El Rinconcillo

In the winding alleys of Seville’s historic center lies a place that feels like stepping into a living memory: El Rinconcillo, often hailed as Seville’s—and arguably Spain’s—oldest continuously operating tapas bar, founded in 1670. From the moment you cross its threshold at Calle Gerona 40, you sense its legacy in every detail: the warm glow of antique lamps, walls tiled in traditional Andalusian patterns, wooden wine shelves lined with vintage bottles, and the venerable mahogany bar where locals scribble their tab in chalk (yes, they still use it). El Rinconcillo’s menu is a homage to Andalusian and Moorish culinary roots. Tapas classics—espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), pavías de bacalao (salted cod fritters), jamón ibérico, croquetas, and more—are served with unpretentious sincerity. The wine list is likewise steeped in regional pride, with careful selection of Sherries, local whites and reds to complement the food. Though much of its fame is tied to its bar and tapas culture, El Rinconcillo also extends into dining salons on upper floors—rooms where meals are more leisurely, allowing patrons to linger over conversations and regional dishes in a more formal setting. But the real enchantment lies in the layers of history: generations of Sevillanos, visitors from around the world, and centuries of change have passed through. It survived political shifts, social upheaval, and modern transformations without losing its soul. Even today, the Rueda family maintains stewardship. Your visit feels like a time travel. You might lean against the old bar, watch staff threading between rooms, listen to clinks of glasses and murmurs of patrons, and remember that you're in one of Spain’s great gastronomic landmarks. For food lovers, history buffs, and anyone chasing authentic local flavor, El Rinconcillo remains a rite of passage in Seville.