Tablao El Arenal

Our second flamenco show in Southern Spain, our first in Seville. When I checked into my hotel and asked them to recommend a flamenco show they quickly booked us a front row table at the Tablao el Arenal. I arrived a few minutes early and spoke to the hostess to make sure we had the table reserved and to ask if I could photograph the show as I did the previous show in Jerez. Sadly, and I feel to their detriment, they do not allow photos or video during the show. I respected that decision and asked if I could take a few photos before the show. That is what you will see in this review. The room was large and the tables nicely set. The staff were formally dressed and the stage larger than the other show I saw. That show was more intimate in a small tavern. The show included a drink and some tapas. I was actually surprised at the number of dishes we got. The food was very good and the servers pleasant and polite. The show itself was excellent. As I said earlier, the no photo policy is a big negative for several reasons. One being that if you are on vacation and see such a great show you have no image memories to take back with you. You might as well see a flamenco show on TV. The other reason is that I think if people were to post their experience online with photos, they would get more people wanting to come. Seville has many other flamenco shows so there is certainly competition. The reason given for not allowing photos or video was to “protect’ the performers rights. These are not famous world class performers whose images and videos of their performances would damage their careers. In fact, I believe it would increase their exposure and their careers. So, if you don’t care to have a photographic memory of your experience it’s a good show to see.

As many chances to take photos of the exquisite flamenco are forbidden, all I can offer is this: If you're looking for a taste of Spanish music and dance, then you owe it to yourself to catch an authentic flamenco show. The precision, sensuality, intensity, and craft involved are absolutely amazing. It's a spectacle accompanied by delicious food, drink, and service.

The show was great - authentic and passionate. The tapas meal was fine and we got better seats by being there for it, but we probably would have had a better dinner elsewhere. Also, the chairs need cushions - they are rush seated ladder back chairs.

Wow just incredible! Our hotel recommended this place for Flamenco and it was such an experience. We opted for the full menu which included 3 courses and a bottle of wine. Was very lucky to be seated at the front of the stage to get the full experience! The guitarist was amazing, mesmerising! And the dancers were incredible. Overall 10/10! A night will will remember forever.

Fabulous food, fabulous entertainment, what more can I say? 10 out of 10 all round. Service was farst, efficient and our server, rueben, was excellent. We had the Tapas menu which was outstanding food and so plentiful we could barely finish it. The flamenco dancers were beautiful and amazing. I loved the singers and guitarist and they seemed happy to perform for a very appreciative audience. Very highly recommended.

The Tapas menu was excellent. A lot of food and very delicious. The venue is intimate and all seats are close to the stage. The performance was very enjoyable and the dancers were passionate in their art. We enjoyed ourselves.