La Barra de Cañabota tapas bar, Sevilla

Updated March 2024

Since the opening of La Barra de Cañabota, the more informal version of Michelin star restaurant Cañabota, by Juan Luis Fernández and the brothers Guardiola (Tribeca), it has become a local favourite. Stylistically it’s similar to the original, with lots of white tile giving a sense of a light and airy space, and the day’s supply of fresh fish and seafood on display, adding to the whole fishmonger feel. There’s a long bar and a few tall tables with stools in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a curious “sala de despiece” dining area at the back with low tables, and a sidewalk terrace out front.

The menu is short and well-balanced, with a few daily specials, as well as the “catch(es) of the day”. There are several cold dishes such as ensaladilla de gambas, silky raw sea bass in manteca, and boquerones al vinagre in the counter top displays to whet your appetite. All the food we tried over several visits has been predictably excellent, including whole fried squid, choco meatballs in squid ink (I’m not usually a fan, but these were exceptional), garlicky gambas al ajillo, and possibly the best pavía de bacalao I’ve ever had. And of course the must-try signature marinated sardine, which Juanlu has been doing to perfection for as long as I’ve known him and which has recently been updated. I never think it can get any better, but somehow Juanlu manages it.

Excellent food and an excellent wine list too. I like asking the staff to recommend wines for different tapas as there’s always a very good selection available by the glass.

Bread/Service Charge: 1.50€ PER PERSON