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    Cafe Sevilla

    4.0 (4.7k reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 1:30 am (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

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    CAFE SEVILLA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Live music
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Sevilla

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    Reviews With Photos

    Seafood Marinera Paella Single
    Sylvester R.

    For a restaurant that has been part of the dining landscape in San Diego for more than 30 years, this space still has remarkable presence. There is an enduring charm to it that feels earned rather than manufactured, and from the moment you walk in, it is clear why it has lasted. Service was gracious and polished. The staff was friendly, attentive, and accommodating throughout the meal. I began with a mocktail Old Fashioned, followed by another mocktail, and both were exceptionally well done. Balance, texture, dilution, and presentation were all handled with care. My bartender showed real technique, which is not always the case with spirit-free cocktails. The seafood paella was, in many respects, quite good. The shellfish and seafood were cooked properly, which matters immensely in a dish like this where timing can fall apart quickly. The shrimp were succulent, and the clams and mussels were well executed. The flavor in the rice was there, but the texture leaned softer than I would have preferred. In a proper paella, I look for grains that retain more individual definition and structure rather than reading as overly softened. The seasoning and depth were appealing, but the rice itself did not quite deliver the textural precision I was hoping for. I also ordered the scallops with black squid ink rice. The scallops had a nice exterior sear, but on this visit they were slightly underdone in the center, a touch too salty, and arrived below the ideal serving temperature. The squid ink rice, however, was excellent. It had the more distinct, granular consistency I had wanted from the paella, and it was deeply satisfying from both a textural and compositional standpoint. Overall, this is still a very worthwhile dining room with real character, strong hospitality, and a kitchen that shows clear capability. Even with a few execution issues, there was more than enough here to warrant a return visit.

    Tuna
    michelle s.

    Ultimate club place if you are just dance and let lose is the shit especially the food is not even that great doesn't is OK but the dancing is the best. They have a band they have a club. I love it here.

    Cheese & Chorizo Empanada Duo
    Jen S.

    Came here on a recommendation from a friend who is always in SD for conventions. We just wanted a little to eat in between meetings and receptions for our conference. I ordered beef empanadas and got chorizo and cheese. This was a happy accident. Best ever. The tacos were also good. My friend enjoyed her ceviche. I wish they had gazpacho. Otherwise i recommend!

    Tet S.

    Looking for good Spanish food? This is the place you should go if you are in San Diego..The sangria is very close to what you can get from Spain. The croquet de quest is ver6 flavorful. The empanada is so good for your tapas order. We missed the iberico so we ordered that instead of the black paella. The jamon os soon good. The service from Andy is amazing. Ambience is perfect with live music. For this experience I will rate them 4.6

    Interior
    Justin C.

    Having been to Spain, I was looking forward to experiencing authentic Spanish Tapas and live music right in the heart of Gaslamp. As expected on a Friday evening, parking was a nightmare. Luckily, we had a prepaid parking spot and came early with over 30 minutes of buffer. After a small hiccup with our reservation, we were able to get seated with our group of four. Our table was on the first floor right in front of the live music. I was initially worried the live music would be too loud but was pleasantly surprised that it was just the right volume. The music was very good and the musicians took live requests from the patrons. Our server was enthusiastic and friendly and gave us a rundown of his favorite dishes. For food we ordered: Tapas: Papas Bravas: unfortunately the potatoes were not crispy like other bravas I've had. Was not a fan. Calamares Fritos: delicious - crispy and juicy in the inside with a wonderful garlic aioli Lamb Sliders: solid sliders with good flavor and not too much gaminess Grilled Pulpo Romesco: delicious octopus, tender, flavorful and with a bomb salad flavored with bits of ham - favorite dish Entree: Traditional Paella: very solid, seafood was good, rice flavor was good. Would have liked a bit more socarrat. Some notes: staff was a bit too aggressive with collecting plates and utensils from our table. At one point while I was scooping the last piece of food from a dish a staff member hovered right by our table and snatched the spoon and plate right from my hand. Additionally, our water was not refilled and we had to ask for more water at which we got a small pitcher we had to serve ourself. Overall was a good experience and our group had a good time.

    Paella
    Sophia V.

