It’s hard to mention Seville without the topic of tapas popping up. With one comes the other, and that’s just one of the many reasons why this adore this Andalusian gem. But along with the Iberian ham, olives, and various local favorites such as snails and pringa, there is an abundance of delicious seafood plates that can be found laid out on the barrels-turned-tables all around Seville.
Just over an hour inland from the Atlantic, Andalusia’s capital city is the perfect destination for seafood lovers. From fresh to fried, baked or grilled, there’s an endless selection of amazing seafood restaurants in Seville to choose from.
From long, sit-down lunches at one of Sevilla’s most popular paella restaurants, to tapa-hopping from tavern to bar and back again, there really is something for everyone when it comes to enjoying Seville’s best seafood.
So let’s dive right in and explore a few of our favorite seafood restaurants in Seville.
La Cantina
One of the best seafood restaurants in Seville is definitely a very hidden gem. La Cantina (Calle Feria, 37b) is tucked inside Seville’s oldest local market alongside stalls piled high with fresh fish, meats, fruits and vegetables. This little eatery in the heart of Mercado de la Feria may be small, but it has a big reputation for serving up some of the best seafood in Seville. Do as the locals do and grab a drink and tabletop real estate before deciding what to order. La Cantina specializes in simple seafood tapas as well as daily specials with seasonal ingredients fresh from the market.
La Trastienda
Lobsters and clams and crabs, oh my—our favorite place when it comes to seafood restaurants in Seville is La Trastienda in the Alfalfa neighborhood. This popular restaurant is known for its extensive menu of fresh shellfish and mollusks, all of which are served by weight or unit so that you can try as much or as little as you like!
Still hungry? They also serve an array of traditional tapas like seafood-filled montadito sandwiches or shrimp, potato and mayonnaise-laden Russian salad.
Blanco Cerrillo
If you find yourself shopping on Seville’s famous Calle Tetuan, you might notice a rather distinctive smell—and the sound of lots of chatty locals—coming from popular fried fish joint Blanco Cerrillo (Calle José de Velilla, 1). This nearly hundred-year-old hole-in-the-wall would be easy to miss if it weren’t for the legendary scent of their star tapa: adobo-marinated fried anchovies.
Local’s Tip: Adobo marinade—a flavorful blend of white wine vinegar, cumin, garlic and lemon—is a nod to Seville’s Moorish past and can be found on menus across the city.
Cañabota
Cañabota has been a favorite of locals since opening up more than 10 years ago. Their menu features a small variety of classics including clams, mussels, oysters and sardines, as well as a rotating selection of fresh fish you can choose yourself from the bar.
If you’re feeling fancy, splurge on a seasonal tasting menu with local wine pairing or head around the corner to their sister restaurant, La Barra de Cañabota (Calle Orfila, 5), which offers many of the same menu items in tapa portions and pricing.
Any freiduría
While there’s quite a bit of great seafood restaurants in Seville, if you’re looking to eat like a true sevillano, look no further than your neighborhood freiduría, or fried fish shop. These popular establishments specialize in deep-fried delicacies like cod, calamari, hake and shrimp, just to name a few. Or order the frito variado, an assortment with a bit of everything!
Our top picks for fried fish: in the center, stop by Freiduría La Isla, and in Triana, we’d recommend Freiduría Reina Victoria.
From upscale sit-down dinners to sharing pieces of fried fish while standing up around a packed bar, Seville is a amazing place for seafood lovers. Any one of these places listed above will leave you satisfied and most likely, wanting to go back for another round the next day.
Update notice: This article was updated on September 24, 2024.