Top Restaurants in Costa Brava
Where to Eat in Costa Brava: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Whether you're looking for sandy beaches, rocky coves, tranquil villages or mountain scenery, Spain's Costa Brava has something to offer you. Situated in the north-east of the country overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa Brava region enjoys hot summers and mild winters, making it an all-year-round holiday destination. There are plenty of opportunities in the Costa Brava to play golf, tennis or football, as well as to take part in water sports. The Sant Daniel Valley on the western side of the Gavarres hills has mountain biking and trekking paths with stunning views. If you are looking for a cultural activity, the Archaeological Museum in Banyoles is housed in a Gothic palace and has displays of paleontology and pottery as well as archaeology. Modern art lovers must not miss the Theatre Museum in Figueres which has a collection of Salvador Dali's paintings. At the end of the day, if you still have some energy, there is no shortage of nightlife in towns such as Lloret de Mar.
Things to do in Costa Brava
1. Candelaria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
Reviewed By Paul-Michael - Austin, Texas
This restaurant was only 15 minutes from our hotel (Mas de Torrent) and it is in a delightful area with various shops that could be nice for a stroll. Very eclectic atmosphere: cozy, quaint, and perfect for a date night if you enjoy those attributes. The food quality was high and the service was attentive. Don't worry if you don't speak the local language, the staff are accommodating and do their best to communicate in English (which is limited, but better than our Catalan, and certainly sufficient to ensure you get what you'd like!). The presentation is good, as is the quality of the food, and the thoughtful touches throughout the meal add to the experience. We would absolutely return and highly recommend it for a special evening out. This was our favorite dinner during our week on the Costa Brava.
2. La Parrilla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By lynne169 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
We visited this restaurant on 3 occasions and every time we were turned away saying was full Nobody sitting at tables outside We even tried lunchtime We were very disappointed
3. Bo.Tic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 401 reviews
Reviewed By IlyaBurlak - Marlboro, New Jersey
Places like Bo.Tic don't offer just meals, they offer culinary experiences. Refined interior, very efficient service, huge wine list. Although a la carte menu is extensive, I highly recommend going for the Tasting Menu (the middle option of the 3 possible sets - everyone at the table has to have the same, but in case of specific food preferences or allergies, the chef will make substitutions). There are 11 courses of creative small portions, starting with snacks and finishing with desserts. The "main" dishes - hake and veal cheeks - were simply unbelievably tasty.
4. Restaurant Sant Pere del Bosc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 312 reviews
Reviewed By pulsometer5 - Helensburgh, United Kingdom
My friend and I visited the restaurant on the 12th of August after Reading reviews about the place.
The road leading to the place is mainly a dirt track with lots of stones on it hitting the car from underneath. Several times I was thinking to return - I wish I did if I knew what was awaiting us.
The place itself is beautiful- located in a lovely spot in the hills with panoramic views of the sea and green surroundings.
The restaurant is clean and stylish with very attentive junior staff. We were greeted with a glass of cava and very tasty olives in a lounge area and then had a tour of their kitchen which was informative.
We chose a testing menu which is very reasonably priced at €59 for 9 dishes. There was a very tasty freshly baked bread of three types with a very good quality olive oil. I didn't drink but my friend liked the local wine which was offered to her to compliment the food.
The first course and a melony drink were excellent but then the problems started. We were offered a mousse of white asparagus grilled with some caviar on top. The concept of the dish is interesting but we found the execution was poor as the mousse had a distinctive burnt taste. I ate it without any enthusiasm but my friend refused and complained to the waitress. The manager Nicolas came, disagreed with her but offered to bring her the mousse not grilled. The newly brought mousse had the same burnt taste and she refused to eat. Then the next dish arrived - a small bruschetta with a sliced scallop on top.
My friend started first and asked me to give her an honest answer what do I think about a scallop knowing that it is one of my favourite food. I tried and to me it was not fresh. She complained to the waitress again asking to see a chef (but she was told he was very busy) and to give her something she can eat and enjoy, mentioning she would pay for these unfortunate dishes.
The waitress went to call a manager, Nicolas arrived absolutely livid, started shouting at her, even pushed her shoulder and asked her to leave as he didn't like her attitude. She was very polite at all times and asked to give her something she can eat which was fresh and not burnt but Nicolas said he would call the police.
So we left and our evening was totally spoiled.
