La Albahaca

Description:

• This elegant restaurant is in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, Seville's most evocative quarter. Juan Talavera, a celebrated architect, constructed this 1920s Andalusian mansion, which has attracted royals such as the king and queen of Spain, and visiting celebrities like Charlton Heston. Lovely and graceful, it shuttles diners from a high-ceilinged central courtyard into one of several parlor-size dining rooms, each decorated in a smooth, nostalgic style that reflects the tastes and opulence of Spain's Victorian era. High-quality ingredients go into the first-rate cuisine. Intriguing appetizers include a fresh gooseliver-and-apple terrine in a pheasant jelly, and the baked sea bass with stir-fried plums, raisins, and almonds. Enduring main courses are roasted wild boar with fig marmalade, and a roasted pheasant breast with Iberian bacon. One of our favorites is veal sirloin with fresh gooseliver and a red-wine sauce. The bitter orange mousse off the dessert menu is one of the best finishes in town.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010