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Restaurant Reviews for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

555 Fourth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Authentic Spanish Cuisine and Tapas Bar with dinner shows on weekends and a Spanish Flamenco Guitarist at the Tapas Bar 7 days a week. Check out what the media is saying about us: Union Tribune (http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060209/news_1w09eventosm.html) Dining San Diego (http://www.diningsandiego.com/cybereaters.aspx)

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Valet
Cross Street: Market St.

See more Cafe Sevilla - San Diego details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		4.0 out of 5 (111 Reviews)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

fit for foodies (56)
special occasion (46)
romantic (43)
neighborhood gem (35)
hot spot (33)
good for groups (31)
vibrant bar scene (29)
late-night find (19)
notable wine list (11)
kid-friendly (4)
great for lunch (3)

+ see more special features/tags

Cafe Sevilla - San Diego Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Overall we had a really nice experience dining at Cafe Sevilla. I brought my mom and my dad for my mom's birthday and she really enjoyed it. Though not necessarily a kid or family focused place, I had my 8 year old son with us and he too enjoyed his food. I recommend the Seafood Crepe on the Tapas menu. The passion fruit mojito was superb. The flavors were excellent. Our server was prompt. The menu is a bit daunting for those not familiar with it or with Spanish food in general, but our server walked us through it which helped. Just remember Tapas and Tapitas are small, so order lots of them. I recommend the restaurant to others and would go definitely go again."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/19/2010

(review submitted 03/21/2010)

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Review 2 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This was my first experience at a tapas restaurant, while my friend was the "expert." The food was very good and appropriately priced. This is the type of restaurant I would recommend for groups, since you can order many things to share. The service was excellent and sangria tasty! I would definitely return."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/12/2010

(review submitted 03/19/2010)

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Review 3 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Food is delicious, ambiance is great. Our service was so-so. Waitress would interrupt at inopportune times. Worse than that, she brought us the wrong dish, which happens from time to time, sure, but she didn't apologize and didn't comp it or even offer to bring us the correct dish. She just told us if we mixed in the sauce, we'd really like it.... If I thought I would really like it, wouldn't I have ordered it? I thought I would like the dish I ordered... but I didn't find out."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/11/2010

(review submitted 03/13/2010)

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Review 4 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The Service was surpurb. From the moment we sat down, we were greeted by name, the whole night. The waitress was super nice explaining everything on the menu and checking in to ensure that we were taken care of all night long. The food was just ok, nothing great but none the less it was good. There is live music nightly and a dance floor/bar/band downstairs as well. Great overall experience, would go back again, and order different food."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/01/2010

(review submitted 03/02/2010)

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Review 5 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The only reason I didn't give all five stars is because I don't know anything about Spanish food or tapas so I wasn't sure what to order. However, everything was delicious, the sangria was incredible and I plan on going back and tying other parts of the menu."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/23/2010

(review submitted 02/25/2010)

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Review 6 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Great choice for dinner if staying in hotels around Convention Center. Within easy walking distance. Lively, energetic, fun atmosphere. Make reservations. Tapas- particularly recommend a lamb brochette. Friendly staff."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/20/2010

(review submitted 02/22/2010)

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Review 7 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Our first experience with Cafe Sevilla was a good one.. Everything we ordered was excellent.. However.. We do not have big appetites and we found we did not need all the food the waitress recommmended we get. The Paella appetiser and the Sea Bass alone were plenty for each of us. Nice size portions by themselves.. We were, however , glad to have tried the wonderful seafood crepe. Next time we will know what to order better. The music in the lounge following the meal was fantastic..We love Spanish music, especially the Gypsy Kings. and they did it so well... Thanks for a very special dining experience.. Look forward to coming back soon.. Becky and Mark Bates, Coronado"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/21/2010)

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Review 8 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"The tapas are great for sharing--very tasty!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/16/2010

(review submitted 02/18/2010)

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Review 9 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We had a great time! The food was amazing!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/12/2010

(review submitted 02/14/2010)

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Review 10 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Cafe Sevilla was a busy and energetic restaurant. Seating is a little cramped but the service and the atmosphere are outstanding. The food is a very decent sized portions. We would definitely go there again."