I can't imagine if we were in the UK to have the same level of "hospitality" if one complains about quality of food. In the similar situation I would expect the manager would just switch the client to a different course maybe to keep her happy.
So if you don't mind to reck your car on the way and try the restaurant and if you don't like the food - do not complain or you know what can happen - you've been warned!
5. Compartir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The restaurant Compartir opened in April 2012 led by Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro and Eduard Xatruch. As its name indicates, the cuisine is presented on central dishes for sharing. This transforms the concept of “appetisers” and takes it one step further, as well as creating a surprising and uninhibited ambience among the diners. The menu offers markedly modern dishes and also more traditional suggestions, such as rice dishes. The restaurant is in the historical centre of Cadaqués in an emblematic building that was refurbished at the beginning of the 18th century. One of its main attractive features is the large courtyard where visitors are welcomed and which is a clear example of the identity of this unique corner of the Costa Brava and the Creus Cape. The premises, the rapport with clients and the food, served in an informal and relaxed setting, all work together to transmit our philosophy to visitors, characterised by the search for clients’ greatest satisfaction in all aspects. Know-how that is passed on every day thanks to the team led in the kitchen by Marc, David, Víctor, Ander, Alejandro and Molins and in the dining room by Ramon, Roger, Sara, Marga and Tassi. Currently, Compartir is recognised in the most important gastronomic guides: Compartir has a rating of Two Suns in the Repsol Guide and is recommended by the Michelin Guide. In December 2014 Casañas, Castro and Xatruch’s second project was brought to fruition: the restaurant Disfrutar in Barcelona, with a different proposal to that of Compartir, clearly avant-garde and with a tasting menu format.
Reviewed By nodrama1 - Fairfield County, CT
Definitely good food and excellent service. Expensive. If you're in Cadaques then Compartir is worth trying. In summer you can sit in a beautiful stone courtyard. There is no view of anything but the setting is nice. The restaurant gets busy during summer and has real buzz.
6. Korpilombolo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By Jakkles2 - London, United Kingdom
The reviews for this restaurant made my husband and I want to visit it. We could not get a table ad hoc on Wed 8th but booked for Thurs 9th July. What a revelation the food was, small portions as warned but the flavours were fantastic, the Patatas Bravas, reindeer and veal cheek deserve special mention. We ordered 6 dishes between us and had room for pudding, which was also full of flavour surprises. Even the bread (sourdough) was great. There are only 7 tables so please try to book, you won't be disappointed!
7. Celeste
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
Tiny little hole in the wall joint.
Reviewed By hoopBagneresDeLuchon - Crechets, France
Amazing, fresh italian food, sublime. My children were so excited to be eating such good pasta dishes and more that they delighted in every mouthful they had. The quality of cooking is high, fresh ingredients, incredible desserts, lovely waiters,great ambience. It was so good we went two days later! Highly recommended.
8. Ca l'amic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By Elaine M - Glasgow, United Kingdom
We visited this lovely restaurant while on holiday in Fenals a 15 min walk from Llorett de mar, deliberately looked for Ca l'Amic after Reading previous reviews on trip advisor and we were not disappointed. Three of our party including myself are coeliac and the staff were so helpful and couldn't do enough to accommodate our deitary requirements, the chef came to speak to us personally. I would highly recommend this restaurant, great food, excellent staff & lovely surroundings. Thank you so much for an enjoyable meal and for your attention to detail.
9. Talla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 475 reviews
Reviewed By Richard5500 - Villardonnel, France
We selected this restaurant from TA, and we were not disappointed, except the main course fish was excellent but overpriced. Tapas starters of pan con tomato, paths braves, cod fritters/fish cakes, all with a twist and good. The main course selections all featured little twists in their descriptions ad we really wanted fish we asked about the fish of the day Merlan, at 38€ each, we were disappointed with the portion size, flavours very good. For desert a tiramasu and mango and passion fruit sorbet, both inventive and very good. Overall we thought that it does not warrant the number 1 spot, our second night restaurant was more traditional and better value.
10. Cafe Tyrol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Jon c - Enniskillen, United Kingdom
Such a relaxing place to spend an hour or two.. Lovely food an the friendly staff..We tried the weiner schnitzels,, beautiful.. Owner always sings an chats ooh an the strudel or plum cake with vanilla ice-cream mmmmmmmmmm. Sorry the dessert didn't survive..
