Spanish tapas ()
Truly the only way to experience Sevilla (Seville) is to go on a Tapeo, hopping from tapas bar to tapas bar enjoying the food and the socializing. However, with nearly 4,000 tapas joints in the city, the prospect can be a bit intimidating. Don’t worry; this tour will not only allow you to have the experience but will take you through some of the city’s unique neighborhoods.
The Barrio Santa Cruz, Sevilla’s old Jewish Quarter, is a picturesque collection of narrow winding streets and alleys, and while quite touristy, it is fun to navigate the labyrinth and feel the historic vibe. The narrowness of the streets was intentional, designed to provide protection from the blazing summer sun. Today, the streets open to small peaceful courtyards containing ceramic benches and orange trees. In the heart of the neighborhood is a very traditional tapas bar, the Café Bar Las Teresas. While the outside tables may seem enticing, venture inside and soak in all of the nostalgia. Find a seat at one of the small tables, order a ración (plate) of Jamon Iberico de Bellota, Spain’s famous cured pork, and a glass of cold fino (sherry). It makes for an excellent start to a tapas tour.
Café Bar Las Teresas Calle Santa Teresa 2 Open: noon-midnight, kitchen open 1-4 p.m./8 p.m.-midnight
Casa Morales
A short walk past the Sevilla Cathedral will take you into the neighborhood between the Avenue de la Constitución and Guadalquivir River, known as El Arenal. While Sevilla’s bullfighting ring, the impressive La Real Maestranza, is located here, many outstanding tapas restaurants also call El Arenal home. Pass by the front room of Casa Morales, round the corner and enter the back bar. The rustic room is surrounded by large clay wine vats (8 feet tall!) called tinajas, which add to the location’s ambience. Grab a table or stand at the bar and soak in the surroundings. You might notice a local sipping on a caňa (small beer), but Casa Morales also has an impressive list of wine and sherry. The tapas list is written on a board behind the bar. Favorites are paper-thin salt cod (Bacalao) on toast with tomato purée (Salmorejo) and the Pulpo Gallego, octopus served with boiled potatoes, olive oil and sweet Spanish paprika).
Casa Morales Calle Garcia de Vinuesa 11 Open: noon-4 p.m./8 p.m.-midnight, closed Sunday
Farther into El Arenal is the homey, personable and delicious Bodeguita Romero. In its third generation, it is truly a family operation. Without a doubt, the Pringa Montaditos, a crispy roll stuffed with slow cooked pork and black pudding, is the best in town. If you are lucky, the owner will be behind the counter, and then you will know that his famous house-marinated potatoes are on the menu. He is the only one who makes the dish. If you have room, opt for one more tapa. The Carrilladas, braised pork cheeks, will melt in your mouth and have a wonderful depth of flavor.
Bodeguita Romero Calle Harinas 10 Open: noon-5 p.m./8 p.m.-midnight, closed Sunday evening and all day Monday
La Brunilda
Round out your neighborhood exploration with a visit to the upscale gastropub La Brunilda. This 18th-century house has been transformed into a beautiful space with some of the best tapas in all of Sevilla. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, but highlights are the grilled baby squid (Chiperones) with migas, the iconic tapas dish Papas Bravas or one of the tapas-sized salads.
La Brunilda Galera 5 Open: 1-4 p.m./8:30-11:30 p.m., closed Sunday evening and all day Monday
La Azotea
Saving the best for last, no tapas tour would be complete without a visit to La Azotea; luckily, there are three locations. Run by a husband (Spanish) and wife (American) team, the tapas at La Azotea are creative and absolutely superb. The chef’s Croquetas are always a great initial choice, inventive and delicious. Rice paper triangles filled with shrimp, leeks and cheese are heavenly. Carrillada Iberica (stewed pig’s cheek) is served in a rich red wine sauce and topped with melted goat cheese. A traditional tomato and mozzarella salad is transformed with basil gummies and a spoonful of lemon sorbet. The service is attentive and friendly, and the food is amazing. This is a place you will want to return to, time and time again.
La Azotea Jesus del Gran Poder 31 Open: 1:30-4:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.-midnight, closed Sunday and Monday
La Azotea Calle Zaragoza 5 Open: 1:30-4:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.-midnight
Azotea Santa Cruz Calle Mateos Gago 8 Open: 9 a.m.-noon/12:30-11:30 p.m.
