While paella traces it’s origins to Valencia, the dish can be found all around the Spanish Mediterranean, with each region having a unique variation. Paella means pan in the old Valencian language and the word is likely derived from the Latin word for pan; patella. The first paellas were made by farmers in Valencia using rice and available local ingredients such as rabbit to cook lunch in a pan over a wood fire.
Before diving into the recommendations, it helps to know what defines a great paella. Quality ingredients are essential, with fresh seafood, rich stock and real saffron making all the difference. The dish should be cooked slowly to develop flavor and form the prized socarrat, the caramelized rice at the bottom of the pan. The rice must be al dente, never mushy. Tradition also matters, as the classic Valencian or seafood styles remain timeless favorites. Lastly, paella is best enjoyed at lunch, and ideally by the sea.
Restaurant 7 Portes
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The emblematic 7 Portes in El Born dates back to the 19th century. Josep Xifré i Casas, a wealthy “Indiano” who made his fortune in Cuba, built the Porxos d’en Xifré inspired by Paris’s Rue Rivoli, adding a grand café with seven entrances that opened in 1836. Converted into a restaurant in 1929, it was later run by Paco Parellada, who introduced the signature Paella Parellada. Over the decades, 7 Portes has welcomed celebrated figures including Alexander Fleming, Orson Welles and Pablo Picasso.
Neighborhood: Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera
Opening Hours: 13:00 – 01:00
Address: Pg. Isabel II, 14 – 08003 Barcelona | View Map
Phone: +34 93 319 30 33
Website: www.7portes.com
Restaurant Elche
Restaurant Elche is located off the beaten tourist track, in the neighborhood of Poble Sec. Andrés Iborra and Carmen Vicente opened “El Elche” in 1959, the restaurant named after the couple’s hometown in the province of Alicante. The bar and restaurant soon attracted many artists and celebrities in show business along with the patrons of the nearby theatres on the Avinguda del Paral·lel. Later, their sons Eduardo and Andrés took over the restaurant, maintaining a rich family tradition.
Neighborhood: Poble Sec
Opening Hours: 13:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 00:00
Address: Calle Vila i Vilà № 71, 08004 Barcelona | View Map
Phone: +34 93 441 30 89
Website: www.elcherestaurant.es
Can Majó
Founded by fisherman Enrique Majó and his wife Maria, Can Majó is a family-run Barceloneta restaurant renowned for traditional seafood. Daily fresh catches include prawns, clams, mussels, squid, and fish, with house specialties such as lobster rice, Andalusian-style cuttlefish, squid ink rice, and beloved paellas with perfect socarrat. The nautical-inspired dining room features linen-clad tables and marine art, while the spacious terrace offers uninterrupted Mediterranean views, making it an ideal spot for paella, cava, and sunsets.
Neighborhood: Barceloneta
Opening Hours: 13:00 to 16:00 and 20:00h to 23:30
Address: Almirall Aixada, 23, 08003 Barcelona | View Map
Phone: +34 93 221 54 55
Website: www.canmajo.es
Can Solé
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Can Solé began as a fishermen’s tavern and has grown into one of Barcelona’s most cherished seafood restaurants, still family-run after four generations. Set in a charming two-story house near the old port, its interiors preserve original tiles, marble tables, and historic details that reflect over a century of tradition. Celebrated for classic Catalan “marinera” cuisine, Can Solé serves fresh seafood, comforting fish stews, and iconic rice dishes like lobster paella and arròs caldós, all honoring Barceloneta’s maritime heritage.
Neighborhood: Barceloneta
Opening Hours: 13:30 to 20:30 and 16:00 to 23:00 | Closed Sunday and Monday night. Address: Carrer Sant Carles, 4 08003 Barcelona | View Map
Phone: +34 93 221 50 12
Website: www.restaurantcansole.com
Restaurante Barceloneta
Restaurant Barceloneta offers refined seafood dining overlooking Port Vell marina. Part of the Grupo Olivé collection, it blends Mediterranean tradition with a maritime spirit. Located on Moll dels Pescadors, it provides sweeping harbor views from both its elegant indoor spaces and breezy terrace. The menu showcases fresh market seafood, classic paellas, and Catalan favorites, with options for dietary needs. With four private rooms and valet parking, it’s also ideal for group celebrations in the heart of Barceloneta.
