Quimera at the Melia Sevilla – Summer Dining, Close to Seville’s Plaza de España

Seville is on everyone’s bucket list when visiting southern Spain. The Andalusian capital is one of the country’s most beautiful and evocative cities. This vibrant metropolis is rich in history and fine architecture, including the iconic Plaza de España.

Opposite this spectacular piece of architecture, where one will find the hotel Meliã Sevilla. It’s one of the city’s popular urban resorts and is in becoming increasingly well-known for its Quimera Restaurant.

Found on the ground floor, and adjacent to The Level Lounge, this lift-filled, intimate restaurant has recently celebrated its first anniversary.

The restaurant offers a seasonal menu, focusing on regional ingredients. Many dishes are prepared in a Josper charcoal oven, adding a barbecue-like flavour that suits much of the regional produce from seafood, fish and meats.

Cuisine

Dining is a pleasure here, as the Mediterranean style is relaxed. The menu is changes seasonally. There are plates created for sharing, like gourmet Ibérico ham; a board of Spanish cheeses; or tasty fried Anchovies.

Starters include salads with salmon, avocado and wakame seaweed; or duck salad with pear chutney, lime and ginger.

But I started with a dish from the vegetarian menu – a beautifully presented fresh spinach and vegetable salad with quinoa and ginger. It was a substantial dish, and really fresh and full of flavours.

Also, from the fish menu we chose the braised octopus with sweet potato as a starter – the Andalusians do octopus very well, as it is prepared on the grill. Here is Quimera the kitchen uses a Josper charcoal grill and oven to add an extra layer of flavour – so good!

In Spain the bread basket comes with olive oil, not butter. In my humble opinion olive oil from Andalucia is the best in the world – such complex and seductive flavours. At Quimera they offered a really unusual, oak-smoked olive oil, from Castilla de Canena, Jaen.  – I had not tried it before, but it was exceptional!

The meat menu encompassed pork, duck, and steak tartare. Yet we both chose the beef tenderloin, prepared on the charcoal grill. The beef is from retinto cows from Andalucia – the quality was excellent.

Yet our lasting memory was the ‘Postre Picasso’ – a fun, colourful and very indulgent pudding inspired by famous Andalusian artist, Picasso, born in nearby Malaga.

The pudding included lots of homemade elements like egg yolk cake (Yemas de Santa Teresa); artisan ‘tortas’ (so good with the chocolate) and macarons.

This pudding for sharing is prepared at the table – I captured the highlights on my phone in this short video.

The Level

Probably the best way to enjoy Seville is to make a weekend of it. Meliã Sevilla has guest rooms overlooking the Plaza de España – and if you choose The Level by Meliã, you are promised enhanced facilities.

The Level is a holistic concept for guests that includes a private Level lounge for guests; an exclusive space for dedicated check-in, concierge, guest experience, and check-out – as well as a place to relax. Facilities and standards differ slightly between properties but in general The Level includes a dedicated guest lounge where you can enjoy a tranquil relaxed space where you an enjoy newspapers and a good collection of coffee table books.

At Meliã Sevilla this means an open bar, and some snacks like nuts, crisps and sweet treats. In the evening there is a presentation of salads, canapes and more substantial snacks.

The main benefits of The Level by Meliã include:

• Private breakfast in The Level Lounge (7am to 11:30am)
• Access to The Level Lounge (7am to 11pm) with open bar service with aperitifs, wine, champagne, beer, water and soft drinks
• Private check-in and express service and flexibility at check-out
• Wi-Fi in The Level LoungeWork area with two Mac computers and printer in The Level Lounge

In addition, as guests of The Level you can expect specially prepared guest rooms with extra benefits like:

• Turndown service
• Nespresso coffee maker & kettle for tea
• Bathrobe & slippers
• Daily newspapers

When booking, make sure you get a room with a view.

You can read our Spotlight on Hotel Melia Lebreros here.

The Facilities

Meliã Sevilla boasts a 130 m² outdoor pool with sundeck with views over the Plaza España – from Spring to Autumn, this is also home to the Quimera Pool & Food, offering gourmet light bites, and cocktails – it’s a great spot to enjoy the sunset over the spires of the Plaza.

For wellness options, visit Spa managed by H2O Spa; and a 24-hour gym dedicated to guests. Alternative go cycling or jogging in the adjacent Parque de Maria Luisa – it’s a beautiful setting.

You can read our Eat Do Sleep Guide to Seville here