sevilla | Azahar Sevilla Tapas

Chef Daniel Cárdenas takes going back to his roots (raíces) seriously. I first met Danny back in 2012 when he was creating fabulous Peruvian-Japanese fusion food for Nikkei, and then later at Nazca. In 2015 he realised a personal dream with the opening of the original Raíces, taking over the chic minimalist space once inhabited by Binomio in Nervión. Raíces closed in 2022 and Danny focused on his new project Lima Street Food, a more casual dining experience. This time round he has recreated Raíces, combining Nikkei and Novoandina cuisines, and taking it all to the next level with innovative dishes that remain true to Peru’s rich pre-Hispanic heritage.

The new space is bright and cheerful with colourful Peruvian wall art – a contemporary look that still feel traditional. Love the open kitchen and simple comfortable furnishings. I’m not a fan of tall tables and stools but here the chairs are “medium-tall” and the tables have a metal bar for resting your feet. There is also a small sidewalk terraza.

Highly recommend that you start with a pisco sour, classic or otherwise, while checking out the menu. It’s a pleasantly zingy way to start off your meal and works perfectly with the complementary fried sweet potato chips and cancha (toasted corn nuts). Then choose between the starters, various causas, nikkei, anticucheria and ceviches (friendly staff are there to help!). There is also a selection of “sanguiches” (sandwiches) and stir-fried dishes.

We loved everything you see below but when the causa limeña arrived (with prawns, seafood sauce and lemon foam – recommended by Tania our server) it was seriously one of the best things I’ve eaten all year. And if you can’t decide between the various ceviches on offer just get the mixta like we did, because it is spectacular. With sea bass, prawns, chipirones, octopus, sweet potato and Peruvian corn two ways. Topped off with a vibrant leche de tigre that will make you sit up and take notice. We really wanted to try the lime pie but… next time. So Tania brought us a couple of chupitos of apple and pisco foam which was a refreshing and delicious way to finish.

The wine list is still “in progress” (they just opened last week) but there was a serviceable verdejo, along with a couple of reds and, of course, plenty of cold beer and excellent cocktails. I can’t wait to go back with a couple of “extra stomachs” to help us try the rest of the menu.

Bread/Service Charge: 0€