    I did really enjoy this place! I went for restaurant week and I got a lot of things. The service was amazing, the ambiance and live music were also fun. I'm not sure if I had really bad paella in Spain but I liked this more than the ones I got in Spain, it wasn't too soupy and the rice was all cooked well. Alsoooo great protein portion The tiramisu cream brûlée was also to die for, would go back just for that!

    Signage
    Kay C.

    We had always wanted to try Cafe Sevilla in Gaslamp, and we are glad that we had an opportunity today. We came for the Happy Hour and enjoyed some tapas (meatballs, tacos, fried calamari, lamb sliders) and sangria. The service was prompt and friendly, and the food and sangria were very tasty. Only wished that the food came out a bit hotter. We really liked Spanish decor in the restaurant. We can't wait to return to try the paella and to see the Flamenco dancers and live music one day. Very easy to make reservations via Yelp app.

    5 Tapa Meal Deal
    Emily P.

    This was a tough review to write because the food was good. Service was awful, but kinda at no fault of their own (I will elaborate). We sat outside on the patio and the vibes were lovely. There is live music. But it essentially becomes a club-ish vibe inside, even though there is a club downstairs. I grabbed dinner with a girlfriend and it took more time to get a glass of water than our first course. Literally, had to ask the runner for glasses of water that dropped our food. All of a sudden on our tiny 2 person table, courses 2 and 3 show up before we have had a second to enjoy course 1. Meanwhile, there was a kind couple to next to us that not a single person checked on. We became dinner pals and had to point the service to them if they needed something. I think this review is more about my frustration for this older couple. We selected different courses (so no, we were not accidentally give their food). They were given course 1 and then 4, when someone finally asked what they wanted for 5 they had to express that they were not given 2 and 3. This couple was then bombarded with their missing food, were there longer than us, and not a single person came to apologize to them. There was a course that was boxed for us and then another where we were brought random paper boxes and did it ourselves? When I went to use the restroom I sorta, kinda understood the service because the staff is having to "excuse me" and "pardon me" through a crowd of dancing people. Mind you, our reservation was for 7p....it wasn't late night but there was no protected clear path for them to service tables with food.

    Bryan And G.

    Oops!!! They did it again!!! AMAZING, amazing Paella from the many regions of Spain!!! Zaa atPaella is a Spanish rice dish from the Valencia region, traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a "paellera" over an open fire. It features short-grain rice, saffron for its signature golden color and aroma, and a variety of ingredients like chicken, rabbit, seafood, and vegetables. While the original Valencian paella included local ingredients like rabbit (BUT NO RABBIT HERE) and beans, modern variations are diverse, with popular types including seafood paella, mixed paella, and vegetarian options. We got the latter, the more MODERN VERSION of Paella. It's a must on the TASTE OF THE GASLAMP, we look forward to it every year!!! Inside of the restaurant, it's beautiful. SERVING IN THE BACK, and sitting at the tables. I have to say that the food and the staff, BOTH ARE GREAT!!!

    His Goatness and his caipirinha!
    Catherine F.

    I'd wanted to try this place since I'd walked past it, and heard two flamenco guitarists burning up the stage... the music is always live, and changes every night. Plus, tapas, which I adore, and seldom get to indulge in my passion for. The place, with its wonderful warm ambience, tchotchkes and posters from the Seville bull fights, and delicious aromas, filled up early; His Goatness and I sat at the bar (which I ended up up loving, because our bartender was great, and we still got white tablecloth service). Drinks were perfectly balanced, bright and fresh and delicious. Between us, we ended up trying the caipirinha, which was made perfectly, the tamarindo margarita (I love that tart, tamarind punch in the mouth), and the barbacoa margarita (smoky, with a lovely Spanish sausage and fresh pineapple garnish). I wanted to try the hibiscus cucumber margarita as well, but ran out of room in my tummy... wish I could have tried the many sangrias, but I can no longer tolerate wine, to my everlasting sadness. His Goatness and I chose to indulge in the oJourney Through Spain" five-course dinner for two, featuring some of my favorite tapas and some excellent seafood paella. We chose the boquerones filet for the first course, which has always been a favorite of mine... delicate white fish filet in olive oil, over creamy avocado on crispy toast. The second course, the Salchichas a la Plancha, came with a show: the four piquant, smoky, flavorful sausages plus caramelized onions were flambeed in front of us in brandy, then doused with a delicious cider glaze. So good we practically licked the plate. Our croquettes de queso y jamón were perfectly crisp on the outside, creamy and cheesy and filled with tender smoky jamón Serrano on the inside. Melty and gooey and flawless. The paella Valenciana, with mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, chicken, and more of the amazing Spanish sausages, was perfectly tender, perfectly spiced, and really satisfying (as well as filling). And we finished with the Basque cheesecake, which was just the perfect bite to share, to cap the amazing meal. It was so creamy, with the honeyed oranges and fresh berries to complement the richness... The band that evening played loud hispanic pop, which was a bit of a bummer -- it was too loud for the space, and killed conversation, although it was fun watching the table behind us singing along at the tops of their lungs. Need to return on another flamenco guitar night!

