A striking pitch-black rice dish flavored with natural squid ink and packed with tender pieces of cuttlefish. It's traditionally served with a side of pungent homemade alioli (garlic mayonnaise) to balance the deep, earthy flavor of the ink.
Tips from diners
Mix just a little alioli into the rice at a time — it's very strong!
Named after a 19th-century dandy who didn't want to get his hands dirty, this signature dish features monkfish, squid, prawns, mussels, pork, and sausage, all completely peeled and boneless. It's cooked in a rich stock and is the most famous version of paella in Barcelona.
Tips from diners
Perfect for children or anyone who prefers to eat with just a fork without the mess of peeling shrimp.
A staple of both Gaig and 7 Portes, these cannelloni are filled with a finely ground mixture of roasted beef, pork, and chicken. They are topped with a thick layer of bechamel and baked until golden and bubbling.
Tips from diners
These have a more rustic, home-style feel compared to Gaig's refined version. Perfect for a starter shared among the table.
Similar to paella but using short, thin noodles (fideos), this dish is cooked with a concentrated seafood stock and features calamari and prawns. It's often served with alioli on the side.
Tips from diners
It's a great alternative if you feel 'riced out' but still want those deep seafood flavors.
A legendary Catalan seafood stew featuring lobster, monkfish, prawns, and mussels, all cooked in a savory 'picada' sauce made with toasted almonds and hazelnuts. It's a celebratory dish that has been on the menu for nearly two centuries.
Tips from diners
The sauce is thick and savory. Make sure to have plenty of bread for dipping.
Founded in 1836, 7 Portes is one of Barcelona's most iconic and atmospheric restaurants. Every table has a brass plaque listing the famous people who have sat there, from Picasso to Che Guevara. The kitchen specializes in traditional Catalan and Spanish dishes, with their 'Paella Parellada' being perhaps the most famous rice dish in the city.
Check the plaque on your table! You might be sitting exactly where Orson Welles or Salvador Dalí once ate.
The restaurant is huge, so it's a good last-minute option compared to smaller spots. Even if it looks full, the line moves fast.
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