Cafe Sevilla
353 5th Avenue, San Diego CA 92101Café Sevilla delivers the warmth and culture of Southern Spain locally, with a casually elegant atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Café Sevilla offers traditional Spanish items like pitchers of sangria, a wide selection of tapas, and large paella platters which make it an excellent location for small groups. Theatrical Flamenco dinner shows are offered weekly and lively guitarists play Gypsy Rhumba and Latin music each night in the tapas bar. The restaurant has been a San Diego favorite for more than 20 years and a recent move has put their new location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The décor, atmosphere, and focus on tradition make this an exceptional dining experience and culinary adventure.
Cafe Sevilla: A Spanish Escape
Review by TableAgent
Just beyond the corner of 4th and Market, there is a portal. Enter it any evening, and it will transport you halfway across the world to the heart of southern Spain. All you have to do is step inside. Travelers do it for all sorts of reasons. Some go for a romantic meal in a casual courtyard underneath the stars, others grab a drink and a snack at a tapas bar, and still others go to enjoy a flamenco dinner show, take salsa dancing lessons, or dance the night away. You don't need a plane ticket or a passport, just a few hours, some spending money, and an appetite for adventure.
You'll find the entrance to Spain at 555 4th Avenue, under a large sign that reads: Cafe Sevilla. It's been there since 1987, thanks to Rogelio Huidobro, who wanted to bring a bit of Spain's culture and tapas traditions to San Diego. Depending on what you're in the mood for, you can enter through one of three doors. The entrance proper, where a hostess will eagerly greet you, takes you to the charming restaurant's courtyard setting; a second door takes you to a connected tapas bar; and a third, which opens later in the evening and is located down a flight of stairs, takes you to an underground dance club.
We opt for the restaurant proper. Stepping through the main doors, it appears we are in a small courtyard, with clay tiles beneath our feet and stucco walls around us. Low lighting, both from tabletop candles and wall sconces, cast a flickering glow across the space. A mural stretched across one wall depicts happy couples lingering and dancing—it's as if they can hear the Spanish guitar that plays softly from hidden speakers. A painted ceiling reveals stars just beginning to emerge in the evening's sky. Between the stuccoed walls, an interior entrance to the tapas bar affords a glimpse of the lively scene next door. Behind us, an open kitchen sits behind a six-seat bar and glowing red lanterns. Chef Christian Vignes’s team is already in a whirlwind of action.
It's all we can to do sit back, relax, and sigh. We haven't even glanced at the menus when we are greeted by Adam, an amicable, quintessentially professional server who will be our guide on this trip. "Have you been to Cafe Sevilla before?" he inquires, launching with a smile into an explanation of the menu when we reply we have not.
Tapas—the general term for small plates or appetizers—originated in Spanish taverns centuries ago. Small portions of breads, olives, and cheeses launched a tradition that today allows diners the luxury of sampling a broad array of dishes in a single meal. At Cafe Sevilla, the selection includes both traditional tapas plates as well as more modern, fusion creations. Larger, entrée-sized dishes, including enormous portions of paella, are also offered. Café Sevilla’s tapas are both hot and cold, portioned in two sizes. About four small plates or two to three larger plates are recommended per person. Sharing is encouraged.
The most difficult moment of the evening comes when we must narrow down our tapas selection. Anticipating the process, Adam brings drinks while we begin the debate. I'm enamored with the selection of Spanish wines, and opt for a glass of Torres Muscat from the Penedes region. My date scans the list of sangria and specialty drinks and opts for a combination of the two—the Sangritini, an Absolut martini with a splash of red sangria.
We start with the simplest of dishes—bread. Warm from the oven, a small loaf arrives on a simple wood cutting board, accompanied by two dipping sauces. I look to my right for a knife and fork and smile when I realize even the table is set to encourage sharing. Small plates are stacked in the center of the table, next to a large jar holding knives, forks, and spoons. Reaching for plates and utensils from a communal stash offers a symbolic beginning to the meal.
Two dips accompanying the bread suggest the flavors that await us. Andalucian tomato sauce resonates with depth and complexity, showcasing tomato and garlic. Garlic aioli is bright and piquant, offering a sharp, acidic tang that awakens our taste buds. As we settle in for a meal rich in flavor, we switch to Manzanilla Sherry. The traditional aperitif also proves excellent paired with food.
A trio of plates arrive stacked on a iron tower, a presentation that helps save surface space on our soon-to-be crowded table. A second iron sculpture quickly follows: a two-foot tall hook rising from a plate, which allows a steaming skewer of meat—a brocheta—to dangle vertically. It’s hard to exhibit restraint as Adam spreads the remaining small plates over the dark wood table.
