The Best Seafood Restaurants In Ciutat Vella

Once upon a time a small village on the Mediterranean shore was home to many fishermen. This village used to be Barcelona, long before it became the popular travel destination it is today. One of Barcelona’s iconic landmarks, a post-Olympics symbol, is the giant shining goldfish, El Peix, designed by architect Frank Owen Gehry. Nowadays the city still treasures its strategic position on the Mediterranean coast and, besides being a bustling beach city, it provides locals as well as travellers with delicious, fresh seafood. Explore the gems of seafood-filled cuisine with this guide to Barcelona’s mouthwatering seafood restaurants in the old part of town.

1. Barraca

Restaurant, Spanish, Seafood, Mediterranean, European

Barraca is located right next to the boulevard in the old fishermen’s quarter Barceloneta. Where better to enjoy seafood than on Barraca’s terrace right next to the seafront. The dishes on their menu are prepared with the best local, organic and fresh products. Traditional Catalan recipes inspired their acclaimed Chef Xavier Pellicer to create the heavenly rice and seafood dishes. The restaurant is part of Tribu Woki, a group of markets and restaurants with a strong focus on natural, ecological produce, traditional methods, and health. Make sure not to miss Barraca’s seafood paellas.

2. MariscCo Reial

Restaurant, Seafood, Spanish

MariscCo at Plaça Reial is a must visit on your restaurant list, for both their fresh, top quality dishes and the historical value of the restaurant building. The restaurant is located on one of the most famous squares of the Gothic Quarter, in a Renaissance building dating from the 1850s. MariscCo has tables inside as well as a terrace right on the lively square. The restaurant used to be the location of the Pedagogical Museum of Natural Sciences, which had a taxidermy workshop. The workshop was a place of inspiration for many famous artists like Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. Have a look inside this amazing restaurant and enjoy one of their speciality seafood risottos.

3. Marisquería La Paradeta del Borne

Fishmonger, Restaurant, Market, Seafood, Mediterranean, Spanish

Ordering fish right off the market stall has never been more fresh. The Marisquería La Paradeta del Born is one of the six restaurants in and around Barcelona that offer their products like a daily market. The colourful restaurant is located right behind the cultural center Mercat del Born. Find yourself in front of their raw and fresh seafood market right after entering the front door. Their friendly staff explains their concept and helps the guests get their favourite dishes. About 15 minutes before opening time, the queue forms in front of La Paradeta, so make sure to be there on time.

5. Cal Pep

Cal Pep

The staff at Cal Pep dedicates their day to creating light, varied, shareable dishes originating from the authentic Mediterranean cuisine. They are always ready to explain their daily specials and make recommendations for personal tastes. Cal Pep’s preparations are quick, easy and with lots of amazing flavours. The daily dishes are created with fresh and seasonal products. Even though their main focus is on ridiculously good fish and shellfish, you should also watch out for their appetizing vegetable tapas.

Cal Pep, Plaça de les Olles 8, Barcelona, 08003, Spain, +34 933 107 961.

Menu | Courtesy of Suquet de l’Almirall

6. Suquet De L'Almirall

Restaurant, Mediterranean, European

This family business has a clean and simple philosophy: creating seafood recipes with environmentally friendly ingredients coming from the direct surroundings of the restaurant. They are located next to Port Vell, the old fishermen’s harbour of Barcelona. The place still looks like one of the typical workshops on the dock of 20th-century Barceloneta. Suquet De L’Almirall has a more luxurious menu and can be placed in a higher price range than the aforementioned restaurants. Their speciality is pica-pica marinero, a multi-course seafood menu for couples and groups.

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