Winter gastronomy in Seville: chocolate with churros, convent sweets and where to eat at Christmas and New Year

In December, Seville smells of hot chocolate and chestnuts, and its streets glow with a special light. It's the perfect month to enjoy its traditional cuisine during the holidays: afternoon snacks with churros, freshly baked convent sweets , comforting stews … and, what's more, a good time to plan your Christmas Eve dinner or New Year's Eve toast without any surprises. Here's a practical and easily walkable guide from the Época Suites accommodations.

1) Chocolate with churros and classic snacks

When to go: in the morning (breakfast) or mid-afternoon (4:30–7:00 pm) to avoid queues.
What to order: thick chocolate with classic churros or porras; Serve it with toast if you're looking for something less sweet.

Recommended areas within walking distance of Época Suites

• Historic center (Alfalfa – Setas – Cathedral): many churro shops and traditional cafes; perfect to combine with a Christmas stroll along Avenida de la Constitución and Plaza del Salvador.
  
  
  



• Triana (C/ Castilla – Altozano): a neighborhood atmosphere and a relaxed pace, ideal for a snack after crossing the Triana Bridge.
  



• La Campana – Sierpes – Tetuán: classic shopping and snack area.
  
  
  
  
  Local tip: If it's a cool day, look for indoor tables or sheltered terraces; during peak hours, order first and sit down later.

2) Convent sweets and local products

During Advent and Christmas , Seville convents make yemas, pestiños, roscos, polvorones, alfajores or mantecados.

How to buy: Many have a sales schedule displayed at the reception desk; some accept phone orders. Bring cash and a rigid bag to protect your purchase.

Other essentials

Artisan nougat and honey at traditional stalls and shops in the city center.

Ceramics and baskets to present sweets as a gift.

Near the houses of the Era

• Casa Sevilla 1855 Suites (Cristo de Burgos – Setas): a few minutes from several convent gates and traditional shops.


• Casa Triana 1888 Suites (C/ Castilla): walk across the bridge to the center and return with your box of sweets; perfect plan at sunset.


• Casa Sevilla 1920 Suites (La Campana): in the heart of the shopping district; very convenient to combine with the Nativity Scene route.


• Governor's House and Contractor's House (Santa Cruz – Cathedral area): premium location for walking back and forth with bags without wasting time.

3) Winter tapas and wines

When it gets cooler, hearty stews are the order of the day: cocido, puchero, carrillada, spinach with chickpeas, broths and vegetable dishes.

Wines to accompany: finos and manzanillas (aperitif), young reds or crianzas for stews, and a PX or moscatel with desserts.

Eleven temples of good stews in Seville, according to Gourmé Magazine:

The guide reviews 11 Seville bars and restaurants where winter stews take center stage: traditional stews, broths and soups that rotate daily. Highlights include Barbiana (tomato soup, potatoes with cuttlefish, lentils, stews), Bar Kiko de la Chari (home-style cooking and a daily special featuring stews, lentils, or soups), Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo (roaming stews: large white beans, green beans, cabbage, occasional Maragato stew), El Caserío (an icon since 1962 with chickpea stew and stew), Los Cuevas in Triana (Asturian bean stew, potatoes with ribs or cuttlefish, chickpeas with thistles), El Colmao de Gascón Rubio (chickpea and pumpkin stew, homemade soups), Chiva Tapas (stew and mashed potatoes near Santa Justa), Carlos Baena (chickpeas with pig's trotters, garlic soup, seasonal rice dishes), Casa Consuelo (beans with clams, lentils, onion soup), Casa Maera in Triana (large white beans, chickpeas with mushrooms or prawns, Beans with cockles) and Bar Patronas in Arenal (stew, tomato soup, and daily specials listed on a chalkboard). All in all, a very "neighborhood" route covering Centro, Triana, Nervión, and Macarena, perfect for warming up with classic, hearty dishes at reasonable prices.

Routes according to house and era

• Santa Cruz / Arenal (Gobernador & Contratador): historic taverns and classic bars 5–10 min walk away; sheltered terraces in small squares.


• La Campana – Jesús del Gran Poder (Casa 1920): traditional bars and restaurants + contemporary options.


• Triana (Casa 1888) neighborhood bars with daily stews; ideal for leisurely tapas along Pagés del Corro, San Jacinto or C/ Castilla.


• Cristo de Burgos – Setas (Casa 1855): perfect mix of traditional bars and modern gastronomic proposals.

4) Where to eat at Christmas and New Year in Seville (2025)

Important: Many restaurants are closed on December 24th (Christmas Eve) and/or January 1st at midday. Those that are open usually offer set menus and require prepaid reservations.

Booking checklist

• Confirm allergies and vegetarian/child options.


• Ask about service hours (shifts) and cancellation policy.


• Arrive early: during holidays there is more traffic and pedestrian areas.

5) Stay within walking distance of everything

Staying at Época Suites will allow you to enjoy all these flavors just steps away: houses with history, modern design and 24/7 service.
Book on the official website: epocasuites.com.

Quick tips

• Book well in advance for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (2-3 weeks minimum).


• Bring cash for convent sweets.


• For churros, avoid peak hours (12:00–13:30 and 18:00–19:30).