That was the worst choice we made on a 5-day trip in Andalucia. We had seen the raving reviews and decided to sit there even though we felt like something was wrong from the beginning: the setup was too formal for a "tapas bar".
Indeed, this is not a tapas bar. It is more of a semi-lux restaurant in appearance, but not in essence. There were some positive aspects, which is why I don't give a 1 or 2*. The waiters were very gentle, the wine was excellent, and the restaurant smells nice, which is not an easy feat, given that the kitchen is open and they cook fish and seafood.
Now for the bad. The food was overpriced, not tasty and the portions were too small. We opted to take the tuna tartar which was praised in other reviews and, decided to combine it with sea food tapas and white wine. The waiter convinced us to also get a fish cooked in the oven with wine. After a while, she came back to inform us that the tuna tartar was not available (even though we saw them serve it to another table later) and suggested the salmon tartar (two pieces). Eventually we had the salmon tartar, the mixed croquettes, the (one) scallop and the fish. The fish tasted like the sea, but not in a good way. It was clearly undercooked and there was no real spice or herb involved. The salmon tartar was tiny, nothing special in taste, and quite expensive! The scallop was not really cooked but, admittedly, the combination of jamon pieces, meat sauce, and peas was very good. However, again, one scallop! Finally, the croquettes were very good (but not the best we have had). It is possible that we would not have had such a bad experience if we opted for more simple dishes (like the croquettes) but this is only hypothetical and I would bet against it.
All in all, the food was disappointing and we left the restaurant hungry, annoyed (given how many excellent restaurants exist in seville) and determined to never repeat the same...
Read moreA culinary landmark in Seville, Castizo Tapas Bar offers an exceptional dining experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
Vegetarian Delights: In a city where vegetarian options can be scarce, Castizo Tapas Bar shines brightly. Their lentil soup is a comforting delight, and the eggplant with balsamic glaze is a symphony of flavors that's hard to forget.
Seafood Excellence: The fresh fish dishes here are a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality. Each bite is a reminder of Seville's rich coastal influences and culinary expertise.
Sangria Sensation: No visit is complete without trying their sangria. It's crafted to perfection, striking the right balance of flavors and serving as the ideal complement to the tapas.
Prawn Perfection: The giant prawn with Iberian bacon and spiced salt is a dish that leaves a lasting impression. It's a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that captures the essence of Spanish cuisine.
Overall, Castizo Tapas Bar is a must-visit for anyone in Seville seeking an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. With its impeccable dishes and welcoming ambiance, it truly deserves its spot among the city's...
Read moreI can’t begin to find the words to describe how hospitable, warm, talented, delicious, incredibly thoughtful and comforting this restaurant is. Chef Francisco and his team work as ONE to bring you some of the best tasting food we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying in Seville. From the unpretentious service of high quality drink and food to the little glass of sweet Sherry that gets served with the bill. We enjoyed every moment and every bite at this establishment. So much so that we had to return two more times to make sure we tasted through the whole menu. Yes that’s right, we were only in Seville for three nights, and each night was finished with a full meal at this place, even though we had spent the evening trying out other spots in the area. It didn’t matter that we were full. We just wanted to be here. I’m not going to tell you how much we spent here because it honestly doesn’t matter. You can’t put a price on this gem of...
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