Seville Food Tour: My Experience with Spain Food Sherpas

Seville Food Tour: My Experience with Spain Food Sherpas

Seville is a city where history and flavors come together in the most wonderful way. Growing up in Montreal, I was lucky to have access to amazing food and had already tried a few Andalusian dishes, which I knew I loved.

But tasting them in the place where they were born, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Seville, was something I had dreamed about. Experiencing it firsthand, you’ll discover layers of tradition, each with a story to tell.

Seville’s food scene is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern creativity. Like some other European cities, its cuisine is deeply rooted in history, yet it embraces fresh, innovative twists. And honestly, the ambiance here is unbeatable. It’s the kind of city where a food tour feels less like an activity and more like an invitation to truly savor life.

key takeaways

  • Seville is definitely a foodie city! The food culture here is so rich that even someone like me, who loves food, has a hard time knowing where to start. That’s why a food tour is such a great idea.
  • Seville is known for some delicious dishes, like Tortilla de Patatas (a warm Spanish omelette made with potatoes and eggs), Croquetas (crispy fried croquettes filled with béchamel sauce, ham, or chicken), and Salmorejo (a creamy, cold tomato soup).
  • In some parts of Spain, tapas are served for free with a drink. However, in Seville, they are usually charged as an extra.
mini roasted chorizo in a tapas bar
Seville Food Tour with Spain Food Sherpas

On my first evening, I joined Spain Food Sherpas for their « Seville – Tapas, History & Local Customs » tour. I’ve done food tours in other cities, but this one promised something different: a journey through Seville’s unique culinary story. With small groups and a focus on local flavors, it was more than just a tapas crawl—it was an adventure for the senses.

Is a Seville Food Tour Worth It?

A food tour in Seville is a great way to find hidden gems and local favorites that you might miss if you’re exploring on your own. With a local foodie guiding you, you’ll get to experience the city’s food scene in an authentic way.

It’s more than just trying new food—it’s a chance to learn about Seville’s history and culture through its flavors. You’ll taste a range of dishes, discover new flavors, and get a real sense of what makes Seville’s food so special. Plus, you’ll meet local experts who are eager to share their knowledge and stories with you.

What’s on the Menu?

You’ll start with simple yet satisfying bites—crispy bits of slow-cooked meat and little sandwiches filled with rich spreads and tangy cheese. As you go on, the focus shifts to seafood, from delicately cured tuna to flavorful marinated fish and crispy fried treats that hit the spot. There’s even a classic dish with eggs and potatoes, a staple of home-style cooking.

But it doesn’t end there. There are also hearty, spiced plates and rich, slow-cooked dishes that feel deeply rooted in Andalusia Arab heritage. Vegetarians aren’t left out, with creative choices that highlight the best of Seville’s ingredients.

Restaurants visited on Seville’s Best Food Tour

Our first stop was Bar Soportales (Google Maps), tucked away in a charming corner of the Old Town. The highlight here was the chicharrones de Cádiz, crispy pork belly with just the right amount of seasoning. We also tried montadito de pringá, a mini sandwich filled with a rich meat spread, and a montadito de queso de cabra con cebolla caramelizada, a creamy goat cheese bite with sweet caramelized onions. Each dish reflected Seville’s knack for combining simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Next, we visited Restaurante Casa Manolo (Google Maps), a cozy spot known for its seafood. We tasted mojama de atún, thin slices of dry-cured tuna, and adobo, marinated fish bursting with flavor. The deep-fried cuttlefish was perfectly crispy, while the tortilla de patatas offered a comforting vegetarian option. Located near the bustling city center, this restaurant showcased Seville’s love for the sea and the land.

Seville Food Tour with Spain Food Sherpas
white wine Manzanilla in seville

But if you’re vegetarian, don’t worry—this food tour can easily accommodate you.

In the artsy district of Alfalfa, we stopped at Bar Ajo y Agua (Google Maps), where creativity shines on the plate. Here, we sampled queso Payoyo, a local goat cheese with a distinct, tangy flavor, and a toast topped with sardines and a sweet tomato marmalade. For something heartier, we had chorizo ibérico with chipotle sauce on toast. Vegetarians weren’t left out, with options like a spicy sheep cheese and a refreshing tomato tartar.

Our final stop brought us to Peña Bética La Decana (Google Maps), a lively bar adored by fans of Real Betis, one of Seville’s beloved football teams. The energy here matched the warmth of the dishes, starting with espinacas con garbanzos, a hearty spinach and chickpea dish that nods to Seville’s Moorish heritage. Then came the carrillada, tender pork cheeks that melted in the mouth. For something lighter, the patatas aliñadas, a potato salad with vegetables, was simple but satisfying.

