If you or your date is a vegetarian or vegan who can't face another side dish of white bread rubbed in half tomatoes, or tortilla (delightful as they are for the non-vegans), it may be time to hatch an alternative dining out plan. Pizza may or may not feature in that plan. Seville, like most cities, provides an interesting array of dining out options, but it can be a trial to locate good vegetarian and especially vegan cuisine.



Almanara (Alameda de Hacutercules, 85) offers a hip environment for veggie enthusiasts. The food is wholesome and mainly - if not entirely - vegetarian. It's a popular destination for the hungry masses, testifying to its reputation for top-notch quality of service and food. By day Almanara is more of a juice bar. It's positioned on a leafy and lively square frequented by youthful crowds and children who play there.

Habanita (Calle Golfo, 3), while not exclusively vegetarian, is considered vegan-friendly, with mainly vegetarian and vegan items clearly marked on the Cuban-based menus. This is a bright, small, tucked-away establishment, which some visitors find tricky to find. Most people are glad though they put in the effort. As with all the establishments listed here, meals are reasonably priced. Habanita also offer a take-away menu.

Since vegetarian and especially vegan eaters are often more health-savvy than their meat-eating counterparts it's worth focussing on some organic food options.

La Mandraacute;gora (Calle Albuera, 11) caters in meals made from organic and natural ingredients, as well as homemade puddings. The atmosphere, they say, is 'cosy' - providing an ideal environment for a romantic setting. Meat dishes are also served, satisfying any carnivore dinner dates.

Mama Terra (Paseo de Cristina, 3) provides an organic, largely vegetarian open buffet. This is a good choice if you or your dinner date is generously proportioned, or just plain worried about mean portions.

Finally, Bar Ecologico Gaia (Luis de Vargas, 4) is the place to go if you're an organic-only vegan. Food is mostly vegan and all organic. Bar Ecologico Gaia serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily, but closes on Sunday nights. The menu - two courses and a beverage - is great value. And there are always plenty of vegan selections to choose from.

It's worth remembering that Spanish restaurants normally close on either a Sunday or Monday night - check ahead of time if you have somewhere particular in mind on either of these evenings.