El Rinconcillo Tapas in Seville

El Rinconcillo Tapas, Seville, Spain

If you do make the short and easy bus crossing from the Algarve to Seville in south western Spain, you will discover a city of delights, including some culinary classics.

If you are a fan of Spanish tapas head out to the El Rinconcillo, said to be the birthplace of tapas. Located in the La Macarena district of the historic city of Sevilla, El Rinconcillo dates back to the 1670s and the atmospheric, woody interior is the setting for some great food and drink. Specialties include Huelva hams, vegetarian chickpeas and spinach, and the catch of the day from Cadiz.

Wash down your tapas with some fine wines, while your bill is totted up on the wooden counter of the large barrels that serve as tables.

Remember it is standing room only in the bar area and there are no seats. If you wish to sit there is a separate restaurant area with tables and chairs.

El Rinconcillo is close to the Iglesia de Santa Catalina and the Iglesia de San Pedro, where the painter Velazquez was baptized.

The cozy Hotel Baco is nearby and the whole area is within 20 minutes walk of Sevilla Cathedral and La Giralda.