Dating all the way back to the Phoenician settlement in Seville over 2,000 years ago, the Alfalfa neighborhood certainly has a vibrant history– and a vibrant tapas scene to match!
We often refer to Seville as a melting pot of civilizations, and no neighborhood embodies that concept quite like Alfalfa. From Roman ruins to Moorish architecture to the stunning Salvador Church, which combines those civilizations with Golden Age Christian stylings, this neighborhood provides a fascinating insight into the history of Seville, but also brilliantly showcases the city’s dynamic social scene too.
With a delicious combination of traditional and modern restaurants, Alfalfa, located right in the center of the city, is a great area to enjoy some of Seville’s best food and drink. Check out our picks for where to eat in Seville in the Alfalfa neighbourhood and guarantee yourself a great meal!
Photo Credit: Franek N (Text Overlay by Devour Spain)
Sal Gorda
Hidden on the corner of a tiny side street just up from the lively Plaza del Salvador, where locals can be seen enjoying their first beer of the evening in the open air, you’ll find Sal Gorda, a wonderful restaurant that puts a delicious twist on some of Seville’s most traditional tapas.
You’ll find local favorites such as carrillada, slow cooked pork or beef cheek, modernized with a truffle puree, and seafood staples like delicious chipirones served with a bacon sauce– that’s right, little squid combined with bacon!
Along with unique and innovative tapas such as these, you’ll also find a great selection of craft beers and some delicious wines. Brilliantly located and with a welcoming, local atmosphere, this restaurant is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to eat in the Alfalfa neighborhood.
Address: Alcaicería de la Loza, 23
Bar Alfalfa
Along with Plaza del Salvador, Plaza de la Alfalfa is another great place to have a drink in Seville, but there are a number of restaurants in the square that also make it a great place to eat in Alfalfa, whatever the time of day! Bar Alfalfa, a tiny corner bar sitting at the top of the square, is a wonderful place to get an authentic breakfast in Seville, and what’s more, the bar offers delicious gluten-free alternatives as part of its menu.
You’ll then be lucky to find a table at Bar Alfalfa in the evening, as the bar is very small, but locals crowd in on a nightly basis to create a lively, inviting atmosphere that is matched with friendly bar service and simple, traditional tapas– with a few international additions from the Italian owners.
Address: Calle Candilejo, 1
La Bodega
Another sevillano institution located on Plaza de la Alfalfa is La Bodega, slightly bigger than neighboring Bar Alfalfa, but just as traditional, just as delicious– and just as packed! The extensive menu includes all the local favorites, along with a delicious selection of montaditos, little sandwiches loaded with a variety of fish, meat and vegetable fillings.
Another stand out quality of this bar is the wine selection, with a big range of wines available by the glass, so you can try a whole host of unique wines from all areas of Spain. If you happen to be in the area, this place makes a great place to stop!
Address: Plaza Alfalfa, 4
Habanita
Inspired by Cuban and Mediterranean cuisine, Habanita provides an excellent menu full of vegetarian dishes, with a number of vegan options available also. Meat is also on the menu at this welcoming establishment, but with standout dishes like the signature Habanita salad with goat’s cheese, spinach lasagne and feta cheese samosas with mint syrup, this restaurant is a hit with even the most dedicated meat lover!
Located near the iconic Setas Monument, home to one of the most spectacular views in Seville, this restaurant makes for the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some beautifully prepared food after a busy morning sightseeing.
Address: Calle Golfo, 3
Casa Antonio
Hidden just off Plaza de la Alfalfa, this family-run establishment has been serving up traditional, authentic, Andalusian tapas for over fifty years. Also known as Bar Los Caracoles, Casa Antonio is especially popular during Spain’s short caracoles season; where for two months between mid-April to mid-June locals can be seen eagerly slurping up snails in bars throughout the city.
Other standout dishes include the bar’s sizzling shrimp served in olive oil and garlic, their chocos fritos and adobo – marinated dogfish. During the colder weather, try to aim for a table inside, but the vast outdoor terrace is where the atmosphere really is, especially at the weekend.
Address: Calle Perez Galdos, 13
Beodo Craft Beer
As the name suggests, Beodo is a bar specializing in delicious, unique craft beers, part of the ever-expanding craft beer movement in Seville. The motto of the bar is ‘Ser beodo no es un crimen’, which translates to ‘Drinking too much isn’t a crime’, an indication of the informal, hipster tone of the bar. But don’t underestimate the cool, modern decoration; it serves delicious tapas along with its artisanal cervezas.
Owned by the same team behind Sal Gorda, plates at this restaurant are perfect for sharing, with international favorites such as sushi and chicken dippers along with excellently prepared hamburgers, this is a great place to spend time with friends in a vibrant environment and a great option if you’re unsure where to eat in Seville’s Alfalfa neighborhood.
Address: Calle Pérez Galdos, 22
Featured Image Credit: Franck Vervial(Text Overlay by Devour Spain)