When visiting Barcelona, eating paella is a must. This rice dish, often considered Spain’s national dish, is very popular in Barcelona, typically enjoyed during lunch. If you want to learn more about the origins of paella, the types of paella you’ll find in Barcelona, and where to enjoy the best paella in the city, read on. Since I have often ordered paella (and its cousin fideuà) in Barcelona, I can recommend a few great places!
What is paella?
Let’s start from the beginning: what exactly is paella? Paella is a rice dish that originated in the Valencia region, specifically in the Albufera lagoon, where rice has been grown for centuries. It was the workers in the rice fields who began using rice to prepare their midday meals. They threw in whatever they could find: vegetables, snails, rabbit, and chicken. This is how the Valencian paella came about.
However, the name “paella” comes from the pan in which this dish is cooked, called the paellera or paellapan. Other theories suggest that the dish is named so because it was traditionally made by men on Sundays for their wives, “pa’ ella,” meaning “for her.”
What types of paella are there?
Today, there are many varieties of paella, although some purists prefer to call it “arroz con cosas” (rice with things) and reserve the word “paella” only for the authentic Valencian paella made with the original ingredients and cooked in a large paella pan over a wood fire.
In Barcelona, you’ll also find fideuà (a type of paella but made with pasta) and arròs negre (black rice). Both dishes are closely related to paella and are prepared in the same type of pan. And if I can share a little secret: I personally find fideuà and arròs negre even tastier than paella!
When visiting a restaurant in Barcelona that serves paella, you’ll mostly find one of the following dishes on their menu:
- Paella de marisco or paella marinera: paella with fish and seafood.
- Paella mixta or paella mar y montaña: paella with seafood (langoustines, mussels, squid) and meat (chicken, pork).
- Paella parellada or arroz parellada: paella with fish and meat, without bones, shells, or fins.
- Paella del señorito or arroz del señorito: paella with seafood that is already peeled.
- Paella valenciana or paella de montaña: paella with meats like chicken and rabbit and other vegetables like legumes.
- Paella de verduras or paella vegetariana: paella made with only vegetables (bell peppers, artichokes, green beans, carrots, peas).
- Paella negra or arroz negro: black paella with pieces of squid, accompanied by aioli. The black color comes from the squid ink.
- Fideuà: a paella (often with fish and seafood) made with vermicelli pasta (fideus) instead of rice, accompanied by aioli. There’s also fideuà negra (black fideuà).
- Arroz meloso: a type of paella with a moist and creamy texture.
- Arroz caldoso: a type of paella with a lot of moisture, making it almost like a soup.
- Arroz a banda: a type of paella with fish, served with aioli.
Fun fact: The paella parellada or arroz parellada was created in Barcelona. According to the story, in 1902, a wealthy lawyer named Juli Maria Parellada asked for a rice dish “without bones or fins” at his regular restaurant, Café Suís at Plaça Reial. He enjoyed it so much that he ordered it every week afterward, and the dish eventually became known as “Arroz Parellada,” gaining great popularity.
How much does paella cost?
In a Spanish restaurant, paella prices start at around €15 per person. If you opt for the luxury versions with seafood or lobster, the price can rise to €20 to €25 per person. Typically, paella is only served if you’re at least two people (or if you order two portions), and the price is per person.
How to eat paella?
Paella is typically ordered as a main dish for lunch. It is usually served directly in the pan in which it was made, the paella pan. Armed with a spoon, you eat the paella straight from the pan or scoop a portion onto your plate.
If lemon or aioli is served on the side, don’t forget to add it to your paella for extra flavor.
While eating, don’t miss the crispy layer at the bottom of the pan, the socarrat. For many paella lovers, this is the best part!
My 8 favorite and best paella restaurants in Barcelona
1. 7 Portes
In this centuries-old restaurant, filled with history and where the waiters still serve dishes impeccably in white suits, you can try all the classics from Spanish and Catalan cuisine, including the authentic paella parellada: a paella with fish and seafood without bones.
A nice bonus is the piano concerts that take place every evening.
Address: Passeig Isabel II, 14
Metro: Barceloneta (L4) and Jaume I (L4)
2. Can Solé
Another classic in the Barceloneta district is Can Solé, known for its fish and rice dishes. What started as a simple tavern for fishermen has become one of the best restaurants in the city for seafood and rice dishes.
