Seville’s evening rhythm is unlike anywhere else in Spain. While dinner might not start until late, the hours before are built for strolling, socializing, and grazing. Nowhere is this ritual more vibrant than in the winding streets surrounding the Setas de Sevilla, the iconic wooden mushroom structure that has become a symbol of the city’s modern soul.
The area around the Setas, locally known as La Encarnación, sits at the crossroads of Seville’s historic center. It is a neighborhood where traditional ceramic tiles meet avant-garde architecture, and where old-school abacerías share walls with trendy wine bars. This contrast makes it one of the most exciting places in the city to go bar hopping.
For the uninitiated, a tapas bar is more than a place to eat. It is a social institution where standing at the bar, ordering a caña, and pointing at the day’s specials is a cherished local art form. The goal is rarely a full meal in one spot, but rather a slow, joyful migration from one bar to the next.
The best tapas experiences near the Setas prioritize fresh, local ingredients and an atmosphere that invites you to linger. You will find everything from jamón ibérico sliced to order to innovative takes on Andalusian classics. The key is knowing which counters are worth squeezing into and which plates are unmissable.
This guide focuses on bars that deliver consistently high-quality food, genuine service, and a true sense of place. Whether you are looking for a quick bite before dinner or a full evening of tapeo, these recommendations will help you eat like a local. They are all within easy walking distance of the Setas, making them perfect for a relaxed culinary adventure.
Seville’s hospitality can be overwhelming if you do not know where to start. That is why we have curated a list that balances legendary institutions with modern favorites. Each bar on this list has earned its reputation through years of serving both loyal neighbors and curious travelers.
Below, you will find the best tapas bars near the Setas de Sevilla, chosen for their food quality, atmosphere, and authentic character.
La Gorda De Las Setas
| Address | Pl. de la Encarnación, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 661 24 13 16 |
Cut to the chase, good food, fresh, flavorful, nicely prepared, nicely presented. We had the spinach and casserole, the flavors were unique and quite nice. The decor is casual, elegant, and comfortable. Service was friendly, would not hesitate to go there again. Recommended.
We had a great experience here. The Leidy serving us was very warm and friendly. Our orders arrived quickly, and everything was well organized. We ordered 4–5 different tapas, and even though they were tapas, the portions were quite generous. The chickpeas with spinach dish was especially delicious. Highly recommended!
I had such an amazing experience at la Gorda De Las Zetas. I prefer to eat a pescatarian menu, so finding a wide variety of vegetarian and fish dishes is always a challenge. But my awesome server, Lady, took care of me. I thoroughly enjoyed every plate. Prices were very reasonable, and I recommend the dogfish, gratiné cod, and the salmon with vegetables. Enjoy!
We had a fantastic dinner at the tapas bar! The food was really good and the price was very fair, our waiter Aturo was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant!
Great experience, sitting under the mushroom. Fast and attentive service from Leidy. All the tapas was good, I especially liked the scorpion fish pate and the salmorejo. Excellent wine. And very good price.
Doña Encarna
| Address | Pl. de la Encarnación, 24, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 954 21 31 04 |
We had a fantastic experience here and would absolutely come back! The paella is delicious—perfectly cooked rice with rich, authentic flavor. The chicken skewer is really juicy and tender, one of the best we’ve had. On top of the great food, the service was excellent. Kamar was warm, attentive, and made the whole meal even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this place! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We ordered the patatas bravas and paella. Everything was very flavourful and delicious. The staff were very accommodating and went the extra mile for us. The restaurant has great ambience inside. A local from a different eatery recommended this place and we happen to even bump into him here.
We had a great time and a great view - me, this man in the picture fancy her very muchly. Women on the front very good very nice. Me (the man here) love the women. All great. Food and drink fantastic too. Me name Sol - Cambridge - posh.
Amazing food! We had the patas bravas, Spanish salad, risotto, duck hot dog, sangria, and the grilled pork sirloin steak with whiskey sauce. Everything was fantastic but the duck and the risotto took the #1 spot. Overall we were very impressed!
We thought the food was just alright, but that’s maybe because we didn’t order the signature dishes. We had the chicken wings, salmon and potato bravas. Service was fast and we got a table quickly around 6pm.
La Malvaloca
| Address | Pl. de la Encarnación, 20, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 955 62 81 81 |
3.25/5
I might have had the best frozen strawberry daiquiri of my life here. It was icy and sweet, perfect for the Seville heat.
