In a new travel series called ‘Local Gems’, the Spanish Eye visits and recommends bars and restaurants across Andalucia and the Costa del Sol – got a tip? Email news@thespanisheye.com
Tucked away in the historic centre of Sevilla, there’s a place where time seems to have stood still for more than three centuries – and where Hollywood legend Harrison Ford once pulled up a chair.
Welcome to El Rinconcillo, widely considered the oldest continuously operating bar in the city, serving locals and visitors alike since 1670.
Over more than 350 years, this iconic spot has witnessed the reign of 15 kings and four royal dynasties, from the Habsburgs to the Bourbons.
Yet despite the passing centuries, it has retained its original charm: tiled walls, handwritten chalk menus, and that unmistakable old-world Andalucian atmosphere.
El Rinconcillo has quietly attracted an impressive list of international and Spanish celebrities over the years.
Harrison Ford visited during a trip to Sevilla in 2016, dining alongside Calista Flockhart and sampling the restaurant’s traditional dishes.
Spanish superstar Rosalia has also left her mark in the guestbook, reportedly enjoying classic desserts like tocino de cielo alongside hearty tapas.
Other notable visitors include tennis player Maria Sharapova – proof that this humble tavern has global appeal.
What to eat at El Rinconcillo
The real star, of course, is the food – traditional, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in Andalusian cuisine.
If you go, don’t miss:
- Espinacas con garbanzos – a Sevilla classic and one of the bar’s most famous dishes
- Gambas cocidas – you can’t go wrong with a plate of fresh prawns
- Carrillada iberica – slow-cooked Iberian pork cheek in rich sauce
- Bacalao con tomate – salted cod with tomato, simple but packed with flavour
- Ajoblanco – a chilled almond and garlic soup, often served with a modern twist
- Croquetas caseras – Homemade croquettes that are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside
There’s also a strong focus on cured meats, cheeses, and hearty stews – the kind of food that feels like it came straight from a grandmother’s kitchen.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, finish with tocino de cielo, cheesecake or flan, all homemade.
One of the most surprising things about El Rinconcillo is that, despite its fame, prices remain refreshingly reasonable. Tapas still hover around just around €3 while large plates are around €9, making it accessible without losing its authenticity.
That balance is exactly why it continues to win over both tourists and Sevillanos.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
