What are the Best Seafood Restaurants in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a city known for its amazing architecture, stunning beaches and delicious cuisine. While you can find a range of dishes in Barcelona, one of the star attractions for many visitors is the seafood. With its close proximity to the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a seafood-lovers paradise, boasting some of the tastiest and freshest seafood available in the city.Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner for two or a larger get together for friends, here are some of the best fish and seafood restaurants in Barcelona.

1. La Paradeta

La Paradeta is one of Barcelona’s most highly rated seafood restaurants, offering fresh fish and seafood dishes. With an open kitchen and market-style atmosphere, this restaurant allows customers to choose their own seafood directly from the counter and then watch it cooked to order. The restaurant offers a range of cooked dishes, including steamed mussels, grilled squid, and deep-fried calamari. As well as cooked food, there is also a selection of salted and battered fish dishes, such as sea bass, bream and cod.

2. Ocana

Ocana is a traditional Catalan seafood restaurant which has been in operation since the 1960s. The restaurant is situated near the beach in Barceloneta and offers a wide selection of fresh fish dishes. Specialising in grill-style cooking, the food varies from small starters such as fried artichoke fritters to larger mains such as black squid stew. Ocano is also well-known for its grilled fish dishes featuring sole, sea bass and gilthead bream.

3. El Xalet de Montjuic

Recently awarded a Michelin star, El Xalet de Montjuic has been recognised as one of the best seafood restaurants in the city. Situated in a beautiful mountain-top villa overlooking the city, this restaurant offers both a modern twist on traditional Catalonian seafood dishes and spectacular views of Barcelona. Dishes include steamed mussels accompanied by tomato emulsion, iodised prawns, and wild turbot with fondant potatoes. This exquisite eatery often serves as a special-occasion restaurant to celebrate important occasions.

4. 7 Portes

7 Portes is one of Barcelona’s oldest restaurants, situated in the Gothic Quarter. Established some two hundred years ago and still operated by the same family, this restaurant is renowned for its traditional Catalan cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Famous dishes include garlic prawns with spicy garlic mayonnaise and grilled sardines with white asparagus vinaigrette. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine menu, with a selection of wines from across Catalonia and Spain.

5. Lluerna

Lluerna is a family-run seafood restaurant located near the old port of Barcelona. Here guests can savour fresh seafood in an intimate setting, with dishes ranging from succulent steamed mussels in garlic cream sauce to grilled lobster with herb mayonnaise accompaniments. The restaurant offers an extensive selection of both local and international wines which pair perfectly with their seafood specialities.

Conclusion

When it comes to seafood restaurants, Barcelona has something to suit everyone’s palate. Whether you’re looking for an intimate bistro or a Michelin star eatery, these five restaurants are all sure to satisfy your craving for quality seafood. For more information on great places to eat in Barcelona visit QuickTipper, where you can find our more about amazing restaurants throughout the city!

Insider’s Guide to the Best Seafood Restaurants in Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, located in the northeastern region of Spain. Known for its art, architecture, and world-class cuisine, Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The city’s Mediterranean location makes it the perfect place for seafood lovers. Here’s a guide to the best seafood restaurants in Barcelona that will make any foodie’s dreams come true.

Top Seafood Restaurants in Barcelona

1. La Paradeta
La Paradeta is a seafood restaurant chain in Barcelona that allows you to handpick your seafood and have it cooked to order. They work on a market-style basis, which means you choose from an impressive array of fresh seafood, and pay by weight. The restaurant then cooks the seafood to your liking, offering a selection of sauces, such as garlic and tomato.

2. El Suquet de l’Almirall
El Suquet de l’Almirall is a small and cozy restaurant situated in the Barceloneta district close to the beach. They offer a seasonal menu featuring traditional Catalan cuisine, making it an excellent choice for first-timers. Try their Suquet(also the restaurant name), a hearty seafood stew made with fish broth and filled with pieces of fresh fish, shellfish, and potatoes.

3. Rias de Galicia
The Rias de Galicia restaurant provides a wide range of seafood dishes from both Galician and Catalan cuisine. They are known for their Galician-style octopus, served with a layer of sliced potatoes and sprinkled with paprika. If you are looking to try something new, order their special ‘arroz caldoso’ – a soupy rice dish with seafood, packed with unique local flavors.

Attractions in Barcelona

As you enjoy your gastronomic trip, don’t forget to experience the city’s culture and history. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Barcelona.

1. La Sagrada Familia
This iconic cathedral is the most famous landmark in Barcelona. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Antoni Gaudi. The basilica is still under construction and presents an excellent opportunity for your social media feed.

2. Park Guell
Park Guell is another significant and unique public park that earns its place in the world’s urban travel destinations. It was also built by the famous Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi and is currently another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brace yourself for the vibrant colors and art mosaics that make up the ceramics museum there.

3. Camp Nou
Sports fanatics cannot miss the opportunity to visit Camp Nou. Home to the FC Barcelona football team, the stadium’s tour gives you a rare behind-the-scenes peek at the largest stadium in Europe. Get to see one of the most vocal fans in action and also relax with a couple of beers at the fieldside bar.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

For adventurous foodies looking for something different from the typical tourist spots, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

1. La Boqueria Market
Located in the heart of Barcelona, La Boqueria market is a foodie paradise. This bustling market offers the freshest produce and seafood. You can purchase local items like fresh seafood, fruits, meat, and spices at affordable prices. It is the best place to start your seafood culinary adventure in Barcelona.

2. Bar But
Bar But is a hidden gem located in the Gracia district. The restaurant specializes in canned seafood, which may sound odd but is a thing in the city. They stock some of the best seafood canned products such as clams, mussels, anchovies, and the Catalonian favorite, razor clams. Pair that with your favorite wine or beer and enjoy the cozy ambiance.

3. Bar gastronomic Taptab
Bar gastronomic Taptab’s unique dining concept is influenced by tapas culture, where the namesake is the core of this modern food philosophy. They offer a wide-ranging seafood menu, with the likes of scallop carpaccio with fresh truffle, tempura prawns, and red shrimp ceviche. Each dish at Taptab is an experience that stimulates all your senses.

Conclusion

Barcelona packs a seafood punch that visitors can’t afford to pass up. With a wide range of restaurants, attractions, and cultural experiences, it is a destination that will leave you wanting more. From the world-famous La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell to experiencing the bustling lifestyle of La Boqueria Market, Barcelona is a seafood lover’s paradise.