Special Features: good for groups

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/10/2010

(review submitted 02/12/2010)

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Review 11 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Good)

"food was not what I expected. Dont get me wrong it was good but not out of this world delicious. Maybe because they over power the food with too much spices (garlic, sauce . . ) that it ruins the taste balance. It was kust probably the dish I ordered. But its a great scene for a late night dinner"

Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/03/2010

(review submitted 02/05/2010)

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Review 12 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Food & service was great per usual. Been here a few times. Love the menu, especially the tapitas as my friends and I can try loads of different stuff each time. Favorite dessert is the flourless chocolate cake, it doesn't even need the ice cream to make it delicious."

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/28/2010

(review submitted 02/02/2010)

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Review 13 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"My husband and I had an early dinner here before the Opera. We arrived at 5 p.m. They weren't very busy at that time. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable. The food was amazing! Will definitely be coming back. We had the garlic shrimp and lamb screwer tapitas. For the main course we shared the Traditional Paella for one which had several different types of clams, calamari, oysters, chicken and sausage. It was plenty of food and we left very full. We also had their sangria which was incredible. I agree with some of the reviews I've read that the rice has a bit too much salt, but other than that no complaints. Great food."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/30/2010

(review submitted 02/02/2010)

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Review 14 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The food is really good. I have been a couple of times to Spain and had an opportunity to try different regional cuisines over there. This restaurant presents an excellent sampling through a comprehensive selection of well-done tapas, of different sizes. It is a bit thin on the seafood offerings, but the quality and variety of options more than compensates for that. The wine list is not huge, but nicely put together."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/25/2010

(review submitted 01/27/2010)

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Review 15 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"food is sooo good!!! love the dimly lit dining area, cozy and romatic! really enjoy dining here!"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/16/2010

(review submitted 01/19/2010)

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Review 16 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Good)

"I really wanted to rate this place much higher but some of the food was cold and the service was slow. Our server also had a very large party, which took up most of his attention. When he was at the table he was very friendly and knowledgeable. The Lobster appetizer was great. The entree could have been amazing if servered hot, the butter servered on the steak woudln't even melt and mashed potatos were at room temp."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/16/2010

(review submitted 01/18/2010)

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Review 17 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This food was amazing! We ordered tapas, not full-sized entrees. We had the bleu cheese and bacon wrapped dates and oh my, they literally melted in my mouth. They hit all flavor points - salty, smoky, and sweet all at once! Amazing. I actually ordered a second order for DESSERT...and they paired great with the port! Also, we had the Mar Y Terra Brocheta...the pieces of lamb were cooked perfectly. Order the bread with Homemade Aoili as well, if you order tapas. Our waiter, Mauricio, was fabulous as well. He was helpful, very personable and a huge help with his recommendations! All in all, I would recommend this restaurant to ANYONE visiting San Diego. Prices are reasonable too!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/08/2010

(review submitted 01/11/2010)

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Review 18 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Excellent food, service and ambiance. Great Tapas and Sangria and music. One of my favorite restaurants."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/03/2010

(review submitted 01/05/2010)

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Review 19 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This place is awesome. The food is great, as is the atmosphere. I do however, find it a little loud if you want to carry on a conversation, at least when they are busy. But, in my opinion the absolute best thing about the place is the flamenco guitar players that they have!!!!"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/29/2009

(review submitted 12/31/2009)

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Review 20 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Every time I visit Cafe Sevilla, the restaurant and bar are packed. There's a reason for this. The food is very flavourful.

The menu is extensive, and the best way to experience Cafe Sevilla is to grab a group of friends, and then order several items from the menu to share. Highly recommend getting the paella. It's become a staple for me whenever I go."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/28/2009

(review submitted 12/30/2009)

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Review 21 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This restaurant is a must for both tourists and locals. Cafe Sevilla is the epitome of service and food. The authenticity of the Spanish food is excellent. Cafe Sevilla will always be a stop for me, everytime I return to San Diego."

Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/25/2009

(review submitted 12/29/2009)

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Review 22 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We had an excellent Christmas evening @ Sevilla's, with the exception that when our entree' made it to the table, the vegetables, including the one's under the meat on the dish were cold-warm. Not hot. My husband noticed that the plates did sit there for quite a bit before they were noticed & brought to us. The server did have my plate redone & the vegetables were hot like they should've been when that plate got to our table. I fully recommend Sevilla's."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/25/2009

(review submitted 12/28/2009)

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Review 23 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"My family of four went for Christmas dinner during our trip to California. The service was friendly and efficient, and the food was very good. The blue cheese stuffed dates were the hit of the night. The decor is lovely and the Gaslamp district is a great place to walk around after dinner to burn off some of those calories. I would recommend this when you are in San Diego."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/25/2009

(review submitted 12/27/2009)

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Review 24 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I like the food and environment overall. But, as a first-time visitor, I would have expected the waitress be more helpful. The food on my table was good, but I was more curious and jealous about what my neighbors had ordered, which seemed very popular but the waitress didn't mention to us. Make sure you study the menu well before you go there. I wish I would revisit the restaurant some day in future."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, scenic view

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/24/2009

(review submitted 12/27/2009)

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Review 25 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Ripped an expensive pair of jeans getting into the booth, as nails were sticking out of the side. Told waitress and the manager comped our bottle of wine, which was half-price anyway, since it was Tuesday. I appreciate the effort, but thought the response was a bit miserly. Our waitress never re-filled our water glasses or checked back after our second course. The food quality was outstanding, as was the presentation."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/22/2009

(review submitted 12/24/2009)

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Review 26 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Fun place. Food was really good. Service was so-so. NOT KID FRIENDY-when we asked about a childrens menu or options our server replied "What you see is what you get""

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/13/2009

(review submitted 12/15/2009)

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Review 27 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Noisy...really noisy but the quality of food and drink made up for it. We would go again."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/05/2009

(review submitted 12/07/2009)

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Review 28 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Always a great choice for Spanish food. We always go with the tapas and order many! Saffron cous cous was bland and I wouldn't order it again, but tortilla espanola was excellent as always. Sangria also very good and a must when eating here."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/04/2009

(review submitted 12/06/2009)

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Review 29 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I had made a special request that if there was anyone able to great my Spanish exchange student from Spain that it would be a plus for our occasion and help make her fell at home. When greeted by the hostess she had no idea what I was talking about. It was my exchange students birthday and I had mentioned that also on the special request. The waiter had no idea until I told him. The box for special requests obviously does not get read. A watse of time spent on requesting anything from this restaurant above asking for a menu."

Special Features: good for groups, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/03/2009

(review submitted 12/05/2009)

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Review 30 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Great food and service! Good for romantic or group dining. Recommend dining family style so you can sample many dishes."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/03/2009

(review submitted 12/05/2009)

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Review 31 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This was a real treat for us since our relatives were out of town for Thanksgiving. We decided to take advantage of the Thanksgiving special Cafe Sevilla was offering. It was very quite at 5pm so that made for a cozy atmosphere. The waiter was friendly and professional. We were amused when he casually recommended a bottle of wine with out mentioning it's cost($85). Fortunately we felt confident enough to chose something more affordable without feeling intimidated or embarrassed. I just wonder if management coaches the waiters to do this sort of thing? Either way it was a very enjoyable evening and we will be back."

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/04/2009)

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Review 32 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Our experience was great! This was our first time in San Diego. My husband is not a foodie like me, but he enjoyed himself, too. We sampled the meat tapas and I had shrimp and a mini seafood paella(fantastic); The meat's were ok and the shrimp was a little salty. However, the paella and beef empanadas were AMAZING and worth the trip!

We could have eaten ten empanadas,even though they were a good portion in size. The paella was well seasoned and not overcooked. I would recommend this as a must taste restaurant in San Diego."

Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/23/2009

(review submitted 12/03/2009)

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Based on the average of (79) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

Reservations for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Restaurant Reviews for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Cafe Sevilla - San Diego Reviews List

Review 1 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Review 2 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Review 3 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Review 4 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Review 5 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Review 6 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

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Review 28 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

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Review 30 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Review 31 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego

Review 32 for Cafe Sevilla - San Diego