    Ordered the meat paella and grilled brussel sprouts. Some rice was burned onto the pan but that's normal

    Sangria
    Angela W.

    The food was so delicious and flavorful. Our server was so nice and attentive. The paella and sangria were top notch. There was a live band playing and they were SO amazing. It was such a vibe. They played everything from Santana, to Selena, to Elvis. Just a good time overall.

    Sangria, rose, and corona
    Mariness D.

    Had the best time here with my parents. The place is lively, transporting you to Spain. The time we came, they had live music with a trio group, and they were amazing and definitely got the people up and dancing. Known for their paella, and for good reason - it's simply the best. You of course have to pair it with their sangria. Our server, Haliberto was great! Though he was taking care of many tables, he still took time to take a picture of us, and provided good service. The one thing I wish, is that they use their waitlist on Yelp consistently. There was an issue when I used it, so it never updated. It worked out at the end, and the hostess got us great seats next to the stage under these lights, that made it seem like we were under the stars. She definitely had her hands full throughout the night, but was still attentive. Definitely a place to visit when in Gaslamp and wanting a taste of Spain.

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    3 months ago

    Absolutely great! The food and atmosphere was definitely worth it. Definitely worth checking out.

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    Generally mediocre food and fairly expensive. The octopus was meh. I generally would try some place else. Good service.

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    Cafe Sevilla Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cafe Sevilla

    When does the music start playing?

    It is different every night, as they have different musicians every night. Their website has all the details!

    What kind of music at the club there on Fridays?

    Hi There! You can find our entertainment calendar for the nightclub here: https://sevillanightclub.com/san-diego/… 

    My son 16 can he come in over 10 pm?

    sorry no only 21 and over after 8pm. Thank you,

    Is the Journey to Spain $109 per person or couple?

    Hi There! It is $109 per couple :)

    When do they have live spanish guitar?

    Hi there, more class Spanish guitar can be found on Mondays and Thursdays… You can also check our live music schedule, which is posted weekly at https://www.cafesevilla.com/music-san-diego/

    So is the reservation booking fee $50 total or $25 per person? When my partner called, he was told $25 per person, however here in the app, it's only showing $50 - not per person, we when we asked for the same amount of people at the same time?

    Hi There! Thanks for your question! It depends on how many guests are in your party total and what time you are joining us. During certain times for smaller parties, we just take a $25 deposit. For larger parties, we usually take a $25 per person… 

    Is the journey through Spain only available during happy hour?

    Hi there! Yes, our Journey is always available to our guests, even during happy hour. Thanks!

    Are kids allowed?

    yes!

    Is it dog friendly?

    Yes, the have some patio tables where your pet is welcome. I've brought mine many times

    Best parking options?

    You can try to find street parking on 5th Avenue or surrounding streets. Otherwise, there is plenty of paid parking and our recommendation would be 6th and Parkade option listed on this page: https://www.gaslamp.org/parking/… 

    What day and time is the tapas 9 course brunch available?

    We offer our brunch menu from 11am-3pm Saturdays and Sundays

    Is there a kids menu?

    Hi Lyka, Yes, we have a verbal kids menu that consists of a pepperoni or cheese pizza, grilled cheese and Spanish fries or meatballs and rice :)

    Does this restaurant cook in soybean oil? I have a soy allergy.

