THE EXPAT PRESS CLUB presents: COOPER’S CHOICE Discovered by Cooper. Inspected by Bootsmann. Loved by Omama.
COOPER’S CHOICE · BOOTSMANN APPROVED
Sevilla on Four Paws
The loveliest dog-friendly cafés, restaurants and walks in Andalusia’s capital
Discovered by Cooper. Inspected by Bootsmann. Approved with four paws.
We are Cooper and Bootsmann.
Although Bootsmann insists it should really be Bootsmann and Cooper. After all, that’s simply a matter of Betriebszugehörigkeit — seniority, roughly “years on the payroll.”
Bootsmann is 14 years old, born in Berlin, and a true Hauptstadthund — a proper capital-city dog. One of those who figured out early that you don’t have to run after everyone just because they’re waving a treat. He’s lived in Hamburg, Berlin, Mallorca, Barcelona, Marbella and Valencia, and these days commutes between Sevilla and Sotogrande.
Bootsmann knows Spain. He knows the sea, the big city, good hotels, bad water bowls, overcrowded terraces, and waiters who claim to love dogs while placing the bowl so far away you’d think they were afraid of wet paws. In short: Bootsmann is an experienced Mann von Welt — a man of the world.
You could also call him Bootsmann the Truffle. Because if something edible falls anywhere, he finds it. Not later. Not maybe. Sofort — immediately. His nose runs a tracking system that could probably locate ham bones buried underground.
How Cooper Joined the Family
And then came Cooper.
Cooper sat in a small glass enclosure in a shop near a Carrefour. Still very young, orange-coloured, with ears far too long, and that look cocker spaniels have used for centuries to talk perfectly sensible humans into unreasonable decisions.
Children knocked on the glass. People stopped, glanced in, and walked on. Cooper stayed behind.
“If this little dog is still sitting there alone on my birthday, I’m taking him home.”
The birthday was May 6, 2024. And Cooper was still there. So home he came.
Bootsmann was not, at first, begeistert — thrilled — about this development. Fourteen-year-old gentlemen only appreciate change when it improves the Speiseplan, the menu. A young cocker who bounced around the apartment, took a keen interest in Bootsmann’s toys, and apparently had zero respect for established quiet hours was not part of his original life plan.
He growled. He sulked. He shot Mama looks that could only be read as a formal complaint to management.
Cooper, meanwhile, was convinced Bootsmann was his new best friend. He followed him, watched him, lay down beside him, and stole his spots, his toys, and occasionally, presumably, his patience too.
Eventually what happens in the best friendships happened: nobody could say exactly when the irritated coexistence turned into real togetherness. Today they’re an unbeatable team.
Cooper discovers the world. Bootsmann checks whether it’s worth the effort. Cooper opens every door. Bootsmann decides whether to stay. Cooper falls in love with people, places, and above all, oranges. Bootsmann falls in love only with things that are either edible or come with exceptionally good service.
And then there’s their single greatest shared passion: Omama. She’s their grandmother, lives in Sevilla, and is adored by both of them beyond all reason. Cooper and Bootsmann are completely omaverrückt — Grandma-crazy. The moment Omama appears, even the most important restaurant inspection is forgotten. What follows is greeting, escorting, guarding, and very close supervision of exactly who is allowed to sit next to her.
Sometimes Mama and Omama come along on tour. Not just because someone has to make the reservation, pay the bill, and hold the leashes, but because the loveliest places only truly become lovely once the people you love most can be there too. Omama gets around with her walker. So Cooper and Bootsmann don’t just check water bowls, shade, and table spacing — they also check for level entrances, wide enough paths, enough room at the table, comfortable resting spots, and access Omama can manage without a Hindernislauf, an obstacle course.
Because no matter how dog-friendly a place is: if Omama would have to stay outside, or can barely get her walker to the table, it doesn’t earn the family Wappen — the coat of arms. Cooper and Bootsmann look for places where everyone is welcome: parents, kids, grandparents, and furry noses.
