Catalonia, Valencia, and the Costa Blanca Restaurants

Catalonia's eateries are deservedly famous. Girona’s Celler de Can Roca was voted the best restaurant in the world in 2015 in the annual critics’ poll conducted by British magazine Restaurant, and a host of other first-rate establishments continue to offer inspiring fine dining in Catalonia, which began in the hinterlands at the legendary Hotel Empordà. You needn’t go to an internationally acclaimed restaurant, however, to dine well. Superstar chef Ferran Adrià of the former foodie paradise elBulli dines regularly at dives in Roses, where straight-up fresh fish is the day-in, day-out attraction. Northern Catalonia's Empordà region is known not only for seafood, but also for a rich assortment of inland and upland products. Beef from Girona's verdant pastureland is prized throughout Catalonia, while wild mushrooms from the Pyrenees and game from the Alberes range offer seasonal depth and breadth to menus across the region. From a simple beachside paella or llobarro (sea bass) at a chiringuito (shack) with tables on the sand, to the splendor of a meal at El Celler de Can Roca, playing culinary hopscotch through Catalonia is a good way to organize a tour.

Sort by: 9 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. El Cable

    $$

    There’s almost always a line outside this old-school, family-owned tapas bar, a local favorite since its founding in 1940. If you can’t get a table, sidle up to the long wood bar, choose from the display of bite-sized, toothpick-speared pintxos, and eat them standing, just like a local.

    Carrer Barcelona 1, Sitges, Catalonia, 08870, Spain
    938-948761

    Known For

    • Patatas bravas
    • Variety of pintxos
    • Inexpensive food and drink

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No reservations
  • 2. Café le Bistrot

    $

    This bistro’s menu includes a 20-strong list of Catalan-style pizzas, served on peasant bread and incorporating regional ingredients like botifarra (sausage) and seasonal mushrooms. The delightful terrace is situated below a flight of stone stairs leading to the 17th-century Sant Martí church.

    Pujada de Sant Domènec 4, Girona, Catalonia, 17004, Spain
    972-218803

    Known For

    • Affordable pizzas
    • Regional cheese plate
    • Lovely terrace
  • 3. Chiringuito

    $$$

    Spelled with a capital C, this legendary seaside spot opened in 1913 and spawned the term that’s given to similar bars dotting the Spanish coast. There’s nothing particularly outstanding about the food—typical seafood tapas, much of it fried—but the waterfront terrace is ideal for soaking up the sun and more than a century of history.

    Passeig de la Ribera 31, Sitges, Catalonia, 08870, Spain
    938-947596

    Known For

    • Sea views
    • Historical eatery
    • So-so food
  • 4. La Fabrica

    $

    Owned by a professional cyclist and decorated with an abundance of bike memorabilia, this inviting café serves healthy, organic breakfasts and lunches—avocado toast, egg dishes, quinoa bowls—along with superb locally roasted coffee. It's a popular fuel-up stop for local cyclists.

    Carrer de la Llebre 3, Girona, Catalonia, 17004, Spain
    872-000273

    Known For

    • Healthy breakfast and lunch bowls
    • Excellent coffee
    • Vegan options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 5. La Taberna del Gourmet

    $$$

    This wine bar and restaurant in the heart of the casco antiguo (old town) earns high marks from locals and international visitors alike. There's a wide selection of montaditos (sandwiches), paella, and fresh seafood tapas—oysters, mussels, razor clams—complemented by a well-chosen list of Spanish wines. 

    Calle San Fernando 10, Alicante, Valencia, 03002, Spain
    965-204233

    Known For

    • Excellent wine list
    • Tapas tasting menu (€34)
    • Reservations essential
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Nou Manolín

    $$$$

    An Alicante institution, this inviting exposed-brick and wood-lined restaurant is very popular with locals, who come for the excellent-value tapas, market produce, and freshly caught fish, a tribute to the city’s enduring relationship with the sea. 

    Calle Villegas 3, Alicante, Valencia, 03001, Spain
    965-616425

    Known For

    • Market-fresh produce and fish
    • Authentic local vibe
    • Buzzy atmsophere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
  • 7. Rocambolesc

    $

    Not your average ice-cream parlor, this to-go spot is the brainchild of master confectioner Jordi Roca, of El Celler de Can Roca fame. Exquisite helados, fanciful toppings, and popsicles in the shape of Girona's famous climbing bear are just some of the treats you'll find here. Expect long lines.

    Carrer Santa Clara 50, Girona, Catalonia, 17001, Spain
    972-416667

    Known For

    • Excellent ice cream
    • Fun toppings
    • Molded popsicles
  • 8. Tinto Fino Ultramarino

    $$$ | Ciutat Vella

    A few steps from the Plaza de la Reina, this cozy spots blends the concept of a tapas bar with that of an Italian wine bar, with dishes like oxtail cannelloni, eggplant “meatballs,” and classic lasagna served small plates-style. There’s a fantastic list of Valencian, Spanish, and Italian wines, with many available by the glass.

    Carrer de la Corretgeria 38, Valencia, Valencia, 46001, Spain
    636-429329

    Known For

    • Tapas-style Italian dishes
    • Valencian wines by the glass
    • Friendly service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
  • 9. Vivero

    $$$

    Carved into a rocky point above Playa San Sebastiá, the multi-level Vivero is actually three distinct spaces: a casual, alfresco tapas spot up top; a swankier "beach club" at the bottom; and sandwiched between is a bi-level indoor/outdoor restaurant, with a wide variety of seafood dishes and paellas. Whichever you choose, the real reason to come is for the magnificent views, especially at sunset.

    Passeig Balmins s/n, Sitges, Catalonia, 08870, Spain
    938-942149

    Known For

    • Wonderful sea views
    • Several spaces with different vibes
    • Outdoor dining

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video