Welcome to Emerald Stay's guide to the best restaurants in the Costa Brava, crafted especially for discerning foodies who appreciate high-quality and authentic cuisine.
From beachside bistros to traditional Catalan eateries, the local food scene offers a delightful array of options. Fresh seafood is a staple, and the Costa Brava's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea ensures its quality is unparalleled.
Here we present our top 12 picks for the best restaurants in the area, each offering a gourmet experience that will take your taste buds on a journey they'll never forget.
El Celler de Can Roca
This Michelin-starred (***) restaurant in Girona needs no introduction. The Roca brothers are masters of their craft, and their seafood dishes are spectacular. From delicate oysters to grilled lobster, the dishes here are expertly prepared and beautifully presented. The wine list is equally impressive, ensuring a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Best for: Indulging Michelin-starred meals
Address: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona
Terraza Gavina
This restaurant is located in a prestigious 5-star hotel in the exclusive town of S'Agaró on the Costa Brava. The restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with its sumptuous decor and impeccable service.
The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients, including local seafood.
Highlights include the signature lobster rice, grilled octopus with potato cream and sea bass with artichokes and truffles. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list, with a range of local and international wines to complement each dish.
Best for: Seafood
Address: Pza. Rosaleda, s/n, 17248 S'Agaró, Girona
La Taverna del Mar
La Taverna del Mar is a highly recommended seafood restaurant located in the heart of Llafranc beach on the Costa Brava. The restaurant's menu is almost entirely dedicated to fresh seafood, with a wide selection of local fish and shellfish.
The seafood paella, grilled prawns and grilled cuttlefish with aioli sauce are some of the outstanding dishes. The interior of the restaurant is intimate and cosy, with rustic decor that perfectly complements the Mediterranean cuisine.
The restaurant's focus on seafood, combined with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, makes it a must for any gourmet visiting the Costa Brava.
Best for: Seafood
Address: Passeig de Sant Pol, S'Agaró, Girona.
Casa Teva
Casa Teva is a charming restaurant located in the heart of Girona, just a short drive from the Costa Brava. This cosy establishment serves delicious Catalan cuisine, with a menu featuring a variety of traditional dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring some of the region's finest wines. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Casa Teva is the perfect place to enjoy a memorable meal with friends and family.
Best for: Spanish cuisine
Address: Casa Teva is Carrer dels Ciutadans, 4, 17004 Girona
Els Tinars
Els Tinars is a renowned restaurant on the Costa Brava, known for its impeccable traditional Spanish cuisine.
The restaurant is situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountains. Els Tinars also has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the service is exceptional. The menu offers a variety of Spanish delicacies including seafood, meat and seasonal vegetables. Each dish is beautifully presented and full of flavour, and the wine list is extensive, offering a range of local and international wines to pair with your meal.
If you're looking for traditional Spanish dining experience on the Costa Brava, Els Tinars is well worth a visit.
Best for: Spanish cuisine
Address: Carretera de Sant Feliu a Girona, Km. 7, 17240, Llagostera
BoTic
BoTic is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the town of Corçà in Costa Brava. The restaurant is housed in a beautiful stone building that was formerly a country house.
The menu at BoTic is inspired by the local produce of the region and is known for its innovative twists on traditional Catalan cuisine. Dishes are presented in a creative and modern style, and the restaurant's tasting menu is particularly popular.
BoTic's talented team of chefs is led by Chef Albert Sastregener, who brings his experience from some of the best restaurants in the world. The restaurant's location in the heart of the countryside makes for a serene and picturesque dining experience. BoTic is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable culinary adventure in Costa Brava.
Best for: Indulging Michelin-starred meals
Address: Carretera de Sant Sadurní, km. 13,5, 17121 Corçà
Sa Marinada
Sa Marinada is a charming restaurant on the Costa Brava, with a lovely terrace that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
This restaurant is known for its excellent selection of seafood and traditional Spanish dishes, made with fresh and local ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes include the arroz caldoso de bogavante (lobster rice soup), the fideuà (a type of seafood paella with thin noodles), and the zarzuela (a fish and seafood stew).
With a warm and friendly atmosphere and a menu that perfectly captures the essence of the region, Sa Marinada is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Costa Brava cuisine.
Best for: Seaviews
Address: Carrer dels Pescadors, 16, 17211 Llafranc, Girona, Spain
Book your stay in the Costa Brava, just a few steps from the most appetising restaurants.
Godard
Godard is a charming restaurant located in the heart of S'Agaró, Costa Brava. The restaurant offers a refined and innovative menu that combines the best of traditional and modern Catalan cuisine.
From fresh seafood to succulent meat dishes, Godard's menu is sure to satisfy all tastes. The restaurant's elegant and intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Don't forget to try their signature dessert, the "Godard's chocolate temptation".
Best for: Seaviews
Address: Carrer de la Punta Brava, 23, 17248 S'Agaró, Girona, Spain
Pa i Raïm
Pa i Raïm is a charming restaurant located in a smart Art Nouveau house, the former family home of the famous Catalan writer Josep Pla.
Its elegant interiors provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delightful meal. The menu boasts an impressive selection of traditional Catalan dishes, including fresh seafood and meat dishes, all prepared with the freshest local ingredients.
Pa i Raïm is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Costa Brava's culinary scene.
Best for: Spanish cuisine
Address: Carrer Nou, 10, 17230 Palamós
Vicus
Vicus is a hidden gem in the heart of Costa Brava. This charming restaurant offers a gastronomic journey that showcases the best of traditional Catalan cuisine.
From succulent grilled meats to fresh seafood and vegetarian options, Vicus has something for everyone. The menu is carefully curated to feature locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
The welcoming and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the menu and suggest the perfect wine pairings. Located in the town of Pals, Vicus is a must-visit for anyone exploring the culinary scene of Costa Brava.
Best for: Spanish cuisine
Address: Carrer Hospital, 10, 17256 Pals
Chez Tomàs
Chez Tomàs is a charming family-run restaurant located in the heart of Llafranc, Costa Brava. The restaurant boasts a cozy and intimate atmosphere with warm lighting and rustic decor, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
Chez Tomàs prides itself on serving traditional Catalan cuisine with a modern twist, and offers an extensive wine list featuring local and international wines. If you're in the mood for seafood, be sure to try their delicious grilled squid with garlic and parsley.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit Chez Tomàs during your next trip to Costa Brava.
Best for: Spanish cuisine
Address: Carrer de Sant Elm, 8, 17248 Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Narita
And finally, if you're in the mood for something a bit more international, Narita is a charming little gem of a restaurant nestled in the heart of Cadaques, a picturesque town in Costa Brava.
The restaurant offers a cosy and intimate atmosphere and serves up delicious Japanese cuisine with a creative twist, using fresh, local ingredients.
With its stylish and minimalist decor and friendly service, Narita is the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a relaxing evening with friends.
Best for: International cuisine
Address: Carrer de Sant Vicens, 2, 17488 Cadaques
Where to eat and where to stay in the Costa Brava, now you have all the information you need for a perfect summer holiday!
Read also: