Eslava

Updated March 2023

Note: As of March 1 2023 Eslava has changed hands. Sixto and his wife Rosa have retired after more than 35 years running this total gem of a tapas bar/restaurant that became one of my favourites in the city. I’m very happy for them and wish them well, and was told the new owners are going to keep things just the same. We shall see. For me it will never be the same without Sixto there. I will leave the rating as it is for now and check back again in a few months.

Not so much of a hidden gem anymore, Eslava is just outside the usual “rutas de tapas”, and is deservedly one of the most popular tapas bars in Sevilla. It’s also one of my personal favourites. It is charming and unpretentious and serves up some of the best food in town at some of the best prices in town. Favourites include super-tender honey-glazed pork ribs (fall of the bone, melt in your mouth…), boletus bizcocho topped with a runny free-range egg yolk, the tender carrillada and crispy creamy fried ortiguillas (sea anemones). Or just go and order anything at all – you won’t be disappointed (be sure to check the daily specials). And even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, the manchego ice cream is not to be missed.

They reopened a second time December 2020 (after opening for a month or so during the summer they shut again to make some changes) and their new Cocina Eslava had opened just around the corner, an extension of the bar’s kitchen giving them more space, a larger bodega, lots of extra storage and a lovely “chill out” area for the staff. It also has a takeaway counter for “ready to heat” prepared dishes to finish at home, including instructions. Other changes include a complete do-over of the original kitchen and a brand new heating and filter system that totally replaces the the air every few minutes.

For the moment Eslava is staying open all day with two seatings at lunchtime (1.30 and 3.30) and bookings taken in the evening up to 10.30. Bookings are recommended but are not taken for the bar so get there early if you want to get a spot. It’s still my preferred place to eat there.

Bread Charge: 0.50€ Per Person

Eslava 5
tel. 954 906 568
12.30 – 23.30
closed Sunday evening & Monday
€ € € €

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Food 10 | Wine 9 | Service 10 | Ambiance 9


garlicky coquinas from Punto Umbria

seabass meatballs

eslava quesocured sheep’s cheese from Zamora

eslava croquetas torta del casartorta del casar croquettes

jamón croquetas

marinated pork with spring onions and fresh cilantro

courgettes ‘charlotte’

ricotta, basil and jamón quiche

Ibérico pork ribs in honey and rosemary sauce

Becquer’s cigar (cuttlefish and langoustines)

Ibericos fritos

foie micuit on hazelnut bread with bitter almond jelly

eslava ortiguillas (2)fried ortiguillas (sea anemone)

tempura courgette flower filled with cheese

spinach and prawn pudding

chicken, cheese and ham roll

chocos fritos (cuttlefish)

fried hake with alioli

eslava salmonetes fried salmonetes (red mullet)

boquerones al limón

grilled swordfish morillo

eslava leeks tartaregrilled leeks with tartare sauce and salmon roe

baby courgette filled with bacalao

puntillitas fritas

carrillada croquetas


sangre encebollada (fried blood with onions)

artichoke with salt cod and smoked paprika

alubias with morcilla and chorizo

lentils with 5 Jotas jamón Ibérico de Bellota

eslava sardinasgrilled whole sardines

live razor clams

eslava sixtochatting with Sixto Tovar, the owner

solomillo (pork tenderloin) in dill sauce

carrillada (stewed pig’s cheeks)

carrillada meatballs

char-grilled foie gras on pumpkin bread with a PX and pumpkin sauce


delicate beef tataki with ginger sauce

beef flamenquín

eslava secretogrilled secreto Ibérico with cilantro sauce

grilled presa Ibérica with dill sauce

solomillo with cabrales sauce

crispy fried breaded sardines
free range egg boletus soufflé with caramalised wine sauce

Ana
Pepe

Sixto

brand new kitchen, same great team

eslava choc orange moussedark chocolate orange mousse cake

cheese cake

eslava turron ice creamturrón ice cream with dark chocolate sauce

payoyo cheese flan with roasted fennel and anise

eslava manchego ice cream manchego cheese ice cream with tomato jam and membrillo

Sixto in the dining area

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Updated March 2023