Cafe Sevilla of San Diego

353 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
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Cafe Sevilla of San Diego
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Ch
Review №1

Our favorite restaurant to visit in downtown San Diego…we always try to get here when we’re in town. Very Spanish decor and ambiance, with live music in the evening on weekends. The service is very good, but the food is what brings us back. We love the patatas bravas, and the French baguette with aioli and marinara dipping sauces is also excellent. The marinated olives are a good choice for an appetizer as well. Hope to be back soon!

Ed
Review №2

Good food, but not Spain-good food…This restaurant is very picturesque and lively. Although we did not experience the live performances, we heard they are great and worth the visit.Café Sevilla is located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, right on 5th av. It is within walking distance from a great number of hotels, which is very convenient since parking in the area may be a hassle.Menu is really vast and Café Sevilla seems to aim at a tapas-like experience where patrons order and share a variety of small bites, however though, my feeling is that not all the menu works as tapas but rather as full size servings, so you might want to keep an eye on each dish size depending on the experience you’re aiming at. Anyhow, that will be up to each patron’s tastes and likes, we only had the small paella serving as main course and the grilled octopus as appetizer, both for sharing and they sufficed. However tasty, the food was far from being spectacular, it definitely lacked the Spanish splendor, quality, and taste. What was a bigtime letdown was the crema Catalana. Not sure what that espresso-infused dessert was, but it was NOT a crema Catalana; it was buttery rather than creamy and the sugar crust was non-existent. Do yourselves a favor and DO NOT have this dessert!!!Finally, another kind of letdown, was the service. Please, be mindful that no matter how graceful, how smiley, how fun, how polite the waiter is, if the job is not being done well, service is poor: being absent, not keeping the table clean, being unknowledgeable about the food and drinks menus, and letting the plates to pile, is poor service.Would I recommend this place??? Well, probably… specially if you’re craving for some very specific tapas or any other Spanish dish like paella (and yet be mindful of the aforementioned “buts”), otherwise, you might want to think twice about visiting Café Sevilla, after all, you’re in San Diego.

Al
Review №3

DrinksGreat happy hour prices! $10 craft cocktails. They have so many varieties of old fashioned, which is my cocktail of choice and each one is as good as the previous one. Strong, tasty, whisky-forward, with a hint of spice or a subtle bitterness to elevate it even more.FoodThe fried calamari was good. It was a plate of battered calamari on light lemon sauce. The paella really stole the show though. This was bomb. We really wanted the lobster and iberria pork belly but it was so expensive! And then we saw that we could get a half-half and upgrade one half to the lobster one that we wanted. Yes!!! We got the best of both worlds. We got the traditional on one side and the lobster & iberria pork belly on the other. Both versions were delicious and had generous amount of seafood and meat.Atmosphere/ServiceI enjoyed the quieter atmosphere on a weekday night. According to our attentive waiter (Hi Carlo!), it gets very packed on the weekend, which I can totally see. We had a great time here, with Carlo checking if we need anything, giving us his recommendations and telling us about the salsa class down in the basement!!

Le
Review №4

Beautiful place, incredible live music, friendly service of a bit slow when later in the evening. The food is delicious and large quantities. So much fun dancing. The vibe is española all the way.

Al
Review №5

This is a hidden gem for a brunch location. Everyone knows about their fantastic food for dinner and entertainment. They also have brunch over the weekend and its delicious. We had the short rib hash, Chilaquiles, and waffles con chocolate. There was so much food. Really you could just share. My daughter could not finish her waffles and churros platter, so my husvand and I finished that and the chilaquiles for brunch. In the end, my daughter and I shared the short rib hash for dinner. Service was wonderful and everyone had a fantastic time. Only thing I did wish is if they had a kids menu, but overall great place for brunch.

He
Review №6

I ordered the white sangria and the queso fundido. It wasnt communicated that they werent doing happy hour until I tried to order from that menu which was frustrating. The sangria has a strong apple cider/cinnamon flavor and it was delicious; not very strong though. The queso was also very good. The water glass was dirty though (see picture), which made me finish my meal early, because who knows what else might have been dirty.

Je
Review №7

Great vibe! Kind, attentive staff noticed when we still didnt have water or our drinks after 15 min. The food was pretty good (pan con tomate had way more tomato than in Barcelona but was tasty), but the live music was the highlight.

Z
Review №8

Friday night cover was $10We wanted to dine-in and the gentlemen at the door said to go inside and get a table. When we found a server she informed us they close the kitchen at 11:30 which may have been nice to mention at the door because we got there at 11:00. They need to update their hours online.Our server was wonderful and very helpful in making menu suggestions. The food was excellent, drinks were okay, and the live musicians were amazing.For two empanadas, the small paella, and two cocktails was about $82.

An
Review №9

Absolutely beautiful place for a night out. Dinner was superb and there was live music. The is a long wait so make reservations in advance. Also, unles upu can Uber or find free parking. The lowest is $10 the highest was $40. There will be a walk.

Fa
Review №10

While walking around Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, we found this amazing restaurant. This place has such a fun vibe and I loved that it has both indoor and outdoor seating. We were seated outside.The menu is tapas style, and there are so many great options. We had the Ahi Tuna, seafood paella, grilled vegetable stack , and the pollo brochetas (grilled chicken skewers). The seafood paella was a complete flavorfest. It was bursting with flavors and its a perfect meal to share in groups or enjoy individual plates. The pollo Brochetas was also great. The chicken was perfectly grilled and was moist and tasty.Really enjoyed our dinner here. Do check it out and enjoy delicious Tapas style dining.

Me
Review №11

Really beautiful space and delicious food! Our server was really great and helpful, accommodated us wanting to split the bill too. We split beef empanadas which were delicious, and a paella (single portion between two people) which was just enough food. The price was a little expensive, but overall, it was a good experience.

Tr
Review №12

Absolutely captivated by this place! During my vacation from DC, I stumbled upon this gem, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. The Paella, a culinary masterpiece, transported me back to the enchanting flavors of Rota, Spain. The appetizers were a delightful prelude, and the sangria was a symphony of flavors. Every bite and sip resonated with the essence of Spain. If you’re craving an authentic taste of Spain, this restaurant is a must-visit. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance and savor the exquisite food – it’s an experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

An
Review №13

Great place! We have gone there few times and it’s been so beautiful there. Their service is great, food is delicious (thanks for the vegan options), wine is nice and live music is just outstanding.My girlfriend took me there for my birthday and it was a great experience overall. Thank you!

Me
Review №14

Everything was great. They have a fun dance club next door to enjoy as well as top notch food and service.

R
Review №15

Matthew was amazing! The food was delicious! Will definitely be back!! We need one in Arizona, please and thank you!

kh
Review №16

The paella’s were amazing and authentic The cold tapas we ordered were okay. The tomato sauce on top of the bread was a bit more tarty. The atmosphere was really vibrant and the location on the gas lamp quarter was a plus. Overall a good date night location.

Mi
Review №17

I had been wanting to see the flamenco show for years...finally had a chance to go for a friends birthday. The show is downstairs in the basement where it turns into a night club around 10pm. Anyways, the show itself was decent. I will admit that its nothing like the advertisements...so that was disappointment #1. The belly dancer was honestly more entertaining. The food you get is bland. Nothing like a traditional Spanish paella. For $89 you get a preset meal (weird gross salad, bland paella, and a lemon custard for dessert). My friend and I split a bottle of wine and got an appetizer as well. Just be aware that you are going to be charged A LOT of extra $. Not only do they change a 4% sur charge to your entire bill, but also state tax, and a 20% gratuity charge. What upset me is that this 20% gratuity charge was based on the total after tax and the 4% sur charge. So youre tipping on a total that is basically 12% more that what you ate/drank. For 2 bland 3 course preset meals, some mediocre performances, a bottle of wine ($50) and an apptz....my friend and I paid $400. Its absolutely ridiculous...almost comparable to a scam. A restaurant should not legally be allowed to charge a 20% gratuity based on a total of the meal, tax, and a 4% sur charge. They are robbing us...and should honestly be reported. Save your hard earned money and do something different on a Saturday night. The flamenco show and meal are definitely not worth the cost.P.S. Meze Greek Fusion is right down the street and they have a FREE belly dancer to entertain you while youre eating. And the food is way better (get the Saganaki...its fried cheese). They light it on fire at your table and its fun to watch (and yummy to eat). Much better experience in my opinion.