Although on the expensive side, at Can Solé, you can try authentic dishes like arroz a banda, arroz caldoso, and their excellent fideuà with aioli.
Address: Carrer de Sant Carles, 4
Metro: Barceloneta (L4)
3. Xiringuito Escribà
For many locals, the paellas at Xiringuito Escribà are the best in the city. The restaurant is also located in a prime spot along the promenade by the beach with a view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Here, you can enjoy paella marinera or paella valenciana. Pair it with a glass of cava sangria and a delicious dessert from Escribà’s pastry shop to complete your experience!
Address: Avinguda del Litoral, 62
Metro: Barceloneta (L4) and Jaume I (L4)
4. Platja Ca la Nuri
Platja Ca la Nuri is right on the beach at La Barceloneta and is a great spot for an informal lunch with a maritime atmosphere. You can sit both inside and outside. The view of the Mediterranean Sea—even from the bathroom!—is simply beautiful.
They are known for their rice dishes, though the fideuà and tapas I had there were also delicious!
Tip: Read my review here.
What: Restaurant Platja Ca la Nuri
Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 55
5. Barraca
Barraca is a pleasant restaurant to visit with your family. It belongs to the Tribu Woki hospitality group, which owns several restaurants in Barcelona.
The menu includes dishes like paella marinera, arroz a banda, and arroz negro, as well as various tapas dishes you can order for your kids (or yourself!). Inside, it’s very comfortable, away from the hustle of the promenade, with a beautiful sea view.
Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 1
Metro: Barceloneta (L4)
6. Restaurante Salamanca
Another famous seafood restaurant in La Barceloneta where many celebrities have dined is Restaurante Salamanca. It is ideal for groups, thanks to its large space and outdoor terrace.
On their menu, you’ll find all the familiar types of paella, although they are also known for their parrilladas (assorted grilled seafood) and mariscadas (assorted cooked seafood). They also offer a special kids’ menu. Just keep in mind that this is a fairly touristy spot.
Address: Carrer de Pepe Rubianes, 34
Metro: Barceloneta (L4)
7. Can Ramonet
Another classic in La Barceloneta for paella is the restaurant Can Ramonet. Located in an old tavern dating back to 1753, this restaurant offers high-quality Spanish dishes. For example, I found their tapas and fideuà to be very delicious.
You can sit both inside the restaurant and on the terrace. You can also reserve a group menu if you’re with more than 8 people.
Tip: Read my review here.
Address: Carrer de la Maquinista, 17
Metro: Barceloneta (L4)
8. L’Arrosseria Xàtiva
Finally, an address that, although outside the city center, is said to be one of the best places in Barcelona for authentic Valencian paella. At L’Arrosseria Xàtiva, you’ll find an extensive paella menu with fish, meat, and mixed paellas.
During weekdays, they offer a three-course menu for just €16.50. This is the type of restaurant where locals go, and you’ll definitely get good value for your money.
They originally started with a restaurant in Les Corts, but now they have other locations in the city, including in Gràcia and Sant Antoni.
Address: Carrer de Bordeus, 35
Metro: Hospital Clínic (L5) and Entença (L5)
Paella in Barcelona: Tips & Tricks
If you’re planning to eat paella in Barcelona and want to make sure you’re going to a good spot, I have a few tips for you to keep in mind.
- The best paella experience is at a restaurant specializing in seafood and rice dishes, called arrocerías. In Barcelona, these are mainly found along the maritime side, in the old fishing district, La Barceloneta.
- Remember that paella is actually considered a lunch dish by the locals. Many restaurants don’t even serve paella in the evening.
- Often, you cannot order individual portions of paella. Instead, you get an entire paella pan at your table when you order. This is why there usually needs to be at least two guests. If there’s leftover paella, you can always ask for a doggy bag.
- A good paella in Barcelona costs at least €20 per person, but you’re getting quality for that price.
- Never order paella at a touristy spot like Las Ramblas, and avoid the pre-made paellas from brands like El Paellador, which are just reheated.
- To ensure you get a seat at your favorite paella restaurant in Barcelona, it’s best to make a reservation in advance, especially on weekends.
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