We made friends our first time at Bodega Mateo Ruiz and went back for their delicious bacalao (cod). They have jamón ibérico de bellota, which is the best grade ham that has a nutty acorn flavor. Seriously, delectable.

Everything is made fresh at this charming restaurant by two guys behind the bar.

Close-up of a flaky, translucent piece of fried cod with a golden, crispy outer edge, held up against a blurred kitchen background.Thin slices of jamón ibérico de bellota arranged neatly on a white plate, showing rich marbling and a glossy, deep red color.Earthenware dish filled with sizzling garlic shrimp in olive oil, topped with a sprinkling of paprika, with a basket of sliced bread nearby.Clay dish containing chunks of cod simmering in olive oil, with the fish appearing tender and slightly translucent.Ceramic tile sign on a brick wall depicting a dried codfish, labeled “Bodega Mateo” with text promoting their specialty in cod loins.View of the restaurant’s open kitchen with a stainless steel countertop, stove, fryers, and shelves filled with plates and ingredients.Man slicing a leg of jamón ibérico in a preparation area, surrounded by hanging cured meats and kitchen tools under bright lighting.Wall inside the restaurant decorated with framed photographs and a central sign detailing the history of Bodega Mateo, founded in 1938.

2025-05-21

We caught the last day of Feria de Abril, a 178 year-old fair held two weeks after Easter (May this year).

There’s an amusement park, but the real draw for locals are their casetas (tents) for family, friends, clubs, etc. There are free ones for tourists but we just wandered and enjoyed the lights.

Two men smiling and posing for a selfie at night with a large Ferris wheel, thrill rides, and food stands illuminated in colorful neon lights behind them. The festive atmosphere and bright backdrop capture the energy of the event’s final night.Crowds of people walk through a brightly lit amusement area at night, with a large blue Ferris wheel and vibrant thrill rides in the background. Food stalls, including one advertising stuffed churros, add to the bustling and celebratory scene.A wide pedestrian avenue is illuminated by rows of white string lights and decorative panels, suspended between trees lining the path. People stroll beneath the lights, creating a magical and orderly nighttime setting.A row of colorful striped tents with traditional decor and hanging paper lanterns in red, orange, green, and yellow. One tent is open, revealing simple wooden tables and chairs, evoking a sense of intimate gathering and tradition.A large, illuminated archway adorned with intricate light patterns and framed by strings of lanterns overhead. People walk beneath the glowing entrance, enhancing the sense of arrival and celebration.A close-up view of the main entrance arch lit up in red, green, white, and blue patterns with three towers. The crowd beneath the grand structure emphasizes its scale and iconic design.A small white building labeled “Niños Perdidos” (Lost Children) with a cartoon sign of children holding hands, enclosed by a green fence. The setup highlights safety provisions for families during the event.A colorful illustrated poster for the May 2025 fair in Seville, showing festive striped tents and rows of hanging lanterns. The design is playful and decorative, with branding from El Corte Inglés and the artist.

2025-05-21