Ka
Review №18

We visited Cafe Sevilla during restaurant week and were initially surprised by the fixed menu--unlike their usual offerings where you can choose from a selection of dishes. Nonetheless, we found the menu appealing and decided to proceed.For starters, we enjoyed a lemony but flavorful shrimp ceviche and pan con tomate. Having lived in Barcelona for nine wonderful years, Ive sampled many traditional Spanish dishes, and while both were tasty, they didnt quite match the authentic flavors I was accustomed to. The variation of pan con tomate was notably different, and the fridge-cold tomato sauce was a bit off-putting.Moving on to the entrée, we savored the lobster and Iberico pork belly paella with black rice--it was truly delightful and thoroughly enjoyed.To cap off the meal, we had some churros con chocolate, which were average.Our server, Nakara (apologies if misspelled), was exceptionally kind and attentive, even with a trainee, Mario, assisting her, he was also very kind and helpful. Despite a slightly unsettling 40-minute wait for our food, once the plates started arriving, everything flowed smoothly.Overall, while there were some minor hiccups, our experience at Cafe Sevilla was enjoyable, thanks in large part to the delicious food and attentive service.PS: The live music is a plus, we enjoyed the ambiance and the band!

Ju
Review №19

Had a great time at a business dinner. We had between 20 and 30 people present. We ordered the 5 course dishes. Everyone enjoyed their dinner and all the different contrasting flavors. Service was good and the restaurant offered a great social atmosphere.

W
Review №20

We love Cafe Sevilla, and go there every time we come to San Diego. Fun atmosphere. Service was above average. My wife is from Madrid, and she complained that the food wasn’t authentic Spanish food. But it was still tasty. Make a reservation (like we always do), otherwise you’ll have a long wait to be seated.

Da
Review №21

Stopped in on a Tuesday night around 7. There were multiple items they didn’t have, maybe it was a one off bad day for them, but had to switch what we wanted to order at least twice. What we ate was good, the place has a good vibe and outdoor seating.

Al
Review №22

I booked a table online in advance, and the check-in at the entrance was smooth with the reception. Our visit coincided with happy hour, where we tried various Spanish dishes like tapas and paella. The Mushroom & Fig Coca Barcelona Style Flatbread was a tasty starter with unique flavors. We also enjoyed Calamares Fritos and Baked Empanada Duo. The highlight was the Family Size Traditional Paella Valenciana, a generous dish with Mussels, Clams, Calamari, Shrimp, Chicken, and Grilled Sausages.For drinks, we chose Craft Sangrias, and the Red Zin sangria was a favorite with Brandy, Lemon, Strawberry, and Red Zin. The diverse sangria options added to the overall experience. A live band started playing at 7 pm, creating a lively atmosphere. The live music enhanced the dining experience.We ended our meal with the BASQUE CHEESECAKE, a delicious dessert with Orange, Vanilla, Mascarpone, Cream Cheese, and Licor 43. Our waitress was friendly and energetic, contributing to the positive experience.

Ky
Review №23

Overall: Great food and service for those looking for tapas.The good: Service was very accommodating, we sat outside on a chilly night with our 1-year old and they were very helpful with our heat lamp. The tapas were great as was the black seafood paella, so we definitely left full and happy. Decent amount of outdoor seating.The not-so-good: A little pricey, but youre in the heart of the Gaslamp District so its expected. Took awhile, we were there for about 2 hours, which is a long time with a baby.Food/drink: 8/10Atmosphere: 8/10Service: 8/10

La
Review №24

I dont want to admit that I spent 7 hours at Cafe Sevilla. My colleague and I held court in a quasi outdoor table and invited other colleagues to visit with us at this central location with some of the best Tapas and drink (Get the Pear/Cider Sangria) Ive experienced. We literally stumbled upon the restaurant on our way to an event to grab a (small) bite. We ordered grilled octopus, ceviche boat (Tuna + shrimp + spicy octopus) + cheesecake) All outstanding! And as amazing as the food was, the service was even better. Prime spot with plenty of outdoor, indoor and patio seating.

Da
Review №25

Some of the better food Ive had in a long time. Was easy to make a reservation through Google/yelp. The albondigas dish was great, and the sauteed shrimp. We also split the poke tuna stack which was so good and fresh! I want to come back and try the paella next time.

Ni
Review №26

A great place for food, drinks and vibes.Went for a bachelorette and there were 2 other tables for different bachelorette parties so seems like a popular place for bachelorettes.We ordered the barrel of sangria for 6 of us and it was wayyyy too much alcohol for our party size. We had 2.5 glasses each and there was still more left.The food was really good. We were a large party so ordered a lot of stuff. My favorites were the brussel sprouts, and the seafood paella. I didnt like the chicken skewers that much. They were chewy.The vibe was really fun. We sat on the 2nd floor but people were dancing in the dining area while live music was playing downstairs. It was such a fun and high energy environment!

Sc
Review №27

Fried calamari, enormous portion and tasted great. Shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, both outstanding. Shrimp and halibut ceviche top notch. The only thing I wasnt very fond of, the bacon wrapped dates. Somehow I missed the fact that its bacon wrapped to start with. Just not very flavorful.Inadvertently came in during happy hour so prices were quite reasona

Jo
Review №28

We held a large party for a local manufacturing company. We had 50 people more or less. The servers were not prepared and there was 1 waitress. It took forever to get drinks . Food was good and the atmosphere was good. I wouldnt bring large grouos here. I came here 5 years before with my date. That was a fun time dancing all night long.

AJ
Review №29

This was not our first time here, but it will certainly be our last! The Flamenco show was not good, the best thing about it was the brevity. The paella was mediocre at best, mushy rice and no taste. The service was nonexistent, until it was time to pay. And contrary to their website the 20% gratuity is NOT optional. Such a disappointing experience! We had been so looking forward to it and arranged our trip to make our last night in SD special. They failed epically! Spend your $300 elsewhere, there are plenty of other great options in the area.

Jo
Review №30

So I visited this with absolutely no previous experience in San Diego, and I have to say. I think I was expecting more from the place. The service impeccable our server was as polite and quick as he could manage. The atmosphere I dare to say that it might have to do with the time of day, but it had live music. Food now here is the percentage that decreases my rating, approximately 40 minutes to get two slices of bread with tomato paste. Paella did not have seasoning, and it was pretty bland. Tapas were interesting, too greasy parts of it with burnt parts, the only redeemable thing was potatoes with sauce, the sauce had an explosion of flavor, and the potatoes well done and crispy.But yeah, maybe it was me, but the food did not meet expectations.

S
Review №31

Love Love LOVED IT!!! Bought tickets for my husband and I and we had an absolute blast! We didnt know that there would also be a fabulous belly dancer there as well, so it was a very nice treat. We would definitely return and HIGHLY recommend.

Pa
Review №32

Overall a decent experience, the traditional paella and flan were delicious. The tuna tartare tower was decent but was missing a citrus component, would ask for a lime wedge if possible. If it was made with guacamole it would have been perfect. The scallops were overcooked and charred on the bottom, would advise against.

Br
Review №33

This place is a cultural gem in the Gas Lamp district of San Diego. Great atmosphere and music. I didnt eat any food there, but I expect nothing but the best.Quick shout-out to Bloom Latino for their amazing and authentic Latin music. They play there on Thursdays.

Em
Review №34

We went here from someone’s recommendation while we were in town. Most of the food that we ordered were delicious and flavorful. The tapas are big portions. The seafood paella with the squid ink rice was my favorite. The bruschetta was the only one that was subpar because it was soggy. The drinks were okay. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. The decor and atmosphere were awesome. Just be aware that it’s very pricey. There was also a live band on a Friday night. It’s become my favorite restaurant to go to when I’m in town.

Fr
Review №35

Its a bar, dont expect much out of the food. Id like to rate the food higher, but they were out of what I wanted and the server wasnt shy about letting you know your wrongness in trying to order things that were not available. No special orders for dietary restrictions or mix and match, just No! We dont have that! Automatic 20% tip on the bill didnt impress me much either.

Аl
Review №36

Sevilia is a good place to go for anyone seeking a Spanish restaurant experience! We had a blast exploring it during Memorial Weekend.Granted, there was a wait of around 35 minutes, which was a bit of a bummer. They dont even take your phone number, so you have to stick it out in line near the restaurant, which isnt the most thrilling experience.Once we finally got seated, it was at a tall two-deck table that wasnt the most convenient, but we were hungry and didnt want to wait for another table to free up.The ambiance at Sevilla is truly something special. The interior design and lighting create an atmosphere that stands out, and the band playing a mix of Spanish and American tunes was outstanding! Their music elevated the lively vibe of the place.Despite the seemingly spacious indoor area, it fills up quickly, so Id recommend making a reservation in advance. The wait for our food was about 40 minutes, but the classic paella with seafood was a true delight. I must admit, though, that the tapas were heavy for my taste, and the fillings lacked a flavor. Nevertheless, the overall experience was enjoyable.So I advice to make a reservation, and then savor the traditional cuisine, and soak up the lively vibes at Sevilia.

Th
Review №37

Sevilla Restaurant and Tapas Bar is a popular dining destination located in the heart of San Diegos Gaslamp Quarter. Offering an extensive menu of Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, as well as an impressive selection of wines and cocktails, Sevilla is a great spot for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two.One of the highlights of Sevilla is their tapas selection. Small plates like the bacon-wrapped dates, grilled asparagus, and patatas bravas are perfect for sharing and are bursting with flavor. The paella is a must-try for those looking for a heartier meal, and the seafood paella is particularly delicious.The restaurant itself has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with live music and dancing on certain nights. The decor is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls, colorful Spanish tiles, and ornate iron fixtures. The service is friendly and attentive, making for an overall enjoyable dining experience.Overall, Sevilla Restaurant and Tapas Bar is a great spot for those looking for a tasty meal and a fun night out in San Diego.

