After visiting Seville Cathedral and the Giralda, we wanted to try paella for the first time in Spain. We searched Google Maps for a highly rated restaurant nearby and reserved a table at Gusto Sevilla. The seafood and friendly service were highlights, but the firm rice texture was not quite to my taste.
Where Is Gusto Sevilla?
Gusto is near Seville Cathedral in the historic center, making it a convenient stop after sightseeing. We booked through Google Maps before arriving. Our table was tucked into a corner, which initially felt disappointing, but the window overlooking the street made it surprisingly pleasant.
Menu and What We Ordered
The menu offers tapas, fried seafood, and rice dishes. From the menu photographed during our visit, we ordered Frito de calamares (€21), Arroz del Senyoret (€25 per person, two portions for €50), a glass of sangria (€6.50), and a soft drink (listed at €3). Prices are from our visit and may change. Paella required a minimum of two portions, and the menu advised allowing approximately 30–50 minutes for preparation.
Sangria: A Welcome Break from the Heat
Seville was extremely hot after our cathedral visit, so a cold glass of sangria was exactly what I wanted. Sitting by the window with a refreshing drink was a lovely way to recover from sightseeing.
Fried Calamari: My Favorite Dish
The fried calamari came with shrimp, vegetables, lemon, and aioli. This was my first time trying this style of calamari in Seville. Instead of the firmer, crispier texture I expected, the squid was wonderfully tender and the overall coating felt delicate. I really enjoyed it, especially with the aioli.
Arroz del Senyoret: Beautiful Seafood, Firm Rice
We ordered two portions of Arroz del Senyoret because the menu required a minimum order for paella. The pan looked impressive, with large shrimp, mussels, and other seafood. The seafood itself tasted excellent.
However, this was my first paella experience, and the rice was much firmer than I expected. To me, some grains felt almost undercooked. I know other diners may enjoy this texture, and the restaurant had good reviews, but it simply was not my favorite. That said, it was far from inedible—we finished almost all of it, and I especially enjoyed the seafood.
Service and Overall Verdict
The server was warm, cheerful, and genuinely friendly. Even though the paella rice was not quite right for my personal taste, the meal was still a pleasant experience. The fried calamari and seafood were memorable, and the window seat turned out to be a nice spot.
I chose Gusto because of its strong Google Maps reviews, but this experience reminded me that a high rating does not always mean a dish will match my preferences. Next time, I would compare reviews from Korean travelers as well, since their descriptions of rice texture might help me choose a paella more suited to my taste.
Tips Before Visiting
If you plan to order paella, check the minimum portion requirement and allow time for cooking. Gusto is convenient for a meal after Seville Cathedral, and reserving ahead through Google Maps worked well for us. If you prefer softer rice, read detailed reviews rather than relying on star ratings alone.
For more travel planning, explore other Spain travel stories in the Travel archive.
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