Barcelona, Catalonia, is home to several outstanding seafood restaurants, according to a recent guide from El Periódico Barcelona. These establishments offer diverse culinary experiences, from traditional Galician fare to innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusions.
Among the top choices is Estimar, located in the Born district. Chef Rafa Zafra leads this restaurant, which features a 16th-century arch within its interior. Estimar focuses on high-quality seafood, often served simply with light dressings, allowing the product to shine. The guide describes the dining experience as 'pornococina' due to the visual appeal and quality of the dishes.
Carballeira offers a classic seafood experience with a lively atmosphere. It attracts business professionals during the week and joyful families on weekends, all enjoying the fresh seafood treasures prepared there. For a different approach, Soluna, run by Teppei Nii and Diana Chen, presents a 'top' Japanese-style seafood restaurant. Its bar and dining room serve premium seafood like lobster, prawns, and langoustines, alongside A5 Wagyu beef.
New Culinary Openings and Fusions
Kresala, recently named the best new restaurant in Barcelona for 2024, is a collaboration between Sagardi and Gregorio Tolosa. This establishment, part of the new Balcón Gastronómico, features impressive 5.20-metre fires for roasting large wild creatures, marking a significant step in grilled seafood preparation.
Another notable fusion is Rías Kru, which combines the legacy of Rías de Galicia, founded in 1986 by the Iglesias brothers' parents, with Espai Kru. Espai Kru, established in 2012, brought a Japanese-Peruvian influence. Rías Kru now offers diners the convenience of ordering dishes from both concepts, allowing them to enjoy everything from spider crab to nigiri, and both raw and cooked seafood.
The team behind Besta has also opened a second venue, Batea, described as a 'modern seafood restaurant'. Situated in the Hotel Avenida Palace, Batea blends the coastal flavours of Catalonia and Galicia. It has its own entrance with columns and an interior designed in the style of a French bistro, featuring pink wallpaper and a continuous bench with velvet cushions of the same pale colour, according to the operators.
