First of all, Gastronomy is truly immerse at the core of every culture, as it is deeply rooted in its history and traditions. There is no doubt that if you really want to get to know the culture and trails of a town, you should begin by tasting the cuisine of Costa Brava and discovering the delicious traditional dishes. And particularly, to know the true Catalan flavor, you must try the unique cuisine of Costa Brava!
The heritage of the cuisine of Costa Brava
The Costa Brava region of Catalunya boasts a very rich culinary heritage. Moreover, during your trip, you will have the chance to try many authentic dishes at the excellent restaurants dotting the coast. While fish and shellfish dominate the cuisine of Costa Brava, this Mediterranean seafood menu is also often combined with food from the land in a fusion called “Mar i Muntanya” (meaning, sea and mountain). The cuisine of Costa Brava dates back to the arrival of the Greeks, who considered seasoning food an art form.
Along the one hundred kilometers of seafront that make up Costa Brava, you will find several charming traditional restaurants where you will truly get the chance to pamper your palette. Most of these restaurants specialize in fried fish; “suquet de peix” (a delicious Catalan fish stew); local Mediterranean lobster; chicken; “caracoles” (snails); “arroz negre” (rice flavored with squid ink and served with fresh prawns); seafood “tastet” (small sample plates like tapas); “cocas de chicharrones” (a traditional Catalan flatbread topped with pork cracklings); and sea urchin. And if you’re craving something sweet we recommend trying a glass of White Garnacha, “bunyols de vent” (similar to a beignet with sugar on the outside) or a delicious “crema catalana” (a sweet pudding similar to the French “crème brûlée”).
Awarded restaurants
You can also experience all the gastronomic pleasure from any of the thirteen Michelin star that the Costa Brava restaurants has to offer!
# 1 El Celler de Can Roca
One of which is the El Celler de Can Roca owned by the Roca brothers. It was named the best restaurant in the world by “The World’s 50 best restaurants”, a British magazine for restaurant rankings. Most importantly, if you want to make a reservation at this restaurant you’ll have to book with a year in advance; as the world’s best restaurant is always packed! The reservation system opens June 1 and then the 1st of each month you can make a reservation within 11 months preview.
- Address: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 12:30 to 14:30 and then 20:00 to 21:30
# 2 Miramar
Discover the Miramar restaurant, located in the promenade of Llançà; in front of the main beach of the town. You can breath in the view of the Mediterranean Sea as you enjoy your meal. Moreover, the chef of this restaurant is Taco Pérez; who offers you dishes in line with his environment, the sea and the fishing traditions of the region. There are two different menus; for instance, a tasting menu or an innovative, and furthermore the main traditional dishes such as rice or shellfish. This restaurant has obtained 2 Michelin stars, proving the high-quality of the Girona’s cuisine!
Source: www.tripadvisor.es
- Address: Passeig Marítim, 7, 17490 Llançà, Girona
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 13:30 to 15:30 and then 20:30 to 22:30; Tuesday and Sunday from 13:30 to 15:30
# 3 Casamar
Discover the magnificent Casamar restaurant, located in front of the Llafranc playa. You will be seduced by the unforgettable view of the Costa Brava region; from the rocks, the sea and the beach. This restaurant combines modernity, conviviality and the Mediterranean. Furthermore, the chef Quim Casellas offers two menus; a simple one at a price of 19 euros, and a tasting menu at 45 euros. This renowned restaurant has a Michelin star, which further proves the quality of the dishes!
Source: www.bonviveur.es
- Address: Carrer del Nero, 3, 17211 Llafranc, Girona
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 13:30 to 15:30 and then 20:30 to 22:30
If you are thinking about visiting this region and eat it in one bite, no doubt you have to visit one of the excellent restaurants and live a true Catalan dining experience! Wherever is your accommodation in Barcelona, your trip to Costa Brava will not be far!
How to get there
- Car: Take the B-10 from Via Laietana, Carrer Dr. Aiguader to Exit 22; then drive on AP-7 take exit 4 and follow the N-11 to GI-614. This drive will take approximately 50 minutes.
- Air: The nearest airport is Girona, where you can reach starting from Barcelona El Prat. Once there you can take one bus departing every hour, but watch only on weekdays.
- Train: This is probably the most convenient option. Run every 45 minutes, every day of the week. if you need more information, you can check their website.