Searching for the ultimate seafood feast in Spain's coastal gem? Barcelona isn't just famous for its architectural marvels and vibrant streets—it's also a haven for seafood aficionados.
Dive into our handpicked guide on the best seafood restaurant in Barcelona, where the Mediterranean's bounty comes alive in every dish.
From succulent shrimps to the freshest catch of the day, we've got you covered. Hungry yet? Keep reading and let your taste buds set sail on this gastronomic journey.
The 5 Best Seafood Restaurant in Barcelona
Here is a review of the best seafood restaurants in Barcelona that you should explore on your next trip.
1. Botafumeiro
Botafumeiro gets its name from the symbol of a censer used to welcome pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. It is one of the best seafood restaurants in Barcelona, among the most prestigious seafood restaurants.
The food is a fusion of Catalan and Cantabrian gastronomy, and their fresh fish comes in daily from the best catches in the Mediterranean.
Large platters heaped with lobster, crab, and other fresh fish are served by their waiting staff. They also have some impressive wine varieties on their wine list.
They also have a lot of great rice dishes, like the fantastic "arròs caldós," and plenty of grilled, steamed, roast, and fried fish.
The kitchen is always open, so there's no need to wait for locals to get hungry. After your meal, you can take some time to explore the Gracia neighborhood's lively plazas.
2. El Nacional
As is widely known, oysters are commonly believed to stimulate libido. Bring your significant other to El Nacional to see if your suspicions are justified.
El Nacional is a restaurant chain located in a converted garage with one of the famous tapas bars.
It features:
Meat restaurant
Tapas bar
Oyster bar
Set yourself at ease on a stool and peruse the menu for special oyster dishes and accompaniments.
The Oyster Bar at El Nacional is a must-visit if the idea of a seafood meal with a glass of champagne and freshly shucked oysters appeals to you.
3. La Mar Salada Restaurant
Image credit: lamarsalada.cat
La Mar Salada is a good se afood restaurant, ideal for a seafood lover. From how it appears, it fits among major tourist destinations and the best restaurants in Barcelona. Apart from their creative dishes, their staff provides extremely attentive service.
Relax at a table inside the bright, white space or on the intimate outdoor patio overlooking the Mediterranean.
What an eclectic and lively ambiance! It's no secret that the family-run La Mar Salada is among the best seafood restaurants in town.
The fresh razor fish, monkfish, prawns, and "de senyoret" rice dish highlight the restaurant's delicious paella and stews. All their patrons highly recommend these creative seafood dishes.
The owners also take care of the marine products caught a few meters from their front door.
Can Ros, a more traditional and affordable option in the neighborhood, is also owned by the same family.
4. Restaurante La Barceloneta
The name of this family-owned business comes from the historic fishing district in which it is located.
Restaurante La Barceloneta is a very authentic local restaurant you should visit to eat seafood and other innovative dishes.
After spending the day at the beach, you should head there for the best seafood dishes.
Many visitors to Barcelona visit La Barceloneta, one of the city's most renowned fish restaurants.
Its location among the Marina Port Vell docks makes it a go-to for families on the weekends and businesspeople during the weekdays.
The fish restaurant is known for its grilled fish, seafood, and authentic seafood paella.
Website: restaurantbarceloneta.com
5. Terraza Martínez
Terraza Martinez is a delicious seafood restaurant overlooking the sea. It may take some effort to get to Martinez, located on Montjuïc hill to the southwest of the city center.
Still, once you get there, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Barcelona, the Mediterranean, and the lively port below.
Its interior has an intimate and informal setting and a large terrace with umbrellas dotted here and there.
The Martinez rice, a Valencian-style paella with pieces of rabbit and chicken, stands out among the other interesting paellas.
The vegetarian paella on the market-based menu comprises various seasonal produce. Other options include the rich, meaty bone marrow rice, which is perfect for the colder season.
Website: martinezbarcelona.com
FAQs Best Seafood Restaurants in Barcelona
What seafood is Barcelona known for?
Barcelona is renowned for its Mediterranean seafood dishes. Popular items include "gambas" (prawns), "calamares" (squid rings), and "pulpo a la gallega" (Galician-style octopus).
The city also boasts delicious "suquet de peix", a traditional Catalan fish stew, and "arroz negro", a squid ink rice dish.
With its coastal location, Barcelona offers an array of fresh seafood that is both flavorful and representative of its rich culinary traditions.
Is there a lot of seafood in Barcelona?
Yes, being a coastal city on the Mediterranean, Barcelona boasts a plethora of seafood options.
From bustling La Boqueria market, where vendors display fresh catches daily, to the numerous seafood restaurants and "marisquerías" (seafood eateries), Barcelona is a haven for seafood lovers.
The city's maritime heritage and culinary traditions mean seafood plays an integral role in its gastronomic landscape.
What part of Spain has the best seafood?
Galicia, located in the northwest corner of Spain, is often touted as having the best seafood in the country.
With its rugged coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, Galicia offers a rich bounty of clams, mussels, octopus, and percebes (goose barnacles).
Towns like Vigo and A Coruña are especially known for their seafood markets and traditional dishes, making Galicia a must-visit for seafood aficionados.
Conclusion
The number of amazing seafood eateries keeps growing, and we know we'll have to update the blog post soon.
With seafood lovers in mind, what we have shared are select seafood restaurants that serve good seafood and other delicious food.
The ones in this article are the leading seafood restaurants and serve only the freshest seafood. Besides the amazing fish dishes, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Barcelona!
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