Sea Food Lovers’ paradise on Earth: Barcelona

Barcelona’s diverse range of fish and seafood delicacies make it a veritable hub for fish-loving foodies. Giant pans of saffron-scented paella, buckets of fresh mussels, juicy calamari or grilled prawns – with its coastal setting, Barcelona is definitely the place to be if you like your sea creatures large and fresh.

Fish and seafood are commonplace on almost every menu in the Catalan capital, but if you are a connoisseur, then let us provide you with the insider knowledge on the very best places to go. Whether you are looking for razor clams, freshly caught fish, or grilled squid, the very best places to dine in Barcelona are as follows:

Passadís Del Pep
Pla de Palau, 2, 08003 Barcelona
www.passadis.com/

We love this place because it’s where the locals go. The restaurant’s catch is delivered daily from local businesses on the coast. There is menu, as the dishes depend on what was caught that day. Which means fresh, fresh, fresh. Expect spectacular seafood and some Catalan favourites, such as cured ham, tomato bread and freshly grilled vegetables.

Related article: Eat Seafood like a Local

Botafumeiro
Carrer Gran de Gràcia, 81, 08012 Barcelona
www.botafumeiro.es/

This authentic establishment is one of the most revered in Barcelona, serving classic seafood delights from both Catalonia and Galicia. Prices aren’t cheap but you don’t have to go for the impressive seafood platter (Safata Especial de Mar Cantabric), you can order media raciones (half portions), which are like tapas portions but bigger.

One of their specialties is percebes, a bizarre looking barnacle that is found in the North Atlantic coast near Galicia. Considered a delicacy in these parts. Apparently.

Expect high quality food in elegant surroundings.

Can Ros
Carrer l’Almirall Aixada, 7, 08003 Barcelona
www.canros.cat/

A family restaurant for five generations, Can Ros first opened its doors in 1911 and has been a Catalan favourite ever since.

Along with fresh juicy fish, Can Ros also serve a delicious seafood rice, a noodle-type dish called fideuá (which is very similar to paella) served with chunks of squid and mussels, and a marvellous grilled fish  platter.

Related article: 3 of the best restaurants to eat paella in Poblenou

Els Pescadors
Plaça de Prim, 1, 08005 Barcelona
www.elspescadors.com/

With its picturesque setting this beautifully quaint family-run restaurant in the neighbourhood of Poblenou serves fantastic fish and seafood dishes, such as paella and simple grilled fish. It consists of several dining areas with the main and best one built in a traditional tavern style. There are seats outdoor as well for the warmer days.

The menu changes daily depending on the morning’s catch, so expect everything to be fresh and cooked to perfection.

Can Sole
Carrer de Sant Carles, 4, 08003 Barcelona
www.restaurantcansole.com/

Can Sole is steeped in history and feels authentically classic and Catalan. Located a stone’s throw from the sea in Barceloneta, Can Sole serves a great range of fine seafood and other Catalan dishes. The setting is traditional and unassuming and the produce is fresh and combines the very best of Mediterranean, Marine and Catalan cuisine.

There we go. The best seafood restaurants in Barcelona.

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