The garlic prawn casserole we had as a starter was so delicious, that oily sauce they were in was divine and went perfectly with a piece of bread.
Unfortunately, these were the highlights of our evening and everything else following was pretty average. I had the pork tenderloin, which didn’t taste very tender at all, with about 6 chips. We also tried the fried hake which was overcooked, dry and lacking and flavour.
For dessert, I had the chocolate coulant/fondant and was immediately disappointed to find it was also overcooked. The chocolate did not pour out of the middle but it did make for a rich moist chocolate sponge.
The service also steadily declined during our time at La Malvaloca, to the point where we were having to flag people down if we wanted any attention.
For the price, I would’ve hoped for a better experience.
What a wonderful evening. The food was amazing. We had two burgers for teenagers. They rated it top on their list. I had the cod ravioli and my husband had the Iberian Pork. Great food, extremely good service. Thank you to Kamar and to Juan for looking after us
We had such a wonderful lunch at this restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered the dry-aged steak and eggplant, and both were outstanding. The steak was rich and flavorful, and the eggplant was perfectly cooked.
What really stood out was the service. The staff spoke English well, were incredibly friendly (BIG shout out for Salomon and Kaman!) and you could tell they genuinely enjoyed their work. They were attentive and thoughtful throughout our meal, which made the whole experience even better.
Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great food and warm, welcoming service. We had a truly enjoyable lunch! 🥳
I got hungry around 6:00 PM and this is one of the few places that was actually still serving food at that time.
The wine was amazing, and I had the pork risotto, which was very tasty. The service was great too. I was able to sit outside and enjoy the shade and the live music.
Everything was amazing. It is a little bit on the pricey side, but it definitely saved my stomach at 6:00 PM in the afternoon.
Nice spot on the square almost directly below Setas de Sevilla, nice spot to watch Setas during sunset and in the dark changing colours. It gets quite busy in the evening so if you want a table outside you might wait for some time. Food is good, staff are lovely.
Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas
| Address | C. Rodrigo Caro, 1, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
This is the best tapas bar if you want to experience a truly local and convivial atmosphere. It’s always packed, though. Even though I don’t speak Spanish, other customers helped me out, and the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. The food was delicious, the ambience was great, and I even met a gentleman who unexpectedly paid my bill, as well as the bill of a French couple sitting next to me. I didn’t understand what was happening at first, but if he ever comes across this comment, I would love to thank him properly and get in touch. The charm of Spain I would say.
we had been coming to this place everyday for our 3 days stay in Silvia. food and drinks are cheap and delicious. always packed with people so there were not many seats available, most people stand . Definitely check thus place out if you are around .
A wonderful breakfast experience with an incredible view. We tried several tostadas with different spreads, and every single one was delicious. Simple ingredients done exceptionally well, full of flavor and perfectly prepared. The beautiful scenery made the meal even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for a relaxing and satisfying breakfast.
My husband and I chose this place for our very first tapas experience and OMG it was overwhelming but so much fun😂
Thank you Senor Manuel for being patient with us! He was super friendly and nice. You are the best!!!!
We just went up to the bar and ordered with no problem. The serving time was super fast!
We were able to grab a seat later on and made friends with people sitting around us.
Everything was delicious and so much fun!
Highly recommended just for the experience but food was also good.
Huevas fritas was our favorite😋
Tapas start at just over 3 euros, which is an amazing price for a location in the heart of a major city like Seville. Plus, the food is delicious. The waitstaff are attentive, and the place is bustling with energy. It’s a tapas bar that left me feeling nothing but satisfied.
There are only about four tables on the terrace. It was lucky to get a seat here?
Islamorada - Tapas Restaurant Sevilla
| Address | C. Francisco López Bordas, S/N, Casco Antiguo, 41001 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 648 70 94 62 |
Islamorada restorana: Our waiter, Mr. Williams came to our table and asked “okay, French, English, Spanish” we answered “عربي" and out of all the restaurants we passed by, we picked the one where a Sevillian Lebanese gentleman greeted us. We gladly put aside the menus and simply said we would like fish dishes so please your expertise. He had suggested the sword fish since it is a true Andalusian dish, and I wanted sardines so the next best thing available was anchovies, which were the star dish personally speaking and to my sister as well a lovely meal. Crispy, succulent and excellently prepared. The calamari was a bit too salty for our palates but would kindly suggest less salt next times. There was another dish, two anchovies each on a piece of long crispy bread, also this would go according to different tastes of palates, so personally speaking, I’ve tried it once and I think is enough. In total we had five dishes, grilled shrimps, two different anchovy dishes, calamari and swordfish.
