When visiting Costa Brava, experiencing authentic Mediterranean seafood cuisine is a must. Paella and Fideuà are the region’s signature dishes, packed with fresh seafood flavor. This guide covers what makes Fideuà special and where to find the best restaurants around Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell.
What is Fideuà? | The “Pasta Version” of Paella
Fideuà is a traditional Catalan dish using thin noodles (fideos) instead of rice, originating from the coastal fishing towns.
Key Differences: Paella vs Fideuà
| Feature | Paella | Fideuà |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Rice | Thin pasta noodles |
| Texture | Fluffy with crispy bottom | Chewy and aromatic |
| Cooking time | 30-40 min | 20-30 min |
| Main ingredients | Seafood, meat, vegetables | Primarily seafood |
Why Try Fideuà?
- Unique texture: Noodles are lightly toasted before cooking, creating a crispy exterior and chewy center
- Intense seafood flavor: Thin noodles absorb the rich seafood broth perfectly
- Served with Alioli: Garlic mayonnaise sauce that enhances the dish
Local tip: While paella is famous throughout Spain, Fideuà is a Costa Brava specialty that’s harder to find elsewhere!
Top Restaurants in Llafranc & Calella
1. Restaurant Casamar
📍 Location: Llafranc
⭐ Michelin 1-star fine dining
- Stunning Mediterranean views
- Modern take on traditional recipes
- Premium local ingredients
Recommended:
- Lobster Paella: €45-65 (for 2)
- Seafood Fideuà: €40-55 (for 2)
Budget: Lunch €60-90, Dinner €100-150
Reservation: Required (especially weekends)
2. Restaurant El Far
📍 Location: Llafranc (near lighthouse)
⭐ Local favorite since 1960s
- Family-run traditional restaurant
- Terrace with panoramic views
- Excellent value for quality
Recommended:
- Mixed Paella: €18-22/person
- Black Fideuà (squid ink): €19-24/person
Budget: Lunch €25-40, Dinner €35-50
Tip: Weekday lunch menu (Menu del día) is around €18 with starter, main, dessert & drink
3. Restaurante Tragamar
📍 Location: Calella de Palafrugell (Port Bo Beach)
⭐ Beachfront dining
- Right on the beach with colorful boat views
- Popular with tourists and locals
- Perfect for lunch with sea views
Recommended:
- Seafood Paella: €20-25/person
- Prawn Fideuà: €22-28/person
Budget: Lunch €30-45, Dinner €40-60
Reservation: Essential in summer/weekends
Best time: 13:00-15:00 for lunch with beach atmosphere
4. Restaurant La Sirena
📍 Location: Llafranc
⭐ Budget-friendly local spot
- No-frills local favorite
- Generous portions
- Authentic prices (not tourist prices!)
Recommended:
- Valencian Paella: €14-18/person
- Seafood Fideuà: €15-19/person
Budget: €20-35 per person
Note: May not have English menu
How to Order
Important: Minimum 2 People
Most restaurants require minimum 2-person orders for paella and fideuà.
Menu notation: “Paella (mínimo 2 personas)” = minimum 2 people
“Precio por persona: €22” = €22 per person (so €44 total for 2)
Ordering Process
- Request your seat: “Mesa en la terraza, por favor” (terrace table, please)
- Find the section: Look for “Arroces” (rice dishes) or “Fideuà” on menu
- Order: “Queremos una fideuà de marisco para dos personas” (We’d like seafood fideuà for two)
- Wait time: 30-40 minutes (cooked fresh after ordering—enjoy appetizers and wine meanwhile!)
- How to eat: Served in the large pan at the table. Use spoon and fork, add alioli sauce to taste
Best Time to Visit
Lunch: 13:30-15:00 (peak time, book for 13:00 to avoid crowds)
Dinner: 20:30-22:00 (peak), or 20:00 (early) / 22:00+ (late) for quieter service
Summer sunset: Book around 20:30 to dine during sunset (around 21:00 June-August)
Final Tips
✅ Try both: If staying multiple days, sample both paella and fideuà
✅ Book ahead: Especially for beachfront restaurants in summer
✅ Go local: El Far and La Sirena offer authentic experiences at fair prices
✅ Pair with wine: Local white wine complements seafood perfectly
✅ Don’t rush: Mediterranean dining is about savoring the moment and the view
Enjoying freshly-made fideuà with a chilled white wine, overlooking the Mediterranean—this is what Costa Brava is all about!