Ei
Review №38

Ordered the Waffle Breakfast Sandwich Stack(Sugared Belgium waffle topped with applewood smoked bacon, avocado, fried egg & bacon gravy; Served with fresh berries & Spanish fries). If you have a sweet tooth like me, you find the combination of everything surprisingly superbly delicious.My husband tried the 9-course Tapas for bunch. It allows you to try a variety types of Tapas to help you decide what you would be interested in have the best time.They gifted us for our wedding anniversary a scrumptious bread pudding.The atmosphere was very friendly andhospitable.

LU
Review №39

Wonderful NYE Flamenco show dinner at Cafe Sevilla! The singer and dancers’ performance are really nice. The dinner is 3 courses fixed dinner, Spanish ham and goat cheese arugula salad, seafood paella, and apple tart, you can also add a olive bread for $8. The drinks are nice as well. I love their sangria. The service is very good. I recommend it.

Al
Review №40

Wow! Impressive! This space is so beautifully decorated. We had paella and shared it. It was definitely delicious. We had few tapas, my son ordered ceviche, it was on the spicy side, great flavors. Sangria flight is great, my favorite being a pear flavor, right sweetness, well balanced. It was a consensus of our table, we all voted pear flavor to be the most delicious out of 4 flavors. Great atmosphere, great music. Check it out!

Ca
Review №41

I would ABSOLUTELY go back! The atmosphere was cool, server had an amazing personality and the empanadas were delicious.

Ja
Review №42

The mushroom paella is really good. They have a few vegan options here such as mushroom paella, green pea dip with bread, patatas bravas and a few other vegetable tapas. They were all really good and if you come during happy hour the drinks were $8 for a sangria and $7 for beer or wine which is a pretty good price for gaslamp.

Sa
Review №43

This is a great place to go sanding and listen to live music. The food is not authentic Spanish, it’s close to what you would have in Spain but they e modificar many ingredients and techniques. The service was extremely slow, although our waitress, Karina, was fantastic. We understood it was not her fault and she was very friendly and knowledgeable of their menu. Their Saturday live band was really good, we danced all night.

Ha
Review №44

Came here with my husband to celebrate our anniversary and we loved it!Red Sangria was nice and strong and fresh. Very good portion size on there and my husband actually felt a little tipsy after finishing it.PAPAS BRAVAS (with tomato, spice pimentón) was beautiful! I was expecting something super oily with a sauce on it but this was definitely not!Tender potatoes with a slight hint of spice. That was just perfect.Portion size was also massive and we had to force ourselves to stop and leave space to eat the other foods.BRUSSEL SPROUTS A LA BARCELONA (Sautéed brussel sprouts drizzled balsamic reduction & garlic aioli) - Oh man, this was lovely!We asked the server to use less oil and they definitely came through with that. Barely any oil on this and the balsamic reduction and garlic aioli went so well with the brussel sprouts, I dont know what to say.Another one with really big portion size and it was just such a good dish! Hard to stop eating.TRADITIONAL PAELLA VALENCIANA (Mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, chicken & grilled sausages) was - no surprises - also a big dish. Everything was perfectly cooked. I love the chicken and sausages on there but was not too big a fan of the seafood part. I think I dont like the seafood + meat together, but thats just a me thing. Husband devoured his half of this! He loved it for sure.CHURROS CON CHOCOLATE (dusted in sugar & orange zest; with rich hot chocolate with orange zest) was beautiful! Real crispy churros, and that orange thing going on.. oh man! The chocolate orange combination was amazing! And that sauce? It was actually like a thick hot chocolate with actual orange flavor in there. Oh man!After you finish the churros, actually drink that hot chocolate and youre going to end the meal real well.

Ga
Review №45

Such a cool place for tapas style food! This restaurant has an authentic atmosphere with good service, and better food. Highly recommend the red sangria to drink!

Lo
Review №46

I enjoyed the smoked fig old fashion and traditional paella it was lovely. But the best part of the night was when someone Meena called me back to make sure my questions were answered from earlier in the day. I forget the 3 servers who assisted me but they were absolutely phenomenal

Gr
Review №47

Amazing food and vibes! We ordered the tapas, and mainly the desserts - churros and creme brulee. Both tasted amazing and the tapas was really tasty. There was good music and lights, it felt good. The server was very kind enough to let us know that we were there 5-10 min before the happy hour, so we could get the happy hour menu when we didnt notice it. Overall great experience, would return.

Ma
Review №48

Located in the middle of the Gaslamp quarters, this place may be too touristy. Nonetheless, during this visit, the food was above average and with great flavor. The sangria was good and we ended up ordering a big carafe. The service could be improved but overall will recommend to visit.

E.
Review №49

Excellent food, good service. Wait for a table inside, especially if they have live music. Fun atmosphere inside. Fantastic menu!

El
Review №50

I have lived in the San Diego area for 33 years and had wanted to try Cafe Sevilla for a long while. I was quite disappointed with our experience. Making the reservation for Mother’s Day was quick and easy. The reservation was for 11:30. They took our order at 12. My aunt and I preferred the Waffle plate and were told they had run out of the waffle plate. Mind you, the place opens at 11. Within a hour and a half, they had run out of ribs and the waffle plate. We ordered food for 9 of us and were told the food would come out as it’s prepared. We were served at 4 different times. I shared the 6 course tapas with my husband (thinking I had forgotten to order an alternative to the waffles). I did not forget. After everyone was done eating and were finishing up, the chilaquiles arrived. I had ordered something after all. This is one time where ‘Better late than never’ does not apply. When I told the waiter we were getting ready to leave and could I remove them from the order, I was told no. The plates looked great but the food was bland. Even more so than normal for Spanish food. I’m glad I tried it. Now I know we won’t be back.

Gr
Review №51

A sensational exotic experience with food and music that fit the atmosphere. We had some friends who told us about their friend who sang here and couldn’t resist checking it out.The setting is fantastic and has a darker setting inside with Spanish style pieces hanging all over. The music that normally plays is great, but we wanted to check out the couple female singers who were set that evening.They had an extensive menu but they also had a family style menu that we decided to check out given the few of us that were dinning. We started with some drinks, and i Highly recommend the sangria it was delicious and they sold it in pitchers.They brought out some appetizers, some samosas, as well as some rice dishes. Next they brought out the entrees of paella and meatballs, followed by the cuts of chickens on skewers. They also brought out desert to end the evening.The music was fantastic and not to loud. The food was great the music was great and the prices completely reasonable. Check out this experience!

Du
Review №52

Absolutely loved this place. Particularly the music and ambience. It is lit every evening, the whole street is but this place has all the vibes you want. Date check; friends meet up check; family, maybe notThe staff, particularly the bar tender, is not that great so a star less but that doesn’t make this place any less!! Must visit when in San DeigoTry their Spanish sour or old fashioned - a very different drink than usual!

En
Review №53

A very happening place with good music and vibe. The servers are very friendly and responsive. The Daily baked bread is highly recommended. The Grilled Pulpo Romesco is also recommended for people who enjoy Octopus meat. A bit disappointed with the mushroom paella. The taste could be improved. I’ve had much better mushroom Paella’s before. Overall, a nice place for lively dinner.

Ka
Review №54

We had a late lunch here on a Monday. We ate outdoors which was lovely. The sangria was outstanding! The tapas were very very good (Tortilla Española and Ahi Tuna Tower). My main dish was the Shrimp Romesco was okay. My friend’s sea bass was spectacular. I understand the dancing in the evening is a lot of fun.

No
Review №55

Loved the location, food, vibes & live music!! The Charcuterie board was absolutely devine!! We sat outside on our evening visit & it was perfect. The server had great costumer service. My only complaint would be the suited up gentleman that runs the outside & decided to grab my arm when I was walking to my table w/ my drink in hand from the inside of the restaurant, but apparently I wasnt suppose to. I respect rules, had I known that rule. His approach was tasteless, but I wouldnt let his lack of professionalism keep me from coming back when we visit San Diego again.

Mo
Review №56

Totally whatever. Tourist trap.Waited over 20mins after being seated for the waiter to greet us, and ask us what we wanted for drinks. (PS: We had a reservation)Asked for their Cava Sangria, they didn’t have it.Asked for the Croquetas de Paella, they didn’t have them.Asked for a glass of albariño (wine), they didn’t have it.Food is nothing compared to real authentic spanish cuisine. This is a tapas “fast food”. Food arrived cold.The pan con tomate, took 20mins after all other tapas were served, (ironically it’s probably the easiest/quickest tapa to make).Service was really slow (though waiter was very nice).Place smelled like it was burning down cause they light up sparklers when someone orders dessert and is celebrating.I wouldn’t come back, and definitely don’t recommend this place.If I could, I’d give this restaurant 0 stars.Overall experience 3/10 and I’m being generous.Wish I’d taken better pictures, only took these to add to this review.