Star dish: Fried Anchovies (well prepared, well cleaned and excellently seasoned). Crispy, tasty, well cooked and absolutely deliciosa!!!!
Maybe again: Perhaps calamari but just less salt please. Well prepared. The swordfish has a definite Andalusian twist with the sweet succulent green chalapas.
Wouldn’t order again: shrimps (unfortunately not cleaned but alright in taste, and not well grilled, please know I am a true fish eater and have tasted all sorts of fish and seafood from the gulf peninsula to the Mediterranean Sea and baltics, both river and sea fish) so my choices will certainly NOT disappoint and ofcourse I will try to be as kind and fair as possible since the waiters Alberto and Williams were at the utmost respect and welcoming so deserves the visit! 🇪🇸🙌🏻💃🏼.
FYI, shrimp price wasn’t on the menu, so I’m not sure how much we were charged for it, kindly ask and verify.
“May Allah increase your happy travels” - H.H.H 💚
Very warm and welcoming staff which was a great start to the meal.
The food was excellent and I could see why it had such a good rating already.
Started with the Pareja De Gildas which were delicious little skewers.
Next up were the Croquetas De La Abulea which were also excellent. Crunchy, gooey, and perfectly cheesy with jamon.
Lastly the tapas version of the Carrillera Iberica En Salsa. Tender meat, tasty sauce.
Highly recommend a stop here.
Quiet, warm place serving delicious authentic tapas in generous portions.
We went here for dinner and were met with lovely service.
Good tinto de verano and house white wines. The tortilla with ruffle is a must try!! The best thing we ordered . The patata bravas were also crispy and light and the pardon pepper were generous.
We really enjoyed the pork cheeks, the sauce was rich and very flavourful.
Overall an excellent meal, would love to come again.
Lunch at this bar was the perfect way to start our stay in Sevilla! The drinks were excellent, service was quick (thank you Costin!), and the food was outstanding. The restaurant itself is beautiful with a relaxed feel. We shared a tortilla that I'll be dreaming about for months, and the salads were incredibly fresh. If you're visiting Sevilla, make this your first stop to refresh from your travels.
The food was amazing. The best tapas I’ve ever eaten in Spain service was fast and our waiter Daniel was really nice and helpful to get the best out of their delicious and varied selection of food. Quantities are definately not a problem there. Tou can go there eyes closed.
Bar Alfalfa
| Address | C. Candilejo, 1, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 954 22 23 44 |
The food is so so good, and cheap aswell. The staff friendly, and you don't need to wait so long. We recommend the stew pork and black noodle, so good. Only one problem is restaurant quite small, and the table is suitable for 2, so if you go 3 people or more you need to wait abit. We have 2 adults and 1 child, total just €27. Unbelievable 🥰
Great spot with reasonable prices and a cool vibe. It’s very small, so you’ll probably have to wait for a table, but it’s worth it. The mushroom croquettes and roja pesto bruschetta were standout dishes. The sangria is strong, and the tinto de verano is really refreshing. Definitely recommend!
Tapas bar. You have to go up to the counter to order and get your food and drinks. Staff weren’t too friendly as it was quite busy. The croquettes were nice. However the lasagna and squid noodles were not. Maybe it was my fault for ordering this at a Spanish tapas bar. Anyways, would advise not to get them.
This was one of my favorite places in seville! Went there for lunch and just wow. Cheese and olive was good. Paella was also okay. Slow cooked pork cheek was to die for! Lasagna wasnt as good as others recommend.
Oh my goodness, you won’t believe how amazing this place is! The food is absolutely incredible, and the rustic ambiance is just perfect. It’s a small and fun place, so you can feel right at home. Trust me, don’t think about it, just go!
The staff were so friendly and welcoming, they really helped to create the charm of the place. There were plenty of food options to choose from, including some free options. The drinks were also decent, and the overall vibe was just cool and inviting. It can get a bit crowded sometimes, but that’s just part of the charm, you know?
We ate a lot and the prices were really reasonable for the amount we ate. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. Keep up the great work folks!
Bar Dos de Mayo
| Address | Pl. de la Gavidia, 6, Casco Antiguo, 41002 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:30 – 4:30 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:30 – 4:30 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:30 – 4:30 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:30 – 4:30 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 954 90 86 47 |
Great food, fresh, tasty, full local, min. tourists. Waiters do not speak english but you can communicate somehow. If you want to enjoy tapas at a local taberna, it will be a great choice. Especially, seafood is amazing…
Food was nice in general as loads of options on the menu. Highly recommend the courgettes and pork in whiskey sauce. Customer service was fast and they were very friendly. Only annoying thing was that the prawns was served as a small portion despite the €16 charge!
