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€

Santas Patronas 5
Tel 606 79 33 99
Open 13.00 – 16.00 / 20.15 – 01.00
€ € €

Food 7 | Wine 6 | Service 6 | Ambiance 6

caracoles with manzanilla

chicharrones

tortilla al whisky

ensaladilla “aleman” with pickles and sausage

cabrillas en salsa

carrillada (pork cheek)

lomo con tomate (pork loin)

albóndigas (pork meatballs) in toasted almond sauce

Manuel Pérez

Bétis Caracoles or Sevilla Cabrillas?

“El Rey de los Caracoles”

Back to Top