    We do not use soybean oil. As always, please let your server know of any allergies and we will do our best to accomodate.

    Does this restaurant carry gluten free options?

    Yes please find the gluten free menu here: https://www.cafesevilla.com/menu/gluten-free-menu/

    What tome do you serve till?

    OPERATING HOURS: Monday – Friday: 4:30pm – 1:30am… 

    It says some halal options on the Yelp search, which dishes are considered halal?

    Hi Namoos, I am so sorry but that must be a mistake on Yelp as we do not have halal dishes, my apologies!

    Does the outdoor seating have heat lamps?

    Yes they do have heating lamps.

    Do they play Spanish rock?

    Hi There! We do from time to time! Kimba Light is great Spanish Rock and Are di Santi is definitely Spanish rock. Our schedule changes from week to week. Please check our calendar at music.cafesevilla.com

    Is it by reservation only or accepting walk ins for happy hour?

    We welcome walk-ins anytime and you usually don't need a reservation for happy hour since there is not usually a wait until after 7pm :)

    Hi,does it turn in to 21 & over after a certain time?

    Hi There, We do start carding after 8pm for the tapas bar.

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    Review Highlights - Cafe Sevilla

    We ordered the traditional paella, gambas al ajillo, papas bravas, pulpo a la gallega, and the salchichon.

    Mentioned in 105 reviews

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    Needed some adventure and I've been missing Spain, so I leashed up my pup and headed to Little…read moreItaly. It's about as close to Madrid (other than Balboa Park) as you're going to get in the county of San Diego...especially if you sit down at Barra Oliba. I literally felt like I was in a café in Madrid or Barcelona and enjoyed not only the familiar salty flavors that I've missed from Spain, but also the pure, rich, olive oil, and quiet ambiance as this is one block from the busiest part of Little Italy. My server, German, (his name) enjoyed helping me create the ideal light supper and allowed me to try a few Spanish wines (they have so many!). I settled on a Verdejo from Rueda. It was the right balance of fruit, acid, and slight floral to perfectly pair to my meal. I had the seasonal fish meuniere - white fish delicious and crispy on top (my favorite), garnished with capers and roe. It was accompanied with a tender lettuce and heirloom tomato salad with saffron dressing. The leftover dressing for the salad was the most amazing vinegar dip for a couple tater tots when I got home. The dressing was something I will go back for! Thank you, Barra Oliba for the perfect Spanish "girl dinner!" Can't wait to come back and try the Paella!

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    Mabel's Gone Fishing

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    We stopped at Mabel's Gone Fishing before heading to the Kurt Vile concert, and in hindsight, this…read moremay have been a dangerous decision because it set the bar very high for the rest of the evening. I started with the London Dry G&T, which was excellent--cold, crisp, and exactly what a gin and tonic should be. We shared a dozen raw oysters. They were fresh and delicious, though a little on the petite side. No complaints, though--they disappeared quickly enough. Then came the bread and butter. I realize writing a paragraph about bread and butter makes me sound like I've completely lost perspective, but here we are. The bread was fantastic, and the butter should probably have its own fan club. The charred cauliflower was the sleeper hit of the meal. If someone had told me beforehand that I'd be thinking about a cauliflower dish days later, I would have laughed. It was outrageously good. For dessert, we had the Basque cheesecake, which was rich, creamy, and completely worth saving room for. If there's a better way to end a meal, I'm not currently aware of it. The atmosphere was lively without being chaotic, and the service was friendly and relaxed. Overall, a great spot for a night out. The Kurt Vile concert was excellent, but I have to admit the cauliflower made a pretty strong case for being the headliner.

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    Juniper and Ivy

    Juniper and Ivy

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    Tapas & Beers

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    Everything was excellent from the food to the service and the owner was so delightful! Highly…read morerecommend! Merci beaucoup Bon appetite!

