restaurante | Azahar Sevilla Tapas

I first met chef José Luis Pastrana in 2023 during his stint at Balbuena y Huertas where, in the space of six months, he garnered both Michelin and Repsol Sol recommendations for the restaurant before moving on to start his own project in San José de la Rinconada… Eterno. This summer he has moved back to the city (maintaining the Rinconada location as a more casual bistro spot) transporting Eterno to Plaza Venerables in the heart of Barrio Santa Cruz.

I’ve been familiar with this location since it was the old Restaurante Santa Cruz thirty years ago. It’s a beautiful space with entrances on both the square and calle Pimienta. There is a bar area and a spacious dining room in the stunning central courtyard, with a terraza out in what I think is one of the prettiest squares in the city. There is also a rooftop cocktail bar, for the moment only open in the evenings. Decor is fresh and modern with simple wooden tables and chairs and banquettes running along the walls. Shelves everywhere are filled with José Luis’s signature clay botijos.

My friend Fiona and I were invited to a “chef’s choice” sampling of the rotating market-based menu, as always, without obligation and so all opinions here are my own. There are both a la carte and set menu options, the latter can be had with or without wine pairing. Speaking of which, the wine list is still “under construction” but FoH Iván selected several delicious options for us (see below).

Favourite dishes included the boquerones with sherry vinegar ice cream and a lovely beet salmorejo, the salpicón, and the grilled marinated venison loin. Everything was beautifully presented and service was great. Looking forward to see how things develop for José Luis, who I believe is one of the most promising young chefs in the city.

Bread/Service Charge: 2€