What to eat in Seville: 12 must-try local delights

If you’re wondering what to eat in Seville, start with tapas on a terrace paired with a glass of sangria as you enjoy the city at night. The Andalusian cuisine reflects its vibrant culture and sunny climate, offering delicious dishes to savor. Cold soups, like gazpacho and salmorejo, are refreshing choices in the city’s warm weather. For seafood lovers, Seville’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes are a must. Additionally, iconic Spanish dishes like paella are always popular. Whether craving local specialties or the best Southern Spanish specialties, the city’s culinary scene won’t disappoint. Here’s a guide to the best food in Seville.

1. Gazpacho

Gazpacho, the most famous of Andalusia’s cold soups, can be served as a refreshing drink or an appetizer. A blended mixture of the freshest raw tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, bread, and olive oil, it's a little like a liquid salad. In the heat of the Andalusian summer, there’s no better way to cool off.

How to eat the best gazpacho in Seville?

Gazpacho is easy to make yourself, as long as you have the best quality ingredients. Learn how at an Andalusian tapas class, where a chef will also teach you three other tapas dishes — it’s a great souvenir to take home with you, as well as a romantic Seville date idea.

2. Jamón ibérico

Spain's jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) is a real treat for gourmets. This ham, sliced wafer thin, melts in your mouth and is considered by many the best food in Spain. It’s prepared in a few select parts of the country, such as Andalusia, where the climate is just right, and the producers follow traditional methods.

How to eat the best jamón ibérico in Seville?

Indulge yourself on a day trip dedicated to Iberian ham, where you visit a traditional village and participate in a full ham-tasting session, trying different varieties, learning their differences, and understanding the importance of the Black Iberian pig.

3. Olive oil

In this part of the world, olive oil is a true delicacy. Many Andalusians would never dream of buying a supermarket brand. Instead, they go to family-owned farms or small co-operatives to pick up incredibly rich oil, which they use as a simple but exquisite dip for bread.

How to taste the best olive oil in Seville?

Take an olive oil farm tour — it’s one of Seville’s most unique activities. You’ll learn more about the production of this liquid gold, then take part in an olive oil sampling session to perfect your tasting skills.

4. Salmorejo

While gazpacho is better known internationally, salmorejo is probably the most popular cold soup in the region and should definitely be on your list of foods to try in Seville. It’s thicker and richer than gazpacho, and there are very few ingredients, so you can really appreciate the powerful flavors of the pear tomatoes and olive oil.

How to eat the best salmorejo in Seville?

Salmorejo is a classic tapas dish. Eat it with a garnish of finely chopped hard-boiled egg and ham.

5. Sangria

Raise a glass to Spain's most popular summer beverage. You might think you've tried sangria, the red wine-based fruit punch, before. However, there are actually four different varieties to sample, each using a different kind of wine. Let’s drink to that.

How to drink the best sangria in Seville?

A sangria tasting will give you the chance to try sangria made with red wine, white wine, sherry, and cava.

6. Pescaíto frito

Pescaíto frito (little fried fish) has to be on your list of what to eat in Seville. It’s a moreish bar snack consisting of small, whole fish lightly dusted with flour and fried. Served with a simple squeeze of lemon, it’s perfect in hot weather.

How to eat the best pescaíto frito in Seville?

Explore the Triana neighborhood, where you can bar-hop and try all kinds of popular tapas dishes.

7. Paella

Paella originates in eastern Spain, but its popularity has spread far beyond its Valencian roots. This tasty rice dish is often on the menu in Seville, and it’s perfect for a slow, leisurely lunch at the weekend. It’s even better to get a jug of sangria to accompany it.

How to eat the best paella in Seville?

Make it yourself! Learn the tricks of the trade to make a perfect paella at a Spanish cooking class.

8. Sherry

Sherry originates in Andalusia, in the town of Jerez de la Frontera. It’s close enough to Seville that you can easily take a day trip to indulge in a tasting session. Sherry goes particularly well with cheese and ham, so it’s perfect for a Spanish lunch.

How to drink the best sherry in Seville?

Head to Jerez for a sherry-tasting session and the chance to see traditional Andalusian horse dancing.

9. Manchego cheese

Manchego cheese may be the most famous Spanish cheese. Made from sheep’s milk and matured in brine, it is salty, tangy, and delicious. It goes particularly well with ham and other Spanish charcuterie and will make a welcome addition to your cheeseboards back home.

How to eat the best manchego in Seville?

Graze your way around Triana Market, where you’ll find manchego, jamon, and more.

10. Churros

Who doesn’t love churros? These deep-fried tubes of batter are the Spanish version of a donut, usually eaten dunked in a cup of thick hot chocolate. They’re particularly popular in winter or when the fair is in town, but you can also find them in warmer seasons.

How to eat the best churros in Seville?

Churros are traditionally eaten in the morning, so make sure you try a brunch restaurant in Seville.

11. Stewed pork cheeks

Many of the most popular dishes in Seville are ideal in hot weather, but what do Sevillanos eat in winter? Hearty stews are a favorite, and there's nothing better than stewed pork cheeks. It’s often served with a sherry reduction sauce, its sweetness pairing perfectly with the rich meat.

How to eat the best stewed pork cheek in Seville?

Look out for this Sevillano delicacy on restaurant menus.

12. Ajoblanco

Ajoblanco is yet another Andalusian cold soup. Unlike salmorejo and gazpacho, it contains no tomatoes. Instead, it's a vibrant blend of almonds, bread, and just a hint of garlic. Served with a garnish of grapes, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory and makes a mouthwatering appetizer.

How to eat the best ajoblanco in Seville?

Try the ajoblanco at one of the city’s restaurants.

FAQs

What are the must-try traditional dishes in Seville?

Gazpacho and salmorejo are traditional dishes that are both very popular in Seville. If you want something special, try jamón ibérico. You'll also find many common dishes across Spain, like tortilla de patatas (Spanish potato omelet).

What are the best food tours in Seville?

There are generally two kinds of food tours in Seville. You can go on a tapas crawl, moving from bar to bar and sampling various dishes, or take a local market tour and learn about the freshest produce.

What are the top local food markets in Seville to visit?

The best food market is in the Triana neighborhood. It's extremely popular with locals, with a great mixture of fresh produce and street food.

What is the best time of year to visit Seville for food lovers?

 You'll always eat well in Seville. The famous Andalusian cold soups are at their best from early summer to fall, when tomatoes are in season. If you visit during the springtime Feria de Abril, you'll find many dishes and drinks to try.

How much should I budget for food in Seville?

You can generally eat well without breaking the bank in Seville. It's perfectly possible to dine out for $12-20 per person, but the cost increases significantly if you want to go to a high-end restaurant.