    A Hidden Gem Downtown, and Julie Makes It Unforgettable I…read morecame in for a very late lunch on a quiet afternoon and left with a full stomach and a big smile. I ordered the brussels sprouts and the paella, and both were outstanding. The brussels sprouts were cooked perfectly, crispy where they should be, with a sauce that I'm still thinking about. The paella? Let's just say I have zero regrets eating every last bite. Zero. But honestly, the food almost plays second fiddle to the owner, Julie. She was running the show (the front of the house) solo while I was there, managing the business and somehow still being the most attentive and present host I've encountered in a long time. She's warm, funny, completely down to earth, and had stories that made the whole meal feel like a dinner party rather than a restaurant visit. It's rare to meet a business owner so genuinely personable and connected to her guests. Tapas & Beers is a family-owned French and Spanish gem tucked into a historic downtown building, and it absolutely deserves your visit. If you're in San Diego and this is on your radar, stop hesitating and just go. You'll leave full, happy, and probably already planning your next trip back.

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    Paella, Brussel Sprouts, Coronado Big Weekend
    Paella, Brussel Sprouts, Coronado Big Weekend
    Enjoying a nice San Diego evening outside with some tasty bites at Tapas & Beers

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    Enjoying a nice San Diego evening outside with some tasty bites at Tapas & Beers
    Witherby

    Witherby

    4.8
    (78 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$
    Romantic vibe
    Happy hour specials

    Update from my last review for this spooky-vibed establishment:…read more After asking a few questions to the GM: Jesse P, he proceeded to explain the dinner menu options, which led to a conversation about the speakeasy menu, which led him to give us a tour of the BEAUtiful hotel and the adjacent wedding venue and shared his vision with how he's pushing to expand the esque. That led me back here tonight to rate their craft cocktails, which honors even the spirits of Witherby. The takeaway? Before you start the party-ing down the block OR after and want to wind down in a velvety style, this is the perfect place to try something that will wake you, your soul, and leave you thinking: "Damn, is the next cocktail just as tasty?"

    What a perfect place to stop for dinner before heading to the symphony! Our server was fantastic…read morethe whole night and was great about making sure service was on time for our plans. I really enjoyed the thoughtfulness. Everything about this place was great for us. I like that their menu is on the simpler side, especially the drinks. They added their own flare, but didn't go crazy like many places do nowadays. I had a simple Veranda Bell to start, which was lovely and refreshing. My guy got the Diablita, which was also very tasty and a great choice. For our meals, we got the Spanish Octopus and the Pork Shank. The octopus flavors were very enjoyable, especially the chimichurri. The popcorn was an interesting change, but I do think it would've been better without it since some pieces were very hard and took away from the overall dish. The pork shank was cooked perfectly and fell off the bone like butter. They gave a nice amount of polenta and mushrooms with the dish. I don't think they needed as much sauce as they put, but it didn't take away from the overall dish.

    Photos
    Witherby
    Witherby
    Witherby

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    Finca

    Finca

    4.1
    (168 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    I was in the mood for a new spot that had a casual, but unique vibe. My husband and I really enjoy…read morethe hunt, and I'm so glad I found Finca on Yelp! I made a reservation (just in case) because on a weekend you never know. Luckily, though, we arrived and there was plenty of available seating. My husband and I had our 10 and 5 year old with us and they easily accommodated us. It's a straightforward, but lovely menu that has a little bit for everyone. We enjoyed sharing a few plates and fresh oysters on the half shell. They do not have a kids menu, which was alright with us. Our daughter, who loves a good steak at 5 years old, enjoyed their pub steak and fries and shared a Mexican Coke with her brother. For my husband and I, we enjoyed sharing their beef tartare and to finish it off, a banana split. What we found so whimsical about Finca is their presentation. My husband and I really enjoyed exploring their menu and leaving room for a return visit soon. I couldn't recommend Finca more for anyone looking for a fun and casual dining experience with a lovely staff and unique take on traditional favorites.

    Had dinner celebrating my brother-in-law's retirement, and it was nothing short of magical. The…read morefood, the atmosphere, and the incredible staff made for a truly perfect evening. I think we ordered just about everything on the left side of the menu, but the standouts were the beef tartare, the lamb osso buco, and the hamachi. Honestly, there wasn't a single bad bite all night. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, with some unique Spanish selections that were a pleasant surprise. This may have just become my new regular haunt. It's a fantastic neighborhood gem that deserves a place on any foodie's must-visit list. Absolutely love this place!

