doña emilia

Updated August 2024

Named in tribute to the Mayo family matriarch, Emilia Cabrera, Doña Emilia is the third establishment by Grupo Manolo Mayo and their first tapas bar. The original Manolo Mayo restaurant in Los Palacios was founded in 1963 with the addition of a sister restaurant in Sevilla a few years ago. This new location on the Paseo de Colón has an ample terrace facing Triana with both tables for dining and for drinks/cocktails. Inside there is a lovely bar area with tall stools and two small dining areas. The décor is fresh and welcoming with large windows highlighting the attractive pale wood-tones of the curved ceiling beams and tables. Daughter-in-law Loli Rincón heads the kitchen and manager Miguel Ángel Álvarez ensures the service is attentive and professional.

The menu features local products with attention paid to both quality and seasonality. There is a good range of starters and aperitifs, cold dishes and salads (must try: the Los Palacio tomatoes) and a selection of little toasts sandwiches. The hot dishes include many Mayo favourites, such as the bacalao gratinado and raviolis filled with prawns, leeks and boletus mushrooms, and it’s great being able to try them as tapas. The gambas al ajillo are sublime with delicate white prawns from Huelva bathed in hot garlic olive oil so they arrive barely cooked and succulent. The “huevos rellenos” are a Manolo Mayo special take with a soft poached egg atop tuna tartare and covered in tuna mayo – tasty but a bit too rich for me. I loved the classic stews: perfect carne con tomate and an excellent carrillada al oloroso (with fab chips). Very good wine list with plenty of options available by the glass.

Bread/Service Charge: 1.90€ PER PERSON