Seville is witnessing a promising gastronomic takeoff, manifested in the abundance, richness and success of its houses. Precisely El Arenal is stocking a profuse order of restaurants that remind us that eating incredibly well in this neighborhood of Seville is more than possible.
These are our favorite institutions in the neighborhood of El Arenal: distinguished restaurants, informal bars, terroir cuisine and perfumed embers.
Keep this article that, in constant expansion, awaits the incursion of new references.
1. Mr. Crab
Jesús León and Fátima Villanueva are the arteries of this unclassifiable gastronomic space, an exquisite embrace between cuisine and sommelier.
Sr Cangrejo is capable of oxygenating you, stimulating you and reminding you how it feels to eat really well. Haute cuisine without pretensions, which does not need labels or protocols to prove that it is one of the best restaurants in the city.
A delightful wine cellar, a lively service and funds, stews, vinaigrettes and impeccable cooking points that ask for only one thing: to always return to this house destined for palates of enjoyment.
📍 c/ Harinas, 21
2. Amara
The flow of Zaragoza street, gradually reactivated after the extension of the works, anticipates what was already forged: one of the gastronomic miles of the city. Amara, standing since 2019 and in charge of the Donostian chef Javier Febo, is inscribed in the catalog of these well-kept spaces.
The menu is laconic and still delicious and includes, in addition, a succulent tasting menu with a very tight price of 48 €.
Basque cuisine with hints of the south can be guessed in dishes such as the putxero nigiri croquette with red tuna sashimi and kimchi de mayo or the choco marmitako with txipirones (baby squid) and manzanilla.
📍 c/ Zaragoza, 18
3. Castizo
Another restaurant in the El Arenal neighborhood that manages to stand out with personality is Castizo.
Without renouncing the classics (which are summed up in potatoes with red tuna tartar, croquettes or fried fish) you can indulge your appetite with green asparagus with carbonara from Cadiz or its piquillos stuffed with squid and sobrasada with Sicilian dried tomato sauce.
And readers more or less fond of tiramisu, like me, should dive headlong into his savory proposal of mushrooms, Parmesan foam, free-range egg and truffle. Melosidad that is able to excite anyone.
In Castizo, fish is at the center of the equation, although it coexists with an accurate sea/mountain mathematics and more than a dozen dishes of snacks, fried food and stews.
📍 c/ Zaragoza, 6
4. La barra de Inchausti
Since opening the doors of this restaurant in 2019, siblings Isidro, Jorge and Conchi Inchausti have given Avenida de la Constitución the promise of proper dining.
Two spaces are distinguished: a more informal bar and high tables and a lounge equipped with 12 tables.
The technique is subordinated to the product, where the variety of seafood and fish is sober and the quality is non-negotiable. And everything to the sea: marinades, fried, seafood stews, grilled and Sanlúcar cuisine.
📍 c/ Tomás de Ibarra, 10
5. La Isla
At number 25 of the busy Arfe street, La Isla also refers directly to the sea, a landmark business as far as quality fish is concerned.
Its suggestive showcase anticipates a journey around the sea: good product that you can taste at the bar, lounges or terrace and that combines perfectly with such applauded starters as its salad, which is made with Huelva shrimp.
📍 c/ Arfe, 25
6. Bodeguita Casablanca
Bodeguita Casablanca, especially with the firmness with which it resists the passing of the years, is practically a chimera. That a restaurant of quality, with tradition, good products and an enviable fried food can resist unscathed in the heart of the city center is to be appreciated.
Bodeguita Casablanca is that redoubt in the heart of Avenida de la Constitución where one can still dine overlooking the Archivo de Indias and not feel cheated or indigestible.
Their puntillitas al ajillo with baby broad beans are not to be missed, although other sautéed dishes, seafood or classic boquerones (anchovies) are not to be missed.
It is not surprising that its terrace is always full, come with time.
📍 c/ Adolfo Rodriguez Jurado, 12
7. Ricca
On the margins of the non-negotiable Italian tradition, Ricca dares to put on the table one of the most unique experiences in the city: the first pizza omakase bar in Spain.
It is a tasting where the customer attends the narration and synchronized dance of the master pizzaiolos. They will cook in front of the diner, arranged at the bar under the only mission to let yourself go.
The Arenal neighborhood is home to one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Seville, which already includes pasta recipes in its menu.
📍 c/ Dos de Mayo, 26
8. Bodeguita Romero
There is a perfect balance between being located in the heart of Seville and tasting traditional and delicious recipes without sacrificing reasonable prices. And that balanced feast can only be offered by Bodeguita Romero.
A corner always crowded by the tapas parade and without rest. Compendious traditional dishes designed to share that hardly exceed 4 €.
We recommend the pringá and its cheeks.
📍 c/ Harinas, 10
9. Chiquilla
It is barely 2 years old but it has already become the pretty girl of the Arenal neighborhood. A pantry of tapas, fish and seafood and good pieces of meat among the bunch of trendy restaurants. We love this one and it is headed by the hotelier Urbano Gonzalez.
Added goodness: next to its spacious dining room (a succinct bar and five low tables) it offers a compendious terrace for those who prefer to eat outdoors.
📍 c/ Pastor y Landero, 21
10. Malandro
Sheltered by the Maestranza bullring, Malandro is one of the favorite restaurants in the Arenal neighborhood.
Its 760 square meters spread over three floors (and three ways of conceiving gastronomic leisure), its casual and reasonably priced tapas or the rooftop designed to enjoy cocktails with a view.
Be that as it may, it is becoming a successful meeting place for all kinds of public.
📍 c/ Gracia Fernández Palacios, 3