Rice Dishes and Paella
The Best Rice Dishes and Paellas in Barcelona
In Barcelona, you can enjoy a rice dish in a historic Catalan restaurant, on a square in Poblenou, or overlooking the Mediterranean. Our selection brings together six restaurants with different styles, from traditional dining to fine-dining experiences. Consider both the food and the setting: paella by the water, lunch on a terrace, and a fine-dining meal each offer a different experience.
Six restaurants for rice dishes and paella in Barcelona, from historic Catalan restaurants to seaside terraces.
Our Top Restaurants for Rice Dishes and Paella in Barcelona
Here are the six restaurants in our selection. Some specialise in rice dishes, while others offer a broader introduction to Catalan cuisine. Check each restaurant's menu to find the right option for you.
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7 Portes
A historic Catalan restaurant where you can discover traditional rice dishes. Just steps from El Born, 7 Portes serves paella, black rice and fideuà, alongside fish and other classic dishes. Consider it if you enjoy the atmosphere of a historic restaurant and sharing a dish with your companions.
El Born / Pla de Palau area: Passeig d’Isabel II, 14.
© Els Pescadors
Els Pescadors
On Plaça de Prim, Els Pescadors offers a different side of Poblenou. Rice dishes feature alongside Catalan seafood cooking, with an emphasis on fish, shellfish and seasonal ingredients. The terrace overlooks the square, making this a good choice for a meal in a neighbourhood setting.
Poblenou: Plaça de Prim, 1.
© Escribà
Xiringuito Escribà
For a rice dish by the sea, head to Bogatell Beach. Xiringuito Escribà specialises in rice dishes, with an open kitchen and a terrace overlooking the coast. It's a good choice for a leisurely lunch during a beach day.
Bogatell / Poblenou: Avinguda del Litoral, 62.
© Alkimia Barcelone
Alkimia
Under Jordi Vilà, Alkimia explores Catalan cuisine through a contemporary fine-dining approach. Choose it for a gastronomic experience rather than a traditional rice restaurant. If you are visiting specifically for a rice dish, check the current menu and confirm what is available before booking.
Ronda de Sant Antoni: Ronda Sant Antoni, 41, Principal.
© Pez Vela
Pez Vela
At the base of the W Barcelona hotel, Pez Vela combines the atmosphere of a beach bar with an elegant waterfront setting. Rice dishes feature prominently on the menu, alongside fish and salads. It's a good option for a meal near the beach at the far end of Barceloneta.
Barceloneta: Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19-21, at the base of the W Barcelona hotel.
© Terraza Martínez
Terraza Martínez
On Montjuïc, Terraza Martínez offers a different setting for lunch: leave the beach behind for a terrace overlooking the coast. The rice dishes and setting are the main draws at this restaurant in our selection. Before planning your meal, check the current menu, availability and booking conditions with the restaurant.
Montjuïc: Carretera de Miramar, 38.
Which Restaurant Should You Choose?
For lunch near the beach, consider Xiringuito Escribà at Bogatell or Pez Vela in Barceloneta. Both let you combine a rice dish with a day by the sea. For a terrace overlooking the coast, head to Martínez on Montjuïc.
If you prefer a traditional restaurant in the city centre, 7 Portes is a good starting point. For Catalan seafood cooking in a neighbourhood setting, try Els Pescadors on Plaça de Prim. Alkimia offers a different experience: contemporary Catalan fine dining.
Choose according to the meal you have in mind. Start with the style of cooking and the menu, then consider the neighbourhood, setting and booking time that best fit your day.
Paella, Black Rice or Fideuà: What Should You Order?
Paella originated in Valencia, as did fideuà, and both have become part of Catalan culinary culture. On restaurant menus in Barcelona, look for the word arròs to find rice dishes beyond paella.
Paella and Seafood Rice Dishes
Recipes and ingredients vary. Check the ingredients rather than relying on the name alone. At 7 Portes, for example, several paellas feature alongside other rice dishes, so you can choose whichever appeals to you.
Black Rice
For something different, try the black rice. It features on the menu at 7 Portes. If you're deciding between two dishes, ask the restaurant how they differ and which ingredients each one contains.
Fideuà
Fideuà is made with pasta instead of rice. It offers another way to explore this style of seafood cooking. Choose it for its own flavours and ingredients, rather than expecting a rice paella.
What to Know Before Ordering Paella
Before booking, check the current menu to make sure the restaurant serves the type of rice dish you want. This is especially useful at fine-dining restaurants, where the menu may change with the seasons.
When ordering, ask three simple questions: is the price per person or for the whole dish? Is there a minimum number of people per dish? How long will it take to prepare? The answers depend on the restaurant and the dish; there is no single rule for all six restaurants.
If you have an allergy or want a vegetarian dish, ask about the ingredients in both the stock and the toppings. A short menu description may not list every ingredient. When booking, check whether your preferred seating is available, especially if you want a table on the terrace.
Where to eat in Barcelona?
Looking to mix up your meals during your stay? Check out our selection of restaurants in Barcelona, featuring tapas spots, seafood, and Catalan cuisine.
FAQ: Rice Dishes and Paella in Barcelona
Xiringuito Escribà, near Bogatell Beach, and Pez Vela, at the base of the W Barcelona hotel, are both in our selection. Choose whichever is closest to where you plan to spend the day, then check the restaurant's menu and booking options.
Fideuà is made with pasta instead of rice. Both dishes originated in Valencia and have become part of Catalan cuisine. Check the ingredients when choosing: the name alone does not tell you everything about the recipe.
It depends on the restaurant and the dish. Check the minimum order before booking, and ask whether the price is per person or for the whole dish. Not every restaurant in this selection necessarily offers all its rice dishes in individual portions.
Alkimia is a contemporary Catalan restaurant led by Jordi Vilà. Its fine-dining approach differs from that of a traditional rice restaurant. If you want a particular rice dish, check the current menu and confirm availability with the restaurant before booking.