The Best Tapas Restaurants in Alameda de Hercules, Seville

Situated North of the Alameda, well off Seville’s tourist track, Duo Tapas is not somewhere to head to if you’re in a rush: this is the place to linger and enjoy time well spent. The tapas dishes are freshly prepared with tender loving care, so expect a wait of around 30 minutes if you order several dishes at once. But seriously, the food here is so worth it. In its deceptively-traditional interior or on the magical terrace you’ll be served with tapas that’s as attractive as it is inventive: from ridiculously moreish sticky, spicy chicken wings to the super-sexy “Salmon Taco”, nothing will disappoint. For such quality, the prices are impressive, with individual tapas ranging between €3 and €4.50 a pop.

Both locals and tourists flock to Al Aljibe, which boasts a romantic and secluded first floor terrace overlooking the Alameda, as well as an exclusive rooftop patio with just a few tables. Bear in mind that only full plates – or raciones – are served on the rooftop seating area, although ordering bigger portions of Aljibe’s incredible food won’t be a problem. Customers rave about the ox burger, the fried cod with vegetables, and the duck and brandy paté. Inside, there is seating spread over two floors, but it’s always worth reserving a table, especially in the evenings. Aljibe’s location and food have made it one of the most popular tapas joints in this part of town.

After a couple of days in the Andalusian capital, it’s entirely possible to become absolutely sick of the ubiquitous patas bravas – a popular tapas of fried potatoes drenched with spicy tomato sauce. But if there’s one place you go to order this classic, it should be Taberna Mahareta. The chunky cubes of potato are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, and the sauce is zingy without being annoying spicy. Other standouts at Mahareta – which has a spacious, sunny terrace on the Alameda itself – include the grilled prawns and the meat dishes, in particular the ox.

If you like to enjoy your tapas and wine in a more traditional setting than can usually be found on the super-trendy Alameda itself, this old school joint is only a five minute walk from the main drag. Its walls are plastered with trinkets, old-fashioned items and bullfighting paraphernalia, and out of its tiny kitchen come enormous plates of freshly-cooked tapas. For €20 per person you can relieve yourself of the responsibility of choosing for yourself and let the owner, Ramón, select the best dishes and the wines for your table.