I start with Pisto Manchego, a bewitchingly complex vegetable ragout of tomato, eggplant, zucchini, onion, and garlic, topped with a layer of melted Manchego cheese. The vegetables are a mix of textures—the eggplant is a light and airy puree, while the zucchini is diced into thick, hearty pieces. The flavors are complex and elusive—each bite resonates with underlying spice, freshness, and the salty-sweet distinctness of the cheese. We are smitten.
At Adam's recommendation, we simultaneously sample two tapas that are meant to be eaten together—Filet Mignon Chilindron and Manchego Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Bite-sized pieces of tender filet mignon mingle with tiny button mushrooms in a rich stew. While the meat slowly dissolves on the tongue, the mushrooms explode with moistness and flavor. Saffron's unmistakable flavor reveals itself in the creamy sauce, adding a lingering depth to each savory bite. The potatoes are rich and creamy, the salty sweet Manchego cheese lending a clever twist to the ubiquitous dish. The sauce seeps into the potatoes on my plate, and a bite that contains the two is absolutely sublime.
It's a tough call, but we decide the Beef Brocheta wins out over the Filet Mignon. From the large, dangling skewer, we pull large pieces of flat iron steak, portobello mushrooms, and red onions, getting to feel the meat's tenderness before it reaches our plate. Perfectly charred from the grill, the steak is coated with a flavorful Moorish spice rub, adding a salty, addictive flavor to each succulent bite.
The Shrimp Ajillo is full of flavor, thanks to a rich white wine garlic sauce. For every shrimp there is a thick sliver of garlic, which surprisingly lends flavor without being overbearing. The sauce is light but deliciously complex, full of tomato, acidity, and tang. It pairs amazingly with our lingering Sherry.
And then: Paella. The Paella Valencia arrives in a steaming metal pan, a wonderland of tastes and textures. Firm saffron rice is peppered with land and sea—thick rings of stark white calamari, pale pink shrimp, vibrant slices of chorizo, jet black mussles, pale clams, and roasted chicken. A plate of paella offers the same opportunity as a table full of tapas—ripe with potential, it’s an endless array of flavor combinations. Each bite affords a new experience—tender, sweet shrimp, rice bursting with saffron and spice, sausage exploding with bold, unrivaled flavor. Paella and tapas—those Spaniards do it right.
While tapas alone will comprise an amazing meal, Café Sevilla’s entrees are equally stunning. The Grilled Salmon a la Parrilla, one of several fusion-inspired dishes on the menu, has many a devoted fan. A generous portion of bright pink salmon sits atop a bed of diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, and verdant pesto sauce, accompanied by a wedge of a potato pie of sorts. The potato accompaniment is a flavorful surprise—layers of sliced potatoes, spinach, and cheese combine in a Spanish-tortilla-like dish. The salmon, however, steals the show, the moist, flaky meat mingling with lively pesto, tart tomatoes, and savory olives. It is so flavorful, so enjoyable, that I am tempted to eat the entire dish, even after an entire tapas course.
The same holds true for dessert. The Andaulcuan Apple Tart is evidently fresh, a flaky puff pastry delicately supporting a layer of slivered, roasted apples. A lush maple brandy syrup covers both the tart and the rest of the plate, and the aroma of maple and apples that wafts up makes us think it is morning. Each bite is outstanding—buttery, flaky pastry mingling with cooked apples and a sweet, complex sauce. An accompanying scoop of caramel gelato pushes the dish over the top. It is comforting, like French toast, and invigorating, rather than weighty.
Perhaps the lightness of dessert is intentional, as a Cafe Sevilla experience isn't over when the meal ends. Beneath the restaurant, the night club offers live shows, dancing, and music seven days a week. Flamenco guitarists start strolling through the tapas bar around 8:30, and the nightclub has a packed lineup: Sundays plus Tuesday through Thursdays offer free salsa-dancing lessons, Fridays and Saturdays offer Flamenco performance dinner shows, and Mondays feature local Spanish rock bands. After 10:00, the nightclub turns dance club, with live salsa bands during the week, and DJs on the weekends.
Café Sevilla is a tour through the best of Spanish culture. It is the only place in San Diego you’ll find Spain’s outstanding cuisine, alluring music, and captivating dancing under one roof. So what are you waiting for? A Spanish vacation is at your fingertips.
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Reservations
Business Info
- Address: 353 5th Avenue, San Diego CA 92101
- Cross Street: J Street
- Location: Downtown | Gaslamp Quarter
- Cuisine: Spanish |
- Cost: | Inexpensive
- Category: Fine Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress Code: Casual
- Meals Served: Dinner | Late |
- Parking: Street |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover |
- Corkage Fee: 15.00 | Per 750ml bottle.
