Taste Your Way Through Costa Brava: 10 Culinary Gems for In-the-Know Travellers

With glittering beaches, lively culture, and enticing coastal charm, Costa Brava is a dream destination. But take a closer look beyond its picture-perfect scenes, and you'll discover the hidden culinary gems along this Catalan coastline. As visitors journey from far and wide to swim in these secret calas of Costa Brava, you're invited to dive into its gastronomic soul.

BEGUR

Toc al Mar

Your toes in the sand, the Mediterranean breeze brushing your cheek, and the aroma of grilled seafood filling your nose. That's Toc al Mar. Tucked into one of Costa Brava's most beautiful beaches, Platja d'Aiguablava, this spot has mastered the art of the oak-wood grill, crafting flavourful dishes from wild-caught fish and shellfish. Renowned for their seafood rice plates finished with a smoky touch from the oven, you'll be having seconds. 

Since the Spring of 2011, this restaurant has set out to create a place centred around its philosophy of "good people, good products, a good grill and ensuring that everyone feels at home." Here, you'll want to try the entire menu.

Ideal for: Beachfront dining, seafood lovers 

Cuisine: Authentic Mediterranean, Grilled Seafood 

Location: Carrer Platja d'Aiguablava, 8, 17255 Begur, Girona

Website + Instagram

Cap Sa Sal

Overlooking the waves as they crash against the rocks, Cap Sa Sal doesn't just offer a meal; here, you receive an experience where every detail is carefully attended to. Their speciality is seasonal rice dishes and seafood, serving up the freshest local fish. They pride themselves on their "honest and direct kitchen" philosophy, meaning quality is a priority. 

Here, the gastronomic offerings evolve in tandem with the changing seasons. With a curated list of wines to complement your meal's fresh flavours, Cap Sa Sal is the kind of place where time slows down. Savour the flavours of the Catalan Coast in the idyllic seaside setting.

Ideal for: Romantic dinners, leisurely gourmet experiences 

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Seasonal Rice & Seafood 

Location: Carrer Cap sa Sal, 24, 17255 Begur, Girona

Website + Instagram

Sa Rascassa

Escape from the world at Sa Rascassa, a serene oasis in the cove of Aiguafreda. You'll find the restaurant in a 1916 holiday home that has remained untouched by time. This spot is more than a restaurant, it's a piece of living history. At Sa Rascassa, the cuisine is fresh, simple, and deeply rooted in local tradition, offering an authentic taste of Catalonia.

With its beautiful setting with seats overlooking the water, guests can truly disconnect. Here, you can taste delicious, authentic food as time passes you by, note: Sa Rascassa typically “fan un descans” (take a rest in Catalan) on Tuesdays.

Ideal for: Peaceful retreats, authentic local flavours 

Cuisine: Traditional, Local Catalan 

Location: Cala d’Aiguafreda, 3 Begur 17255 

Website + Instagram

Clara Begur

As part of Hotel Aigua Clara Begur, enjoy a simple, sharing-focused gastronomy at the restaurant Cala Begur. Here, it's about "fet amb amor" (made with love) in a chic, club-like setting. Ambient lighting, sleek marble tables, and a soundtrack of good music set the tone, all accompanied by professional yet casual service.

Clara Begur is set in the mansion's old garden underneath a glass pergola that opens onto a delightful terrace. It's the ideal spot for sipping a cocktail or savouring some tapas before delving into their flavourful gastronomy.

Ideal for: Chic gatherings, pre-dinner drinks & tapas 

Cuisine: Sharing Gastronomy, Mediterranean-inspired 

Location: Sant Miquel 2, 17255 Begur - Girona

Website + Instagram

LLAFRANC

Far Nomo

Elevate your dining experience. Far Nomo isn't your everyday sushi joint; this is an exquisite Japanese restaurant perched in the iconic Sant Sebastià lighthouse, offering panoramic views that will take your breath away. The cuisine is a flawless blend of Japanese artistry with modern Western and Mediterranean influence.

With numerous locations in Spain, their sushi has achieved next-level status. With a carefully crafted cocktail menu, you're invited to enjoy a drink on the exclusive terrace or chill-out area. Nomo is designed for sophisticated diners, with a dramatic coastal setting that enhances every bite. Plan your visit wisely: Nomo participates in a Tuesday “descans” (rest in Catalan).

