In the distance you can hear the harmony of the wind, the sea and the saltpeter, and on the shore, the cries of joy from the children, the splashing of those who enter the water and the animated chats of those who sunbathe stretched out on their pareos. A show that is repeated every summer, and, without a doubt, the terraces have the seats in the first row so as not to miss anything from this improvised stage.
They are gastronomic havens that tempt the eye and the palate in search of one of the best pleasures in the Mediterranean, seafood, from prestigious chefs to fancy paellas… these are the exquisite proposals near the sea in Barcelona.
Embers and summer are two concepts that, a priori, seem incompatible, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sitting next to a robata grill, feeling the heat of the embers, watching the fire, and intoxicating yourself with the smells of freshly cooked food are quite a spectacle for the senses. Barcelona will enjoy this gastronomic pleasure for a limited time, and for dinner only, at Roka, a pop-up of this prestigious restaurant now located in the exclusive Marina Coastal Club, the open-air terrace of the Hotel Arts. Dishes such as Wagyu sushi with Oscietra caviar, yellowtail tuna sashimi with yuzu and truffle dressing, or king crab, black cod and prawn dumplings with roasted chili cannot be missing from their menu.
Where: Carrer de la Marina, 21
It is one of the hidden gems of the city and is located just above the Real Club MarÃtimo de Barcelona. An establishment that overlooks the sea through a huge terrace on the jetty. The interior is decorated in the Nordic style, and it might seem cold, but its huge windows let in the heat of the sun, which provides the necessary warmth to be comfortable. The soft, earthy tones do not distract diners who can focus on the fantastic views that surround them. As for the gastronomic proposal, it is based on seafood: fish, shellfish and seaweed with a strong Nordic and Mediterranean influence. The smoked crab soup with grilled avocado and chili oil and the soupy rice with langoustines stand out.
Where: Passeig d’Itaca 3
The Velissima is a restaurant, a terrace, a club and a cocktail bar, all in one. Located in one of the most popular areas of the city, the Marina Vella, it has become a benchmark for Italian nightlife. The decoration of the place is impressive and immediately transports us to the Amalfi coast, to the typical restaurants with checkered tablecloths and esparto grass chairs, with the difference that the interior has been designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, a famous interior designer. The terrace facing the port stands out, where you can taste delicious recipes by Nonna Marinelli that the chef has wisely transformed into true works of art, such as the original Artigiana burrata from Publia or the homemade pasta with clams.
Where: Passeig Joan de Borbó, 103
The Plaza de la Rosa dels Vents is a splendid viewpoint over the sea. What was the old Breakwater has been renovated to house a walkway where passers-by and cyclists can enjoy the sea. In this unique space is Anita’s, a kind of chic beach bar that those looking for a good atmosphere away from the noise tend to go to. An informal design achieved with vintage and recovered elements, gives it that cosmopolitan and pleasant touch, which invites you to sit on its terrace to try a menu full of simple dishes made with care and with local and quality products: noodles, prawns, razor clams, cockles…
Where: Plaça de la rosa dels ventos, 1
Of all of them, this is the closest to the sea, almost, almost, we could put our feet in the water, since it overlooks the beach directly. Its location, without a doubt, is a plus. Red in color, as its name suggests, it has wooden floors, windows to see the sea, bamboo chairs and raffia lamps that remind us of those long summer days when we just want to sunbathe and rest. Its cuisine is not the best, but its paellas stand out, whether they are vegetable or seafood, but they are worth it for the views, the tranquility and an unpretentious gastronomy but with good value for money.
Where: Moll de la Marina, S/N