Wow, hands down one of the best restaurants in Seville. Great prices, high-quality products, and a service that is both warm and professional. I went several times during my stay in Sevilla, and everything we ordered was phenomenal every single time. The place fills up quickly, so try to arrive early this is a testament to its quality, as many locals go there because they know it’s a great spot. 100% recommended.
The waiters were incredibly kind and attentive, creating a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance was pleasant and comfortable, making it a great place to sit and enjoy a meal. The food was excellent, full of flavor, and served in very generous portions. Everything was spot on and absolutely worth recommending. The four of us ate more than enough and were completely full for 90€, which felt fair for the quality and quantity we received.
We had tapas consisting of shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken liver, cod, olives and goat cheese. We drank sangria. For dessert, we had cheesecake and an almond dessert. Everything was absolutely delicious. The service was very fast, and there was no need to wait in line. The atmosphere was beautiful. It was a fantastic Michelin restaurant. I could have dinner there every single day.
ALCÁZAR ANDALUSÍ TAPAS
| Address | C. Peris Mencheta, 22, Casco Antiguo, 41002 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 954 38 37 70 |
We really enjoyed the food, we had 6 tapas, a bottle of wine and Coke Zero for € 68 total. Great veggie and meat options.
Hassan and his team were really nice and delivered great service, we would definitely come back.
Relax atmosphere and great vibes.
Only downside was that we got bread that we didn’t order and didn’t touch but still had to pay €1 each person for it.
After a bit of online searching (if I do it on the spot I’ll be dead before I find something)I found Alcazar. It had a good rating for the food and the people and I have to say that Hassan and his team didn’t disappoint. The food was very good and I found the prices very reasonable. I had the sizzling garlic shrimp, the aubergine with goats cheese and some patatas bravas. All were amazing! The only thing missing was some music.
Lovely outdoor area in a beautiful and colourful street. We ordered the tuna tataki and corvina fish - both really delicious! Also Hassan and his team were very nice and recommending dishes based on our tastes.
What a fantastic way to end our trip to Seville. We chose ALCÁZAR ANDALUSÍ TAPAS for our final meal, and it exceeded every expectation.
The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about providing a great dining experience. Their recommendations and service made us feel welcome from start to finish.
The food was outstanding. Every tapa, main course, and dessert was beautifully presented, full of flavor, and made with high-quality ingredients. Honestly, every dish we ordered was a 5 out of 5.
The atmosphere was warm, authentic, and inviting, making it the perfect place to enjoy traditional Andalusian cuisine. If you’re visiting Seville and looking for exceptional food and service, this restaurant is a must-visit.
Thank you to the entire team for making our last night in Seville so memorable. Absolutely deserving of five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A wonderful restaurant in Seville! The tapas were delicious, and the paella was excellent. We loved everything we ordered. Special thanks to Hassan and his team for their outstanding hospitality. Hassan made us feel at home, just like we were in Turkiye. Thank you for such a warm and memorable experience. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
La Bartola
| Address | C. San José, 15, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Our favorite restaurant in Seville was La Bartola. Delicious tapas, great sangria for less than 3 Euros and very friendly servers. We are still dreaming about the Iberian pork cheek stew over potato purée, the caponata, croquettes and homemade desserts. We ate there 3 times during our visit it is that good!
Really tasty food here! We ordered a few tapas and everything was great, especially the baby squid, swordfish roll, pig cheek, and beef.
Service was fast for the first round, but a bit slower on the second. The place has a great vibe, very lively at night and can get busy.
Prices are very reasonable. Overall, a great dinner spot.
We were there last Thursday for dinner and we weren't disappointed.
We've eaten a meal without paying a lot of money and the atmosphere was quite nice due to the smilling staff.
We've really enjoyed the food.
Everything was simply amazing so - in my opinion - you should visit "La Bartola" and you won't regret for no doubt! 🤩
The best food I had in all of Seville.. stopped by this place for late dinner during my recent trip to Seville and this place did not disappoint. We ordered their roasted lamb with cous cous, garlic shrimp croquetta (that was the croquetta of the day), pork cheek stew with potato purée and the chocolate panna cotta for dessert. We also ordered their sangria and tinto de verano. Every dish we ordered was AMAZING - tasty flavorful well seasoned melt in your mouth meat bursting with flavors. We devoured every bite and it was hard to pick a favorite. Both the lamb and pork dishes were 11/10. Not just the taste but the presentation of every tapa was fantastic. Their drinks were also great. The dessert was to die for.
