Barcelona is a city known for its delicious seafood and there are a plethora of restaurants that specialize in serving up the freshest fish and shellfish. Here are some of the best seafood restaurants in the city that are sure to delight your taste buds:
One of the best places to start is Barceloneta, a neighborhood that is known for its proximity to the sea and its abundance of seafood restaurants.
Can Majó: This restaurant is located in the Barceloneta and is known for its fresh seafood, grilled fish and traditional catalan dishes like Suquet de Peix (fish stew). The menu changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients available.
El Merendero de la Mari is a traditional seafood restaurant located in the Barceloneta neighborhood of Barcelona. It is known for its casual atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes, particularly its paellas and fried fish. The restaurant has been in business for over 100 years and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It is located just a few minutes walk from the beach, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal after a day at the beach.
The restaurant Cal Pinxo Palau de Mar is located under the arches of the splendid historic building ‘Palau de Mar’, between the Port Vell and la Barceloneta. Nice selection of seafood and rices, that you can enjoy while seated at this terrace right infront of the sailing harbour in Palau del Mar.
Restaurant Barceloneta is another seafood restaurant overlooking the bustling Port Vell harbor. With its prime location, diners can enjoy breathtaking views of the port while savoring the freshest seafood and traditional Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and is considered a must-visit spot for those seeking a traditional Spanish dining experience with a touch of nautical charm. The ambiance is lively and welcoming, making it the perfect place to bring friends and family, including those who may be a bit apprehensive about sea creatures.
Els Pescadors: This restaurant has been serving up traditional Catalan seafood dishes for over 100 years. Located in the Poblenou neighborhood, it’s known for its fresh fish, paellas and fideuá (a dish similar to paella but made with vermicelli noodles instead of rice). The restaurant has a cozy and rustic atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy seafood with friends and family.
La Paradeta: This is a seafood market that has several locations around the city. At La Paradeta, you can choose from a variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, and have it cooked to order right in front of you. The prices are very reasonable and the seafood is incredibly fresh.
Cal Pep: This restaurant is located in the Born neighbourhood, in a delightful old building, and is known for its tapas-style seafood dishes. The menu is always changing, but you can expect to find dishes like fried fish, seafood paellas and grilled squid. The restaurant is small, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance.
Botafumeiro: This is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Barcelona. Located in the Eixample neighborhood, it offers a wide selection of seafood dishes including a variety of fish, squid, and shellfish. The restaurant has a classic and elegant atmosphere, and is a great place to celebrate a special occasion. We were a bit hesitant to include it in this guide as lately we feel its quality and value relationship has decreased a bit… nonetheless it’s a classic in Barcelona, where all the famous visitors go. So, it’s at your own risk. The great thing about this place is that the kitchen is open non-stop until 1 am, but prepare your moneys. Oh, and if you can, stay at the bar where you’ll be served as a king (as long there’s not a certain Russian manager doing her round….)
Braseria Cerveseria Gallega, which specializes in the seafood cuisine of Galicia. The menu here features a wide variety of fish and shellfish dishes, including classics like octopus a la gallega and razor clams. The seafood is always fresh and expertly prepared, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. This is a well hidden secret place for locals that will unlikely appear on any tourist guide.
In conclusion, Barcelona is a seafood lover’s paradise. From traditional seafood dishes to contemporary seafood creations, the city has something for everyone. These five seafood restaurants are a great starting point for exploring the city’s seafood scene, but there are many more great seafood restaurants to be discovered in the city.
