Zelai | Azahar Sevilla Tapas

Updated April 2023

It’s been some time now since one of the original Zelai owners, Paloma Valenzuela Alberola, took over the reins and partnered up with her brother Pedro, recently back from Peru. This was followed by a very tasteful refurbishment leaving the front section by the bar as a sort of inside-outside terrace, with a long sleek bar leading back to a bright indoor patio dining room. The menu has also changed and, while it maintains its original “market-based” style, it now includes a few fusiony dishes with a nod to Pedro’s stint in Peru (and also his Peruvian wife). The result is both stylish and delicious.

I love the open space at the entrance and the service is friendly and attentive. And the food… those salmon tartare cones are to die for. The baked cauliflower with toasted almonds in a spicy huancaína sauce with parmesan, and the aubergine salad with tomatoes, kalamatas and fresh mozzarella, are both more deliciously decadent than vegetarian dishes tend to be. And the simply named beef tenderloin stir fry… what a whack of flavours going on with that one. Also fabulous croquetas. We are always left wanting more here, which is a good thing. And we will be back again and again. Great wine list, including a range of sherries from Bodegas Lustau.

Bread Charge: 1.20€ PER PERSON