Ideal for: Romantic evenings, sophisticated Japanese dining with a view

Cuisine: Japanese, Fusion 

Location: Passeig de Pau Casals, 64, 17211 Llafranc, Girona

Website + Instagram

TAMARIU

Restaurant Rodondo

If you're in the mood for Mediterranean and Spanish flavours, look no further than Restaurant Rodondo. This cosy spot leads directly to the beach, offering a lovely view that puts you at ease. There is a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it great for a relaxed meal where the focus is good food and good company.

Rodondo offers quality cuisine with an authentic and satisfying menu. Outdoor seating makes this the ideal spot to soak in the coastal ambience to enjoy your tasty meal.

Ideal for: Casual, comfortable dining, scenic lunches 

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Spanish 

Location: Passeig del Mar N°20, Tamariu 17212

Website + Instagram

CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL

Margarita

Housed in an authentic fisherman's home on the seafront of Calella de Palafrugell, discover the charming restaurant Margarita. They serve up Mediterranean-inspired dishes, as well as dishes from around the world. Fresh products, innovative recipes, refreshing, unexpected creations.

Margarita pays homage to the life of the Empordà. Inviting you to celebrate their way of life. Enjoy a delightful escape; enjoy "la dolça vida mediterrània" (the sweet Mediterranean life).

Ideal for: Beachfront dining, unique Mediterranean flavours 

Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired, Innovative 

Location: Calau Street, 10, Calella de Palafrugell, Girona

Website + Instagram

LLOFRIU

Soca Rel

Have you ever heard of "shack cuisine"? In Llofriu, at Soca Rel, Chef Jordi Garrido serves this style of dining. It pays tribute to classic recipes that originated in Valencia and up along the Costa Brava, which are best enjoyed when shared. Despite its rustic name, it is a fusion of Empordà and Valencian culinary traditions, resulting in hearty, yet elevated, and sensory-rich meals. The food at Soca Rel focuses on seasonal ingredients, ensuring that only the best products are used to create delectable flavours throughout the year.

Located inland, this spot features a distinct backdrop compared to most restaurants on this list. Allow the landscape to bring harmony and make every meal a grounding experience. At Soca Rel, history and flavour are intertwined; every bite is a celebration of Catalan heritage.

Ideal for: Authentic regional cuisine, sensory dining experiences 

Cuisine: Empordà and Valencian Fusion ("Shack Cuisine") 

Location: Carrer Ramal, 74 17124 Llofriu, Girona

Website + Instagram

L'ESCALA

Hostal Empúries

The gastronomic offering at Hostal Empúries is exceptional. They specialise in Mediterranean cuisine, following quality, innovation, and sustainability. Their dishes are sourced from ingredients grown in their own garden or locally. Here, Mediterranean cuisine is intertwined with the ecological and circular philosophy surrounding the hotel. 

You can choose between the beautiful, light-filled dining room facing the sea or the elegant terrace by the beach. Either way, you can't go wrong, and the same goes for the menu. If you're unsure, try the “Gambo” menu: a bold, contemporary reinterpretation of Roman cuisine, adapted to modern tastes. Open every day, this place is a must-visit.

Ideal for: Sustainable dining, historical culinary journeys, sea-view experiences 

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Innovative, Ecological 

Location: Platja del Portitxol, s/n. 17130

Website + Instagram

Ultramar

Ultramar, a vibrant trifecta: a restaurant, an evolutionary cocktail bar, and a jazz club. This spot has something for everyone. Their Mediterranean cuisine stays loyal to their roots but has a playful "exotic touch." Vegetables and fruits are sourced from the Empordà, fish from the Costa Brava, and tasty meats are combined into flavourful yet straightforward dishes. 

The restaurant features original and stylish decor, accompanied by soothing jazz tunes and a lovely garden terrace with stunning sea views. Pet lovers, you're welcome to bring your furry friend; the downstairs area is pet-friendly. Jazz lovers, social butterflies, and foodies, you're invited to come along on this tasty journey at Ultramar.

Ideal for: Lively evenings, cocktails, jazz lovers, modern Mediterranean dining 

Cuisine: Mediterranean with Exotic Touches 

Location: C/ de la Torre, 1, 17130 l'Escala (Girona)

Website + Instagram

From historic hideaways to vibrant beachfront spots, Costa Brava's culinary scene is as rich and varied as its landscapes. We hope this guide inspires your next tasteful escape and helps you savour every delightful moment. Bon profit!