Sevilla is full of restaurants, but very few come with a setting like this.
Tucked away in the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, just steps from the Giralda, San Marco offers the chance to dine inside beautifully preserved 12th-century Arab baths.
The restaurant has won praise from international heavyweights including The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, cementing its reputation as one of the city’s standout dining spots.
The space retains its original character, with vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork and the distinctive star-shaped skylights typical of traditional hammams.
The baths date back to the 12th century, when they were used by the Muslim population for ritual purification before prayer – at a time when the site of today’s cathedral was still a mosque.
Over the centuries, the building has lived many lives. It was later converted into a lodging house, then passed into the hands of the church, and eventually even served as stables and carriage storage.
Today, it has been restored into one of Sevilla’s most unique dining experiences.
Despite its historic surroundings, the food is firmly rooted in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
San Marco has been serving diners since 1994, building a reputation for quality and consistency over more than three decades.
The menu ranges from classic pastas and risottos to pizzas and more substantial meat and fish dishes, all with subtle Spanish influences. Think rich ravioli, fresh seafood and hearty cuts of meat alongside traditional Italian staples.
There’s also a tasting menu for those looking for a full experience, alongside a wide à la carte selection.
World-renowned chef Ferran Adria – later of El Bulli fame – spent time working here early in his career, adding another layer of culinary credibility to the restaurant’s story.
The New York Times described it as a highlight of a visit to Sevilla, while Los Angeles Times compared it to eating ‘in the chambers of a sultan.’
In a city known for its history, this might just be one of the most unique dining experiences you can have.
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