- Website: http://www.cafesevilla.com/
- Phone: (619) 233-5979
- Features: Full Bar, Sunday Brunch, Late Dining, Catering Services, Live Entertainment, Outdoor Seating, Private Room, Takeout Available, Wheelchair Access, Valet Parking, Happy Hours, Personal Wines Allowed, Lounge / Bar, Healthy Options,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, People Watching, Special Occasion, Quick Bite, Trendy / Hip,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 11:45 PM
- Happy Hours - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Tuesday
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 11:45 PM
- Happy Hours - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Wednesday
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 11:45 PM
- Happy Hours - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Thursday
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 11:45 PM
- Happy Hours - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Friday
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Happy Hours - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Happy Hours - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday
- Brunch - Main Dining Room 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 11:00 AM
- Happy Hours - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions- What cities does Cafe Sevilla have locations in?
- Cafe Sevilla has locations in San Diego, Long Beach and Riverside.
- What nights does the restaurant feature live music?
- Every night in the tapas bar, Cafe Sevilla features live music and entertainment.
- Does Café Sevilla in San Diego have a catering delivery service?
- Yes.
- Is this restaurant open for late night dining?
- On Fridays and Saturdays, Cafe Sevilla is open until 1am for late night dining.
Menus
Brunch Buffet
$18.95
Sunday: 10:00am-2:00pm Includes one glass of champagne, mimosa, sangria or draft beer. This is a sample menu. Prices and availability may be subject to change.
Breakfast Selections
- Scrambled Eggs 0.00
- O'Brien Potatoes 0.00
- Maple Sausage 0.00
- Bacon 0.00
- Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese 0.00
- Smoked Salmon Display 0.00
- Fresh Waffles 0.00
- Seasonal Fruit Selection 0.00
Seafood Display
- Seared Ahi Tuna Bites 0.00
- Fresh Oysters 0.00
- Smoked Salmon Display 0.00
- Peel and Eat Shrimp with Lemon and Cocktail Sauce 0.00
Hot Buffet
- Family Style Paella Valenciana 0.00
- Herb Marinated Salmon with Lemon Caper Sauce 0.00
- Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Sauce 0.00
- Portabello Mushroom Ravioli 0.00
- Meatballs al Xerez 0.00
- Roasted Garlic Manchego Mashed Potatoes 0.00
Salad Selection
- House Garden Salad 0.00
- Asian Noodle Salad 0.00
- Vegetable & Tomato Balsamic Pasta Salad 0.00
Tapa Tastings
- Tortilla Española 0.00
- Marinated Artichokes 0.00
- Marinated, Imported Olive Display 0.00
- Mushrooms in Balsamic Vinaigrette 0.00
- Spicy Spanish Octopus 0.00
Dessert
- Chocolate Fountain with Fresh Fruit 0.00
- Cookies 0.00
- Marshmallows 0.00
- Assorted Mini Pastries 0.00
Drink Specials
- Sevilla Bloody Mary ($6) 0.00
- Vodka with Sevilla’s homemade gazpacho
- Bloody Mary ($6) 0.00
- With Absolut vodka
- Bloody Maria ($6) 0.00
- If vodka is not your thing, try this version with Jose Cuervo tequila
- Michelada ($4) 0.00
- XX Lager with bloody mary mix and Tabasco sauce
- Sevilla Special Bloody Mary Garnish ($2) 0.00
- Skewer of sauteed jumbo shrimp, chorizo & marinated olives
- Sangria ($5) 0.00
- Spain’s famous wine cocktail
- Bellini ($5) 0.00
- Refreshing champagne cocktail. Choice of peach, mango or blood orange
- Classic Mimosa ($7) 0.00
- Champagne with Cointreau & fresh orange juice
- Mimosa ($4) 0.00
- Champagne with orange juice
- All You Can Drink Champagne ($5) 0.00
- With purchase of buffet
Happy Hour
Served at the Tapas Bar daily: 4:00pm-7:00pm. This is a sample menu only. Prices and availability may be subject to change.
