Señor Cangrejo Restaurante – A Deliciously Contemporary Take On Seville’s Culinary Traditions

Sr. Cangrejo bar & restaurant is the place to eat in Sevilla right now – with only thirty covers, you need to book or arrive early to experience what everyone is talking about. Tucked away in an unassuming side street this contemporary bar-restaurant, with interiors of shining aluminium and steel has a surprisingly relaxed and welcoming vibe – despite its cool, urban look.

Sr. Cangrejo is all about innovative dishes delivered with creative flair, in a setting that somehow blurs the lines between a typical Seville tapas bar and a city centre gastronomic restaurant, writes Andrew Forbes (The Luxury Editor).

Culinary Risk-Takers

‘Barrita Brava’ exclaims the website, with little more to whet the appetite than a promise of the ‘best fresh produce and a unique and very special wine selection.’ The welcome immediately set the tone for a relaxed lunch, with a view of the open kitchen, tempting me with fresh fish and abundant produce ready to be transformed into exciting dishes.

Sr. Cangrejo is part of the acclaimed Ovejas Negras group, the original creation of Fátima Villanueva, maître and sommelier, and Chef Jesús León Delgado. It has quickly established itself as the talk of the town.

The table setting has a pared-back simplicity, contrasting with the rustic masa madre bread, served with flavoursome butter. Then a pre-starter arrives, an exquisite seafood creation, quickly followed by a ceviche bursting with colour, texture and flavour – all truly unexpected. The seasonal asparagus is a delight, served with humour in a bespoke ceramic dish with a cheeky gorilla clinging to the edge.

Gastronomic Journey

Yet this place, with its quirky decorative details of crabs and seafood utensils, isn’t about gimmicks. Sr. Cangrejo is about sharing great food in a modern setting, offering a new way to enjoy Seville’s culinary culture. The sensational seafood, which includes Andalucian squid to Atlantic prawns, is a delight, served with flair and bursting with flavour.

The grill promised to be a highlight, with the Virrey fish arriving as a spectacle on the plate.

The meal concluded with contemporary interpretations of classic Andalusian puddings including a rice pudding, inspired by age-old recipes passed down by grandmothers. This version is infused with spices delivering a rich fusion of flavours, so evocative of the cultural history and traditions of this remarkable capital city.

Although Seville is renowned for its culture of tapas and traditional dishes, Sr. Cangrejo breathes new life into the dining scene with creativity and originality. The restaurant is open to experimenting, fearlessly embracing the possibility that a client might not like every dish. But go with the flow, and enjoy the journey of flavours from Southern Spain, embracing the unexpected at Sr. Cangrejo.