Catalunya has a well deserved reputation for being home to some outstanding restaurants. In fact, the region has the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants in the whole of Spain. Fourteen restaurants have amassed twenty Michelin stars between them, while the chef Joan Roca, of El Celler de Can Roca, has been singled out for his exceptional cullinary talent. Many of Spain’s finest modern chefs (including of course Ferran Adria) have been trained in Catalan schools and restaurants, and numerous exciting and unique dishes have been created in a Costa Brava restaurant. The region’s gastronomy, inextricably linked to the local cuisine and geography, is a powerful engine of the local economy and tourism industry. Indeed, gastronomy now represents one of the reasons tourists choose to holiday in the Costa Brava.
For any ‘foodie’, or for those holidaying in the area, there is a wealth of gastronomic delights to discover. Some typical local speciality dishes include:
Pa amb tomàquet – Bread brushed with tomato and olive oil –this is pretty much a staple at any meal.
Allioli – this garlic-and-olive-oil mayonnaise style accompaniment is found in restaurants around the world, but you must taste the real thing handmade in Catalunya.
Crema Catalana – similar to the French crème brulee and sometimes with a twist such as cinnamon or orange.
Suquet – a fish stew dish. Delicious.
Escalivada – onion, red pepper and aubergine grilled and often served with bread or paired with a meat or seafood dish.
There are countless excellent restaurants in the region.. here are some of our favourites:
El Cellar de Can Roca Can
Sunyer 48,17007, Girona
Tel: 0034 972 222 157
restaurant@cellarcanroca.com
www.cellercanroca.com
This 3 starred Michelin restaurant is a must. Run by 3 brothers who combine to create truly spectacular food. They call themselves a free-style restaurant, committed to the avant-garde, but still faithful to the memory of different generations of the family’s ancestors dedicated to feeding people.
Bo Tic
Ctra. C-66 Girona, Palamós, Km 11,5 – 17121 CORÇÀ (Girona)
Tel: 0034 972 63 08 69
restaurant@bo-tic.com
www.bo-tic.com
Since 2007 the owners of this one Michelin Starred restaurant, Albert Sastregener i Surroca and Cristina Torrent i Cos, have displayed an enviable professional know-how despite their youth, and have been shaping the idea of this interesting new gastronomic project. It is a creative, innovative and involving design cuisine project, inspired by the essence of traditional Empordanese cuisine.
Ca L’Arpa
Passeig Indústria 5, 17820, Banyoles
Tel: 0034 972 57 23 53
calarpa@calarpa.com
www.lescols.com
A modern and beautifully styled restaurant with two Michelin Stars serving up simply amazing food.
Miramar
Passeig Marítim, 7, 17490, Llançà, Girona
Tel: 0034 972 380 132
www.restaurantmiramar.com
Miramar was first opened in 1939 by the Serra Family. During many years it was a tavern. Nowadays, the fourth generation are running the show and since 1997 have been in charge of re-creating a Miramar as Gourmet Restaurant. After 75 years of history, the Miramar restaurant, now has 2 Michelin Stars, given in 2006 and 2010 to Chef Paco Perez.
Els Tinars
Ctra. de St. Feliu a Girona, km 7,2, 1724, Llagostera, GIRONA
Tel. 972 830 626
tinars@tinars.com
www.elstinars.com
Their cuisine is and always has been based on traditional Catalan cooking and the finest seasonal local produce. They take advantage of new techniques to bring traditional dishes constantly up to date.
Director of Lucas Fox Costa Brava Tom Maidment believes lovers of good Spanish cuisine will be spoilt for choice when visiting the region
““The Costa Brava, in particular the region of Empordà is blessed with fine dining, but a great meal doesn`t always have to bore a whole in your pocket. Before tourism reached Costa Brava, incomes relied on the fishing trade, olive farming and wine, and these staples remain part of the area’s gastronomy. You can find yourself having memorable introductions to Catalan gastronomy in restaurants such as Tragamar in Canadell, Platillos Can Climent in Begur or Hostal Sa Tuna in Sa Tuna.“
Lucas Fox has numerous luxury properties close to some of Europe’s best restaurants including
Lovely 5-bedroom Costa Brava villa to buy just a 5-minute walk from the stunning bay of Tamariu
For more information on the above properties or any other property for sale or rent on the Costa Brava, please contact Tom Maidment Tom@LucasFox.com or +34 648092334