La Fresquita tapas bar in Sevilla | Azahar Sevilla Tapas

Updated September 2023

Taberna La Fresquita opened the same year I moved to Sevilla and is just around the corner from where I lived for over 18 years. Formerly a motorcycle club, owner José Antonio Rodríguez (aka Pepe) came in one night for a beer and found out that the bar was up for sale, so he decided to buy it and then totally reformed it with his father and brother (his brother Manuel would later take over Taberna La Goleta in 2013, renaming it Taberna Manolo Cateca). La Fresquita was opened on Ash Wednesday, February 24th 1993, and it was blessed by the priest from the Santa Cruz church across the street. Curiously both of Pepe’s daughters were later born on this same date.

Pepe clearly has a strong passion for Easter Holy Week and has belonged to the Macarena Hermandad all his life. The bar is festooned with “all things Semana Santa”, much of which was donated over the years by various clients from the numerous brotherhoods in the city.

The small bar is a favourite with locals, who spill out onto the pavement and over to the side walk terrace across the road. And with the recent pedestrianising of Mateos Gago the terrace is better than ever. The food here is classic and delicious, lots of charcuterie, cheese and montaditos (small sandwich rolls), with some traditional stews and other hot dishes. My personal favourite is the carne con tomate. People come to socialise and take in the fabulous “ambiente cofrade“. A great place to meet friends and grab a quick bite for lunch or start off an evening tapeo.

Bread/Service Charge: 0€