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Paella is certainly one of Spain’s most well-known dishes, and whereas it’s initially from Valencia, it’s proudly represented in a few of Barcelona’s greatest eating places. Within the Catalan capital, you could find a wide range of kinds, that includes seafood, wild hare, and even vegetarian variations. So, it solely is smart to make room for a couple of paella experiences in your subsequent Barcelona meals tour. 

What Makes a Nice Paella in Barcelona?

An epic paella expertise in Barcelona strikes a cautious stability between conventional flavors and fashionable twists. You’ll discover a number of completely different types of it in Barcelona’s greatest eating places.

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Conventional seafood paella has the identical quick grain rice and pairs it with recent seafood introduced in from the close by Catalonian waters.

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Valencian paella options a mixture of rabbit, rooster, and generally shellfish. Many eating places will use wood-fired ranges with genuine orange wooden when in season to fragrance the paella.

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Arroz negro paella is made with squid ink for a wealthy, daring taste. It typically makes use of seafood as the first protein.

Fashionable variations of paella typically discover vegetarian choices. This typically requires including native seasonal greens or distinctive elements.

The important thing to an distinctive paella is the cooking methodology, notably the socarrat, which creates a crispy, golden layer of rice on the backside of the pan. This provides the dish a signature contrasting texture whereas additionally including depth of taste.

Paella is historically eaten for lunch, and lots of locals take time to get pleasure from this iconic dish throughout their noon meal, particularly on weekends or holidays. Nevertheless, there are a couple of eating places in Barcelona that may supply paella as a supper dish to be shared with a gaggle of two or extra individuals.

High Paella Spots in Barcelona

The next are among the greatest paella eating places I’ve present in Barcelona. Every affords one thing slightly particular with the dish and the ambiance of the eating expertise.

Can Majó

Picture credit score: Can Majó

Nestled in Barcelona’s vibrant Barceloneta neighborhood, Can Majó affords an genuine seaside expertise with beautiful views of the Mediterranean. It’s an ideal spot to get pleasure from paella whereas overlooking the seaside.

Recognized for its seafood paella, Can Majó serves up a wealthy, flavorful dish utilizing the freshest catch from native waters. I like the way you get an genuine style of the bounty of Mediterranean seafood to go together with the genuine paella flavors and textures.

Can Majó has been family-run for generations, combining conventional paella strategies with a scenic location proper by the ocean. I believe it’s greatest for a leisurely lunch or sundown eating, particularly on sunny days when you possibly can benefit from the stunning view.

Can Majó (€€€) – Carrer d’Emília Llorca Martín, 23, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. 

Elche

Picture credit score: Elche

Elche is a family-run establishment in Poble Sec identified for its dedication to creating genuine Valencian paella. The restaurant has a comfy, rustic vibe with conventional touches that harken again to how paella was initially eaten.

I admire the authenticity of their Valencian paella, which is made with rabbit, rooster, and snails. It actually brings the flavors of Valencia to the center of Barcelona. Particularly when orange wooden is accessible in-season.

Elche is known for its deal with conventional paella-making strategies, together with the usage of a wood-burning range for the proper socarrat-style crispy backside. In case you solely have the prospect to have paella for lunch, I believe Elche affords a memorably genuine expertise.

Elche (€€) – Carrer de Vila i Vilà, 71, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona, Spain.

Chiringuito Escribà

Picture credit score: Chiringuito Escribà

Located alongside the beachfront of Barceloneta, Xiringuito Escribà is an elegant, fashionable restaurant that mixes a trendy seaside setting with conventional Catalan delicacies. Its modern design and informal vibe entice each vacationers and locals.

Of every part on their menu, I believe their arroz negro black rice paella is a real standout. The recent squid ink they use has a briny, wealthy taste that completely enhances the rice.

The beautiful view of the ocean, making it a great spot for having fun with arroz negro or seafood paella whereas watching the waves. Paella is accessible on their dinner menu, which makes for an unforgettable seaside sundown expertise.

Chiringuito Escribà (€€€) – Av. del Litoral, 62, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona, Spain.

Café de l’Acadèmia

Picture credit score: Café de l’Acadèmia

Nestled within the coronary heart of Barcelona’s El Born district, Café de l’Acadèmia affords an elegant and rustic ambiance with a up to date twist. This cozy restaurant is ideal for these eager to get pleasure from traditional Catalan flavors with a contemporary method. Whereas additionally providing a number of dishes for these with dietary preferences.

That is my favourite place in Barcelona for vegetarian paella. I deeply admire their use of seasonal greens like artichokes, mushrooms, and peas, all simmered in a flavorful, fragrant vegetable broth.

The complete menu emphasizes high-quality elements and a mixture of conventional Catalan cooking strategies with a contemporary contact. If you wish to have paella right here for supper, it’s greatest to make reservations.

Café de l’Acadèmia (€€€) – Carrer dels Lledó, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain.

Different Methods to Get pleasure from Paella in Barcelona

Take a paella cooking class with an area chef to be taught the secrets and techniques of this iconic dish whereas discovering conventional cooking strategies.

Discover tapas bars that serve mini paella or arroz dishes, providing a extra informal and shareable solution to benefit from the flavors of paella in smaller parts.

Go to beachside chiringuitos for recent seafood paella, the place you possibly can benefit from the dish with a shocking view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Closing Ideas: Why Paella is a Should in Barcelona

Barcelona is the very best place in Spain to expertise paella exterior of Valencia. Eating places all through the Catalan capital supply a wide range of completely different variations, every representing Spain’s deep connections to this historic rice dish. Whether or not you need conventional Valencian paella, seafood paella, or the wealthy tastes of arroz negro, there are tons of nice paella experiences available on a Barcelona meals tour.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona meals excursions. https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/

Can Majó. (n.d.). Can Majó – Restaurant de peix i marisc a la Barceloneta. http://www.canmajo.es/

Escribà Eating places. (n.d.). Restaurant Escribà – Paella i marisc a peu de platja. https://restaurantsescriba.com/

Elche Restaurant. (n.d.). Elche – El millor de la cuina mediterrània i arrossos. http://elcherestaurant.es/

Grup Sant Telmo. (n.d.). El Café de l’Acadèmia – Restaurant amb encant al Gòtic. https://gruposantelmo.com/restaurant/el-cafe-de-lacademia/