La Paella Sevilla — Restaurant in Seville

Stopped in on the first day in Seville around 11:30. They were making the paellas of the day in what looked like 1-meter pans. They actually serve you in paper take out containers each of which costs around 9.50 euros. We had one black rice and one ficeua. The taste was good. The black ink lacked protein and the fideua had plenty. I was disappointed after watching a few YouTube videos of paella in Seville in which the maker of the video bought a small container for 2.50 euros. I really wanted a taste and instead we paid 19 euros. I asked the owner for the small portions and was told that the only size was the ration at 9.50. He didn't tell me that at his other location less than a kilometer away there were three choices from 4 to 6.50.

My conclusion. I was disappointed! I ate paella after that at Gusto which is within 100 feet away, and while the price is more than double, the taste, quality and enjoyment was more than double.

The owner just replied to tell me that I was mistaken. Unfortunately, I wasn't. I arrived at 11:30 and the staff were making some of the paellas and took my order for two of the paellas that were already made. Not only did I ask for a small portion, I told the fellow who I was speaking with that on the YouTube video there were two small sizes. He too corrected me to tell me that I was wrong. Clearly, I wasn't.

This was and is a mistake for people who can both afford sit down full service restaurants and doesn't come up to the level of those that we went...

Overall, a good but not great experience. We ordered the seafood paella - we got the chicken one instead. But the chicken one tasted really great - although the meat was a little pink and had plenty of bones. This would have been less concerning if it hadn't been microwaved after sitting on display for who knows how long.

Yet, the food was really quite cheap and offered good value... except it was more expensive than the apparently old and out of date menus that were displayed outside. (Mind you, the difference was .5 euros, so nothing too drastic). The service from the lady at the counter was quite friendly, while the same could not be said for the guy who plonked our food down in front of us.

And while it's hard to hold this against them, because heaps of restaurants apparently still do this, the staff had a great chuckle to themselves when I asked for tap water and said they only offered bottled. Señoras and Señoritas, an Australian tourist should not need to explain that restaurants are required to offer tap water to diners under Spanish law. I know it's only come in this year, but still...

So all in all, we had a good but not great time. I would say it's a good choice if you're not too fussed about quality and are looking for a cheap...

I saw the reviews for this storefront, as well as the other location, and eager to give it a try. As an American traveling across Europe I've started to be more aware of local customs when it comes to food preparation and serving, I was not expecting what I experienced here. The storefront and presentation is amazing, and that deserves some credit. The paella is presented with clear identification and there were five versions when I visited. I chose the seafood option and was excited. The person behind the counter asked if I was eating (aquí o llévate) here or take away. I asked to eat in the store as I had been walking for some time. The food was then put in a smaller paella bowl and then this is where my smile turned into dismay. The staff put the seafood paella in the microwave. I was expecting the larger paella containers to be heated and served directly from there. Microwaving the food just ruined the components for me. The seafood was chewy and soft, and the rice didn't have it's normal texture. Unfortunately the presentation didn't match the product for me. If you don't mind the food being microwaved I would recommend giving this place a shot. I would not however recommend to my friends or family...