Fr
Review №57

This place is first rate everything. The entire vibe of the place lets you know that they want your experience to be memorable. The wait staff is always friendly and attentive. The food is hot and delicious. The atmosphere is inviting. And the sangria will get you good and ready for dancing later. Will most certainly be back.

St
Review №58

Been here twice for happy hours & dinner. Once with my family before the padres game and once before a night out. Both times it was phenomenal. Live music played outside provides get ambience

Ch
Review №59

Really liked the beef empanadas, scallops, and paella. The pan con tomate was just ok. The service was great! Enjoyed the patio for lunch.

Je
Review №60

Last night me and my boyfriend tried this place for the first time. Let me tell you we were really impressed. The service, food, drinks, atmosphere, and live entertainment was great. Our server Tyler was amazing and recommended alot of great options. He was very tentative and had a great attitude. We tried GAMBAS AL AJILLO. Wow, a very flavorful dish. We got toasted bread on the side with it. Also got their Traditional paella valencian dish. Loved it. And for desert we gotChurros con chocolate with a side of their Carmel gelato ice cream. So good. Drinks, we got a pitcher or Sangria. I personally loved it. One of my fav sangeria drinks now. Thanks to Tyler, we had an amazing experience. Cant wait to bring my people here next time. Keep up the great job!

Mo
Review №61

A M A Z I N G!! We went here for brunch on Memorial Weekend. The ambiance is chill and fun, the food is delicious, cocktails off the chain, and our waiter EDIBERTO was on point with everything. We had a wonderful dining experience from beginning to end! We will return for sure!

Ro
Review №62

Been here a number of times tried paella this time was not good to me or my son... but all other times I have come everything was awesome empanadas, beef tips, chicken skewers, mashed potatoes and dessert

Iv
Review №63

Hands down one of the best restaurants in Downtown San Diego. The space is large, dark and lively with an upstairs dining room & an authentic Spanish atmosphere with live music performances including salsa, merengue, bachata, you name it, they make sure to get people out of their seats to dance..The decor is classic with curved iron hand rails on the staircase, a wooden bar top and Spanish detailing such as hand painted tiles and stone that line the edges of their tables. I went here for the first time at the height of spring and sat at the bar with an old friend during happy hour and we had a grand ol’ time..The menu is huge and it’s a tapas bar so there’s many options & pairings. Forewarning, this place is SUPER pricey. Between the two of us with the HH (happy hour) discount the bill was upwards of $70. Nonetheless, it was worth the experience. The bartender chatted us up, refilled our cups before they went empty & it was fun watching people who don’t dance salsa be moved by the music enough to get up and move their body. I ordered the papas brava & a strawberry mojito. I told the bartender to make it taste like juice; it was like an adult version of a berry Italian ice with a dash a mint; lovely to say the least. The papas were buttery, warm and soft and had a crispy outer layer; baked phresh & golden..This place is great for late night outings, live music & cute dates as they have a street patio and often have more of a bossa nova vibe for music out there so not too loud, but easy listening. A must go in Downtown San Diego!

Br
Review №64

This is one of our favorite restaurants because it’s our Italian neighborhood eatery and we come every couple months. Always had a great experience. My IG and previous reviews have always been raving. However, this was the first time things were less than stellar. We always get the meatball in polenta. It’s our staple dish. It was dry and lacked flavor. We would’ve asked for a replacement but bartender we had was not friendly which was a first. We love to sit at the bar. We regret not choosing a table this time. Seemed like we were more of an inconvenience than anything even though we were there during happy hour… and he made it very unhappy hour. Of course, we will return in the future. But if it’s that particular guy bartending, we will sit elsewhere.Also, it was the first time we got the burger which was such a nice change of pace from our normal order and the taste of a restaurant sole burger because they are all the same which this wasn’t.

Pr
Review №65

This is a great place with great vibes. There was live music, a band performing for indoor guests and a separate one for outdoor guests as well!The seating area is huge with downstairs seating, upstairs seating and an outdoor seating section. Although expect a long wait time during the weekends, especially for indoor seating. We were told to wait for 15 mins, but ended up waiting 45 mins, and eventually we got a seat at the bar, not even a table! That was a little disappointing.As expected there were wait times for food, we really enjoyed queso fondido and paella.The bar serves really great drinks as well.We really enjoyed the vibes at this place with live music, and few guests dancing along with tables made the place more lively!I’d recommend visiting this place for a Spanish restaurant experience.

Wi
Review №66

If I could give this place 10 stars I would! This is where I will recommend people to come to in San Diego! The atmosphere was amazing! Sunday night the live music gave this place life! People were dancing and singing along! The waitress was so nice and food came out quickly! We got tapas of cheese, shrimp, meatballs and veggies to go along with our skewer of shrimp and steak! Each one we couldn’t have enough of! If I hand to replace one I think the veggies over another option! The churros and chocolate was perfect for two people! This was so worth the bit of pricy but you get exactly what you deserve for what you spend! I been to Sevilla and I can tell you this place certainly gave me that feeling! 10 stars!

A
Review №67

Food was salty, rice was a lot and claims etc was very chewy. We could not see the steps and noise was too much.Nothing special for amount of money we spent.Two stars is for service. He was very nice and on top of things.

Mi
Review №68

The place is absolutely gorgeous indoors.It has an old school, yet sexy Spanish vibe.We ordered an array of dishes and a tempranillo flight. We were not disappointed. Our waitress was truly pleasant and welcoming.The highlight of the evening was the café bombon. The only gripe was that it wasnt served in a larger cup.

Ja
Review №69

A culinary trip to Spain without having to venture out of San Diego. Since the pandemic hit, the 5th ave has been closed to traffic at night and large outdoor eating areas have been set up with heating. Most nights till 8pm you can find live Latin music being played -which always draws me in. After that music is played inside the restaurant which has amazing decor and Spanish style. Theambiance is wonderful, the food is delicious and the service has always been beyond attentive. Many of the dishes are extremely heavy and filling, so I would advise ordering them one at a time. They come out of thekitchen extremely fast anyways.This last visit I ordered the Journey through Spain A five course tasting menu for two for only $99. The menu allows you to pick through several different options for each course. There are so many Tapas and plates here, so this was a great option to get a little of everything.Course #1 Halibut and shrimp ceviche-Very good but the fish is extremely citrusy. Nice big chunks. The shrimp was so so.Course #2 Grilled Spanish Salchichas-At your table the brandy sauce is poured on and flambéed. Im not an a sausage expert or fan and wished I ordered something else. The plate has a variety of meats. Some good….. Some had that earthy barnyard taste whereyou definitely could taste the animal.Course #3 Mushroom & Fi Coco Flat Bread.-I enjoyed this. Ive had the short rib version and liked this better.Course #4 (Actually 2 dishes in 1)16 hour braised short rib. Amazing. So much meat. I will note that most the dishes have a similar sauce that is used. Almost every dark has a red wine taste. Ordering too much, the tastes blend together.Mediterranean Sea Bass. Good. Not much to say. I do wish the my would have mixed the sides up on these two dishes. Both plates had matching sides.Desert #5 Lemon Tart. Just ok.A large selection alcoholic drinks are available. The Sangria is very unique here with an slightly bitter herbal taste and is available by the pitcher. Parking is near impossible on the street. There are several public lots within a two block radius that run from $20-$55.

Da
Review №70

We were early evening … so quiet. Warm welcome,wonderful personal service. lovely ambience. It was ‘Happy Hour’ … splendid Margaritas 👍. We went for the traditional Paella 🥘 Valenciana which was very tasty and wonderful. Just one thing, we sought ‘guidance’ and was assured that the ‘single’ was sufficient for ‘two individuals’ we are not big eaters… but it wasn’t 😳. Maybe ‘family size’ supposedly for 4 would have been a better choice. 👌👍😂

Lu
Review №71

Best birthday spot for my brother’s first one in USA. We had some KettleOne Shots, Cervezas de Barril and some people ordered the margaritas. When the Paella came the whole table went silent. It was the best I have ever had. We had a couple Chacuterie and cheeses boards then the band started playing. I recomend making reservations as this place is very popular and there is even a waiting line outside. Our waiter Fernando was great and I cant say enough good things about this place. Overall Unforgettable night.

De
Review №72

I am a picky eater and still found good food. Was with friends and we all had small dishes to share. My favorite was the 3 ribs. Great place for food. Oh and I almost forgot they have live music! It was wonderful.

ja
Review №73

This place is very nice with great music, but I ordered 3 bottles of sparkling water. One Bottle had been refilled with regular water. Which I was not happy with the trickery. Other than that it was a great.

Br
Review №74

We had a blast here! There was live music and all of the bartenders introduced themselves and were happy to help anyone. We mainly went for a drink or two and ended up having so much fun We stayed for several drinks and a couple tapas. This is a great place to take friends!