Sevilla: A City You Have to Erschnuppern
Our search for the loveliest dog-friendly places in Spain begins in Sevilla — the capital of Andalusia, the city of orange trees, and the kind of place where even an ordinary walk looks staged for a film.
Sevilla has its own light. It falls on pale house façades, glints off colourful azulejo tiles, and drifts slowly across dark wrought-iron balconies in the afternoon.
In spring the city smells of orange blossom. In summer, dogs and humans go hunting for shade together. In autumn the light turns soft and golden. In winter the streets hang heavy with oranges, while Cooper stands underneath, convinced the sky hung them there exclusively for him.
Cooper loves oranges. To him, an orange is the best and most beautiful thing that exists, full stop: it rolls, it smells wonderful, and it wears the prettiest colour in the world. He wants to find it, examine it, nudge it, chase it, and guard it. Whether it’s still green, gone golden-yellow, or glowing orange makes no difference. Anything round, citrus-scented, and lying under a tree counts, in his professional opinion, as journalistische Recherche — journalistic research — first and foremost.
“An orange is simply perfect. It rolls, it smells, and it glows. What more could you want?”
Bootsmann watches Cooper’s great citrus love with the Gelassenheit — the composure — of a seasoned senior. He himself is more interested in culinary finds that have accidentally landed under a restaurant table. On one point, though, the two agree completely: even more important than oranges, truffles, and treats is Omama.
The Omama Check
Every Cooper’s Choice inspection now includes the Omama Check. Can you get to the entrance easily with a walker? Are there steps or narrow doors? Is there enough room at the table? Is there shade, a bench, or a comfortable place to rest? And does the staff treat older guests with the same warmth and matter-of-factness as young people and their dogs?
“A restaurant is only truly family-friendly once nobody in the family becomes a Hindernis — an obstacle — not a walker, and not four paws.”
But Sevilla isn’t just pretty. The city is also getting steadily less complicated for people who don’t want to leave their dogs at home for every restaurant visit. So we’ve put together the cafés, restaurants, bars and walks where humans and dogs can both get something out of Sevilla.
1. Híspalis Café — Coffee With Dog Sense
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📍 ADDRESS Calle Amor de Dios 1, 41002 Sevilla 🌐 WEBSITE hispaliscafe.com ✉️ EMAIL hispaliscafe@gmail.com 🐾 BEST FOR Specialty coffee and a quiet break 🐶 DOGS Welcome inside |
At Híspalis Café, coffee isn’t just poured — it’s selected, roasted, explained, and taken seriously.
Depending on the offering, the beans come from Brazil, Colombia, or Ethiopia, among others. There’s also pastry, homemade cakes, and small treats to go with your cup.
The café sits centrally and is especially pleasant for dog people, because dogs are allowed inside. The big windows give Cooper plenty of opportunity to study the street action, while Bootsmann recharges his batteries in a sheltered spot.
Cooper checks
“Big windows, lots of people, always something to watch. The floor also feels pleasantly cool. Now we just need to confirm whether the water arrives automatically or Mama has to ask.”
Bootsmann’s Last Woof
“Good coffee makes people more alert. Alert people drop less cake. Regrettable, but professional.”
THE FINAL PAW Ideal for coffee-enthusiastic humans with a kultivierte — cultured — fur companion.
2. La Ilustre — Beer, Art, and Open Doors
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📍 ADDRESS Calle Correduría 35, 41003 Sevilla 🌐 WEBSITE lailustre.com ✉️ EMAIL reservas@lailustre.com 🐾 BEST FOR Beer, tapas, art, and relaxed afternoons 🐶 DOGS Welcome inside and on the terrace |
La Ilustre sits near the Alameda de Hércules and is bar, gallery, and neighbourhood hangout all in one.
More than 50 beers, house draft cocktails, and an uncomplicated kitchen make this a place you end up staying longer than planned. The menu includes tuna chicharrón, prawn ensaladilla, burgers, brioche, traditional dishes, and a torrija that apparently carries a genuine relapse risk.