The wines we tried throughout the evening added another layer to the experience. From crisp dry whites like Manzanilla and Rueda to bold reds like Rioja and Ribera, each sip perfectly complemented the dishes. I even discovered Tinto de verano, a refreshing mix of red wine and lemon soda, and Cruzcampo, a popular local beer that’s a staple in Seville.

The tour ended on a high note at the foot of the stunning illuminated Giralda.

street in seville, during a tour
Seville Food Tour - Spain Food Sherpas

Personal Review of the Seville Food Tour by Spain Food Sherpas

I can’t say enough good things about my experience with the Seville – Tapas, History & Local Customs tour by Spain Food Sherpas. Our guide, Mario, was incredibly kind and passionate about sharing the city he loves so much. The small group size (12 people max) made it easy to connect with everyone, and we had such a fun time together. What I really appreciated was how Mario wove in stories not just about food, but also about Seville’s sports and overall culture. If you have any allergies, or if you’re not into wine, beer, or soccer, don’t worry—Spain Food Sherpas will make sure you still have an amazing experience.

Reflecting on the evening, I realized this wasn’t just about food—it was about understanding Seville’s soul through its flavors. If you’re visiting the city, I can’t recommend this tour enough. For 71 EUR, you’ll enjoy 3.5 hours of amazing dishes, drinks, and stories led by a passionate guide. It’s the perfect way to explore Seville’s vibrant culture, one bite at a time.

Spain Food Sherpas offer tours in:

Tips & FAQ

Does Seville have Good Food?

Yes, Seville has some of the best food in Spain, with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a strong Andalusian influence. From casual tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, Seville offers something for every taste and budget.

Seafood is common in Seville, thanks to its somewhat coastal location, but the city is also known for its meats, especially cured ham and pork. Olive oil is used generously in cooking. While the food is often hearty, it’s balanced by refreshing vegetables and herbs.

The tapas culture is at the heart of Seville’s food scene. Small, flavorful plates are shared among friends and family, making the meal a social experience. Some dishes have been passed down for generations, while others offer a modern twist on old favorites. What makes Seville’s food so special is its simplicity—using fresh ingredients and preparing them with just a few elements, but still achieving complex flavors.

What Food Is Seville Famous For?

Seville is known for its lively food scene, where fresh, local ingredients come together with time-tested recipes to create delicious dishes. As the home of tapas, the city has over 3,000 tapas bars, offering everything from classic dishes like fried eggplant with honey to modern creations at cool spots like La Azotea. Pork is a big part of the menu here, with jamón ibérico and hearty stews often taking center stage. Seafood is also a favorite, with grilled sardines and crispy shrimp making regular appearances.

The food in Seville is also shaped by its Moorish past, with spices like cinnamon, almonds, and raisins giving dishes a unique twist. And thanks to the city’s historical ties to the New World, ingredients like tomatoes, potatoes, and chili peppers have made their way into Seville’s kitchens, becoming key parts of local cooking.

What to Eat in Seville: Dishes You Can’t Miss

If you’re in Seville and don’t want to go on a tour, you might wonder: what dishes should you try? The city is known for several iconic local dishes.

  • Salmorejo: A thick, chilled tomato soup, perfect for warm days. It’s made with tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic, and topped with hard-boiled eggs and jamón (cured ham).
  • Tostada de Pringá: A popular breakfast or snack, this is toasted bread spread with pringá—a mix of slow-cooked meats like pork, chorizo, and beef, often enjoyed with a coffee.
  • Espinacas con Garbanzos: A simple and comforting dish made with spinach and chickpeas, cooked with garlic, cumin, and a bit of vinegar.
  • Croquetas: These fried bites are filled with creamy béchamel and ingredients like ham, cheese, or seafood. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re a local favorite.
  • Carrillada: Slow-cooked pork cheeks that melt in your mouth. This tender dish is served with a rich sauce made from the meat’s juices, garlic, and wine.
  • Presa Ibérica: A cut of Iberian pork shoulder, often grilled or roasted to tender perfection.

And one thing to keep in mind—skip the paella while in Seville. It’s best to enjoy it in Valencia, where it was originally created.

Seville Food Tour - Spain Food Sherpas
head of fighting bull in a seville restaurant

My take

The Seville – Tapas, History & Local Customs tour by Spain Food Sherpas was an incredible experience. Mario, our guide, was friendly and full of knowledge, sharing stories about Seville’s food and traditions. The small group size made it feel relaxed and enjoyable. They’re great at accommodating allergies or preferences, so no one feels left out. Go, you won’t regret it!