Situated on a spectacular coastline that stretches over 4 kilometers, it's no surprise that you are more than spoilt for choice when it comes to finding seafood in Barcelona!
As one of the biggest and busiest ports in Europe, each morning, Barcelona welcomes countless fishing boats to its sandy shores, all bringing in the day's freshest catch.
This is a rough guide to helping you discover some of Barcelona's finest seafood haunts.
Dine with the Locals
A couple of Barcelona's most visited seafood restaurants are Mariscco1 and La Paradeta2. Both are popular with locals who enjoy the laid-back, informal atmosphere.
Ordering food is quick and straightforward; there is an extensive selection of fish, from crab, squid, and octopus to clams, mussels, and cuttlefish, laid out behind the counter.
All you have to do is make the difficult decision of what to order, and your dinner is prepared in a flash!
It's truly a unique experience at very reasonable prices; this is every backpacker's dream!
If you are planning on backpacking through Barcelona, another suggestion is to book a hostel to avoid disappointment.
Seafood by the Seaside
There's nothing like sea air to work up an appetite after a relaxing day at the beach, and what better than to head straight out for a seafood dinner!
A well-known area for finding superb fish dishes is, without a doubt, Ciutadella/Porto Olimpica.
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the beach, you only need to take a quick stroll down Moll de Gregal and Moll de Mestral to see the vast array of welcoming seaside restaurants, all boasting freshly caught fish on their menus.
One to look out for in particular is El Rey de la Gamba3. This cozy, friendly restaurant should not be missed; the menu features grilled and fried fish, as well as many other delicious seafood dishes!
Why not be adventurous and try a traditional Catalan fish stew known as Sarsuela?
Quirky and Contemporary
One restaurant that stands out from the crowd is Imprevist4 which quite suitably translates to "the unexpected" and is best described as an adventure for the senses.
The seafood dishes are exquisite, complemented by a subtle blend of herbs and spices, and topped off with vegetables freshly picked from their gardens.
The presentation of every dish is perfect, ensuring your plate is a feast for your eyes as well as your taste buds.
This restaurant-turned-art gallery radiates creativity in more than just its menu; diners are encouraged to relax and enjoy the restaurant's modern design, and even have the opportunity to purchase the impressive artwork on display.
Paella
Is there a better way to combine seafood with traditional Spanish cuisine than a tasty paella? It's impossible to count the number of paella restaurants in the city, but for seafood, you'll find Roij Robí5 is most definitely a top contender.
Recently renovated, this paella haven has been serving for over 25 years and has earned a reputation as the king of seafood paella.
The Restaurant has a fresh supply of fish twice a day, ensuring your dinner is always top-notch.
For a cultural meal out, Les 7 Portes6 is one of the oldest Paella restaurants in Barcelona. Open since 1836, the 175 years of experience have most certainly not gone to waste.
Even famous figures such as Picasso and Federico Garcia Lorca have been known to enjoy paella at Les 7 Portes- And the best news of all? Even today, Les 7 Portes offers delicious food at mouth-watering prices!
Now you know where to find the best seafood restaurants in Barcelona. All that's left to do is find your accommodation in the city to ensure you don't miss out on the fabulous seafood on offer.
Restaurant Addresses
