Restaurant
Casa Morales
A historic shop-bar founded in 1850 near the Cathedral, with old wine vats, a wooden counter and good-value traditional tapas and montaditos.
El Rinconcillo
Founded in 1670 and billed as the oldest bar in Seville, a tiled and wood-panelled tavern serving traditional Andalusian tapas at its long counter.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic tapas bar
- Area
- San Pedro, Seville, Spain
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- elrinconcillo.es
Good to know
- Bar counter
- Dining room
- Traditional tapas
Why we recommend it
El Rinconcillo is the bar that every guide to Seville eventually mentions, and with good reason. It dates back to 1670, which makes it the oldest bar in the city, and it has been serving drinks and tapas almost without interruption ever since; the bar itself notes that the only real break in more than three and a half centuries came during the Covid pandemic. Its story has been told in a book and a documentary, El Rinconcillo: vivir sobre lo vivido.
The building is as much of a draw as the food. Inside you find dark wooden counters and shelving, old tiled walls, hams hanging from the ceiling and shelves of bottles, and it feels much as you would imagine an old Sevillian tavern to feel. Stand at the bar for the full experience, where staff traditionally chalk up what you owe on the wooden counter, or take a table in the dining room for a more relaxed meal.
The menu is classic Andalusian cooking. Expect the tapas that define Seville, including spinach with chickpeas, croquetas, cured ham and cheese, salt cod and stews, served in tapa or larger portions, with sherry, beer or a glass of local wine. It is not a place for culinary experiments; people come for well-made traditional dishes in a setting that has barely changed. The adjoining restaurant, La Trastienda, belongs to the same house and offers a quieter sit-down option.
Because it is so well known, El Rinconcillo is busy with both locals and visitors, especially in the evening and at weekends. Go at the start of the lunch or dinner service for the best chance of space at the counter, and be prepared to stand. It works well as one stop on a tapas crawl rather than a whole evening. Prices are moderate for the centre.
The bar stands on the corner of Calle Gerona and Calle Alhóndiga, opposite the church of Santa Catalina, in the north of the old town. Las Setas is about five minutes away on foot, and the streets around San Pedro, Santa Catalina and the Plaza de los Terceros are full of other bars, so it fits naturally into an evening exploring this part of the city. The Casa de Pilatos is also within a short walk.
El Rinconcillo FAQs
How old is El Rinconcillo?
It was founded in 1670 and is considered the oldest bar in Seville.
What kind of food does it serve?
Traditional Andalusian tapas and dishes, such as spinach with chickpeas, croquetas, ham, cheese and salt cod.
Can you sit down?
Yes. Besides the standing bar, there is a dining room, and the adjoining La Trastienda offers a sit-down restaurant.
Is it busy?
Yes, especially in the evening and at weekends. Arrive early in the service to find space at the bar.
Where is it?
At Calle Gerona 40, opposite the church of Santa Catalina, about five minutes' walk from Las Setas.
How expensive is it?
Prices are moderate, typical of a traditional tapas bar in central Seville.
What is the bar tradition here?
Staff traditionally chalk your bill on the wooden counter as you order at the bar.
How do you contact El Rinconcillo?
Call +34 954 22 31 83.