The best artisan shops in Soho Benita, Seville
Soho Benita is home to Seville’s thriving artisan community – and a testament to the city’s entrepreneurial flair. Two local experts reveal where to find some of its finest treasures…
04 March 2015
While many businesses succumbed to Spain’s economic crisis, a few independently-owned shops, restaurants and galleries created a cooperative to survive. The result is Soho Benita – a few streets laden with everything from handmade clothing and street art to vintage boutiques and haute coulture milliners. Most boutiques are mixed-use spaces, where goods are both made and sold, art is on display, and events are always happening.
Rayuela
Calle Jose Luis Luque 6, +34 954 22 88 34
If you are traveling with kids, they will love this store. They carry children’s books and games – primarily in Spanish, but also in English, German and French. If you want to have a night out on your own, they host a monthly Saturday night slumber party for kids, with book readings and games. Pick them up the next morning after breakfast. Rayuela also has authors come in frequently to read and sign books.
If you are traveling with kids, they will love this store. They carry children’s books and games – primarily in Spanish, but also in English, German and French. If you want to have a night out on your own, they host a monthly Saturday night slumber party for kids, with book readings and games. Pick them up the next morning after breakfast. Rayuela also has authors come in frequently to read and sign books.
La Pincelada
Calle Pérez Galdós 20, +34 955 19 03 20
A contemporary dinner spot, with wine-pairings suggested for each dish. Their menu is creative, and includes some tasty fusion dishes. Great service with beautiful presentation, and an elegant atmosphere in the evenings.
A contemporary dinner spot, with wine-pairings suggested for each dish. Their menu is creative, and includes some tasty fusion dishes. Great service with beautiful presentation, and an elegant atmosphere in the evenings.
Calle Pérez Galdós 2, +34 954 56 18 29
Painter and fashion designer Rafa García Forcada carries his own designs, as well as antiques and other fashion labels in this eclectic boutique. A prolific artist, he features a new exhibition of original clothing and paintings every two months.
Painter and fashion designer Rafa García Forcada carries his own designs, as well as antiques and other fashion labels in this eclectic boutique. A prolific artist, he features a new exhibition of original clothing and paintings every two months.
Calle Don Alonso el Sabio 8, +34 954 53 78 24
A millinery studio and shop, specialising in haute coulture-style creations. Even if you don’t plan to purchase any high-fashion headgear, the store is worth browsing just to see Patricia’s sculptural designs. If you ask nicely, you might get to see the workshop at the back…
A millinery studio and shop, specialising in haute coulture-style creations. Even if you don’t plan to purchase any high-fashion headgear, the store is worth browsing just to see Patricia’s sculptural designs. If you ask nicely, you might get to see the workshop at the back…
Don Alonso El Sabio 4, +34 954 563 509
This craft shop has its roots in the digital world. Sisters Isabel and Noelia, an architect and a publicist, founded a popular design blog which has now become a successful bricks-and-mortar business. The beautiful space, designed by Isabel, carries arts and crafts supplies, home and event décor, and more. They also lead craft workshops to teach skills such as stamping and carving.
This craft shop has its roots in the digital world. Sisters Isabel and Noelia, an architect and a publicist, founded a popular design blog which has now become a successful bricks-and-mortar business. The beautiful space, designed by Isabel, carries arts and crafts supplies, home and event décor, and more. They also lead craft workshops to teach skills such as stamping and carving.
Calle Ortiz de Zúñiga 1, +34 954 22 75 15
The place for earth-conscious shoe-shopping. The focus is on ecologically-sustainable products made in Europe from organic and recycled materials.
The place for earth-conscious shoe-shopping. The focus is on ecologically-sustainable products made in Europe from organic and recycled materials.
Plaza Cristo de Burgos 21, +34 954 36 21 16
Founded by interior designers, this boutique is a visual treat. The store’s interior is transformed seasonally with themed décor and products by artists from all over the world. The gallery at the back features both classical and contemporary works of art.
Founded by interior designers, this boutique is a visual treat. The store’s interior is transformed seasonally with themed décor and products by artists from all over the world. The gallery at the back features both classical and contemporary works of art.
Calle Golfo 3, +34 954 220 202
A Cuban-inspired restaurant with plenty of excellent options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free customers. The yucca is a signature item here and the mojitos are delicious. A local favourite for seafood and Caribbean-style dishes.
A Cuban-inspired restaurant with plenty of excellent options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free customers. The yucca is a signature item here and the mojitos are delicious. A local favourite for seafood and Caribbean-style dishes.
La Cacharreria
Calle Regina 14, +34 954 21 21 66
Start the day with a hearty, healthy breakfast at this charming café. There’s a variety of fresh and delicious options, so you really can’t make a bad decision when ordering here. It’s a very popular place with a good atmosphere, so take the time to relax over a coffee or green smoothie for a pick-me-up. If you fancy dessert, try the carrot cake.
Mahsa Homayounfar is the co-founder of Not Just a Tourist, a blog and tour company that gives travellers a unique insight into Seville. Kieran Murray is an artist and brand strategist. Both of them know Seville inside out!
Start the day with a hearty, healthy breakfast at this charming café. There’s a variety of fresh and delicious options, so you really can’t make a bad decision when ordering here. It’s a very popular place with a good atmosphere, so take the time to relax over a coffee or green smoothie for a pick-me-up. If you fancy dessert, try the carrot cake.
Mahsa Homayounfar is the co-founder of Not Just a Tourist, a blog and tour company that gives travellers a unique insight into Seville. Kieran Murray is an artist and brand strategist. Both of them know Seville inside out!
