Sevilla

Sevilla is a restaurant in New York City. In 2015 it was designated as an America's Classic by the James Beard Foundation. History The restaurant was opened as an Irish pub in 1923 and in 1941 was changed by Luis Fernandez and Alfonso Uchipi to a Spanish restaurant in what was then New York's Little Spain in the West Village. In 1962 José Lloves purchased the restaurant. In 1972 Lloves' brother, half-brother, Bienvenido Alvarez, became a partner. In 1984 the owners purchased the building. When the Beard Foundation called to inform them of the America's Classic award, Lloves, "having no idea what the James Beard Foundation was...had his son, Tony, return the call". Tony Lloves "thought at first it was a scam". The restaurant seats 91. It is the oldest Spanish restaurant in the city.