A guide to food and drink in Costa Brava
With more than 2,500 restaurants in the city of Girona alone, Costa Brava is consistently regarded as one of the world’s top culinary hubs. Foodies flock here for gastronomic revelations and hungry newbies find more than your average plate of seaside fish and chips. Costa Brava is also home to a number of restaurants that emphasise quality cocktails and flavourful wines from local wineries.
Exploring Costa Brava's delicacies
Like many coastal regions in Spain, the traditional cuisine of Costa Brava features fresh seafood and paellas, but there are many other delicious options available. Try some Pa Amb Tomaquet – toasted bread with ripe tomatoes rubbed over it drizzled with olive oil and salt. Simple, but delicious. There’s also Escudella, a classic Catalan starter and main course combination. The starter is a type of soup and the meat and vegetables used to make it are served as well. The main meal is a large, spicy meatball with vegetables.
One must-try dessert is Crema Catalana which is a delicious kind of creme brulee custard with citrus peel and cinnamon. There are also tasty local wines such as cava and everyone’s favourite, sangria.
Unwind at La Lluna, Tossa de Mar
Located in the old part of the city and along a leafy and cobbled walk up to the castle, La Lluna is a cosy spot to sample traditional Spanish tapas. As it’s an intimate locale, you might have to wait a few minutes for a table, but the sangria and pate sampler will be worth it. This child-friendly venue also has an outside space so you can unwind and spread out with friends and family.
Only the best at Nykteri's Cocktail Bar, Girona
Nykteri’s Cocktail Bar was founded by expert mixologist Mariona Vilanova. She has over 20 years experience of mixing some of the tastiest recipes around and decided to focus her passion into this lovely little bar. For this reason it functions a little differently than most cocktail lovers might be used to.
All you have to do here is detail your top flavours to the bartender, and they whip up an exclusive drink just for you based on your preferences. A favourite for the Spanish, this bar fills up with locals as the night goes on, so if it’s a quiet evening you’re after, arrive early.
Something different at Orient Express, Lloret de Mar
As the name might suggest, this restaurant is modelled after the famous Orient Express train, with train carriages for booths and railway-inspired decor. The fare here is standard and varied, ranging from steaks to burgers and chips, plus a long list of delicious cocktails and beers.
Delectable cuisine at La Parilla, Lloret de Mar
This family-run restaurant is tiny in size but big in flavour and service, dishing up traditional Spanish eats like paella and cured meats for supremely affordable prices. You’ll find a simple but delicious menu to choose from and all meals are home-cooked to order. This is a fantastic place to go for an authentic taste of Spain in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Book early though, as fewer tables means fewer opportunities for you to eat at this hidden gem.
Word-class El Celler de Can Roca, Girona
Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world, El Celler de Can Roca is more of an experience than just a meal. Creative spins on classic dishes are whipped up by the famous foodie Roca brothers and presented with incredible flair. Dining here can last more than three hours, so it may come as no surprise, reservations are often made a year in advance.
If we’ve whet your appetite for some local Spanish cuisine, be sure to check out our full range of Costa Brava holiday packages.