Updated for 2026.

I often get asked where to find the best paella in Barcelona. It is not easy to find one that is truly worthwhile, especially considering how many restaurants offer it on their menu. This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and find authentic rice dishes that are actually worth your time.

Below you will find my personal picks for the best paella restaurants in Barcelona.

If you prefer to see all my recommended restaurants organized by neighborhood, not just paella spots, I keep everything saved in one curated Barcelona Food Map & Guide.

→ Explore the Barcelona Food Map & Guide

HOW TO FIND THE BEST PAELLA IN BARCELONA

Finding a good paella is not easy. If you are new to the city, keep these rules in mind:

• It is difficult to get a good paella anywhere close to Las Ramblas or Sagrada Familia, unless a trusted local has named a specific place.
• Never go somewhere that displays a large photo of paella on the menu outside.
• Avoid places with someone standing outside inviting you in for paella.
• Book in advance. The best places fill up quickly.
• Most restaurants serve paella for a minimum of two people.

When to Eat Paella in Barcelona

Paella is traditionally a lunchtime dish in Spain. While some restaurants serve it at night, locals usually order rice dishes in the afternoon. If you want the most authentic experience, book a lunch table and plan for a long, relaxed meal.

Best Paella Restaurant Maná 75 Barcelona — *Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Also important to remember: paella is just one of the many rice dishes that are worth trying. And you can find both vegetarian and vegan rice dishes. And if you don’t like seafood don’t worry, at a good restaurant that specializes in rice dishes they will have options with meat instead of fish or shellfish. Also: a good paella is usually thin, only a cm or two in thickness. The toppings are a bonus, not the main show, so don’t expect the mussels, shrimp, or other ingredients depending on your choice to cover the paella. The secret is in the broth and the quality of the rice.

LIST OF THE BEST PAELLA RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA

This list is obviously completely subjective, everyone has their favorite places for paella and rice dishes. But here are my paella restaurants in Barcelona:

Can Fisher

Not only does Can Fisher have a wonderful spot right by the sea, they also serve the most delicious paella and seafood. The fish and seafood is very fresh, and carefully selected by the team in the best markets. When you ask for the catch of the day they’ll bring you a large tray with what’s on offer, and they’ll prepare it for you. They have no less than 8 different rice dishes, so there is something for everyone, including options with meat or vegetables instead of fish. Can Fisher draws both locals and visitors with their high quality ingredients, sea views, and excellent wine list.

Av. del Litoral, 64, Barcelona (Poblenou/Barceloneta).

Casa Amalia

Casa Amalia is a beloved Barcelona classic, known for its market-fresh Catalan cooking - and their paellas are a standout. Whether you’re at their original location by Mercat de la Concepció or enjoying the sea breeze bath their newer spot in Time Out Market (the views from the terrace are beautiful!), you’ll find expertly prepared rice dishes made with top-quality ingredients. Bonus: they also offer individual paellas, perfect for solo diners or when your table can’t agree on toppings. Read my review here.

Casa Amàlia, Ptge. del Mercat, 14, Barcelona (Eixample Dreta), and Casa Amàlia Port Vell, Time Out Market, Moll d'Espanya, 5, 2ª Planta (Barceloneta).

Paella Planta Baja restaurante Barcelona — *Planta Baja, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Planta Baja

In case you find yourself in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, I highly recommend you swing by Planta Baja, a charming restaurant located in the Primero Primera hotel. This used to be a family residence, and has been turned into a lovely hotel with an even cozier restaurant. Inside it feels something of a living room, and the outside terrace is perfect, even in summer since it’s covered with leafy branches. They have a rice dish on their menu with cuttlefish and scallop, and it’s even more delicious than it looks.

Carrer del Dr. Carulla, 27, Barcelona (Sarrià-Sant Gervasi).

