Bodega Góngora

I stopped in at Bodega Góngora the other day and was going to post something linking to their review on my website and… there wasn’t one?!! I actually couldn’t believe it as I’ve been coming to Góngora since my first day in Sevilla (16 Sept 1993). We’d just driven down from Salamanca and ended up having a late dinner here as it was one of the few nearby places still open. And I’ve been coming back ever since. Anyhow, I don’t know how this happened but it’s time to right the wrong of their missing review, so here we are.

Founded in 1939 by Feliciano Domínguez as a wine cellar, Bodega Góngora was later taken over by Paco Portillo who first introduced a small kitchen with his wife Trinidad Rodríguez as the first cook. Now into its third generation, with Paco’s sons Francisco and Ignacio and grandson Ignacio in charge, they continue serving traditional tapas with a focus on seafood. In 2007 they opened Taberna del Góngora a stone’s throw away on the corner of Albareda and General Polavieja. Taberna is basically an extension of the Bodega, with its own kitchen and an interior dining area as well as a terraza. But as both places have the same menu I am putting them together here. The Bodega is where I usually go and I like to sit inside the tiny tapas bar area rather than out on the massive bustling terraza.

Favourite dishes include the pavía de bacalao (really anything fish-seafood related), espinacas con garbanzos, the croqueta trio and meat stews. Ice cold beer and manzanilla are on tap and there is a short but serviceable wine list. Service is fast and friendly and I love the cosy ambiance. But again, I am only speaking of the small bar inside the Bodega, so your experience may vary depending on where you sit. I think outside you might get more of a touristy vibe as Góngora is just as popular with visitors as locals (but the locals tend to sit inside the bar). On the terraces and inside the Taberna dining room only raciones (large plates) are served, not tapas.

Bread/Service Charge: 0€