Devour centuries of history in one simple, delicious dish!
Spinach and garbanzos, or espinacas con garbanzos in Spanish, has been a staple on the Iberian peninsula ever since the distant Moorish days. The simple dish, flavored with garlic, paprika and cumin, stuck around even after the Christian reconquest and became a popular meal among medieval Catholics during Lent, when it was forbidden to eat meat. Today, this delicious, nutritious dish remains one of the most popular tapas in bars throughout Seville. Want to try it for yourself? Here’s where to find the best spinach and garbanzos in Seville!
El Rinconcillo
We can’t say enough good things about El Rinconcillo. The family-run locale, steeped in history, has earned its claim to fame as Seville’s oldest bar. But that’s not the only reason why we love it. The characteristic, atmospheric bar where time stands still also serves up fantastic tapas, including some of the best spinach and garbanzos in Seville. They won’t reveal their specific secrets that make the simple dish so good, but insist on using high-quality spinach, chickpeas and oil, as well as following an age-old recipe to the letter. With so many centuries spent perfecting their signature tapa, it’s no wonder why it’s love at first bite for everyone who tries it!
Address: Calle Gerona, 40
La Fresquita
A tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it place teeming with character tucked away in Barrio Santa Cruz, La Fresquita keeps the Holy Week celebrations going all year long. It’s no surprise, then, that one of its star dishes is a Lenten classic: they serve some of the best spinach and garbanzos in Seville! No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the heart of the city’s emblematic Holy Week celebrations from the moment you set foot in this unique bar. Their hearty, flavorful espinacas con garbanzos taste even better when washed down with an ice-cold Cruzcampo beer—another Seville must!
Address: Calle Mateos Gago, 29
Las Teresas
A local institution since 1870, there’s no other place in Seville quite like Las Teresas. The lively, often-packed bar in the heart of the city is a timeless favorite among locals and visitors alike. They serve simple, delicious traditional tapas, including some of the best spinach and garbanzos in Seville. Start things off with a glass of manzanilla sherry before digging into their rich, flavorful homemade tapas and top-quality cured meats. Plus, with a fun, welcoming clientele and dozens of emblematic sevillano decorations lining the wall, it’s the type of place you could easily spend hours in.
Address: Calle Santa Teresa, 2
La Antigua Abacería
If you find yourself in Seville’s most charismatic barrio, you’re in luck. Make your way to La Antigua Abacería if you’re craving spinach and chickpeas on this side of the Isabel II bridge. A reference for simple, delicious home cooking in Triana, their menu choices are many, but the spinach and chickpeas dish truly stands out. Locals love this place not just for the tasty food, but also for the friendly, personable service and traditional atmosphere that will immediately make you feel at home.
Address: Calle Pureza, 12, Local 1 y 2
Los Cuevas
Are you looking to really get off the beaten path? Head to Los Cuevas, an emblematic local institution right on the unofficial border between the two neighborhoods on the west side of the river: Triana and Los Remedios. The humble, family-fun eatery takes great pride in using farm-fresh ingredients in all their dishes. As a result, their spinach and garbanzos is among of the best of its kind in Seville. A true hidden gem where few tourists will stray, you can be sure to have a traditional, authentic meal here that will leave you craving more.
Address: Calle Virgen de las Huertas, 1
I have been to Seville many times. I always stay in the Jewish Quarter. I love this city.
One of the most beautiful areas of town for sure! Thanks for reading, David!