Bar Alfonso El Rey de los Caracoles Sevilla

Opened in 1971 by Alfonso Pérez Díaz, who received the title “El Rey de los Caracoles” (King of the Snails) in a local contest, this tiny bar is now run by his son Manuel Pérez. Manuel sticks to his father’s original recipes for the two types of snails they serve – caracoles and cabrillas – which can also be ordered to take-away. Snail season runs from mid-April to the end of June, but there are plenty of other delish tapas on offer during the rest of the year, all prepared by Manuel.

The bar has only 3 tall tables with stools inside, and a bit of bar space, so it’s not unusual to see it filled to capacity (and then some!). Clearly beloved by locals, it’s all self-service as Manuel cooks, pours drinks and chats with everyone. Nobody is in a hurry here and it’s quite a special cosy and friendly ambiance. We loved the albóndigas (pork meatballs) in a toasted almond sauce and the tortilla in whisky sauce, though everything we tried was also very good.

As for the snails, I have to say that I prefer the caracoles in broth to the larger cabrillas, that are served with a thicker tomato-based sauce. It needn’t be a divisive issue… though the signs behind the bar for Bétis Caracoles and Sevilla Carbrillas might suggest otherwise. 😉

Bread/Service Charge: 0€