Best Paella in Barcelona

If you go to Barcelona and want to try out some local food, then a very good idea is to check out some paella. It’s one of the most popular dishes in Barcelona, and on top of that, it also comes in a wide range of varieties. Every chef is free to add their own spin to it. So yes, while you can find more traditional recipes, you can also find some more complex, modern variations of paella. But if you want to enjoy some paella in Barcelona, which are the top options? Here you have a list with some of the best options to consider when it comes to paella.

7 Portes

It’s a cool idea to go here and enjoy a variety of paella options. The paella parellada is coming in with a boneless mix. Definitely not your regular paella, but it’s one of those unique options that a lot of people love, and overall, you are bound to enjoy it. Since this is a very famous restaurant that has been around for 200 years, a lot of famous people came here. Their paella is legendary and very popular, so if you want to try out some great paella in Barcelona, you can’t go wrong with 7 Portes.

Can Sole

Some people love the idea of trying out some traditional paella, and in this case, Can Sole is a great spot. You have seafood paella as well as fideuas. With that in mind, there is a rustic ambiance here and you truly feel like you get a traditional service. That’s why it makes sense to visit Can Sole, because you’re getting the authentic service which a lot of people are looking for.

Xiringuito Escriba

Once you go to this spot, you will appreciate the beachfront experience they provide. They are known for the fact that they bring all kinds of rice dishes. Their paella looks great and it’s also really tasty. You’re getting an excellent product in here, and overall, you are bound to appreciate the tremendous experience and value you can get from it.

Baraca

In case you want a paella that has organic ingredients and a spot that brings an exceptional sea view, go to Baraca. It’s definitely a stylish location, and their paella is, as we said, organic and very tasty. With that in mind, you can get vegetarian paella, but also one that has prawns and squid. It’s definitely a spot with variety when it comes to paella, and totally worth considering.

Elche

Elche might not be on the beachfront, but it has an exceptional Valencian paella. It’s also known for the fact that they bring some of the local wines as well. That way, you truly get to have an authentic Catalan experience, and that truly says a lot. Plus, they still have a multitude of rice dishes, so you’re bound to enjoy a great set of foods here. And the views are nice as well.

Martinez

Martinez is an upscale rooftop locale, and many people go there just for the view alone. But make no mistake, their paella is very good as well. It’s refreshing, and they even have some lobster rice as well. Seafood with an amazing view, that’s what Martinez is all about, and you should totally keep that in mind.

Casa Angela

It’s found near Sagrada Familia, so it has a pretty nice spot in the middle of the city. Their paella is using pork ribs, so it’s definitely a bit different to the authentic, traditional recipe. But what really matters is the fact that it’s very tasty, and they do use only local produce as well. It’s a major plus, because it gives you the authentic taste that you’re looking for with something like this.

Arume

We also recommend Arume, because it’s a hidden gem when it comes to the local cuisine in Barcelona. A lot of people love it because they have paella with duck and wild mushrooms. Definitely not your standard paella, but it’s using local ingredients, and it’s a tasty option as well. If you’re there, you can also try out their Galician octopus, which is quite impressive.

Bodega Joan

It’s not a very expensive place to enjoy paella in Barcelona. That being said, you will have black rice and paella mixta, which many locals seem to like a lot. Rest assured that the taste and overall experience here are quite impressive, and you should totally check it out for yourself.

Kaiku

The cool thing about Kaiku is the fact that they use organic rice. And they do have a ton of dishes featuring rice, so you won’t have a problem picking a favorite. Their cuttlefish and artichoke rice is one of the best in the regions. The place might be tucked away, but it has great views and it’s totally worth visiting.

La Mar Salada

It’s a spot that you can find on the Barceloneta beach, and it’s worth a shot. Their seafood paella is a bit different to the traditional recipe, but it’s very good and certainly tasty. You will surely have a great time enjoying this paella, and we highly recommend giving it a try, that’s for sure.

Cheriff Restaurant

Cheriff is a restaurant mostly focused on seafood, and a lot of people love it. With that in mind, it has been around since 1959, and people appreciate its unique recipes. Whether you want lobster rice, seafood paella or general seafood, it’s maybe one of the best spots in Barcelona for this kind of stuff.

Closing thoughts

There will always be a challenge as you try to find the best paella in Barcelona. It’s an amazing recipe that everyone should try, and people appreciate it all the same. That being said, we recommend testing out the different paella spots based on the pricepoint you are comfortable with. And, of course, what recipes you like the most will also play a role. Rest assured that there’s a lot of value to be had here when it comes to great paella, so check these out for yourself!

While tasting paella at Barcelona’s top restaurants is a must, there’s something incredibly rewarding about learning to make it yourself. Join our hands-on paella cooking class, where you’ll master the art of this iconic dish alongside a local chef. From selecting the freshest ingredients to creating the perfect socarrat, it’s an unforgettable culinary experience — and a great way to take a piece of Barcelona home with you.