Shawn | Azahar Sevilla Tapas

Updated October 2026

The legendary Abacería J.M. has had a there and back again journey. After opening in Calle Mateo Alemán in October 2003 owner José Manuel (J.M.) Macías Castro made the move over to Calle San Pablo in 2012. It was a very different style, almost cafeteria like, and there was also a busy side walk terrace, but he continued with his famous breakfasts and home style cooking. Now, fourteen years later, he’s back home. Skyrocketing real estate prices and a shift in the hospitality business model that José Manuel was eager to get away from were the prime motivators for this latest move. When I asked him why he’d moved to San Pablo in the first place he just shrugged and said “I was much younger then”. So now it’s back to the basics he loves, engaging with people who come in, offering a more personal experience than was possible on bustling, tourist-filled San Pablo.

The philosophy of this new/old chapter Abacería JM will be just the same as the one that brought it fame over two decades ago: hearty breakfasts in the morning, followed by classic, unpretentious tapas for lunch and dinner. José Manuel also continues to use a secondary kitchen on Calle Carlos Cañal, where he prepares larger-batch stews and which he opens to cater to larger groups in the barrio, for example, for Christmas gatherings.

Personally, I love the change. This original location is cosier, with a bar area as you walk in with a few tall tables, and a small dining room in the back. The menu has all the usual favourites, including an exceptional silky cod liver pâté. There are also always a few daily specials. Open for breakfast with an all-day kitchen from 1 pm. Welcome back José Manuel and Team!

Bread Charge: 0.90€ per basket