Well Drinks
- Domestic & Draft Beer 4.00
- Red or White Sangria 4.00
- House Red or White Wine 4.00
- Bullring 6.00
- Sevilla's Mixologist's Collection
Pitchers
- Red or White Sangria 20.00
- Sevilla Mojito 20.00
- Sangarita 20.00
Empanadas
- Cheese & Chorizo Empanada 5.00
- Imported manchego cheese & chorizo riojano
- Chicken Empanada 5.00
- Olives, golden raisins and chorizo
- Wild Mushroom Empanada 5.00
- Oyster, shiitaki, crimini, portabello & button
Tapas
- Tortilla Española 4.00
- Roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic, goat cheese
- Ceviche 6.00
- Shrimp & red snapper marinated in fresh citrus juice
- Green Mussels Escabeche 5.00
- Marinated in olive oil & vinegar with fresh serrano pepper salsa
- Jamón Iberico Croqueta 5.00
- Pisto la Mancha 4.00
- Fabada 4.00
- Warm Aged Goat Cheese 6.00
- With grilled bread
- Sautéed Meatballs al Jerez 4.00
- Sherry garlic sauce
- Rioja Braised Short rib 6.00
- Braised in Spanish red wine
- Grilled Spanish Sausages 4.00
- Chorizo riojano, longaniza & morcilla
- Grilled Chicken Skewer 12.00
- Bell peppers, onions & red wine sauce
- Chicken al Ajillo 5.00
- With garlic & spices
- Sautéed Mushrooms al Ajillo 4.00
- With garlic & spices
- Brava Sautéed Potatoes 4.00
- Spicy tomato sauce
- Steamed Black Mussels & Clams 9.00
- Chorizo ajillo broth
- Sevilla Fried Calamari 8.00
- Alioli & Daily Baked Bread (Serves 2) 3.00
- Homemade alioli & Andalusian tomato sauce Kalamata olive or French loaf
Tapas Menu
This is a sample menu only. Prices and availability may be subject to change.
Fresh Tapas
- Gazpacho Andaluz 6.00
- Ceviche 9.00
- Shrimp & red snapper
- Olive and Almond Sampler 8.00
- Tuna Tartare Tower 12.00
- Sushi-grade ahi, avocado, apple, mango, soy dressing
- Mushrooms a la Vinagreta 5.00
- Green Mussels Escabeche 7.00
- Ceviche style with serrano pepper salsa
- Sevilla House Salad 6.00
- Organic greens, balsamic vinegar dressing
- Scallop and Yellowtail Ceviche 10.00
- Green mojo, cucumbers, avocado and citrus
- Tomato and Tetilla Salad 8.00
- Tomatoes, arugula, Tetilla cheese and sherry vinegar
- Pulpo a la Gallega 12.00
- Sliced octopus, young potato and lemon oil
Signature Tapas
- Warm Aged Goat Cheese 8.00
- Piquillo peppers, herbs, Spanish olive oil
- Tortilla Española “Potato Tart” 5.00
- Roasted tomatoes, garlic & goat cheese
- Cabrales Bleu Cheese Dates 6.00
- Bacon-wrapped, cider glaze
- Meatballs al Jeréz 6.00
- Sauteed in sherry garlic sauce
- Rioja Short Ribs 9.00
- Braised in red wine
- Chicken Skewer 6.00
- Fried Calamari 10.00
- With 2 dipping sauces
- Shrimp Azafrán 10.00
- Hazelnut brandy, lobster saffron cream sauce
- Shrimp al Ajillo 9.00
- Roasted in garlic
- Chicken al Ajillo 7.00
- Roasted in garlic
- Seafood Crepe 9.00
- Shrimp, scallop & clam, light lobster saffron sauce
- Carlsbad Black Mussels & Clams 12.00
- Steamed in chorizo ajillo broth
- Brava Sautéed Potatoes 6.00
- Mushrooms al Ajillo 6.00
- Roasted in garlic
- Cheese Fundido 12.00
- Baked manchego & goat cheese, chorizo sausage
- Shrimp Romesco 9.00
- With almonds and marinated artichokes
- Pan-Seared Scallops 12.00
- Artichoke puree, roasted tomato and saffron butter
- Salmon Mojo 10.00
- Grilled tomatoes and green mojo sauce
- Duck Confitada 10.00
- Poached hen egg and lavosh points
- Vanilla Lacqured Pork Belly 10.00
- Smoked apples with Spanish vanilla liquor
- Imported Jamon Iberico 27.00
- Legendary cured ham from Iberico pigs native to spain
Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
- Short Rib 4.00
- Seafood 4.00
- Duxelle of Mushroom 4.00
Deep Spain Tapas
- Imported Jamón Iberico 27.00
- This legendary cured ham comes from Iberico pigs native only to Spain
- Jamón Iberico Croqueta 6.00
- Black Paella Tapa 12.00
- Black bomba rice with seafood