Jo
Review №75

Such a fantastic restaurant in the heart of Gaslamp. The food was amazing - fresh, nicely presented and full of flavor. I went with my wife and we did several tapas. I would highly recommend the sausages and any of the brocheta.Wine list was good with several nice Spanish options. Service was good and the food was prepared quickly but not rushed.Prices were very reasonable for the area and the overall experience.If you enjoy Spanish food then this is a must visit for you in San Diego.

Vi
Review №76

Amazing find during my trip to san diego, the service was impecable from the host/hostess to the servers, shout out to heriberto and Humberto , there suggestions of the menu and their service was impecable! Food is amazing very close if not similar to authentic tapas. Amazing old fashions as well. Live music and atmosphere is more than I could ask for on a nice chill date night.

Ka
Review №77

Delightful! Had the royal sangria, with two tapas dishes: garlic mushrooms and corn con queso/crema. Delicious! Live music, but not so loud you couldn’t enjoy the meal. Service was excellent!!!

L
Review №78

We went here for a work dinner and had an excellent time. Great ambiance! Very Spanish tapas feel! They have live music as well and it was very pleasant. Lively spot!The food and drinks were great! I recommend getting the dates to start. They were fabulous! We tried a couple of appies and the dates really stood out.We also shared the paellas with squid ink and seafood. It was huge and delicious!! More than enough for 4 to share. It was super yummy!!

Ni
Review №79

The food was great, as were the band playing were that evening. They did run out of Churros which was a problem. I survived, only just. They have a vegan and vegetarian menu via a QR code on the physical menu.

Le
Review №80

We had a spread of tapas and they were all quite lovely and flavorful. Food is definitely the strong suit here. Unfortunately, the cocktails are quite poor. I love a spin on an old fashioned and was very excited to see four on the menu. We tried three of them and all three were unbearably sweet (usually a sign that a bar is masking cheap spirits). After the first Id even requested very light sweetener, but that didnt seem to make a difference. I couldnt finish any of them. Our servers were very friendly, but kept bringing us other tables food. At the end our receipt included three entire entrees we hadnt ordered, adding almost a hundred dollars to the bill (luckily a friend checked it, which I typically forget to do). Definitely tasty food, but probably wont go again.

Al
Review №81

I loved this place! All of the food was excellent and we had a great, friendly server who also shared tips for visiting San Diego. The inside is beauuuutiful, lively, but somehow isn’t too loud that you can’t hear your companions.The 5-course Journey through Spain for Two was delicious and at a unheard-of price ($40 pp)—don’t miss out on the chicken skewers!We couldn’t get tickets to the flamenco performance on the weekends, but definitely something we’ll try next time!

Li
Review №82

Good food and drinks, live band was called Cuband4ever and was SO GREAT. Folks were dancing between the tables and it was just a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Would definitely take my friends or co-workers back there the next time Im in San Diego.

Al
Review №83

The food was delicious! The service and atmosphere were very nice too.

AI
Review №84

Beautiful restaurant. Live music at times. Food was okay. We had paella. Nice romantic place. We were given a gift card from our children for our anniversary. When we gave them the card that was for $100.00 they said it was not showing up. We had to have our daughter email us the receipt so careful for gift certificates. The manager was great. The staff so so.

Jo
Review №85

Amazing environment, staff, and food. The music started at 930, really fun! The food came out fairly quickly, with good portion for a couple. Additionally the hand cut ham was amazing good! The seatting is also different in the sense that you sit with other folks on the same table. It is not a big thing at all. If you want your own table there are plenty available. This is located in the Gaslamp district.

So
Review №86

Excellent food, friendly service and compelling atmosphere. One of few restaurants these days that warrants the expense. I sat by myself at the bar, read my book with wine and fabulous food. A delightful evening.

Al
Review №87

We had some good food... A bit overpriced but it was ok... Pulpo a la gallega and pinchos morunos were really really good, both of them outstanding... We also had some french bread (heaven)... Service was good and fast as well. The only reason i do not give 5 star is due to the tortilla española, I was disappointed with it... Way too wet, big chunks of garlic inside... I could barely feel the egg... To be honest, it seemed from a different rest. Compared to the other dishes... I wish this comment helps to take a look into it....

Jo
Review №88

Absolutely fantastic food, and service. We stopped in due to the rainstorm from the hurricane without knowing what to expect. So glad we did!Heriberto explained not only the menu (because Americans suck at other cultures) but also the background on various dishes and even the flavor profiles and spices. We had the lamb skewer, potatoes brava and the short ribs to start. Omfg! Lamb marinaded in honey, lime, garlic and Moorish spices is absolutely heaven! Add in French bread and a nice black tea.... Wonderful.Music was not too loud, which is hard to do with live music. Great atmosphere and ambiance. Felt comfortable and welcoming.As I told Heriberto, it may be his job but it was our night for a great experience that he was a big part of. Hats off to the restaurant, chef, and Heriberto.Thank you for a wonderful night during a once in a lifetime hurricane. 👍

Fa
Review №89

All dishes we ordered were really good. The price was also reasonable. We definitely would like to come back and try different dishes.

Ve
Review №90

Cafe Sevilla. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Some of my best memories with friends in my 20’s (20 years ago) happened at Cafe Sevilla, the club, the bar, and the restaurant. Well brunch this time around was delicious despite pandemic outside seating. We were there for a friend’s birthday and were surprised by a Pet Holiday Parade as background.We all enjoyed the 6 course tapas brunch. Don’t let the 6 course part scare you away. The portions are tapas size, which means small and manageable. The pictures speak for themselves. The food is delicious and masterfully chosen to compliment each other on the board. The bartender was heavy handed with the alcohol and we didn’t complain a bit. Always a great time at Cafe Sevilla!

Ly
Review №91

This is more like 3.5 stars because the service is good and prices arent their fault. Weve been twice and both times have been taken aback by the portion sizes for the price. We had a Groupon for lunch recently and had the tapas and frittata from their new brunch menu on the patio. It was comfortable and the service was great (making this 3.5 instead of 3). We enjoyed the $10 sangria carafe that was satisfying enough for my fiance and I (though if your goal is tipsy, do 1 each). The food itself is really good (though unsatisfyingly small, almost laughable portions) and fairly authentic Spanish. -2 full stars because either the food portions need to increase or the prices decrease by $1-2 to make this not feel like a rip off when the bill comes.

Be
Review №92

Excellent food and Cool place with live music. Great service and atmosphere!

El
Review №93

My friend convinced me to try out Cafe Sevilla and I must admit it was fantastic. If you’re looking for great ambiance and excellent authentic high quality food, Cafe Sevilla delivers an A experience. For folks like me who don’t eat Spanish food that often, it will make you appreciate the cuisine! My waiter experience was 7/10 but he looked busy so it was very transactional yet courteous. So overall 9/10 which is still an A! Will definitely be back.

St
Review №94

Was excited to have some tapas, was seated outside on a lovely day at about 11 AM. We ordered the sangria flight and a couple share plates while we looked over the menu. After about 20 minutes our dishes came and we still didn’t have our drinks. It wasn’t very busy at all. We looked around and our server was no where to be found. We had finished the two dishes we ordered and finally our server showed up and informed us that they didn’t have two out of the four sangrias. We ordered just two classic sangrias and tried to order some more tapas. He kept telling us that they were out of so many things. He said “sorry, we hardly have anything, it’s was a busy weekend.”Would NOT recommend. Would NOT come back. Hard NO from me.

Ma
Review №95

Great atmosphere and a great food. You have to absolutely try Ahi Tuna Tartare, it comes with very very fresh fish, mango and this amazing sauce. I will also recommend short ribs and Spice Paloma to drink. However; Cheese Ratatouille was only OK

An
Review №96

Visiting from LA! I went for my BFFs bday weekend on a Fri night 4/26, arrived around 10pm we were seated promptly. We tried the ceviche, which was delicious! We also tried the lamb, it took a little longer but it was soooo worth it, it was cooked to perfection. We enjoyed the live music while dinning. After dinner, the server walked us to the club and we danced our night away! The drinks were 8/10, food 10/10, service 10/10

Ar
Review №97

My go to spot for tapas when I visit San Diego. I love the bacon wrapped dates. I tried the manchego cheese and chorizo empanadas and was very pleased with my choice. I topped them off with white sangria which I finished because it had just the right amount of alcohol for me (I’m a lightweight…lol).

Sa
Review №98

I have always wanted to go to a Spanish restaurant just for the Paella. This place didn’t disappoint at all…the food was great. I ordered the Traditional Paella Valenciana and Brussel Sprouts a la Barcelona, which is the best Brussel Sprouts I tried in my life so far.My cousin ordered the 3 Pinchos de Pollo and Mushroom & Fig Coca. He couldn’t stop talking about how great the chicken were or the manchego with the herbs and I approve.The waitress was very friendly…he ordered what she recommended because he was lost with the menu. No complaints at all.I will definitely come here again anytime I am in San Diego.

