In the Mood for a Romantic Setting?

Seville is blessed with countless wonderful and romantic places to dine. These are some of the most dazzling ones I know, for occasions that require an atmosphere of charming intimacy.
​
​Abades Triana, Calle Betis, 69, breathtaking views of city and river

​​Bar Estrella, Calle Estrella, 3, old-school charm & traditional fare

​Casa Aníbal, Calle Reyes Católicos, 22, outrageously sumptuous decor

Picture
Casa del Tigre

Casa del Tigre, Calle Amparo, 9, cozy and richly atmospheric; for more, see my post Another Reason I Don't Keep a Pet Tiger
 
Casa Ozama, Av. de la Borbolla, 59, outstanding cuisine, lavish style; for more see my post Ready for Some Outrageously Good Food.
 
Picture
Casa Ozama

​Contenedor, Calle San Luis, 50, don’t miss their signature rice with duck
 
La Quinta Brasería, Plaza Padre Jerónimo de Córdoba, 11; delicious food; choose fireplace or courtyard
 
MariaTrifulca, Puente de Triana, gorgeous view of river from terraces

Pan y Circo, Calle Rivero, 11, a dazzling collection of art and memorabilia with great, eclectic food; for more see my post Breathing with a Different Kind of Happiness.
 
Petra, Calle Alfalfa, 5, cozy, relaxed, and charming; great food. Rich and I went there for our last anniversary.
​
Picture
Petra
Click on the map to locate these restaurants.


Don't Know Much About Spanish Wine?


​One of Seville's more endearing customs is rushing cold drinks to your table then leaving you alone for a while to contemplate your food choices at leisure. If possible, you'll want to arrive at your restaurant with some idea what beverage to order.

Having grown up in California, where wine is taken very seriously indeed, it took me a while to adjust to Seville’s casual attitude toward vino. Bartenders will ask if you want white (blanco) or red (tinto). Don’t worry if you get flustered and ask for rojo (red), as they’ll still get your drift, but tinto is the correct term.

You can't really go wrong with a tinto from the regions of Rioja or a Ribera del Duero. Because it has a colder climate, Ribera del Duero produces vintages with somewhat more intense color and flavor, but both are safe — in fact, delightful — choices. 

Ordering vino blanco can involve specifiying seco (dry) or dulce (sweet) or sometimes afrutado (fruity). And this is where I run into trouble. What I actually like is a full-bodied, buttery white with a complex flavor and a long finish. I have embarrassed myself and numerous waiters attempting to explain this. They always listen politely until I run out of words, and then they say, making a massive effort not to roll their eyes, “Así que … semi-seco?” (So … somewhat dry?)
 
I have learned through diligent trial and error to ask for a verdejo (vare-DAY-ho). Verdejo is a full-bodied grape that originated in North Africa and arrived in Spain’s Rueda region in the 11th century, where it was developed into a dense, sherry-like wine. Then in the 1970s some brilliant, public-spirited winemakers from Rueda and France teamed up to create the fresher verdejo we know today. Whew! I can now order a drinkable vino blanco wherever I go. And so can you.