Best Paella Restaurant in Barcelona | Top 5 Places

Paella is one of the best-known dishes in Spanish cuisine and is commonly referred to by non-Spaniards as Spain’s national dish. Even though Paella comes from the Valencia region, there are several places where to eat Paella in Barcelona. This post talks about the very best Paella restaurant in Barcelona. However, if you haven’t heard about Paella before, let’s dive into the dish itself first. 

What is Paella, and why is it so popular? 

Paella is a rice dish from Valencia, an autonomous community of Spain located east of the Iberian Peninsula along the Mediterranean coast. Therefore, Valencians consider Paella as their national dish and an identifying symbol. 

The name of the meal comes from a traditional shallow pan used to prepare it on an open fire. In the Valencian (regional) language, the word Paella means frying pan. 

There are two most popular types of Paella – Paella Valenciana and Paella de Marisco. The first one is a traditional Paella that calls for round grain rice, varieties of green beans, and chicken and rabbit meat (sometimes duck too), cooked in chicken broth and olive oil. Don’t ever ask for seafood Paella in Valencia; for them, including fish, shellfish, mussels, or prawns in Paella are not acceptable. 

Paella de Marisco is a seafood Paella where seafood replaces meat and omits vegetables and beans. 

Apart from the meat or seafood ingredients, specific Paella spices make it unique and famous in Spain and elsewhere in the world. Sweet paprika and saffron are the most common and must ingredients of Paella, along with garlic and salt. 

---

---

Best Paella Restaurant in Barcelona

Even though you can try Paella in many restaurants in Barcelona, I asked a few travel bloggers to share their experiences of the best Paella restaurant in Barcelona that any traveler should go to. 

La Mar Salada

Located on a tree-lined street in front of the port in Barceloneta – the picturesque neighborhood by the sea, La Mar Salada is a perfect restaurant to try the city’s famous Paella with the freshest seafood imaginable on your hunt to the off-the-beaten-path Barcelona spots.

While La Mar Salada has various paella options with plenty of delicious toppings, the best version is the original, served with fresh muscles, prawns, and shrimp. 

Another famous favorite is the black rice paella with cuttlefish, which is also worth trying! 

One Paella is enough for two people, so come with friends or family and enjoy an afternoon of people watching in this picturesque spot in Barceloneta.

Recommended by Home to Havana

Firo Tast

Another best Paella restaurant in Barcelona is a relatively unknown and an insider tip. Firo Tast, located in the upper part of Avenida Gaudí, connecting two of Barcelona’s most important landmarks, the world-famous Sagrada Família and the modernist building and former hospital Sant Pau, the restaurant is ideally situated to enjoy one of the best Paellas in the city after a long morning of sightseeing.

There are several varieties of Paella to choose from at the restaurant. In addition to the Seafood Paella, famous in Catalonia, another changing rice specialty is on the menu each week. If you are a vegetarian, make sure to try the vegetable Paella. 

At lunchtime during the week, the lunch menu is extensive, and typically, Paella is served as the main dish on the menu. You can also find delicious appetizers, drinks, desserts, or Spanish coffee on the menu. The prices are excellent too.

Recommended by Viki Viaja

BarCeloneta Sangria Bar

If you are a vegan coming to Barcelona, you can still find the best Paella restaurant in Barcelona that serves a vegan version of this famous Spanish dish. 

The best place to enjoy a vegan Paella in Barcelona is BarCeloneta Sangria Bar. You can find this fully vegan restaurant just a few steps away from Barceloneta Beach. It’s a small but cozy and freaky place serving mainly vegan tapas, Paella, and their own creations of fresh & fruity Sangria. 

BarCeloneta Sangria Bar is mainly famous for its Paella, and rightly so. The dish consists of the typical ingredients; however, instead of real meat and seafood, they use ‘plant-based’ alternatives.

For non-vegan travelers, it may be strange initially, but this tasty and satisfying dish will win everyone over!

Recommended by World of Lina

Restaurante Obayak

For the tastiest and best Paella restaurant in Barcelona, you can try Restaurant Obayak, which is very close to the L’Eixample area and within walking distance of the Palau de la Musica Catalan. While the exterior is unassuming on a street corner, the inside decor is upscale and chic with gold details and green cushions. 

The menu itself is not extensive but offers a variety of famous tapas and several main dishes that all come beautifully presented.

For an interesting and delicious take on Paella in Barcelona, shoot for the Arroz Ahumado del Mar. And don’t forget to ask Marcel for a wine pairing to go with your meal! This spot is excellent for a date night out or even if you’re traveling solo!

Recommended by Road Trip Europe Guide

Restaurante Salamenca

Restaurante Salamenca in Barcenoleta is another best Paella restaurant in Barcelona that offers one of the city’s most delicious Paella. 

It’s a must-stop on any Southern Spain itinerary. The outdoor tables are literally on the beach with the Mediterranean practically lapping at your toes, making it the perfect spot for a lazy lunch, soaking up the last rays at sunset, or an after-dark eating adventure.

This historic restaurant has been serving up beautiful Spanish fare since 1969 and is loved by locals and travelers. Try the seafood Paella, served with the very freshest shrimp. You won’t be disappointed.

Recommended by Explore Now Or Never

Spread the word!