He
Review №99

It was an excellent service and staff are very professional about their job. The atmosphere is friendly and food are incredible to enjoy with your family and friends.... we came from New York City to San Diego to celebrate 🍾 her birthday. Thank you very much.

S.
Review №100

We were there 4th of July weekend. The whole experience was phenomenal, Paella Valenciana is a MUST. If you visit San Diego, make it one of your main stops.

Ka
Review №101

Our food was delish, drinks were amazing and happy hour was awesome. Our waiter (stephen) was kind of a jerk and pretty condescending so we hated that but otherwise a good experience! Hope we have someone else next time!

Ta
Review №102

We were a group of 40 people attending a conference in San Diego. We contacted this restaurant in advance to organize a group dinner. It was a disappointing and frustrating experience. For $80 each, food were not enough for everyone and paper plates and plastic forks (no knife) were offered. I found it very disrespectful!!!

Ja
Review №103

Came here for Valentines, and it’s one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time! The food was incredible. The drinks were great. The atmosphere and live music were lovely. Will be back soon.

Ka
Review №104

If you live in San Diego and haven’t been to Sevilla yet, what are you waiting for?? Delicious tapas, incredible drinks, and incredible paella!! Great happy hour prices if if you can out early 5-7 M-F.

Ho
Review №105

Fantastic cafe with live music. The cocktails are care of Don Juan, who artfully mixes delicious sangria and all kinds of cocktails. I tried three tapas, and it was too much. Couldnt finish them. The albondigas and the queso fundido were flavorful, and perfectly executed. The veggies Al ajillo, however, were disappointing. They were basically just cherry tomatoes, and for sure not garlicky enough for my taste. This doesnt take away from the rating. My neighbors at the bar were very happy with the Camaro RS, and ceviche, and every single staff member was super friendly, although it was a very busy night, with Comicon on town.Tried the bread with alioli this time around (October 2022), it was absolutely amazing. May get you too full though. I ordered the Crema Catalana without asking for details, and turns out its an espresso version. Since for me, the Crema Catalana s main point of flavor is the delicate lemon hint, it was not my thing. Surely delicious if thats your jam.

Mi
Review №106

What a lovely eatery! Red sangria was nectar of the gods! We enjoyed the seafood paella, brussel sprouts and papas bravas (bold potatoes). Its a must eat spot in the Gaslight District!

Ry
Review №107

Was trying to make a reservation to dine here for a Birthday dinner however, they didn’t accept reservations and told us that they accept walkins and don’t anticipate a long wait. Once we arrived to the restaurant we were told they aren’t accepting any more customers for the night because they ran out of food. Highly disappointed, would not recommend this restaurant for lack of customer consideration and poor customer service.

Ne
Review №108

Oh I have developed an obsession with paella and cafe Sevilla does not let you down, it was so incredible I cannot wait to come again and have that seafood paella, the tamarind margarita was my favorite cocktail, but Lucas went above and beyond with his own version of the tamarind drink, that honestly complimented the paella that much more. Loved the service here and the food. Highly recommend

Ro
Review №109

The nine course brunch here is so good and the lemon tart at the end is amazing. Downstairs inside is pretty loud whether they have live music or not so outside or second floor is the way to go.

Au
Review №110

There are many tapas and other meals serve to the customers. The waiter or waitress would give you some suggestions when you are hard to choose. The grilled lamb is awesome. The meat is so tender and easy for biting.

Vi
Review №111

Great drinks, and tapas.the place is also visually enjoyable.Shout out to Juan the bartender who did our second visit to this place amazing. We’re planning to visit next time we’re in town.

Cy
Review №112

The tapas were great. I went during happy hour and they have great specials and the cocktails are $8 I believe. I got the albondigas, highly recommend, and also the calamari. The service was okay. The food came out in a timely manner. They have outside seating and is dog friendly.

Sa
Review №113

Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The French bread was crunchy outside, soft inside, and paired perfectly with the mushroom dish we ordered. We were there earlier in the evening so we missed the music and flamenco dancers. I could have gone there second time and still not tried everything I wanted to.

Pa
Review №114

We had free Tapas sampler by checking in through yelp. Ordered Traditional Paella. It was really good! Our waiter was very attentive. Awesome place! Would recommend it!

Ro
Review №115

Enjoy the live music and the excellent food with drinks

J
Review №116

This is a great spot in SD for authentic Spanish cuisine. Im a huge paella fan, and they do not disappoint here! Their tapas are a little bit larger than traditional tapas. The server recommended 4 tapas for the two of us, or if we were going to share a paella, 1 tapas each. This was a very accurate recommendation.The sangria is the way to go drink wise here. Ive had the cava and the classic red. The classic red was definitely my personal favorite.Its a little on the pricey side, so it wont be in regular rotation for me, but worth the $$$, so Ill definitely be back.

Ra
Review №117

First found this place over 30 years ago and its still one of my favorite destinations in San Diego. Decades later their sangria is still the best Ive had in California, the food is incredibly good, and the location is beautiful even if I miss the cozy old location on 4th Ave. A wonderful place to visit if you like or want to try Spanish food and even catch some great music.

fe
Review №118

Paella was awesomeFood was goodCompare with other restaurants quality and service I say 4/5They are friendly and professionalCeviche was too small portionOverall highly recommendDrinks was a little too sweet for meDefinitely a must try in San Diego

Al
Review №119

This place is incredible! Hands down one of the best meals I had in SD. The pan con tomate was actually the best I’ve tasted, even better than what I had in Madrid! The ceviche trio is nice so that you can try the tuna, octopus, and halibut & shrimp... octopus is the best. The single serving of the traditional seafood paella was more than enough for 2 to share. The seafood tasted fresh and was overall amazing! The flourless chocolate cake was the perfect ending to the meal. I literally savored every bite of every dish I had, it was delicious!!! Would return again and again.

He
Review №120

Spanish bar vibes, great tapas. Recommend the mushroom and fig caco. Cute bar tenders are a plus!

Ir
Review №121

Always the best night out! Check out their restaurant upstairs and make sure to try hamon iberico, tuna tartar and freshly baked bread with some cheese. The desserts are to die for! And they have amazing live music almost every day!To finish off the night check out their bachata and salsa classes downstairs and dont forget sangria 💃🏻💃🏻

Ch
Review №122

Good food great service we went there on a Friday night for dinner. The bills came out to $100 on their special menu. But my wife and I love everything about this place. It can get crazy when the band start playing at 10pm.

Ka
Review №123

Great ambiance, the food was ok not as Spanish as I thought but is good anyways. Good tapas

SS
Review №124

Great atmosphere and food was lovely and fresh. Its just too noisy to have a conversation. Their sangria is so good so was their lamb brocheta.

Te
Review №125

We went for a late lunch. The place is nicely decored. Good service. The food is good but kind of hit or miss, we ordered croquetas de queso(delicious!) and also escabeche mussels (pricy and no flavor). So I think is that kind of place you need to go a couple of times to have a final opinion.

It
Review №126

Love this place! We are from LA and chanced upon it while walking around back in Dec. with my cousin. Took my girls to SD for spring break and I wanted them to experience this place and its great food. It dodnt disappoint. My 18 and 7 year old daughters loved all the food we ordered, loved the vibe of this place and loved the music last night. Cafe Sevilla is one of my fave. restaurants in SD.

Br
Review №127

So good. The mango sangria and the waffle breakfast sandwich were amazing!!!! Really everything was amazing. Service was great. Good music playing in the background. Very dark and laid back vibe inside. Would come back and can highly recommend. Best food we have had in a while.

Ma
Review №128

The service was awesome! Go see Ray! Everything was good, but the calamari was ok. They served it on a wood board with two different sauce spread out on the board with crunchy calamari on top. By the time you make your way down, its soggy. Its a nice idea but sauce on the side is better.

Je
Review №129

We love coming here! There is live music almost every night. There’s bar and table seating.

Ch
Review №130

Very good food! The meat paella and braised short rib was amazing. This was the only place we could find still serving food late at sdcc! It was a great place to relax and decompress after a long day. Band was great, too!

Me
Review №131

At Café Sevilla, the exceptional atmosphere adds to the charm of an already outstanding dining experience. Our waitress, Ariel, made our visit truly unforgettable with her attentive service and warm demeanor. Amidst the inviting ambiance, the food delighted our palates with authentic Spanish flavors. For a memorable meal accompanied by a great atmosphere, Café Sevilla is the perfect choice.

De
Review №132

Located in the Gaslamp area. Good service and food was flavorful. Overall great dining experience.

Ca
Review №133

A visit to Cafe Sevilla might feel like a trip to Spain. The restaurant is adorned with spanish imagery and the meny offers many a tasty spanish speciality. At night the restaurant is a lively place night, featuring high quality live music. Nice staff. A good place to spend the evening.

