The Best Paella In Barcelona To Dig Into In 2026
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
Saffron-infused rice. Juicy seasoned meats. Crispy jumbo prawns. Paella might just be Spain’s most quintessential (and delicious) dish. But in Barcelona, the best paellas are far from one-size-fits-all.
Try everything from traditional Valencian classics to inky seafood numbers and smoky, fire-kissed variations cooked low and slow. Look out for regional rice varieties, listed as arroz (or arròs in Catalan) on menus for creamy, brothier takes on the classic. Whether you’re chasing a long lunch by the sea or a more refined take in the city, this is Urban List's round up of the Barcelona paella spots that truly know their way around a pan.
Barraca
Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 1, Ciutat Vella
Image: Barraca | Instagram
Barraca is an easy win for paella by the beach; a bucket-list experience for any first-timer's visit to Barcelona. The menu keeps things seasonal and straightforward, with crowd-pleasers like classic seafood paella, vegetable rice, and lighter options that still pack plenty of flavour.
Set things up with fresh starters before the main event, from grilled vegetables to briny anchovies or simple seafood plates. The space is bright, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the waterfront location makes Barraca ideal for a long, laidback lunch in the sun.
Xiringuito Escribà
Avinguda del Litoral, 62, Sant Martí
This xiringuito (Spanish for 'beach bar'), has one of the most extensive rice menus in the Catalan capital. They sling everything from Valencian-style paella (with chicken, butter beans and red pepper) to vegetable paella and black rice with fish, prawn and clams.
Push the boat out with the lobster rice, or share a round of surf and turf paella with chicken, pork ribs, Norway lobster and cuttlefish. We weren't lying when we said the rice menu was long. As for the vibes, this Bogatell beach favourite is cheerful with glittering views across the city’s seafront promenade.
Nuara
Moll de Gregal, Local 11, Sant Martí
Image: Nuara | Instagram
At Port Olímpic, Nuara is a light-filled, Mediterranean-inspired venue with polished floors and timber accents. Step inside and feel an instant sense of relaxation, coupled with anticipation once the paella menu hits the table.
Owned by a local, family-run group known for their premium paellas and rice dishes, you know you're in for a treat at Nuara. Perfectly seasoned mariscos paella with fresh shellfish and seasonal fish are served side-by-side with more ambitious combinations that show off technique and quality ingredients, like their take on mar i muntanya (aka surf and turf). Nab a table on the terrace overlooking the port for prime people-watching.
Can Fisher
Avinguda del Litoral, 64, Sant Martí
As close to the sandy shores of Bogatell Beach as one can get, Can Fisher makes a great case for seaside paella done well. Using fresh seafood straight from the local fish market, their daily menu revolves around local catches and 0-kilometre ingredients.
Think grilled red prawns, clams with a light sauce, and sea urchins when they’re in season, alongside an array of paella de mariscos options. If you'd prefer not to get your hands dirty, go for the pre-peeled Arroz del Señorito rice. Pair it all with a crisp white or rosé to complement the seafood-centric menu.
La Paella de Su
Carrer de Pau Claris, 118, Eixample
Image: La Paella de Su | Instagram
A local favourite for traditional Valencian-style paella in Eixample, La Paella de Su focuses on classic rice done right. The menu highlight? Try the Paella del Abuelo Bernat, a rich paella starring chicken, rabbit, green beans and garrofó (Spanish beans).
To taste more traditional bites, don’t skip seasonal starters like artichoke hearts with jamón ibérico or sardines with Padrón peppers. With vintage blue-and-white interiors, this is a slightly more old-school restaurant that’s popular with locals craving crispy socarrat and authentic flavour.
7 Portes
Passeig d'Isabel II, 14, Ciutat Vella
This historic Barcelona institution has been serving Catalan classics for over a century. Its paella and rice dishes stick closely to tradition, celebrating rich, slow-cooked versions that pair beautifully with a well-chosen wine. Can't decide? The Paella Parellada is the star here, made with peeled seafood and tender chicken.
At 7 Portes, even your seat has a story. The walls are lined with names of past diners, seating everyone from royalty to artists and cultural icons, so you can quite literally sit where history has unfolded. It's a beautiful venue to settle in for a polished, white-tablecloth experience with classic dishes and attentive service.
Restaurant Arrozal
Avinguda Ports d'Europa, 100, Sants-Montjuïc
Image: Restaurant Arrozal | Instagram
If you want to explore rice beyond the usual seafood paella, Restaurant Arrozal is a great place to do it. The menu dives into different styles of arroz, from staple seafood rice with prawns and clams to richer, more indulgent options like creamy rice with Iberian pork or seasonal mushroom variations. Everything is carefully cooked, with a focus on texture and depth rather than overload. It’s a more modern setting in the Sants-Montjuïc district, but the fundamentals are taken seriously.
Terraza Martinez
Carretera de Miramar, 38, Sants-Montjuïc
Image: Terraza Martinez | Instagram
Perched high on the slopes of Montjuïc, Terraza Martinez delivers one of Barcelona’s most cinematic dining settings. The sprawling wooden terrace offers uninterrupted views over the port, city and sea, making it perfect for sunset drinks, while the softly lit dining room sets a more intimate tone for a romantic dinner.
The menu features a slew of arroz varieties, from lobster-studded rice to rich, slow-cooked combinations finished with that all-important socarrat—the caramelised crust locals prize most. There are also meatier options, like pork rib rice, for something a little heartier.
Can Solé
Carrer de Sant Carles, 4, Ciutat Vella
Can Solé, tucked into Barceloneta, has been pouring plates since 1903 when it first opened as a fishermen’s bar. Over the decades, it’s become a local institution with walls covered in sketches, photos and memorabilia from its many notable visitors—including Catalan artist Joan Miró.
This is where you come for traditional rice dishes done properly. Think seafood paella brimming with prawns, mussels and clams, alongside deeply flavoured, brothy rice dishes that showcase slow cooking and top-quality stock. The interiors are charming and unfussy, making Can Solé the perfect pick for no-frills paella in Barcelona.
Image: Can Solé | Website
Looking for more places to dine and drink in Barcelona? Check out:
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