All you need to know about this typical Spanish dish and insider tips on where to order it
Paella is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. While paella is found on many menus, finding a restaurant that does it justice can be a bit of a challenge. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with our top picks.
The word “paella” actually refers to the wide, shallow pan in which this iconic Spanish meal is cooked. Traditionally, paella is made by simmering rice in a rich broth of seafood, chicken, rabbit, or a mix of all three. According to a charming tale, the name “paella” may come from the phrase “pa(ra) ella,” meaning “for her” in Spanish. This story harks back to a time when men would cook on Sundays for their wives, using leftovers from the week. Whether or not this is true, it’s a story that adds a delightful layer to the tradition!
For the ultimate paella experience, gather your friends or family around the pan, armed with a spoon, and dig in together. The rice at the bottom of the pan might stick a little—that crispy, golden layer, known as the “socarrat,” is considered a delicacy. Before you start, squeeze a bit of lemon over your portion and make sure some aioli is within reach for that extra burst of flavor.
In Barcelona, you can feast on a variety of rice dishes, including the Catalan favorite, “fideuà,” where noodles or vermicelli replace rice. Most paella restaurants are conveniently located near the sea, particularly in the old fishing district of La Barceloneta.
1. La Mar Salada
Located in the heart of La Barceloneta, La Mar Salada is often regarded as one of the best restaurants in Spain. The star dish on the menu is the “senyoret” paella, made with fresh fish from the nearby Barcelona waters. From Monday to Friday, they offer a lunch menu for €24.50, though ordering à la carte is a bit pricier.
Address: Passeig Joan Borbó 59
Metro: L4 (yellow line) Barceloneta
2. Els Pescadors
Nestled in a charming corner of the Poblenou neighborhood, Els Pescadors is a beloved Barcelona classic known for its outstanding paella. This elegant yet unpretentious restaurant offers a perfect blend of tradition and quality. With its serene atmosphere and dedication to fresh, local ingredients, Els Pescadors is definitely a go-to spot for those seeking an authentic paella experience in Barcelona.
Address: Plaça de Prim 1
Metro: L4 (yellow line) Poblenou
3. Restaurant Gallito
Gallito is perfect for a stylish lunch or dinner by the beach. Located just below the W Hotel, this restaurant offers delicious tapas, as well as excellent meat and seafood dishes, with their paella being a standout favorite! It’s a must-visit. Enjoy a lovely terrace with sea views while you dine.
Address: Passeig del Mare Nostrum 19-21
Metro: L4 (yellow line) Barceloneta
4. Can Solé
In this classic family-run restaurant, now in its fourth generation, fishermen have been satisfying their appetites for over a hundred years. The menu features all the traditional paellas, rice dishes and fideuàs. Prepared with pasta instead of rice), including the “secos” (dry) and “caldosos” (brothy) varieties.
Address: Carrer Sant Carles 4
Metro: L4 (yellow line) Barceloneta
5. Restaurant Salamanca
Restaurant Salamanca is a renowned destination for seafood enthusiasts and paella lovers alike. With a stunning location right by the beach, this restaurant is celebrated for its excellent paellas, made from the freshest local ingredients. The menu also features a variety of seafood dishes.
Address: Carrer de la Barceloneta 1-3
Metro: L4 (yellow line) Barceloneta
6. Platja Ca La Nuri
Imagine savoring your paella almost with your feet in the sand! Seafood tastes better by the sea, and this restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring a variety of paellas, including a vegetarian option with organic vegetables. On weekdays, you can enjoy a great value lunch menu for €18.
Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 55 (take the stairs down towards the beach)
Metro: L4 (yellow line) Barceloneta, then a 15-minute walk towards the sea
7. Xiringuito Escribà
Are you the only vegetarian in your group? At Escribà, you can order a delicious paella with green asparagus and mushrooms, perfectly portioned for one. Of course, all the paellas here are fantastic, and after your meal, you can take a short stroll to the beach to relax with your feet in the surf.
Be sure to book ahead, as this spot is very popular with locals, especially for Sunday family lunches.
Address: Avenida del Litoral 42
Metro: L4 (yellow line) Vila Olímpica.
8. Barraca
At Barraca, you can enjoy paella in a trendy setting with stunning sea views and fresh market ingredients. The restaurant emphasizes the use of organic vegetables, ideally sourced from the surrounding Barcelona area. It’s a great spot for a modern dining experience with a focus on high-quality, locally-sourced produce.
Address: Passeig Marítim 1
Metro: L4 (yellow line) Barceloneta
9. Arrosería Xàtiva
Tucked away in the vibrant Gràcia neighborhood, Arrosseria Xàtiva is a hidden gem for rice lovers, boasting an impressive menu of 30 different paella dishes. Whether you choose to savor them individually or share with friends, the experience is made even more authentic by eating straight from the pan with a wooden spoon. They also have two other locations.
Address: Carrer Torrent d’en Vidalet 26
Metro: L4 (yellow line) Joanic
10. Elche
Considered a temple of rice dishes by many Barcelonans, this restaurant is a local favorite for ordering paella para llevar (to-go) on Sundays, to enjoy at home. In the last century, Poble-sec was home to the city’s premier theaters and cabarets, and after a show, people would often indulge in a paella at Elche.
Address: Carrer Vila i Vilà 71
Metro: L3 (green line) Paral·lel
