A Beginners Guide to Being Vegetarian in Seville

Without any doubt, Seville is one of the most vegetarian-friendly cities in Spain. Eating meat is part of the ‘strong food’ tradition, and as such, most traditional dishes do contain meat (sometimes even the ‘vegetable’ dishes will have a bit of ham, so it’s best to double-check before you order). However, if you know where to look, Seville offers a wealth of delicious vegetarian options. Here you have a beginner’s guide to vegetarianism in Seville. Firstly, let’s start with some of the local cuisines which we vegetarians can enjoy. These include:

Gazpacho – A blended vegetable soup, usually made of a tomato base. Served cold and originates from the Andalusian provinces of Sevilla and Cordoba, it’s a delicious and refreshing dish.

Ajo Blanco – This is Gazpacho’s older cousin, a cold almond and garlic soup, also originating from Andalusia.

Salmorejo – A purée made of tomato, bread, oil, and garlic. Originated in Cordoba, Andalusia, although everyone cooks it. Normally served with hard-boiled egg and ham, you can ask for removing it.

Pisto – Essentially the Spanish version of Ratatouille. Made from tomatoes, onions, eggplants, zucchini, peppers, and olive oil, it’s a delicious dish!

Espárragos Trigueros – This grilled asparagus dish is simple, but effective.

Tortilla Española – Perhaps the most famous Spanish cuisine. The Spanish Omelette is made from nothing more than egg and potato with a bit of light seasoning.

It’s all well and good having a few vegetarian dishes. But, as I’m sure you will agree, no trip to Spain is complete without sampling a few tapas bars. However, you will find the menus of all traditional tapas bars crowded with meaty options. It can be difficult to siphon through the menu to find the vegetarian options, so to save you time here are some top tips of vegetarian tapa to look out for.

Pimientos Asados (roasted red peppers)

Parrillada de verduras (grilled vegetables)

Alcachofas (artichokes)

Croquetas de queso (cheese croquettes)

Garbanzos con Espinacas (chickpeas with spinach)

Patas Bravas (fried potatoes served with a spicy ‘brava’ sauce)

Buñuelos de queso (deep fried cream cheese)

Zanahorias Aliñadas (marinated carrots)

Berenjena Rellena (stuffed eggplant)

Queso (Cheese is a classic staple of any self-respecting tapas bar)

Aceitunas (another staple of the tapas menu is olives)

However, if you’re looking for a dessert, most ‘postres’ in the region are suitable for vegetarians. Polvorones (Spanish shortbread) are a Seville specialty. Furthermore, you should try Tortas de Aceite (a sweet biscuit made from almonds, sesame seeds, and oil).

Another good option is always Torrijas, a close cousin to the popular bread-based pudding. Made of sliced bread soaked in beaten eggs and typically milk, then pan-fried, it’s a delight. Although most people eat Torrijas during Easter, you can prepare them during the whole year.

But, if you’d like more help in navigating the turbulent waters of Tapas in Seville, then why not book onto one of our Tapas tours? We offer an off the beaten path tour, a Triana tapas tour, an Eat at home tour, and even a tapas and Flamenco night! Meanwhile, if you are a cooker lover, you cannot miss the Tapas Cooking Class!

Now that you know what to look for in a tapas bar, you can feel comfortable going into pretty much any of the thousands filling the city. Here are some of the best ones in each region of Seville:

1. Bodega Santa Cruz – Located on Calle Rodrigo Caro 1A, in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, it’s close to the Cathedral. Then, you could arrange a private guided visit to the Alcazar and Cathedral.

2. Bar Alfalfa – Calle Candilejo 1, in the Alfalfa neighbourhood close to the Flamenco museum

3. Los Coloniales – Plaza Cristo de Burgos 19, in the Encarnación neighbourhood close to the Metropol Parasol. But, what about completing the day with a walking tour from the rooftops? It would be the perfect plan!

4. Arte y Sabor – Alameda de Hércules 85, on the Alameda, Seville’s hipster hangout

5. Bodeguita Antonio Romero Reyes – Calle Antonia Diaz 5, in the El Arenal neighbourhood, close to the Bull Ring. So, you could attend a bullfight.

6. Taberna Paco España – Calle Alfarería 18, in the Triana neighbourhood, close to the Triana market

7. Bar Triana – Calle de Castilla 73, in the Triana neighbourhood too.

8. Betis 7 Triana Experience – Calle Betis 7, in the main street of Triana neighbourhood and next to Guadalquivir River.

9. La Bartola – Calle San José 24, close to Santa María la Blanca Church.

If you’re looking for a fuller vegetarian menu, there are a few vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Seville:

1. Milk Away – Calle Hernando Colon 3, halfway between the Cathedral and the Town Hall

2. Habanita – Calle Golfo 3, close to the Church of the Divine Saviour

3. Veganitessen – Calle Pastor y Landero 0, inside the Arenal Market

However, if you are looking for some places to have breakfast or lunch, add to your list:

1. Jester – Puerta de la Carne 7, close to Murillo’s Park.

2. Paradas 7 – Calle del Marques de Parada 7, close to the Fine-Art Museum.

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to eating out in Seville as a vegetarian. Why not come on down and sample Spanish food culture without having to break your diet? Undoubtedly, our tours are bespoke and will be fully customised to meet each and all of your dietary requirements, so book onto one today and let us guide you around the treasures of Andalusian cuisine.

Davey Womack is a tour guide and avid traveller. So, if you want to read about his adventures around the world, visit his personal blog.