Seafood in Barceloneta

For a city that, for many years, ‘turned its back on the sea’, Barcelona now can boast that the small quarter of Barceloneta has become one of its most popular attractions. Although the redevelopment of the area at the end of the last century sparked considerable criticism about the possible loss of authenticity and ‘atmosphere’, Barceloneta has, with its beach promenade, restaurants and many attractions, developed a special ambience of its own.

And, of course, it has become the very best place in town to go if you’re looking for quality fish and seafood. The fishing fleet still comes in to the Moll del Rellotge directly opposite the Aquàrium and the restaurants nearby can get the pick of the catch from the daily auction at the Moll dels Pescadors. As this is one of the most tourist-centered parts of the city, some of the restaurants can reflect that in their prices, but it is possible to find some that won’t break the bank or max out the credit card.

Close by the Moll des Pescadors, Mondo, actually a part of the IMAX building and overlooking the yachting marina, is a wonderful contemporary restaurant serving the very best seafood dishes. The Mondo terrace, covered during the winter months, is a wonderfully elegant location to choose from a mouth-watering menu which offers a host of fish from Galicia as well as the locally caught. There is a suitably impressive and comprehensive wine list and, if you are looking for a stylish, high quality meal, then there are few better places in the whole city.

Torre d’Alta Mar, which is in the cable car tower of San Sebastiàn overlooking the port, is the perfect restaurant with those people with a good head for heights. With a 360° view across the port and the city, and with fittingly fabulous food, this is another of those places for a special occasion. They do serve meat, but the seafood dishes really are something else. When you make a reservation, at reserves@torredealtamar.com or 0034932210007, don’t forget to ask for a table at a window.

Somewhere to suit a less extravagant budget is the restaurant Can Manel la Puda, on Passeig Joan de Borbó 60, close to the end of the main road out to the beach. They produce really fine seafood and rice dishes at ‘everyday’ prices!

Other good places to find your seafood and fish include El Pòsit, in the old Planet Hollywood location at Ramon Trias Fargas 2; Can Majó on Carrer Almirall Aixada 23, which has delightful inside and outdoor dining areas and does superb fish soups; and the fantastic El Suquet de l’Almirall on Passeig Joan de Borbó 65. This last restaurant is particularly worth mentioning because it was one of those places that traditionalists were worried about when Barceloneta was redeveloped.

Previously a much-loved family-run xiringuito, or beach bar, there was great concern that places like El Suquet would be lost amidst all the changes. It still remains, though, as popular as ever – with a tempting selection of tapas and a staggeringly delicious ‘taster menu’.

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