Ah, paella! the dish that sparks endless debates, especially if you're talking to someone from Valencia. For the purists, paella is a sacred dish made with specific ingredients like rabbit, chicken, green beans, and a whole lot of rules. And if you dare add seafood or vegetables, brace yourself for the wrath of tradition.
But we’re in Barcelona, where we take a more relaxed approach to the whole thing. That said, we’re relaxed but not reckless. Don’t expect to find atrocities like paella with chorizo, melted cheese on top, ketchup rice, or the strange concoctions some international chefs serve in the name of creativity. Here, we call “paella” any glorious rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan, be it seafood, veggie-packed, or even black rice with squid ink. Call it what you want—paella, arroz, or just happiness on a plate—the important thing is that it’s delicious. And in Barcelona, you’re spoiled for choice. And let's not forget its close cousin, fideuá—a dish that swaps rice for short noodles but keeps all the flavor and soul of the sea. But that's a story for another time!
So, whether you’re a purist or just a hungry soul looking for a great meal, here are three top spots for rice dishes in Barcelona that will make you forget the rules and focus on the flavors.
1. 7 Portes
We will start this list with a the renowned 7 Portes. A timeless classic since 1836, where any self-respecting Barcelonian, regardless of age, has enjoyed its famous paella at least once. It’s very popular for its history and also for its rich, flavorful paellas that come in many varieties. It’s fame is also based on the carefully created sofrito base and the highly desired “socarrat” (crispy rice at the bottom). 7 Portes offers an must have experience and it'shistoric charm and quality make it a top choice. Don’t miss their arroz Parellada (also known as "paella for lazy people") is a Barcelona specialty, with all the seafood and meat already peeled, shelled, and ready to eat—because who wants to wrestle with a prawn shell when they’re trying to impress a date? If you’re more of a black rice fan, their arroz negro is rich, creamy, and everything you didn’t know you needed in a rice dish. And don’t worry, they have vegetarian options too, because even paella purists need to chill sometimes.
Location: Pg. d'Isabel II, 14, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Phone Number: +34 933 19 30 33
Local Tip: If you’re looking for a quieter experience, free from tourists and easier on the wallet, head to the La Barra del 7 Portes in the uptown area, the smaller sibling of 7 Portes. This cozy restaurant, with a more concise menu, allows you to enjoy some of the most iconic dishes from the main restaurant, including their famous paella (or rice dishes, if you want to stay politically correct). Highlights include, in addition to the renowned rice dishes, the truffle cannelloni, a house specialty, the crispy Iberian ham croquettes, and their exquisite desserts. The venue has a welcoming atmosphere and is often frequented by neighborhood locals.
Definitely, if you’re craving paella, it’s worth taking a taxi from the city center to get there comfortably, enjoy a delicious lunch, and then take a leisurely stroll down to Diagonal, passing through the lovely Turó Parc. The walk is perfect for working off your meal, and at Bar Turó, you’ll find a charming terrace where you can top off the experience with a coffee or a liqueur while soaking in the local vibe. A perfectly rounded experience, don’t you think?
La barra del 7 portes
Location: Carrer d'Amigó, 53, 08021 Barcelona
Phone Number: +34 93 137 92 62
The grand entrance of 7 Portes, set under iconic porticoes, a Barcelona classic. Photo by https://labarradel7portes.com/es/
2. Mana 75
If you’re the type who eats with your eyes first (and your phone second), Maná 75 is the spot for you. Located in Barceloneta, this sleek, stylish restaurant is a paradise for paella lovers and Instagram enthusiasts alike. But here’s the real showstopper: a massive open bar with 19 burners, making it the largest rice show cooking setup in Europe. Watching the chefs whip up your paella right in front of you is like a live cooking show—but better, because you get to eat the finale.
Their seafood paella is a must-try: fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, it’s the kind of dish that makes you rethink your life choices (like not ordering a second pan). Feeling adventurous? The black rice with black garlic aioli is so rich and intense, it deserves its own fan club. And for something off the beaten path, the Iberian pork and mushroom rice is a game-changer, blending earthy flavors with a luxurious twist.
