Last Updated on March 12, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: March 27, 2018
Just about everyone who visits Spain quickly becomes familiar with the unique later mealtimes that are so common here. Eating lunch after 2 pm or dinner at 9 pm like the locals do can take some getting used to, especially if it’s your first time in Spain. If hunger strikes early on, here are your best bets for where to eat early in Seville without resorting to a tacky tourist trap.
First time visting Spain? Get our tips for eating like a local in Seville!
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Azotea Santa Cruz
There are dozens of great bars and restaurants in Santa Cruz, but many are hit or miss, and it can be hard to find the genuinely good options among the more prominent tourist places. However, keep an eye out for Azotea.
As one of this modern gastrobar’s four locations in the city, it’s the only one with a non-stop kitchen, making it one of our favorite places to eat early in Seville. This stylish and sophisticated restaurant features a small but respectable menu of Andalusian classics reinvented in creative, innovative ways.
📍Address: Calle Mateos Gago, 8
La Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo
La Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo isn’t just one of the best places to eat early in Seville. With a kitchen open non-stop from 10 am until midnight, it’s also a great place to grab a late dinner! No matter what time of day you stop by, you’re in for a treat.
Located in a cozy 17th century house, the friendly service and home cooking will immediately make you feel at home. The menu features a delicious variety of options, but they also offer a few select “secret” items each day off the menu. Just ask!
📍Address: Calle Teodosio, 53
El Pintón
One of the trendiest restaurants in Seville at the moment, El Pintón‘s unique location is just part of the fun. Set in a traditional sevillano patio with modern, minimalist decor, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy a fresh cocktail while you peruse the menu.
The food itself offers an interesting variety that is sure to please any taste. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional tapas or international cuisine with a vanguard flair, whatever you order is sure to be delicious!
📍Address: Calle Francos, 42
Taberna Alambique
Another local favorite with four locations dotted across Seville, Taberna Alambique‘s establishment in the Alfalfa neighborhood is a fabulous place to eat early in Seville. As the newest of its four locations, this locale features rustic decor and traditional tapas without feeling stuffy or old-fashioned.
Everything is cooked exactly to order, and service is prompt and friendly. Whether you stop by for an early meal or simply a cup of coffee, you’ll feel like a local from the moment you walk through the doors.
📍Address: Plaza de la Alfalfa, 5
Arte y Sabor
There are many fabulous restaurants on and around the Alameda de Hercules. However, Arte y Sabor is far and away the best place around here to eat early in Seville.
With many delicious plant-based dishes as well as fabulous grilled meats, the food here will please everyone from vegans to carnivores. In addition to their commitment to freshness and quality, they also feature a lovely outdoor seating area perfect for enjoying your meal on a sunny day.
📍Address: Alameda de Hércules, 85
Hungry for Lunch Before 2 pm? Join Us on Tour!
Can’t wait until 2 pm to eat something? Book a spot on our Ultimate Seville Tour for a shopping trip at the market, 7 food tastings, and 2 drinks–which is enough for a light meal! Along the way, you’ll meet amazing local families who have perfected Seville’s famous dishes, get acquainted with the city, and learn how to dine like a local.
Featured Review: Ultimate Seville Food Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My girlfriend and I had an excellent time on this food tour in Seville! Everything was incredibly well organized, the food and stops were fantastic, and it was a great way to experience the city’s culture through its cuisine. The highlight of the tour was our guide, Mercedes, who was absolutely outstanding. She was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about Seville and its food scene. She made the entire experience fun, informative, and memorable, and you could tell she genuinely cared about making sure everyone had a great time. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Seville. If you get Mercedes as your guide, you are especially lucky, she truly made the experience exceptional.”
– Chris on Tripadvisor
Where to Eat Early in Seville FAQs
Can you eat dinner early in Seville?
Yes, but it can be tricky. Most restaurants in Seville don’t open their kitchens for dinner until around 8:00-8:30 pm, and locals usually sit down to eat closer to 9:00 or 10:00 pm. If you want to eat earlier, look for places with all-day kitchens or modern tapas bars, which are more likely to serve food throughout the afternoon and evening.
Why do people eat so late in Seville?
Late dining is part of the city’s culture and climate. Lunch, the main meal of the day, usually happens between 2 and 4 pm, and dinner follows much later in the evening when temperatures cool down and people gather socially; usually no earlier than 9 pm. This schedule can be surprising for visitors, but is a key part of the local lifestyle.
How can you avoid tourist trap restaurants when eating early in Seville?
One helpful trick is to look for restaurants with locals inside, even if you’re dining earlier than usual. Avoid places with aggressive street promoters or large multilingual menus. Instead, seek out neighborhood tapas bars, modern gastro-bars, or restaurants known for quality ingredients and steady local crowds.
What should you order if you’re eating early in Seville?
If you’re dining before the usual dinner hour, tapas are often the best choice. Small plates like salmorejo, jamón ibérico, espinacas con garbanzos, or montaditos are widely available and allow you to sample several dishes while waiting for the evening dining scene to come alive.
Is it better to eat tapas instead of a full meal early in Seville?
Often, yes. Many travelers find that ordering a few tapas at one bar and then moving to another is the easiest way to eat earlier while still experiencing Seville’s food culture. Tapas crawls are a traditional way locals dine, and it’s a great way to taste many dishes in a short time.
