You cannot say that you have been to Barcelona if you have never tried paella there. A well-prepared paella is more than just tasty food: it is a symbol of Spain, an important part of the local culture and, perhaps, a part of your pleasant memories of this journey! You will find paella in the menu of virtually every restaurant in Barcelona, but outstanding paella is served only in special places. We recommend the following to eat the best Paella in Barcelona.
1. Can Solé
When it comes to paella, the name of the restaurant Can Solé has to pop up. And this has not come overnight, as the restaurant has been setting the tone in the preparation of rice dishes since 1903! And by the way, if you are a fan of Spanish cuisine and want to learn more about the popular dishes of Barcelona, we recommend you to join a culinary tour.
Can Sole is a very local joint that not many tourists know about.
Delicious fresh seafood paella is the secret to how Can Solé has managed to retain generations of loyal customers. The restaurant is located in the Barceloneta district near the metro station of the same name at 4 Carrer de Sant Carles. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 13:30 to 23:00. Paella prices start at 20 euros.
2. Can Majó
An excellent paella is also served at Barcelona’s Can Majó restaurant (23 Carrer de l ‘Almirall Aixada, Barceloneta Metro Station), which, incidentally, is right on the beach.
You will be pleasantly surprised not only by the paella and the products which the restaurant owner himself personally chooses, but also by the homely cozy interior. Can Majó is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 13:00 to 16:00, from 20:00 to 23:00. Paella prices range from 14 to 20 euros.
3. Barceloneta
The Barceloneta restaurant at 22 Carrer de l ‘Escar is also famous for its paella. The chefs here are not afraid to experiment with new dishes, but in the preparation of paella they adhere to proven classic recipes.
Fragrant paella with fish and seafood will cost 21.95 euros, and as a pleasant bonus you will get a beautiful view of the sea. The restaurant is located near the Barceloneta metro station. It is open all week from 13:00 to 01:00.
4. 7 Portes
The 7 Portes Restaurant, also located near Barceloneta Station at 14 Passeig d’Isabel, was honored to welcome such distinguished guests as Orson Welles, Federico Garcia Lorca and Pablo Picasso (visit the Picasso museum in Barcelona!). Needless to say, one of the reasons for this popularity is the art of making paella.
A vegetarian paella costs 18 euros, and a paella with meat or seafood will cost 20-22 euros. The restaurant is open daily from 13:00 to 01:00.
5. Elche
Restaurants with good paella can also be found outside of Barceloneta. So, for example, in Elche you will be offered 5 types of paella for 17-20 euros. All recipes are based on family recipes. Owners modestly call their restaurant “The Temple of Paella”, but you can validate their claim yourself.
You can enjoy paella at Elche any day from 13:00 to 16:00 and from 19.00 to midnight. The restaurant is located at 71 Vila i Vilà, the nearest metro station is Parallel.
6. Colom
According to many tourists, the best paella in Barcelona is prepared in the Gothic Quarter. The Colom Mediterranean Restaurant serves great food at affordable prices. The portions are large and satisfying. You can order king prawns, mussels and lemon wedges.
Payment is accepted only in cash. The restaurant is so popular that in the evenings all places are scheduled. Book a table in advance or come to eat early around 17:00.
7. Arrosseria Xativa
Combine gastronomic pleasures and art! Go to a performance at one of Barcelona’s oldest theaters, Goya Codorníu, and spend a pleasant evening in the Arrosseria Xativa restaurant. It is located very close to the theater.
Chef Oscar Galindo is a true professional and a great connoisseur of Spanish cuisine. Under his leadership, the institution prepares 20 types of popular dishes – paella with seafood, rabbit, chicken, snails and artichokes. Unlike other places, Arrosseria Xativa does not serve paella on a large plate, but in a separate pot.
8. Kaiku
If you want to find an establishment in Barcelona where you can try tasty and inexpensive paella, go to this popular restaurant near the shipyard. It specializes in rice dishes.
Chefs use traditional recipes, but to surprise customers, they add non-standard additives. Fresh seafood comes from the Barceloneta market, and selected vegetables are grown in your own country garden. Many locals have lunch and dinner at Kaiku, so reservations must be made in advance.