Between exhibitions, events, and a lively bar, there’s plenty for Cooper to observe. If your dog is very sound-sensitive, pick a quieter time of day.
Cooper checks
“Inside or terrace — both are possible. Lots of people, new smells, and someone’s always coming through the door. Excellent working conditions for a society reporter.”
Bootsmann’s Last Woof
“More than 50 kinds of beer for the humans. For me, one kind of water is plenty — but fresh, cool, and in a clean bowl, bitte.”
THE FINAL PAW Best for sociable dogs and thirsty humans.
3. Mano de Santo — Tacos, Mezcal, and Water for the Dog
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📍 ADDRESS Alameda de Hércules 90, 41002 Sevilla 🌐 WEBSITE elmanodesanto.com 🐾 BEST FOR Mexican cuisine and lively evenings 🐶 DOGS Welcome inside and on the terrace |
Mano de Santo brings Mexico right into the middle of the Alameda.
Here you’ll find tacos, quesadillas, aguachile, tostadas, ceviche, and Mexican-inspired seafood, alongside margaritas, Mexican mules, mezcal cocktails, and homemade aguas frescas.
The atmosphere is lively, colourful, and sometimes a bit loud. Cooper thinks that’s großartig — fantastic. Bootsmann recommends a strategically wise choice of table. Especially pleasing: dogs are visibly part of the concept here, and water for four-legged guests is no exotic special request.
Cooper checks
“There’s a terrace, we’re allowed inside too, and we get water. Plus other dogs often hang around the Alameda. This isn’t a restaurant visit — this is networking.”
Bootsmann’s Last Woof
“Water for us, mezcal for the humans. Afterward I will, naturally, be handling the navigation home.”
THE FINAL PAW Four paws for water, atmosphere, and uncomplicated hospitality.
4. Estraperlo — Park First, Plate Second
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📍 ADDRESS Calle Santa Rosa 4, 41013 Sevilla 🌐 WEBSITE estraperlosevilla.com ✉️ EMAIL estraperlo@estraperlosevilla.com 🐾 BEST FOR Ecological and seasonal cuisine 🐶 DOGS Welcome; best to mention when reserving |
Estraperlo sits in the elegant El Porvenir neighbourhood, right near Parque de María Luisa.
The restaurant focuses on seasonal produce, ecological ingredients, and small producers. The menu shifts with what’s available — depending on the season you might find local tomatoes with burrata, artichokes with mussels, or Ibérico tataki with ajoblanco.
For a day out with a dog, the location is nearly perfect: a lap around the park first, then lunch together, and afterward a discreet nap under the table.
Cooper checks
“Park first, restaurant after. A very vernünftig — sensible — concept. Lots of green, lots of paths, and a resting spot afterward. Still, I’d personally prefer a second lap around the park.”
Bootsmann’s Last Woof
“Regional, seasonal, and without unnecessary theatre. Just like me: a Qualitätsprodukt — a quality product — from the local area.”
THE FINAL PAW Especially lovely for quiet food-lovers, older dogs, and people with an eye for good produce.
5. La Tienda de Plácido y Grata — Boutique Hotel for World Travellers
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📍 ADDRESS Calle Monsalves 4, 41001 Sevilla 🌐 WEBSITE placidoygratahotel.com ✉️ EMAIL hola@placidoygratahotel.com 🐾 BEST FOR Stylish breaks, coffee, cocktails, and boutique-hotel atmosphere 🐶 DOGS Welcome in the restaurant and on the terrace |
Plácido y Grata proves that dog-friendly doesn’t have to look like plastic bowls and paw-print stickers.
The boutique hotel sits right in the centre and, with La Tienda, offers an elegant spot for breakfast, coffee, meals, and cocktails. The terrace also hosts special events and jazz evenings.
Dogs are welcome to accompany their humans. The hotel can even help organise care if you want to visit a sight where animals aren’t allowed.
Cooper checks
“Boutique hotel, terrace, and constantly new guests. I could do very well here as official Begrüßungsmanager — welcome manager.”