This place is super packed during peak dinner hours and there is barely any room to stand. Since we walked in around 11pm, we got a seat and were well taken care of all thru the night. Also noticed alot of veggie options on the menu which was great. Service was awesome ambience is chic. I am certain I am going to crave their tapas once I am back home. Highly highly recommend this place when in Seville.
We tried several things, the anchovies, cheese, sushi verdura, stuffed zucchini, tataki de salmon, thai red rice as well as eggplant salad. The thai red rice was our least favourite but everything else was delicious. There is always a line up here around dinner time but the staff are amazing and get the line moving quickly. We were impressed with our server as she was gracefully attending to a dozen tables and didn't forget any of our requests.
La Sede
| Address | C. Regina, 1, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Excellent food and service. Staff were friendly, funny and sweet. Smoked sardine tostada & tuna belly tostada were both particularly good!
La Sede is such a gem. We had the provaleta portena, butifarra de chiclana, solomillo iberico bellota, and lomo de atun roja. All excellent. Service was wonderful. I do not usually write reviews, but had to express how wonderful this was!
The four of us girls were having dinner here. One of the male waiters might have had poor hearing. He needed us to repeatedly remind him before he could take our orders. When it was time to pay the bill, I called out many times, but each time he nodded to me and ignored our table, going to serve other tables instead. Finally, we thought the waitress had helped us pay the bill. The whole experience was very bad. We felt neglected and discriminated against.
Amazing store owner, beautifully presented and scrumptious food! Each plate is a small portion, but is carefully crafted and lovingly made. We got all the tostas (“toast topped meals”) and it was definitely worth the price 😋 11/10 recommend to anyone in the area
Had lots of small plates, then ordered more! Not because there wasn’t enough, but because it was delicious! Had the best Negroni I’ve tasted too. Waiter was very good and kept the place ticking over nicely!
How to Enjoy Tapas Near the Setas Like a Local
Knowing how to navigate the tapas scene will dramatically improve your experience. The bars near the Setas range from tiny standing-room-only spots to larger establishments with terrace seating. Understanding a few simple customs will help you order with confidence, avoid tourist traps, and eat better food.
First, do not be afraid to stand at the bar. In many of the most traditional places, the bar is where the action happens. You will see the day’s fresh seafood, stews, and montaditos displayed right in front of you. Pointing at what looks good is a perfectly acceptable way to order, and it often leads to discovering something you would never have chosen from a menu.
Second, embrace the concept of the “ronda.” This means ordering one or two small plates per person, sharing them, and then moving on to the next bar. Trying to order a full three-course meal at your first stop will fill you up too quickly and limit your ability to explore. The joy of tapeo is in the variety and the movement between different kitchens.
Third, pay attention to the daily specials. Many bars near the Setas change their menu based on what is fresh at the market that morning. Look for handwritten chalkboards or ask the bartender, “¿Qué hay de especial hoy?” This is where you will find the most exciting dishes, such as seasonal alcachofas, fresh tuna, or a slow-cooked stew.
Fourth, do not overlook the humble montadito. These small sandwiches are a staple of Seville’s bar culture and are often incredibly cheap. A well-made montadito de pringá or a simple one with jamón and olive oil can be a perfect first bite. They are also a great way to sample a bar’s quality without committing to a larger plate.
Fifth, time your visit strategically. If you arrive at 1:00 PM for lunch or 8:30 PM for dinner, you will find the bars quieter and the service more relaxed. By 2:30 PM and 9:30 PM, the most popular places will be packed with locals. Going early gives you a better chance of getting a spot at the bar and having a more leisurely conversation with the staff.
The beauty of the area around the Setas is that you can wander without a strict plan. Let your curiosity guide you, but keep this list handy as a reliable starting point. The best evenings are often the ones where you discover a new favorite bar simply by following the sound of laughter and the smell of garlic and olive oil.
Seville is a city that rewards slow travel and attentive eating. By choosing your tapas bars wisely, you are not just feeding yourself; you are participating in a centuries-old social tradition. So take your time, order another glass of manzanilla, and enjoy the vibrant culinary landscape that surrounds the Setas de Sevilla.
