The Costa Brava is more than stunning beaches and medieval villages—it’s also a paradise for food lovers. If you’ve ever wondered what are the best foodie towns in Costa Brava?, the answer lies in a mix of world-class Michelin dining, fresh seafood straight from the sea, centuries-old traditions, and lively local markets.
As the Catalan writer Josep Pla once said, the region’s cuisine is “a landscape put into a casserole.” Here, the sea, the mountains, and the fertile plains all come together on the plate. Let’s explore the towns where you can taste the very soul of the Costa Brava.
The Flavors of Costa Brava: Sea, Mountains and Tradition
Costa Brava cuisine is built on two pillars:
- Techniques like the sofrito (slow-cooked onion, garlic, and tomato base) and the picada (a nut, bread, and garlic paste that enriches sauces)
- Ingredients that are fresh, seasonal, and local
The result? The famous mar y montaña style, where seafood meets meat—think chicken with lobster, or sepia with meatballs.
Signature Dishes by Town (What to Eat & Where)
From red prawns to rice casseroles and fisherman stews—pinpoint the right town for each iconic bite.
Girona: The Gourmet Capital
Girona is the beating heart of Costa Brava’s food scene.
- El Celler de Can Roca: A three-Michelin-star restaurant repeatedly named the world’s best
- The Roca Brothers’ Universe: Normal, Hotel Casa Cacao, and Rocambolesc (playful ice cream)
- Beyond the Rocas: Michelin spots like Divinum and Massana
- Food Tours: From the iconic xuixo (cream-filled pastry) to artisan sausages and cheeses at markets
💡 Personal tip: A food tour in Girona taught me the joy of pairing local cava with slices of fuet sausage—a match made in heaven.
Palamós: Kingdom of the Red Prawn
Palamós is the mecca for seafood lovers.
- The Gamba de Palamós: Bright red prawns with a unique quality label
- The Fish Auction (Lonja): Watch chefs and restaurateurs bid for the freshest catch
- Museu de la Pesca & Espai del Peix: Sustainability, traditions, and tastings
- Menú de la Gamba: From May to July, restaurants offer special prawn menus
💡 I still remember trying prawns so sweet and tender they hardly needed salt—the pure taste of the Mediterranean.
Palafrugell and Its Calas (Calella, Llafranc, Tamariu)
Palafrugell and its surrounding coves are postcard-perfect for seafood dining.
- La Garoinada: From January to March, sea urchins (garoines) take center stage
- Seaside Restaurants: La Blava or El Balcó de Calella for fresh fish with views
- Traditional Cuisine: Can Xapes for calçots with romesco sauce
Pals: The Land of Rice
Pals blends medieval charm with culinary excellence.
- Rice Cultivation: Since the 15th century, known for absorbing flavor perfectly
- Pals i la Cuina de l’Arròs: April–May event showcasing rice dishes
- Where to Eat: Es Portal (luxury), Sol Blanc and Mas Geli (sustainable cuisine)
💡 A rice casserole here is unforgettable—the smoky sofrito flavor lingers long after the meal ends.
Roses: Tradition and Avant-Garde
Roses balances culinary heritage with innovation.
- El Bulli’s Legacy: Ferran Adrià’s elBulli1846 museum and lab
- Suquet de Peix: A fisherman’s stew, celebrated in autumn festivals
- Seafood Culture: Taverns still serve traditional recipes
Other Foodie Destinations Worth a Stop
- Begur: rockfish campaign and stylish bistrós
- Cadaqués: home of the sweet taps sponge cakes
- Blanes: creative tapas at Sa Lola
- Tossa de Mar: Cim i Tomba fisherman’s stew
- Sant Feliu de Guíxols: festivals celebrating bacalao, bluefish, and sea urchins
Essential Dishes and Products to Try
- Mar y Montaña: chicken with lobster, sepia with albóndigas
- Suquet de Peix
- Arroz de Pals a la cazuela
- Gamba de Palamós
- Calçots with Romesco
- Sweets: xuixo (Girona), taps (Cadaqués), recuit de drap, brunyols
Markets and Foodie Experiences
- Mercado de la Devesa (Girona): twice weekly, massive and diverse
- Mercado de Palafrugell: lively Sunday food market
- La Bisbal d’Empordà Market: historic Friday market since 1322
- Sant Feliu Market: cheeses, fish, and cured meats
- DO Empordà Wine Route: tastings, pairings, and vineyard experiences
Practical Tips for Foodies Visiting Costa Brava
- Follow the gastronomic calendar: 12 official food festivals through the year
- Use the Menú del Día for affordable local meals
- Try tapas crawls in Palamós or Girona
- Reserve Michelin spots well in advance
- Respect dining times: lunch 1–3:30 pm, dinner from 8:30 pm onwards
FAQs About Food in Costa Brava
Which town has the best seafood in Costa Brava?
Palamós, thanks to its legendary red prawns
Where to eat authentic arroz de Pals?
In Pals itself—try Es Portal or Sol Blanc
Is Costa Brava good for Michelin-star dining?
Yes, Girona alone has several Michelin restaurants including El Celler de Can Roca
What food festivals happen in Costa Brava?
La Garoinada (sea urchins), Menú de la Gamba (prawns), Pals Rice Festival, Suquet de Peix Festival
What desserts are typical of the region?
Xuixo (Girona), taps (Cadaqués), recuit de drap, brunyols de l’Empordà
Conclusion
So, what are the best foodie towns in Costa Brava?
Girona for Michelin-starred excellence
Palamós for its legendary prawns
Pals for rice traditions
Palafrugell for sea urchins and coves with fresh fish
Roses for tradition and avant-garde creativity
But don’t stop there—Cadaqués, Begur, Blanes, and Tossa all have flavors worth discovering.
💡 From my own foodie adventures, I can say the Costa Brava is a living menu, where every town serves its story on a plate. Go hungry, go curious, and you’ll leave with memories as rich as the meals. 🍤🍷
