Ena Sevilla
Refined Tapas in a Luxury Setting
by PlanetBrunch Published 2 years ago
Ena Sevilla sits inside Hotel Alfonso XIII, right by the Alcázar. The walk feels grand. Palm trees, tiled plazas, and handsome façades line the way. We went in May. Soft morning sun, clear skies, and the promise of a slow day ahead.
Before you reach the restaurant, the hotel's courtyard steals your breath. Arched galleries wrap around patterned tiles and a cool fountain. It feels regal and calm, like a postcard come alive. Ena does have a direct entrance to the terrace, but we chose to walk through the hotel instead, just to take in its beauty. We lingered there for a moment, then headed out to our table.
After soaking in the courtyard, we made our way to our table on the terrace. Shaded by tall trees, it looked onto the bustle of the boulevard. Horse carriages rolled past, people strolled by, and the air felt lively but easy. It wasn't as grand as the courtyard, yet it had its own charm.
We started with cold drinks to beat the heat. Fresh orange juice and sparkling water did the trick. Warm sourdough bread landed first. Great crust. Nice chew. A simple, welcome start.
The food leans modern Andalusian. Fine touches, but flavour leads the way. Tuna tartar arrived on crisp crystal bread, with roasted tomato water and herring roe.
Bright, clean, and balanced. Next came slow-cooked Iberian pork ribs with chimichurri. Tender meat sat on smooth chickpea purée. Comforting, rich, and very moreish.
We also had Salmorejo. Thick, silky, and topped with crisp jamón and a tiny quail egg. A cool bowl of pure Seville.
Dessert sealed it. A sweet potato Buñuelo came warm and golden. It sat with mascarpone and a light custard sauce. Sweet, soft, and just rich enough to share.
Service matched the setting. Polished, kind, and well paced. Plates came steadily. Water was topped up. Staff knew the menu and offered helpful tips.
If there's a gripe, it's portion size. Plates run small, even for tapas. Order a few extra if you’re hungry. Price sits on the higher side too. But you’re paying for the hotel setting, the terrace scene, and careful cooking. For a special day, it feels fair.
We found Ena on TripAdvisor and booked online. You can also call. We sat outside and loved the people-watching. Next time, we'll linger longer in that glorious courtyard.
Ena suits date nights, birthdays, or a treat while visiting the Alcázar. It's less suited to a quick, cheap tapas crawl. Think relaxed pace and refined plates in a landmark hotel.