- Lamb Chops Madrileñas 14.00
- Herb marinated and grilled
- Braised Basque Rabbit 17.00
- Rosemary & thyme, longaniza & morcilla
- Grilled Spanish Sausages 8.00
- Chorizo riojano, longaniza & morcilla
- Lobster & Seafood Bisque 14.00
- Baked puff-pastry crown
- Pulpo a la Gallega 12.00
- Sliced octopus over young potatoes
Bocadillo Tapas Platter
- Jamon Serrano 4.00
- Cinto de Lomo 4.00
- Chorizo Soria 4.00
- Paté 4.00
- Chicken liver & sherry
- Sun-Dried Black Olive Tapenade 4.00
- Sardine Escabeche 4.00
- Manchego Cheese 4.00
- Valdeón Cheese 4.00
Tapas Platters
- Three Tapas 18.00
- Grilled sausages, brava potatoes, shrimp al ajillo
- Meat Lovers 29.00
- Grilled sausages, lamb chops madrilanas, sauteed meatballs al jerez, braised short ribs
- Imported Cheeses 17.00
- Manchego, mahon, valdeon & crottin
- Seafood Platter 18.00
- Seared scallop, pulpo a la gallega and boquerones escabeche
Sevilla's Daily Baked Bread
- Andalusia Tomato Sauce & Alioli 4.00
- Artisan Kalamata Olive Loaf or French 4.00
- Country Baguette 4.00
Empanadas
- Beef 8.00
- Seasoned chopped steak, vegetables & manchego cheese, chimichurri sauce
- Manchego Cheese & Chorizo 8.00
- Chicken 8.00
- Olives, golden raisins, chorizo
- Wild Mushroom 8.00
- Duxelle of oyster, shiitaki, crimini & portabello and button mushrooms, rioja wine sauce
Brochetas
- Shrimp 19.00
- Lemon-herb marinated
- Beef 18.00
- Mushrooms & onions
- Chicken 16.00
- Lemon, figs & dates
- Lamb 18.00
- Honey-mint marinade
- Mar y Tierra 19.00
- Shrimp, beef, lamb
Sides
- Pisto la Mancha 5.00
- Zuchini, onions, eggplant, bell peppers & herbs
- Manchego Mashed Potatoes 5.00
- With roasted garlic
- Fabada 5.00
- Asturian dish of large wihte beans with morcilla & chorizo
- Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans 5.00
- Olive oil, garlic, lemon and sea salt
- Sevilla Black Rice 5.00
Main Course
- Shrimp Azafrán 18.00
- Hazelnut brandy, lobster saffron cream sauce
- Salmon a la Plancha 21.00
- Tomato, basil, artichoke, & Kalamat olive salsa
- Chilean Sea Bass Cantabrico 26.00
- Sauteed, creamy garlic thyme sauce with shrimp & clams
- Fideua Noodles 18.00
- Shrimp, shellfish, meats in a paella pan
- Catalán Chicken 16.00
- Braised sweet sherry with figs & raisins
- Cerdo Asado 18.00
- Roasted pork tenderloin, honey port sauce
- Rioja Short Ribs 19.00
- Braised in Spanish red wine
- Castillian Style Filet Medallion 22.00
- Grilled, Cabrales bleu cheese sauce
Paella
- Meat Paella "Rupestre" 26.00
- Double: $48.00 Roasted pork tenderloin, grilled sausages, chicken, lamb chop & flat iron steak
- Traditional Paella Valenciana 27.00
- Double: $49.00 Mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, scallops, chicken & grilled sausages
- Seafood Paella "Marinera" 28.00
- Double: $52.00 Salmon, shrimp, clams, scallops, mussels and calamari
- Grilled Vegetable Paella 18.00
- Double: $34.00 Asparagus, artichokes, bell peppers, eggplant & other seasonal vegetables
- Black Paella en su Tinta 24.00
- Double: $44.00 Bomba black rice with seafood drizzled with alioli
- Spicy Paella 0.00
- Spanish brava sauce on request
Dessert
Flamenco Dinner Show Menu
$47.50
per person 3-course menu. Price includes two-part Flamenco Dance performance. Price does not include tax or gratuity. Reservations are required. Payment is required upfront and will be taken during the reservation process. Dinner begins promptly at 7:00 p.m.
First Course
- Ensalada Sevillana 0.00
- Balsamic vinaigrette, goat cheese,tomato & cucumber
Main Course
- Paella Valenciana 0.00
- Famous Spanish dish of mussels, clams,calamari, shrimp, scallops, chicken and grilled Spanish sausages in aromatic Saffron Bomba rice
Dessert
- Crema Catalana 0.00
- Award winning chocolate espresso créme brulée