Paella in Barcelona: my 7 favourite restaurants

Visit Barcelona paella has come a long way.

What was once a simple rice dish prepared by servants with leftovers from royal banquets is now Spain's most famous culinary export.

Let me find you a good paella in Barcelona.

Paella in Barcelona: article summary

Barcelona's best paella restaurant: Tapas Season

Presentation

A few minutes' walk from the Casa Mila (Pedrera), a restaurant of tapas with seasonal products fresh and natural!

You'll find "classic" tapas like "pan con tomate", chicken croquetas or calamari a la plancha, but also more original tapas! (all excellent)

The welcome and service are top-notch, and they take good care of you (ask for Hamza, who speaks French!).

And here's some feedback from a traveler who went to Tapas Season :)

By far the best restaurant we tried in Barcelona during our stay. A very special mention for the paella, far from touristy, a real delight. Like everything else on the menu. Friendly welcome and efficient service. We recommend it and will return. Bravo to the chef!

Alain

Paella in Barcelona: Bodega Joan

This affordable restaurant serves all kinds of paella. Take a bite of their made-to-order mixed paella and you'll know it's their specialty. In it, you'll find meat, seafood and vegetables. If you don't like meat, I recommend their vegetarian paella, a real delight.

Most small tastings start at €35 per person and go up to €50, so if you're looking for cheap, hearty paella in Barcelona, this is the place to go.

The restaurant is located in the Eixample district and can be reached by by getting off at the Diagonal station of the city's metro system.

Le Paella Club

Why not prepare Barcelona's best paella under the guidance of a top chef?

The elegant decor, fancy aprons and Masterchef-style workstations for cooking paella can look like a TV competition. This experience consists of learn to cook a gastronomic version of Spain's emblematic dish.

After your cooking class, you'll taste your creation accompanied by a fine wine. Followed by a gin and tonic dessert.

To get there, first join the Raval district. To do this, take the metro and get off at Liceu station. From here, it's a 5-minute walk to this very special restaurant.

Paella in Barcelona: the Xinguito Escriba

On one of Barcelona's most beautiful beaches is Xinguito Escriba, one of my favorite places to eat delicious paella. It's a perfect place to stop after a long day walking under the sun.

Seafood lovers will marvel at its delicious paella negra (squid ink paella). Please note, the portions are generous and I advise you to leave a little room for dessert.

Reservations are essential at inguito Escriba. If you decide to drop in without a reservation, expect to wait at least 30 minutes before you can order your paella.

To get there, first go to the Barceloneta district by borrowing Llacuna metro exit.

Restaurant Envalira

This charming family-style restaurant has been serving authentic paella in Barcelona since 1972. I love Envalira's location on the emblematic Plaça del SolThis gives you the chance to really immerse yourself in the Catalan community atmosphere of the Gracia district.

In fact, if you're looking for traditional Catalan dishes, then arrós a la Milanesa, a hybrid paella-risotto made with chicken broth, parmesan and saffron, is just the thing.

To get to Envalira, we recommend the following take the metro and get off at Fontana station on the green line.

Paella in Barcelona: 7 Doors

Here, it's all about old-world charm. The place has been serving traditional paella for generations. Thanks to its quality and reputation, this establishment offers one of Barcelona's best paellas.

Picasso was a regular at this restaurant, which opened in 1836. Named after the restaurant's seven entrance doors, it houses not only some of Barcelona's best paellasBut the pianists create an atmosphere similar to that offered in the early days of the establishment.

Ideal for an evening out as a couple, the venue is sure to delight. I advise you to make a reservation before coming. The venue is located in Barceloneta district and is easily accessible via the metro station of the same name.

La Ciudadela

This new restaurant not only offers quality paella, but also a range of rice specialties for those wishing to discover the city's culinary culture.

Duck paella really stands out from the crowd and I advise you to give it a chance. You'll also love the tapas served on the premises. There are also incredible shrimp carpaccios if you're hungry for seafood.

The two medium-sized dining rooms have a family atmosphere, ideal for immersing yourself in Catalan culture. The wine list is also one of the best in town, should you wish to sample the local vineyards.

The best way to get there is to take the the metro and get off at Arc de Triomf station in the Eixample district.