5 Best Restaurants in Barrio de Santa Cruz, Andalusia

Offering dining in a dimly lit dining room or on the street-level terrace, this popular Argentinean-owned restaurant near the touristy alcázar has a menu full of surprises. All dishes—which come as tapas, half portions, or full portions (ideal for sharing)—are superb and sophisticated, especially the eggplant stew with tomato, goat cheese, and smoked salmon; and the curried pumpkin and rocket croquettes. It can get very crowded and noisy, so it's not always an ideal place for a romantic meal for two.

Slightly off the beaten path but worth seeking, chef Julio Fernández's tasting menu takes you on a journey of the senses featuring seemingly ordinary local produce and traditional recipes elevated with unusual textures and preparations. The menu changes with the seasons, but always has nine dishes (€95) or 12 (€115) as well as extra-virgin-olive-oil menus. The long wine list includes local, Spanish, and international labels, and there are wine-pairing options. The place is relaxed and spacious, with fine crystal and freshly ironed linen on the tables. Booking is essential.

On the edge of the Murillo Gardens opposite the university, Oriza has an atrium-style dining room with high ceilings and wall-to-wall stained-glass windows; in warm weather, you can eat on the terrace under the orange trees. The menu combines traditional Andalusian dishes with a modern touch and includes red tuna, octopus salad, and meat dishes. The adjoining Bar España serves tapas (from €3), including fried cod and vieiras en la niebla (scallops).

In the heart of Santa Cruz is one of Seville's surprises—an Italian restaurant in a 12th-century Arab bathhouse where original features such as bath vaults studded with star shapes blend with modern design and fountains provide a soothing backdrop. Specialties include a range of interesting salads, creamy cheese ravioli al pesto, and roasted leg of lamb, and there's an extensive choice of homemade desserts. Service, led by owner Angelo Ramacciotti, is excellent, and many clients are regulars.

This cozy restaurant offers an excellent selection of fish and meat dishes. It's renowned for its Almadraba tuna (traditionally hand-lined and caught in Zahara de los Atunes on the Cádiz coast) cooked any which way and always delicious. Particular highlights are the tataki and cured tuna on toast. Other must-tries include the seaweed croquettes with an oloroso sherry sauce, squid burgers with a miso sauce, and the black pudding and pine nut samosas. There’s also an excellent range of rice dishes including the house special, risotto de ortiguillas (sea anemone). Sit inside in the cozy dining room under the signature tuna lamps or outside on the shady terrace.