Neighborhood: Barceloneta
Opening Hours: 13.00 to 00.00
Address: Carrer de l’Escar, 22 Moll dels Pescadors – (Port Vell) 08039 Barcelona | View Map
Phone: +34 93 221 21 11
Website: www.restaurantbarceloneta.com
Roig Robí
Roig Robí is a beloved Barcelona institution for authentic Catalan cuisine on Carrer de Sèneca in Gràcia. Founded by Mercè Navarro, the family-run restaurant remains true to her vision of “plain, honest cuisine,” now carried on by her children. Using top-quality local produce such as seafood, Pyrenean veal, Iberian pig and seasonal delicacies, Roig Robí serves classics like truffle cannelloni and fricandó with care. Its elegant townhouse, lush garden terrace and welcoming atmosphere make it a cherished dining escape.
Neighborhood: Gràcia
Opening Hours: 13:30 – 16:00 and 20:30 – 21:30
Address: Carrer Sèneca 20, 08006 Barcelona | View Map
Phone: +34 932 189 222
Xiringuito Escriba
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Founded in 1992 during Barcelona’s Olympic year, Xiringuito Escribà sits on Bogatell beach with stunning Mediterranean views. The menu highlights coastal Catalan cuisine, featuring seafood, tapas and lighter salads. Its wood-fired paellas and fideuàs, including seafood, lobster, black rice and vegetarian varieties, are the main attraction, complemented by fresh fish, shellfish and hearty mains. Signature dishes include grilled sardines with smoked oil and lobster rice stew. Descended from the renowned Escribà pastry family, Joan Escribà also ensures desserts are unforgettable.
Neighborhood: Poblenou
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 13:00 to 16:30 and from 20:00 to 23:00 hrs. Saturdays and Sundays from 13:00 to 17:00 and 20:00 to 23:00.
Address: Avenida del Litoral, 42, 08005 Barcelona | View Map
Phone: +34 93 301 16 47
Website: www.xiringuitoescriba.com
Can Ros Restaurant
Can Ros has evolved from a humble tavern into a cherished family-run restaurant now led by the fifth generation. Once called Can Roig, it became Can Ros during Franco’s regime. Known for authentic Catalan seafood and outstanding rice dishes, specialties include seafood paella, arroz negro, fideuà and the distinctive arroz de capipota. The kitchen, now guided by chef Jordi Kevin Ballester, honors tradition with fresh market seafood and tapas in a warm, unpretentious maritime setting.
Neighborhood: Barceloneta
Opening Hours: 13:00 to 16:00 and from 20:00 to 23:00. Closed on Mondays except holidays.
Address: Carrer Almirall Aixada, núm. 7 08003 Barcelona | View Map
Phone: +34 93 221 45
Website: www.canros.cat
Terraza Martinez
Perched on Montjuïc hill with panoramic views over Barcelona and the Mediterranean, Terraza Martínez is a stylish yet relaxed spot specializing in rice dishes and paella. The restaurant sources fresh local ingredients and prepares paellas to order, from seafood and lobster to vegetarian options, all celebrated for their rich flavors and perfect socarrat. The menu also features tapas, fresh fish and Mediterranean classics, complemented by a curated wine list. With its breezy terrace, it is ideal for long, sunlit lunches.
Neighborhood: Sants-Montjuïc
Opening Hours: 13:00 to 18:00 and from 20:00 to 24:00.
Address: Ctra. de Miramar, 38, 08038 Barcelona, Spain | View Map
Phone: +34 931 06 60 52
Website: martinezbarcelona.com
Restaurante Cheriff
Restaurante Cheriff, founded in 1959 by Pedro “Cheriff” Ruipérez, has become a Barceloneta icon celebrated for its authentic seafood and legendary paellas. What began as a modest fish stall grew into one of Barcelona’s most beloved dining spots, now guided by the Iborra Restaurant Group alongside Cheriff’s family. Signature dishes include peeled seafood paella, black rice with cuttlefish and fideuà, all made with the freshest local catches.
Neighborhood: Barceloneta
Address: Carrer de Ginebra, 15, 08003 Barcelona | View Map
Phone: +34 933 19 69 84
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FAQ
The ingredients are typically rice (short- or medium-grain), sofrito (a base of green or red peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes), broth (using chicken or fish stock), herbs and spices (saffron, paprika, and rosemary), seafood, meat or vegetables.
Yes, paellas are sometimes made with chicken. Vegetable only paellas are also common. The original Paella Valenciana used chicken, rabbit and snails with green and white beans.
Paella comes from Valencia and the rice-growing land on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Rice was first brought to Spain by the Moors in the 10th century. Paella was originally eaten by farmers and laborers. It was cooked outside over a wood fire using local ingredients that they had available.