Alamo ★ 4.4
Alamo on Via Ambrogio Machin in Alghero builds its paella from 21 ingredients, then finishes with crema catalana under a burnt sugar lid. TableJourney pick.
Order: The paella, built from 21 ingredients and worth the wait it takes.
A guide to catalan restaurants worth a trip, by city. We list operators, signature dishes, and the rooms locals book first.
Catalan in Alghero
Alamo ★ 4.4
Francesco and his family have run Alamo in Alghero since 2012, and linguine with scampi, bottarga and lemon zest is the plate to order first.
Order: The paella, built from 21 ingredients and worth the wait it takes.
Alamo ★ 4.4
Francesco and his family have run Alamo in Alghero since 2012, and linguine with scampi, bottarga and lemon zest is the plate to order first.
Why locals love it: Francesco and his family cook a 21-ingredient paella in a lane most visitors walk past on the way to the bastions.
Catalan in Barcelona
Cal Pep ★ 4.6
Cal Pep in Barcelona's Born has run the same standing counter since 1977: tortilla del bacallà, baby clams with ham, fried gambes, all called out by Pep.
Signature: Tortilla del bacallà, Cloïsses amb pernil
Order: The tortilla del bacallà and the clams with ham, with a glass of cava.
Tip: No reservations. Be at the door at 13:00 or 19:30 if you want a counter seat in the first turn.
El Xampanyet ★ 4.5
El Xampanyet in Barcelona's Born has poured house cava out of a marble bar since 1929. Anchovies, conserves and that is it; standing only at the counter.
Signature: Anchovies, Cava
Order: Two glasses of the house cava and a plate of anchovies with bread.
Tip: Open Tue-Sat lunch only. Pile into the bar at 13:00 or wait outside on Carrer de Montcada.
Tapas 24 ★ 4.4
Tapas 24 in Barcelona's Eixample is Carles Abellan's basement counter where the bikini truffle sandwich and the McFoie burger redefined Catalan tapas in 2006.
Signature: McFoie burger, Bikini truffle sandwich
Order: The bikini truffle sandwich and the patatas bravas.
Tip: Open 09:00-midnight daily; no reservations. Aim for 12:30 lunch or 19:30 dinner.
More cities are in research. Want catalan covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.