What to eat next in Barcelona

Once you’ve got paella covered, here’s where to eat next:

Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona – classic spots, modern takes, and neighborhood favorites.
Coolest Places to Eat in Barcelona – creative kitchens and places doing something different.
Gràcia Neighborhood Food Guide – where to eat if you’re staying (or wandering) nearby.

Cruix

This restaurant is on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list (find my list of Michelin and Bib Gourmand restaurants here), and it’s not hard to see why. The starters are magnificent (such as oysters in a Gilda sauce), and the main courses are four different rice dishes (one of them is vegan). You can’t go wrong here. Read my review of Cruix here.

Carrer d'Entença, 57 (Eixample Esquerra).

Paella cafe arquitecte barcelona — *Cafè de l’Arquitecte, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Cafè de l’Arquitecte

Not only is this restaurant located in the home of famed Enric Sagnier, but the restaurant and bar also pays homage to the history of the architect and his work. The spaces are absolutely beautiful, and to top it all off, they serve very good food, based on seasonal products. Cafè de l’Architecte also serves a delicious paella, with cuttlefish and prawn.

They also have a nice terrace, which is a nice option for any time of the year.

Passatge de la Concepció 17, Barcelona (Eixample Esquerra).

Cheriff

Local classic Cheriff has reopened after a major renovation, and is as good as ever. They first opened in 1959, and they’re still going strong. It’s also a great option for seafood, if paella is not your thing, they also have very good seafood. The restaurant is open every day.

Carrer Ginebra 15 (Barceloneta).

Maná 75

Maná 75 is quite unique on the paella scene in Barcelona. It specializes in paella, and welcomes both locals and visitors alike, without ever compromising on quality. It’s a lot more than just a paella restaurant: it’s an experience. The open kitchen really draws the attention, with the long line of paellas being prepared right in front of you. There’s even a stool you can step on to get a good look of the long row of paellas (an excellent photo opportunity!). There are a whopping 14 (!) different paella options to pick from, so you can be sure that there’s something for everyone. Seafood, vegetables, meat, soupy style rice dishes (arroz caldoso), fideuà (noodle paella), and more. If someone in your party prefers meat or fish instead of a paella, they have that available, too. The service here is very friendly. The restaurant is great also for groups, and if you can score one of the round tables, you’re in for a treat! Read my review of Maná 75 here.

Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 101, 08039 Barcelona (Barceloneta).

Planning more than just paella?

If you're building a list of places to try, I’ve organized all the restaurants I genuinely recommend: tapas bars, rice specialists, neighborhood spots, bakeries and cafés, into one interactive Barcelona Food Map & Guide.

It makes choosing where to eat simple, whether you're planning ahead or deciding on the go.

→ View the Barcelona Food Map & Guide

Best+paella+Arosseria+Xativa+Barcelona. — *Arosseria Xativa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Arosseria Xátiva

They have more than 20 years of experience, and they focus specifically on rices and paella. There are many, many different ones to choose from, so you can be sure there's something to your liking. They've marked the menu for allergies, which is great if you prefer your meal gluten free. Plus you get a proper wooden spoon to eat with, as you should with a paella!

Various locations.

Can Solé

This restaurant is more than 130 years old, and they make excellent paellas, rices and fideuà. It's very charming and the food is of great quality. A must visit. Read my review of Can Solé here.

San Carles 4 (Barceloneta).

Pez Vela

It might be touristy considering the location on the Barceloneta beach, but the food is tasty. I love the rices here. Catch a table on the terrace if you can, and enjoy the views of the beach and the sea.

Paseo del Mare Nostrum 19/21 (Barceloneta).

Abrassame

Up on the top floor of the Las Arenas shopping center you can find this restaurant that uses fresh ingredients and a good grill to make their dishes. Their paella is excellent. Read my review of Abrassame here.

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 373 (Plaça Espanya).

Terraza Martinez

The views are absolutely beautiful from this restaurant up on the Montjuïc hill, and the food is excellent.

Ctra. de Miramar 38 (Montjuïc).

