-try tapas that you’ll find all around Seville.

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Espinacas con Garbanzos is spinach with chickpeas transformed into a hearty, spiced dish rooted in Seville’s Moorish past. It’s often flavored with garlic, cumin, and special Andalusian smoked paprika.

Tortilla Española is an egg and potato omelet served warm or at room temperature in thick, satisfying slices. It’s a comfort food tapa that reminded me a little bit of having breakfast for dinner.

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Pescaíto frito features an assortment of small fish, like anchovies that are lightly battered, perfectly fried, and served hot. I like to squeeze a little lemon over each a moment before popping it in my mouth.

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Cola del toro is a slow-cooked oxtail stew that has a deep, savory sauce often enjoyed with crusty bread. This is my go-to tapa on a cool evening.

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Cabrales cheese croquetas are creamy bites of boldly pungent Andalusian blue cheese encased in a crisp golden crust.

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Ensaladilla rusa is a creamy Russian potato salad mixed with vegetables and mayo, sometimes topped with tuna or olives.

Cogote de atún is made from grilled or roasted tuna collar. It’s a fatty cut of tuna that’s rich and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture. I think it’s done best when grilled over charcoal or wood fire!

Vegetarian and Dietary-Friendly Tapas Options in Seville

Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to hear that Seville’s tapas culture embraces plant-based and dietary-friendly options.

Patatas bravas are crispy, golden-fried potatoes served with a bold, spicy tomato sauce. They’re a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian staple.

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Padrón peppers are small green peppers lightly fried and sprinkled with sea salt. They’re the Andalusian equivalent of the grilled shishito peppers you often find on the US West Coast.

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Marinated carrots with cumin and vinegar are a refreshing and tangy tapa that harkens back to Seville’s North African connections.

Best Tapas Bars and Restaurants in Seville

Seville has too many great tapas bars and restaurants to mention in one article. I think the following stand out as must-try spots on a Spain food tour.

El Rinconcillo

Photo credit: El Rinconcillo

Founded in 1670, El Rinconcillo is Seville’s oldest bar and a true culinary institution. With its dark wood interiors, hanging hams, and handwritten chalk menus, it feels like stepping back in time.

I think this is one of the best places in Seville to try classic tapas like espinacas con garbanzos and bacalao salt cod. It’s popular with both locals and visitors, so arrive early or embrace the standing-bar experience.

El Rinconcillo (€€) – C. Gerona, 40, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla, Spain.

Las Teresas

Photo credit: Las Teresas

Tucked away in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, Las Teresas offers a rustic charm and classical tapas. With walls covered in bullfighting memorabilia and jamón legs hanging from the ceiling, you know you’re in for an old-school experience.

So, it’s no surprise that this is my go-to spot for traditional Andalusian tapas featuring the region’s world-renowned acorn-fed Iberian ham and house sherry. The nuttiness of the delicately thin slices had an impressive depth of flavor and richness.

Las Teresas (€€) – C. Sta. Teresa, 2, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla, Spain.

Ovejas Negras

Photo credit: Ovejas Negras

Ovejas Negras is a modern, lively tapas bar near the cathedral of Seville that’s known for blending bold flavors with a fun, urban vibe. They push the boundaries of traditional tapas with creative dishes like truffled risotto and miniature tuna tartare tacos.

I love the energetic crowd they attract and while I had a short wait to get it, it was worth it for the vibrant atmosphere and inventive menu. The texture of the tuna tartar tacos alone sticks in my memory and redefines how I think of seafood tacos.

Ovejas Negras (€€) – C. Hernando Colón, 8, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla, Spain.

La Bodega de la Alfalfa

Photo credit: La Bodega de la Alfalfa

A charming bodega in Seville’s Alfalfa neighborhood is an eclectic spot offering a delicious blend of Spanish and Mediterranean flavors. It’s a great spot for a casual tapas experience, with friendly service.

I appreciated that I could get tapas with Mediterranean flair like bruschetta, along with Spanish jamón, and local cheeses all in one place. The space is small with an intimate vibe that’s great for a late afternoon snack and a moment to unwind after an active day.

La Bodega de la Alfalfa (€€) – C. Alfalfa, 4, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla, Spain.

Wine, Sherry, and Tapas Pairings

Sherry from Jerez is a quintessential pairing for tapas. I recommend a dry fino or manzanilla with salty jamón ibérico to cut the rich, bold flavors.

Tinto de Verano is a chilled cocktail of red wine and soda that’s light and refreshing. It pairs perfectly with fried dishes like pescaíto frito.

Orange wine has a slightly bitter and aromatic profile, and complements richer tapas like Cabrales cheese croquetas.

Tintilla de Rota is a bold, full-bodied Andalusian red wine that goes perfectly with cola de toro or solomillo al whiskey.

Manzanilla is a crisp white wine that’s typically served chilled, which I think pairs perfectly with seafood tapas.

Final Thoughts

Seville’s tapas experience is world-renowned for its atmosphere and Andalusian culture. Whether you’re snacking on classic espinacas con Garbanzos at a traditional bar like El Rinconcillo, or succulent grilled tuna collar at Ovejas Negras, a Sevillian tapas experience needs to be part of your next Spain food tour.