A taste of the best restaurants on the Costa Brava
Known first and foremost for its captivating coastline, the Costa Brava’s culinary scene is equally worth uncovering. From Michelin awarded to low-key and local, the region boasts no end of great restaurants showcasing the diverse richness of Catalan cuisine. Read on for a guide to some of the best restaurants on the Costa Brava.
Vicus
Opened in 2010 by owners Damià, Elisabet and Gerard, Vicus is a restaurant located in the small village of Pals. Lauded for its inventive take on classic dishes, it’s without a doubt one of the best restaurants on the Costa Brava. The space itself is contemporary and sophisticated, mirroring what comes out of the kitchen. Expect dishes that are brilliantly bold in flavour but beautifully refined in appearance. When I visited, favourites included aubergine with smoked eel, yoghurt and black garlic and a spicy Balfegó tuna brioche with kale and almonds.
Carrer Enginyer Algarra, 51 / 17256, Pals
Pa i Raïm
To step into Pa i Raïm is to step back in time and into a world of old-school glamour and beauty. The former home of acclaimed Catalan writer Josep Pla, it seeps with history from the formal dining room through to the charming conservatory and garden area. The menu honours the traditional cuisine of the Empordà region, bringing modern and inventive touches into play too – think frozen chocolate truffles with tomato jam for dessert. Seasonal produce is key to the restaurant’s ethos, which shines through the quality of ingredients and the taste of each dish.
Carrer Torres i Jonama, 56 / 17200, Palafrugell
Hostal Sa Rascassa
Part of a stylish boutique hotel just moments away from Cala Aiguafreda, Sa Rascassa is one of the best restaurants on the Costa Brava for a relaxed meal in a wonderful setting. Choose from a table in the tranquil dining room or under the foliage and fairy lights of the pebbled garden and while away a few hours with great food and wine. Dishes like the prawn and scallop salad, grilled squid and Iberico pork secreto are highly recommended. If you’re in the mood for dessert, the decadent chocolate coulant is a must. If you’re not, order it anyway. A special mention to the service too: owner, Oscar and team are the perfect hosts.
Cala d’Aiguafreda, 3 / 17255, Begur
Can Climent Platillos
Nestled along a cobbled alleyway in the centre of town, Can Climent Platillos is a buzzy address where you’ll find some of the finest small plates in Begur. A cosy, no frills restaurant with just a few small tables and counter seating at the bar, what this restaurant might lack in frills, it more than makes up for in flavour. From crayfish brochettes with passionfruit mayonnaise to ‘translucent’ mushroom lasagna, needless to say the menu dazzles with ingenuity. And of course, it would be wrong to forgo dessert at one of the best restaurants on the Costa Brava. Opt for the white chocolate and ginger mousse and you won’t be disappointed.
Carrer Pi i Rallo, 8 / 17255, Begur
La Cala Taverna
Situated in Palamós, a coastal town famous for its seafood – most notably its prawns – La Cala Taverna is a great place for a taste of these local specialities. The menu is made up of the best fish caught each day, focusing on two key ingredients: Palamós prawns and Balfegó tuna. Signature dishes include traditional Catalan rice with prawns three-ways, as well as tuna sashimi topped with a refreshing lemon sorbet and a delicate hit of wasabi.
Carrer Notaries, 20 / Palamós