Filigrana

The friendly Filigrana restaurant is located inside the Catalonia hotel, and here the kitchen uses top notch local ingredients in their kitchen. The staff is very skilled and friendly. Their lunch deal is unbeatable, and they specialize in rice dishes. Read my review here.

Carrer de Tarragona 99, Barcelona (Plaça Espanya).

Can Majó

A family-owned business with many years of experience in the Barceloneta. They have a great terrace.

Almirall Aixada 23 (Barceloneta).

Camping Mar

Camping Mar is a charming, casual, and somewhat secret location by the sea. The rice dishes are highly recommended.

Passeig de Joan de Borbó 103 (Barceloneta).

Best Paella Barcelona — *Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Elche

This family-owned restaurant opened already in 1959, so they have plenty of experience, and put a lot of effort into making authentic rice dishes.

Vila i Vilà 71 (Poble Sec).

Xiringuito Escribà

This is a local's favorite, right by the beach. They also have an open kitchen where you can see all the action. The seafood here is also recommendable. They’ve been open since the Barcelona summer olympics in 1992!

Avinguda del Litoral 62 (Poblenou).

La Barraca

A more modern take on a paella restaurant, next to the beach with beautiful views over the sea. A good option to go with friends.

Passeig Maritim Barceloneta 1 (Barceloneta).

Al Grano

If you’re feeling lazy, and prefer to order a paella or a rice dish at home, then Al Grano is the way to go. We love this concept, where you get the whole paella dish, which you can return or keep if you want to make a paella at home. They have many different rice dishes to choose from, and they are very, very good.

La Mar Salada

It is not always easy to find good restaurants in this part of the city, but this place nails it with their good, fresh ingredients. They have a large patio if you prefer to sit outside.

Joan de Borbó 58-59 (Barceloneta).

7 Portes

This restaurant is quite a classic in Barcelona and is rather popular with tourists, but it is worth a visit. They have good private rooms here, perfect for groups. Many famous people have visited this restaurant, and you can see plaques with their names on the walls. Read my review of 7 Portes here.

Pg Isabel II 14 (Barceloneta).

Cabrils Barcelona — *Hostal de Cabrils, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Want to make choosing easier?

If you don’t want to research every meal separately, I keep all the restaurants I genuinely recommend saved in one Barcelona Food Map & Guide, so you can quickly see what’s good wherever you are in the city.

→ Explore the Barcelona Food Map & Guide

Great Paella Outside Barcelona

There are numerous fantastic options for paella and rice dishes outside Barcelona, but I want to highlight the lovely gastro town of Cabrils (30 minutes from BCN). A good option for paella and rice dishes here are beautiful L’Hort and Hostal de Cabrils. Sitges is also a classic for paella: there are plenty of good paella restaurants there to choose from. One of my favorite, more modern options in Sitges is La Zorra.

FAQ: Paella in Barcelona

Is paella in Barcelona authentic?

Paella originates from Valencia, but Barcelona has many excellent rice restaurants that prepare it properly. The key is choosing a restaurant that specializes in rice dishes rather than one that simply has it on the menu.

Is paella expensive in Barcelona?

Prices vary depending on ingredients and location. Expect to pay more for seafood versions and for restaurants by the beach. A good-quality paella for two typically ranges between €18–30 per person.

Can you order paella for one person?

Traditionally, paella is served for a minimum of two people. Some restaurants now offer individual portions, but it is still common to share.

Is it better to eat paella at lunch or dinner?

Lunch is the traditional time for paella in Spain. While many restaurants serve it in the evening, the most authentic experience is at midday.

Is paella always seafood?

No. While seafood paella is very popular, especially in coastal cities like Barcelona, traditional paella from Valencia is often made with meat such as chicken and rabbit. In Barcelona, you’ll find a wide range of rice dishes: seafood, meat, vegetarian options, and even soupy styles like arroz caldoso. A good rice restaurant will always offer several variations.