    Photos
    The dining room
    The dining room
    Italian Dumplings
    Italian Dumplings
    Chicken and caviar

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    Chicken and caviar
    Gata

    Gata

    4.8
    (36 reviews)
    11.6 mi

    My new favorite wine bar. Small nook tucked away in the middle of downtown La Jolla. Wonderful…read moreambiance, lovely staff, nice small food and tapas menu, amazing wine. Also love that they are open until midnight. Perfect late night spot to grab a nice nightcap.

    I was specifically looking for a tapas bar because we weren't particularly hungry and just wanted a…read morefew small bites alongside a good glass of wine. On the wine front, Gata absolutely delivers. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, and it's the kind of place where one glass quickly turns into two because there are simply too many interesting options to pass up. Unfortunately, the food didn't come close to matching either the quality of the wine program or the price point. We ordered the deviled eggs, which turned out to be hard-boiled eggs sliced in half with a piece of ham placed on top. When you order deviled eggs, you generally expect, well... the eggs to actually be deviled. We mentioned our disappointment to the bartender, who was wonderful, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable to talk with. The explanation was that this is simply their interpretation of deviled eggs. Fair enough, but it wasn't an interpretation that worked for us. Ironically, the standout dish of the evening was the pigs in blankets, which is not a sentence I ever expected to write about an upscale wine bar. They were delicious, but they also raised the question of why the rest of the menu wasn't reaching the same level. Looking back, we realized we were the only people actually eating while everyone else was there for the wine. In hindsight, that should have been the clue. I only wish someone had mentioned that before we made the trip over expecting a tapas experience. Gata has so much potential. The atmosphere is lovely, the wine selection is excellent, and the staff were fantastic. If the small plates eventually rise to the level of the wine program, this place could be truly special. Until then, I'd absolutely recommend it for drinks, but probably not for dinner.

    Photos
    Partial view of the bar area
    Partial view of the bar area
    Prosciutto di Parma, Gorgonzola, and Fig Jam Panini
    Prosciutto di Parma, Gorgonzola, and Fig Jam Panini
    Inside view behind the bar, perfect soft lighting.  Very romantic casual spot to stop!

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    Inside view behind the bar, perfect soft lighting. Very romantic casual spot to stop!
    Wet Stone Wine Bar-Bankers Hill

    Wet Stone Wine Bar-Bankers Hill

    4.6
    (672 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    I just had a very nice, quick dinner and Jason was my server tonight…read more I already knew what I wanted to order, a really good beet salad, and he took my order quickly, the food was ready within minutes, and he took care of my bill in a timely manner. Looking forward to bringing friends by.

    Both amazing and disappointing!…read more Went for happy hour and it's even available on Saturday too! Parking wasn't super easy but we got lucky pretty close by on the street. It's paid parking so don't forget... Sangrias: Get! A few different flavors and they're all yummy tbh. Burrata: Maybe? This was a little bit too literal. I would imagine it comes with a couple other things, maybe a basil leaf or a little cherry tomatoe on the side would have been better. It was still yummy but it wasnt as fresh or creamy as I hoped. HOWEVER.... if you get the below, then the whole is greater than the sum of its parts Bruschetta: Get So bright and combined with the little pieces of toast they have it's just a burst of flavor and freshness. Definitely recommend. Tiger Prawns: SKIP These were horrendously overcooked. It was like eating a piece of rubber. Not seasoned well either. And you get like 5 for a premium price of 17. Terribly disappointing. Service was so friendly and amazing. Almost the saving grace after the hit and miss from above. Food: 6/10 Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 9/10 Value: 6/10

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    Wet Stone Wine Bar-Bankers Hill
    Madras Curried Tiger Prawns

Large tiger prawns, poached and chilled.
Bathed in Madras Curry Vinaigrette. served over spiced aioli
    Madras Curried Tiger Prawns Large tiger prawns, poached and chilled. Bathed in Madras Curry Vinaigrette. served over spiced aioli
    Savoie white blend

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    Savoie white blend

    Cafe Sevilla - spanish - Updated July 2026

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