With its chic vibe, open kitchen, and rice dishes that are as delicious as they are photogenic, Maná 75 isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience.
Local Tip: Want to make the most of your visit? In summer, snag a spot on the terrace for some fresh air and unbeatable vibes. In winter, grab a seat near the bar to catch all the cooking action—it’s like dinner and a show rolled into one. And yes, your Instagram followers will thank you. Wrap up your dining experience in style! If you still have some energy left, head over to the W Hotel. Relax at their Wet Deck terrace with a coffee, or take things up a notch at Eclipse, the luxurious Sky Lounge & Cocktail Bar on the 26th floor. Here, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean, paired with cocktails that are just as impressive as the scenery. A perfect way to end the day!
Location: Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 101, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Phone Number: +34 930 47 40 29
The vibrant, stylish interior of Maná 75, perfect for an Instagram moment. Photo by https://mana75.es/
3. El Merendero de la Mari
Last but not least, another timeless classic we couldn’t leave out: el Merendero de la Mari. A true classic and one of the most beloved restaurants among locals, El Merendero de la Mari pays tribute to the old beachside eateries of Barceloneta, the iconic seaside restaurants that were torn down in the lead-up to the 1992 Olympics. Here, they’ve managed to preserve that nostalgic charm while elevating the experience, offering top-quality dishes in a stunning location.
Their arroz a banda is a must-try—a dish brimming with fresh seafood flavors and topped off with that perfect layer of crispy socarrat. Feeling indulgent? Go for the lobster rice, a luxurious option that screams opulence with every bite. And the attention to detail doesn’t stop at the rice: everything is homemade, including the desserts, which are crafted in their own bakery and are so good they even supply them to other restaurants.
Speaking of pairings, their wine selection is just as impressive as their food. With over 200 labels and up to four sommeliers in-house, you can rest assured that every sip will complement your meal perfectly.
The vibe is elegant yet laid-back, making it the ideal spot for a long, leisurely meal that turns into an artful sobremesa. If you can, grab a seat on the terrace to soak in the views of the harbor, but even indoors, the warm and inviting atmosphere makes every visit special.
Local Tip: After a spectacular paella, it’s tempting to give in to a siesta, but come on, you’re in Barcelona and the weather is probably amazing. So, why not make the most of it? Rent a bike in Barceloneta (it’s super affordable) and take a scenic ride along the waterfront. From the iconic W Hotel to the Fórum, you’ll have endless Mediterranean views to enjoy. On your way back, reward yourself with a refreshing drink or a well-deserved ice cream at one of the beachside chiringuitos. Because let’s be honest, you’ve earned it!
Location: Plaça de Pau Vila, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Phone Number: +34 932 21 31 41
Bonus track: Extra local tip
And as a bonus track, here’s a little insider knowledge for you: Thursdays in Barcelona are practically synonymous with paella! If you’re here on a Thursday and craving this iconic dish, you’re in luck. For reasons wrapped in mystery (and a bit of quirky history), many local restaurants feature paella on their menú del día, a fixed-price menu that includes a starter, main course, and dessert.
Why Thursdays? Well, theories abound. One suggests that back in the day, household cooks had Thursdays off, leaving the sofrito ready for an easy-to-make paella. Another claims that Franco, infamous dictator and self-proclaimed paella enthusiast, loved eating out on Thursdays, leading restaurants to make sure the dish was always available.
Whatever the origin, the tradition lives on, and it’s your chance to enjoy a tasty paella without spending a fortune. Just a word of advice: do your homework. Not all paellas are created equal, and you don’t want to end up with a dry, bland plate of rice that leaves you longing for something else. Choose wisely, and your Thursday lunch will be one to remember.
Bon profit!
P.S.: If for some reason these spots are fully booked, too far away, or just not what you’re looking for, don’t worry! Check out our Top 5 Paella Restaurants in Barceloneta for more fantastic recommendations. You’re bound to find a place that hits the spot!
Fideua, from Mana 75, a kind of paella with noodles instead of rice. https://mana75.es/
Main Photo by https://labarradel7portes.com/es/