la casa del tigre

Updated June 2024

La Casa de Tigre is a tapas bar with a curious history. Back in the day (mid 1900s) the building was home to explorer and adventurer José María Lassaletta (Barcelona 1927-Seville 1997), who was also the director of the Jerez Zoo. He infamously kept a tiger as a pet that would sit out on the balcony watching the world go by, something that would bring the animal protection services running today, but it must have been quite the sight back then.

The premises is run by four friends who are already well-known on the Sevilla tapas bar scene: Emilio Gimeno, Pedro Guardia, Manuel Miura & chef Luis Plaza. The concept is simple, offering a casual and relaxed space with a comfortable dining room as you walk in, and a cosy horseshoe bar at the back and two other small dining areas in front of the open kitchen. The same menu is available in both areas and is made up of just 13 dishes and 3 desserts, mostly based on traditional Andalusian recipes but with an “upgrade” in terms of quality and execution.

At this point I’ve pretty much had everything on the menu, all of which are worth returning for. Favourites included the crispy layered patatas bravas, a perfectly seared sea bass with a gorgeous creamy mushroom sauce, tacos de puchero (complete with broth) and the “tortilla vaga” made with potato straws and topped with fried gambas de cristal and lime mayo. The surprise dish for me here was the grilled beef mollejas in a celeriac purée – I’m not normally a huge fan of sweetbreads but these are to die for. Be sure to check out the daily specials. The wine list is short but well thought out and there are daily specials in addition to the regular menu. Service is excellent, which is not surprising given the hospitality pedigree of the four partners. One of my favourite places.

Bread/Service Charge: 1.50€ PER PERSON