Seafood cuisine

Exploring the sea’s treasures: gastronomy of the Costa Brava

The Mediterranean Sea, which laps the shores of the Costa Brava, is not only a picturesque horizon, it is also the very essence of the rich culinary tradition that defines this Mediterranean region. The link between marine life and the local cuisine has shaped the region’s gastronomic identity, making the Costa Brava a succulent destination for those who love good food. From unique produce from the sea such as Palamós prawns, to emblematic dishes such as suquet de peix (fish and shellfish soup) and squid with onions, every mouthful conjures up a morsel of our history, with its roots in a community that has learned to live to the rhythm of the waves. You will discover that the Costa Brava is not only a gastronomic destination, it is also an experience in which every flavour is an ode to the sea, and every dish a tribute to the seafaring heritage that survives in every corner of this captivating region.

The importance of the sea in our gastronomy

The sea, source of life and nourishment, has for centuries provided most of the essential ingredients in the Costa Brava’s cuisine. The region’s fishing tradition has forged a symbiotic relationship between the inhabitants of this coast and the wide blue sea that extends beyond the horizon. The figure of the fisher has long been a revered symbol in the Costa Brava. Their tales, their shanties and techniques passed down from generation to generation are the very essence of the region’s cultural identity. Picturesque fishing villages, such as Cadaqués, L’Escala and Calella de Palafrugell, among others, with their colourful boats and traditional fishing arts, narrate the history of a community that has been sustained by the waves. But this unique connection between the land and the sea has not only influenced the way the inhabitants live, work and celebrate, it has also given rise to an exceptional cuisine.

Seafood delicacies: gastronomic gems of the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is a genuine culinary paradise that shines thanks to its exquisite variety of fresh fish and shellfish, authentic treasures that take undisputed pride of place in local restaurants. Some of the stars of this marine symphony include Palamós red prawns, with their characteristic bright red colour, delicious flavour and unmistakable sweet aftertaste; anchovies from L’Escala with their intense salty taste; langoustines from Llançà, with their firm and flavoursome flesh; and sea urchins, with their creamy texture and exquisite flavour, and only available in winter. These are just some of the delicacies that define the gastronomic identity of the Costa Brava.

Local gastronomy: emblematic dishes and outstanding restaurants

The seafood cuisine in our destination encompasses a wide variety of dishes. Among the best-known recipes you will find suquet de peix, a delicious fish soup with potatoes that perfectly captures the essence of the sea; Empordà black rice, a typical dish made with very slowly cooked caramelised onion and squid ink to give it its black colour; and chicken with langoustines, one of the traditional dishes of sea and mountain cuisine, a favourite within this region’s culinary portfolio.

These dishes, with their deep historical and traditional imprint, can be found in many local restaurants. We recommend discovering the Costa Brava’s seafood cuisine at Els Pescadors restaurant in Llançà, where lobster from Cap de Creus is the house speciality. Also, in the heart of the picturesque town of Cadaqués, within the old town walls, is Es Baluard restaurant, a family-run gastronomic legend serving dishes such as rice with fish, and scorpionfish soup. Or, if you want to continue exploring traditional flavours, make sure you visit Godard restaurant in S’Agaró, a seafaring tavern in a charming house dating from 1890 that was converted into a restaurant with sea views and seasonal cuisine.

Experience seafood cuisine in a different way

Beyond tasting these dishes in the region’s restaurants, the Costa Brava offers a complete immersion in the world of marine produce at the Fishing museum in Palamós. This museum, the only one of its kind in the Mediterranean, showcases the region’s rich maritime heritage and provides unique experiences such as guided visits to the fish market and live auction. At Espai del Peix, the museum’s gastronomic space, you can take seafood cuisine workshops that reveal the very heart of the local culinary tradition.

What’s more, these outstanding products and dishes can be explored in other ways, such as gastronomic festivals like La Garoinada, held in Palafrugell from January to March. During this event, the town’s restaurants and accommodation come together to offer special menus in which sea urchins (or garoina in Catalan) are the authentic star of the show, inviting visitors to enjoy a unique opportunity to savour their intense flavour and smooth texture.

Unforgettable gastronomic experiences

To sum up, the Costa Brava not only offers a veritable banquet for the palate, but also a journey through traditions rooted in the sea. This combination of exquisite flavours and cultural legacy makes the Costa Brava an unbeatable destination for those seeking a gastronomic experience that goes beyond food to offer a voyage through history, passion, traditional craft and authenticity.

Discover the magic of the sea in every bite and dive into the Costa Brava, where gastronomy is an eternal celebration of life beside the sea.