Sw
Review №134

Great vibes and service at Cafe Sevilla.Service and staff were friendly and attentive (she noticed our drinks didnt look right and got it changed).They have live music later in the evenings which was brilliant and created a festive feel.

Je
Review №135

Great place, awesome food, all the tapas cold and hot taste great... We were there during weekend so dont forget reservation if big party.. there was a line..

Al
Review №136

This place is great! I love the jamon iberico here ; the chef sliced it right in front of us, adding a lot to the experience!I ate too many things to recall them all here, but the service was good and the environment was as well.

Ch
Review №137

We had a fun dinner and dessert at Cafe Sevilla. Great atmosphere and a wonderful setting right on fifth avenue. Being someone that enjoys spanish style food, wine and music, this was the perfect place for a nice evening in San Diego.

Sa
Review №138

Delicious food, nice atmosphere. Live music is good but however I feel like music is a little too loud for dinner, It would be perfect for late night.

Fr
Review №139

A must while in SD. Place was packed Saturday night and the hostess made it happen for us, she got us a table. Great service, atmosphere and amazing food. The 5 course for 2 is a must. And the mezcal negroni is amazing.

Va
Review №140

We went there for the flamenco dinner show and had the preset menu but added a couple appetizers. The mushroom & fig flatbread and the olive bread were the only good things we ate. Their food has gone downhill, the paella was terrible, the fried calamari was terrible, the dessert (lemon tart) was mediocre. At least we enjoyed the flamenco show but probably wont return to eat there again.

Ro
Review №141

The beef empanadas were next level awesome. Had only a few other tapas and the classic sangria which was good.

Ky
Review №142

The food was absolutely amazing. A great place to hang out with friends and share a plate.We had a great service, they knew when we were needed and when to leave us alone, and made great recommendations on food.The atmosphere was great. There was live music inside and a great energy on a Friday night.

Ca
Review №143

Love coming here. Delicious tapas, wonderful service, fantastic live music, dancing. It’s always such a joyful experience.

Am
Review №144

Great food, live entertainment, and a friendly staff. Make sure to order the beef empanadas -- theyre amazing!

Be
Review №145

Loved happy hour here! The mango mojito is to die for and the sangria wasnt half bad either. We got a bunch of tapas and some of them are pretty small and pricey but I guess thats the spirit of tapas haha. Most of the tapas were good but not that memorable, but we did enjoy the calamares fritos a lot Live music was a nice touch on the outside patio and it was a nice vibe.

It
Review №146

Had dinner here a couple weeks ago with my sister and let me tell you I was amazed by the great service and awesome food! We enjoyed the live music to the Rumba and Bohemia night with some drinks. My favorite was the brussel sprouts!! But I also loved the patatas bravas and beef brocheta. I really liked the vibe of this place, very relaxing and enjoyable time!

Lu
Review №147

What a fantastic place! Everything about our visit here was just right.The atmosphere is really good, it has an old hacienda mixed with old and unique artifacts all over the place. Rough iron and wood furniture accent the amenities while remaining comfortable.We sat outside to enjoy the street and order several things for me and wife.Sangria was very good, maybe a bit in the stronger side, but very tasty.Had ceviche and pinchos de pollo to start, while they were both delicious, the pinchos take first place. They are done perfectly, they are flavorful, juicy with the perfect amount if spice kick.The paella was also delicious. If you like the bland side of things go with the fish paella, the meats tend to have a stronger taste.After out meal, live Spanish musicians arrive, our waiter was super friendly and accommodating. He found us a small table inside for us to move and enjoy the music show. The show was also excellent great musicians and good songs.Place made for an excellent dinner date and out of the ordinary experience. I highly recommend going there, in particular if they are having live music, it really seals the night with a golden seal!

Do
Review №148

OMG we loved this place. Were went least night, the food was amazing and they had a live band. Dont remember the bands name, but they were awesome. Great drinks, great staff, great food, great atmosphere and we would definitely go back.

An
Review №149

Service was excellent! The tapas we ordered were so darn good, its a shame that the dish that took the longest, Pinchos de Pollo was prepared by someone who did not take the time to clean the vegetables properly and left a tag on the bell peppers. For the price of dinner, there should be some type of quality control. The sangria was also very good but more apples than sangria.

Fe
Review №150

The culinary experience was truly outstanding—a perfect spot to gather with friends and enjoy a shared meal.The service was excellent, with an intuitive understanding of when to assist and when to provide space. The staff also offered fantastic recommendations for our meal.The ambiance was delightful, featuring live music indoors and a vibrant energy that added to the Friday night atmosphere.

Ki
Review №151

A lively place for delicious tapas! Save room for the paella - the classic gives you a little bit of everything and the seafood was tender.

Mi
Review №152

Amazing food and good service. Went for dinner on a busy night and had a really good time.Paella was delicious.

Jo
Review №153

Delicious food!! My favourite was the calamari, shrimp, and lamb chops, they were soooo nice. We got a pitcher of sangria to share and it was not too sweet. All round a brilliant dining experience with live music and dancing- our only constructive comment would be that the tables are too small for all the tapas plates!! Definitely recommended

Am
Review №154

Sadly the hostess service was the worst weve had anywhere in a long time. We couldnt even get on a list to wait for a table when we arrived. Very unorganized front of house.However, table service and food was amazing as always so dont give up if there is an unusually long wait. Better still, make a reservation!

Br
Review №155

The food was delicious! I recommend the beef empanadas and traditional paella. The dessert was okay. We got a dessert trio and our bread pudding was dry and slightly burnt. The flan was yummy, but a little small. The hot chocolate served with churros were the best of the three, but Ive had better elsewhere. I would have liked to see the flamenco show but we visited during the afternoon. Since it was happy hour, prices were great. The mojitos were the best Ive ever tasted -- absolutely mind blowing! Overall, it was a nice experience and I would return.

Ni
Review №156

You can’t beat this sexy, vibrant atmosphere. Live romantic music, great wines and ambience. The 15 hr short ribs and garlic shrimp were to die for! Enjoy a fantastic intimate evening then dance off your meal next door at Sevilla Nightclub. Bring your salsa shoes and get ready to rumba. One of our favorite local hot spots. #latin #cuisine #datenight #livemusic #dance #sandiego #nightlife

Ma
Review №157

The staff are super friendly and the service was great and fast.We loved their freshly baked bread (although they charge 7$ for it.. it’s not complimentary)But we didn’t like their traditional paella that much.. the taste is a bit plane and the sausage wasn’t good.The overall experience was good but overpriced (paella for 2 with 60$!!)

J
Review №158

Tuna tartar tower, Im speechless, mango, cucumber avocado so good. And Gilbert behind the bar is awesome.

Mo
Review №159

Very very delicious! Attentive service and fair prices. Get the potato tart and the 16-hour braised heaven!

Li
Review №160

Walking down gas lamp and smelled how good it was coming from this restaurant. We didn’t have a reservation but we only waited 15 minutes and they were able to get us in! Our Drinks and food were soo good. And to top it off our server Carlo was so attentive and personable. So glad we randomly decided to eat here.

K
Review №161

Fabulous food, great service, lovely atmosphere. If you want to chat outside is best.

Jo
Review №162

The taste of Spain in the Latin America light American city - San Diego.Appetizer: Queso FundidoDinner: Paella ValencianaDessert: Churros con Chocolate

Sh
Review №163

Great happy hour specials! Came in to celebrate a birthday. Service was great. We loved the Tortilla espanol, datilles (stuffed dates), spicy octopus ceviche, chicken and shrimp tacos, and the barrel of sangria. Forgot what other dishes we ordered but everything was delicious.They brought out a fun sparkler with their complementary birthday bread pudding dessert too!

H.
Review №164

Great service. Large number of options on the menu. Seafood paella is delicious. A great place to share several plates with friends.

Ju
Review №165

We had a great experience: awesome food, great location and an amazing musician!The owner Rudy and his employees are very friendly and caring. We will definetly come back!

Je
Review №166

Very good Spanish restaurant; i would recommend this to anyone who wants to try something different if Spanish isint a usual dish for you. We got multiple small dishes and our main dish was the mixed Paella. The trio desert is also very delicious and the price is moderate.

Fi
Review №167

Place is fantastic! Great food, music and vibes. Definitely would go back next time in San Diego!

Ja
Review №168

Great food, great music! The family platters are great value - we were stuffed for $39 a person!Love the bathroom decor!

Vi
Review №169

Great little place. Awesome! Spanish cuisine. Had the mixed seafood paella topped with lobster. Must try the sangria

Ju
Review №170

Awesome place for drinks and TAPAS!!! LOVED the live music on a Sunday evening. The place had a great vibe and cant wait to take my girl again.

Ma
Review №171

My boyfriend had Horrible service he waited 20 min for a fork and water never got the water. Food looked great but the tuna tar tar wasnt good and the paella was cold by the time he got the fork.

Je
Review №172

My favorite tapas restaurant with great drink selection. Nice music playing in the evening.

