Cafe Santacruz

Café Santacruz sits on a quiet stone street in the heart of Seville’s historic Santa Cruz district. We reached it by wandering through narrow cobbled lanes lined with white houses, potted flowers, and the soft sounds of life in the old town. It’s close to the Cathedral and the Alcázar, but tucked just far enough away to feel like a local secret. There’s also a shaded terrace out front, covered by tall trees — a beautiful corner to sit, drink, and watch people walk by.

We were given a tall table by the side windows, sitting on stools with a view of the sunny pedestrian street outside. It was a hot day, so we went straight for a cold orange juice and a sparkling water.

The interior feels like a classic Andalusian tapas bar — tiled floors, wooden tables, rustic walls, and a warm, casual energy. It’s lively and friendly, with locals and tourists chatting, plates clattering, and staff moving quickly from table to table.

The menu sticks to true Andalusian tapas. It’s all about flavour and comfort over flashy looks. The dishes are straightforward, easy to share, and rooted in local tradition — classic Spanish cooking done properly.

We started with a tomato salad with spring onions, chilli, and bonito belly. It was cool and refreshing, perfect for the heat.

Then we shared a board of cheese, honey, chorizo, and Iberian ham — salty, creamy, and a great mix of textures.

We also had artichoke with Bilbao-style prawns, which came with garlic and vinegar and had a strong, savoury kick that woke up our taste buds.

For dessert, we ordered two sweets: a Torrija — Spanish-style French toast topped with caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, and crunchy nuts — and a creamy Arroz con leche, flavoured with orange zest and cinnamon. Both were comforting, homemade and the perfect way to finish the meal.

The food arrived quickly and looked simple but generous. Everything tasted fresh and satisfying. The artichoke and prawns were a highlight, and the Torrija was the kind of dessert you keep talking about hours later.

Service was fast and kind. The staff were used to a busy flow of people but still made us feel welcome and looked after.

For a casual meal in a charming setting, Café Santacruz was exactly what we wanted. Prices are fair, especially for the historic centre, and you can share a few dishes without spending too much. It’s not for quiet romantic nights, but it’s perfect for a lively lunch or dinner with friends, or a quick stop while exploring Santa Cruz.

We left happy, full, and a bit sun-soaked. We’d go back without a doubt.

Café Santacruz is best for casual tapas, simple traditional dishes, and enjoying the street life of Seville over good food.

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