Bootsmann’s Last Woof
“A hotel that can even organise my scheduling and care has understood the concept of senior management.”
THE FINAL PAW Bootsmann Approved for style, calm, and thoughtful service.
6. Ropavieja — A Classic With a Fresh Eye
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📍 ADDRESS Calle Hernando del Pulgar 16, 41005 Sevilla 🌐 WEBSITE ropaviejarestaurante.com ✉️ EMAIL info@ropaviejatapas.com 🐾 BEST FOR Creative Andalusian cuisine and rice dishes 🐶 DOGS Pet-friendly; ask for a suitable table when reserving |
Ropavieja combines flavours from Andalusian and Spanish cuisine with a more modern presentation. Rice dishes, fish, meat, and creative plates make this restaurant an interesting alternative to classic old-town tapas.
Its location in Nervión is pleasant for anyone who’d rather not manoeuvre a dog through the most crowded lanes of the historic centre.
Cooper checks
“Lots of new smells and less tourist crush. Still need to personally check how much space there is between tables and how quickly the water bowl shows up.”
Bootsmann’s Last Woof
“Ropavieja? I like the name. You don’t retire good classics — you serve them with a bit more Stil, a bit more style.”
THE FINAL PAW A promising candidate for the personal Bootsmann inspection.
7. Ricca Pizzería — International Relations, Italian Style
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📍 ADDRESS Calle Pavía 16, 41001 Sevilla 🌐 WEBSITE riccapizzeria.com ✉️ EMAIL ciao@riccapizzeria.com 🐾 BEST FOR Pizza and Italian cuisine 🐶 DOGS Allowed; clarify table situation beforehand |
Pizza isn’t exactly an Andalusian tradition, but Cooper considers international relations important.
The smell of freshly baked pizza also has the astonishing ability to turn a well-mannered dog into a supposedly half-starved street dog within seconds.
Cooper checks
“Dogs may come along. Now we just need to establish how carefully dropped pizza crusts get collected. I’m prepared to assist staff with this task.”
Bootsmann’s Last Woof
“Pizza without pineapple: genehmigt — approved. Pizza with pineapple: we’ll need to discuss your membership in the Cooper’s Choice Club.”
THE FINAL PAW Promising — pending personal pizza inspection.
8. El Pan Nuestro — An Andalusian Break in the Heart of the City
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📍 ADDRESS Plaza Jesús de la Pasión 1, 41004 Sevilla 🌐 WEBSITE elpannuestrosevilla.com ✉️ EMAIL info@elpannuestrosevilla.com 🐾 BEST FOR Andalusian cuisine during an old-town round 🐶 DOGS Allowed; best visited outside peak times |
El Pan Nuestro sits centrally and pairs nicely with a walk through the old town.
From here, Las Setas, Plaza del Salvador, and countless small lanes are all quickly reachable. For dogs who love to people-watch, the area is exciting. For older dogs, though, it can get a bit crowded at peak times.
Cooper checks
“People, pigeons, bags, smells, and constantly new street corners. I honestly don’t know where to look first.”
Bootsmann’s Last Woof
“Reserve me an edge seat with a good view and no passing chair legs. Then we can talk.”
THE FINAL PAW Good for urban dogs — especially at early lunch or on quieter weekdays.
Before Dinner, After Dinner — Or Somewhere In Between
A good dog-friendly restaurant visit doesn’t start at the table. It starts with a walk, where Cooper can burn off energy and Bootsmann can check the Nachrichtenlage — the news situation — at every tree along the way.
The Great Cooper & Bootsmann Walk Through Sevilla
1. Parque de María Luisa
Parque de María Luisa is one of the loveliest starting points for a day with a dog. Wide paths, big trees, fountains, and shady avenues offer comfortable resting spots even for older dogs.
It’s loveliest early in the morning. The air is cooler, the paths quieter, and the Plaza de España shows itself almost without the crowds. From here, Estraperlo in El Porvenir is an easy walk away.