Da
Review №173

Sangria was delicious! Natara was a excellent server on the patio. Very accommadating. Edit:above and beyond by Natara! We had a variety of tapas. Calamari and meat paella were very good and well seasoned. Recommend for a night out in gaslamp and listening to the live music!!IG: @chef_ruvolo

Ma
Review №174

Just go here. Live music, good food, & gas lamp vibes. On top of that decor is pretty epic. Music is pretty loud so if youre looking for a nice quiet dinner skip this place. If youre looking for a fun party atmosphere this is the place.

Ke
Review №175

Empanadas were excellent—light and flaky crust and superb filling. The white peach sangria with brandy was pleasant for sipping, but quite tart.

Ca
Review №176

I give the place 5 stars just because of Karina she was AWESOME the food is authentic SPANISH not mexican... so if youve never been to spain its a good first experience. The food is different.

Di
Review №177

Such a gem in the Gaslamp area of San Diego. The Salsa evenings were amazing and the food was great.We want on a saturday night because they were one of the few restaurants with an open kitchen that late at night, and in no way did that hurt the quality of food and the amazing service.There was a live band + DJ combo, with the ground floor transforming to a disco scene you could only find in movies.Go there :)

Ke
Review №178

First meal visiting the USA, light bites, great live music, amazing staff, cool vibe.Thanks from a UK traveller

m.
Review №179

Great selection of tapas, pan con tomate and garlic mashed potatos were my fav! vegan/vegetarian menu is online only, pleasantly surprised to see there are a substantial number of options. chocolate and churros were freshly made, hot, sweet, and delicious, live music made for a great ambience on a friday night.

Ke
Review №180

Omg! What didn’t we order... we were hungry lol. Cafe Sevilla is located in the DT area on 5the Ave. This is a new location which offers upstairs & downstairs seating. It is a Spanish tapes bar that actually does Spain justice. I’ve been to Spain and thoroughly enjoyed eating my way through the country. We always order a pitcher of red sangria. It is fresh, not sweet, and packs a good punch. On this visit we ordered papas brava, calamari, empanadas, shrimp al ajillo, & tortilla espanola. The food is fantastic! Everything we ordered was delicious. The service is wonderful. Our waiter was nice, funny, & attentive. I love live music and that was definitely a highlight. Although there are signs indicating that dancing is prohibited... people can’t help themselves. The environment is pleasant, relaxing and friendly. People are there to enjoy themselves! They are there to eat great food, drink delicious sangria and listen to live music. Cafe Sevilla is a must!

Su
Review №181

OMG! The best Paella EVER! And Travis C. Was excellent server!We went to Spain last year and tried super fancy and street Paella and missed it so much! Went to so many places and ended up so lucky to have found Cafe Sevilla! The Paella with ink rice and lobster is the best of the best! All staff are super nice and the location and atmosphere were amazing! Could not wait to come back for more!!!!

Fr
Review №182

The music was fun. The ambience was celebratory. The food was really good. Service was amazing. Turns out she is a dancer and has so much history to contribute to the experience in terms of her personal background. The musicians were playing music that was a cross of Gypsy and Cuban flair (Gypsy Kings and Havana Social club). We ordered several tapas, paella, and the red sangria. The scallops got rave reviews from our group. Please note that the portions of the tapas seem to be geared towards groups of 4. Paella was done just right where none of the mariscos were over cooked not was the rice dry. It was just right. The sangria went down smooth and easy. I would come back here any day of the week.

El
Review №183

The worst restaurant experience and show ever. We paid $289.74 for tickets and $210.57 for two appetizers and four drinks that seemed to lack tequila. The place was underground, and the design and furniture were very old and not good at all. The show was awful; it seemed like they had hired the lowest-paid artists. It was truly a scam; the artists were not even close to the brochure image. They didnt even provide them with nice flamenco clothes. The quality of the food was dreadful; I couldnt eat anything from the food, and they charged us $500!! Weve been to the most luxurious restaurants, and they charge less. They impose a 20% tip, but it should be up to the customer how much to tip, and surprisingly, they wanted to ask for more tip again. Everything was awful; the only positive aspect was our waiter, who was nice and polite.

Vi
Review №184

Nice place for a night out. I wasn’t interested in Spanish food but the mood and music were the best experience at Cafe Sevilla.Drinks were also good and price was reasonableHighly recommend for couple or group of friends.Will be back when I come to San Diego

Ra
Review №185

Little Barcelona in San Diego with great tapas and cocktail options. Stay late and witness a live performance to make good on the extra $$$ you paid.

An
Review №186

I Love their Gambas al Ajillo and the Paella. They have fantastic entertainment in the Restaurant and Underground level! Their Flamenco/Belly Dance show is spectacular!!!

Go
Review №187

Live music, tasty food and awesome Spanish wines.I really love it here. They have a good happy hour too.

Li
Review №188

Some of the better tapas I’ve had in the US but not very traditional. The tortilla española had goat cheese and tomato, the pulpo had way too much red pepper and they didn’t have a very good selection of reservas. Plus tapas didn’t come with bread... but the service was wonderful!

St
Review №189

Our date night was exceptional. From the service to the food, we were very satisfied. The Scallops A La Plancha were highlight of my night, with a plate of black rice. We enjoyed the music while we ate and sipped our cocktails.

Ke
Review №190

Great atmosphere. Good tapas. Didnt try enough for a five star review. But enjoyed what we had.

Sh
Review №191

Seafood place, not impressive. Be aware of the check, they have 5% surcharge.

Do
Review №192

There was a group of 10 of us tonight and we were definitely feisty. Sevilla treated us like a champs!! Thank you for the great time and hospitality!!

Ma
Review №193

Cafe Sevilla serves authentic paella and other Spanish dishes as good as, or better than, the cuisine experienced on several trips to Spain. We started with mojitos (excellent)... shared the tasty mushroom empanadas and a halibut and shrimp ceviche for appetizers... and split the traditional Paella Valenciana for our entree. Delicioso!

Vl
Review №194

I have one of the better dinner I had. The waiters was so nice and professional she was excellent and help us to have a good time and save some money with her subgestions The food was delicious, the dessert too. Even when is located in Gasland, San Diego downtown to me was no too expensive. I will like to visit this retaurant one more time.

El
Review №195

The place is really good! Food is tasty, you can tell they know how to do it! The service was the best, kind, honest and helpful. Very nice music and ambiance!

Ge
Review №196

The best place in san diego for dinner and live music the service is number one the food is delicious and the music is amazing

gu
Review №197

Amazing food. I recommend the tour of Spain 5 course meal.Service had opportunities but I am definitely going back.

Te
Review №198

Pretty good food. We did the tour through Spain for 2. Essentially you can pick some tapas, entrees and share a dessert, you also get $20 off a bottle of wine or a pitcher of sangria. We were fairly happy with the dishes we picked but it was too much food and some of the tapas seemed gimmicky.

Ru
Review №199

Food was delicious, service was friendly and there was live music!!The flan is a must try.

Information
1971 Photos
199 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:353 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
  • Site:https://www.cafesevilla.com/
  • Phone:+1 619-233-5979
Categories
Working hours
  • Monday:4:30 PM–1:30 AM
  • Tuesday:4:30 PM–1:30 AM
  • Wednesday:4:30 PM–1:30 AM
  • Thursday:4:30 PM–1:30 AM
  • Friday:4:30 PM–1:30 AM
  • Saturday:4:30 PM–1:30 AM
  • Sunday:11 AM–1:30 AM
Service options
  • Outdoor seating:Yes
  • Kerbside pickup:Yes
  • No-contact delivery:Yes
  • Delivery:Yes
  • Takeaway:Yes
  • Dine-in:Yes
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great dessert:Yes
  • Live music:Yes
Popular for
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Dinner:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Offerings
  • Alcohol:Yes
  • Beer:Yes
  • Cocktails:Yes
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Comfort food:Yes
  • Happy-hour drinks:Yes
  • Happy-hour food:Yes
  • Healthy options:Yes
  • Late-night food:Yes
  • Private dining room:Yes
  • Small plates:Yes
  • Spirits:Yes
  • Vegetarian options:Yes
  • Wine:Yes
Dining options
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Brunch:Yes
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Dinner:Yes
  • Catering:Yes
  • Dessert:Yes
  • Seating:Yes
Amenities
  • Bar on site:Yes
  • Toilets:Yes
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cosy:Yes
  • Romantic:Yes
  • Trendy:Yes
  • Upmarket:Yes
Crowd
  • Groups:Yes
  • LGBTQ+ friendly:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
  • Transgender safe space:Yes
  • University students:Yes
Planning
  • Dinner reservations recommended:Yes
  • Accepts reservations:Yes
  • Usually a wait:Yes
Payments
  • Credit cards:Yes
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
Children
  • High chairs:Yes
  • Kids' menu:Yes
Parking
  • Paid multi-storey car park:Yes
  • Paid parking lot:Yes
  • Paid street parking:Yes
  • Parking:Yes
Pets
  • Dogs allowed:Yes
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