COOPER “Lots of trees, lots of paths, and occasionally an orange. I see no problem here.”
BOOTSMANN “The park is big enough to keep Cooper occupied, and shady enough for me to sit out his enthusiasm.”
2. Santa Cruz and the Orange Trees
Early in the morning, the narrow lanes of Santa Cruz are especially lovely. White houses, small squares, balconies, and orange trees turn the loop into a regular Liebeserklärung — a love letter — to Sevilla.
In peak summer, definitely avoid midday: the cobblestones can get too hot for dog paws.
COOPER “There are oranges here. Under trees. Next to walls. On squares. Some green, some orange. This is going to take a while.”
BOOTSMANN “Cooper calls it research. I call it an obsessive relationship with citrus fruit.”
3. Las Setas and the Alameda de Hércules
From Híspalis Café, you can walk toward the Metropol Parasol — the Setas — and continue on to the Alameda de Hércules.
The Alameda is probably Sevilla’s most uncomplicated territory for dogs. There’s wide open space, lots of terraces, plenty of other dogs, and enough opportunities for a break. Two of our picks, La Ilustre and Mano de Santo, sit right in this area.
COOPER “Best place for new friends. I need at least a whole afternoon here.”
BOOTSMANN “Cooper calls it networking. I call it: not every stranger’s Hinterlassenschaft — deposit, shall we say — needs to be read in full.”
4. Along the Guadalquivir to Triana
A particularly lovely route runs from Torre del Oro along the river all the way to Puente de Triana.
In the early evening the light softens, boats drift along the Guadalquivir, and on the far side the façades of Triana light up. Perfect for photos — as long as Cooper isn’t chasing an orange or a pigeon at the crucial moment.
On the Triana side you can keep walking along the river or wander the neighbourhood’s small streets.
COOPER “Water, boats, people, and birds. I’m ready.”
BOOTSMANN “A lovely view. Although the river was built in several spots to be thoroughly unpraktisch — impractical — for drinking from.”
5. Parque del Alamillo
For longer walks and more active dogs, Parque del Alamillo is a good choice. It offers far more space than the small squares of the centre and suits extended loops.
Here Cooper can run while Bootsmann inspects the important spots at his own pace.
COOPER “More space means more adventure.”
BOOTSMANN “More space mostly means Cooper can have his adventures farther away from me.”
The Final Paw
Sevilla is a city best discovered slowly. Not just with a map, but with a leash in hand. Not just monument to monument, but orange tree to orange tree, water bowl to water bowl, and from one good terrace to the next.
Not every place is perfectly set up for dogs yet. Sometimes you have to ask for water. Sometimes the neighbouring table sits too close. Sometimes “pet friendly” just means the dog is allowed to sit outside under the chair.
Which is exactly why Cooper’s Choice exists.
Cooper checks whether there’s something to discover. Whether dogs are greeted warmly, whether there’s enough space, and whether the place also suits young, curious adventurers.
Bootsmann investigates the important things: shade, quiet, water quality, table spacing, floor comfort, and the likelihood of falling food.
Mama and Omama handle the human menu. Together, we’re not just looking for places where dogs are allowed. We’re looking for places where the whole family is genuinely welcome. That means a friendly welcome, water for the dogs, room for the walker, safe paths, and a table where nobody feels like they’re in the way.
Cooper made up his mind about Sevilla long ago: the city smells of oranges, cake, tacos, and adventure. Bootsmann slowly raises a paw.
“The selection is promising. But before we hand out any official Wappen, any official seals, I will personally inspect every single water bowl.”
Because in the end, nothing matters more than our loved ones: our parents and grandparents, our children, and our little furry noses. The best stories happen where we leave no one behind.
SEVILLA: DISCOVERED BY COOPER, INSPECTED BY BOOTSMANN AND PROVISIONALLY APPROVED WITH FOUR PAWS.
the place will never receive the Bootsmann Approved seal.
Next stop… another hidden gem.
Another orange.
Another story.
Discovered by Cooper.
Inspected by Bootsmann.