Summer is always better at the beach! The Catalan Coast is definitively one of our favorite destinations as it's the inspiration to create Carner Barcelona's perfumes as well as being the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy gastronomy.
As Catalans, we want to share the restaurants where you will find us this summer. Five restaurants, each with personal character and singularity, have the inspiration of the Meditarranean in common. Having singularity and pride in their origins is exactly what Carner Barcelona aims to evoke through its fragrance collection.
TOC AL MAR / Aiguablava (Baix Empordà, Costa Brava)
With its unbeatable seafront location in the charming small bay of Aiguablava, this "chiringuito" (beach bar) is famous for being the best Mediterranean grill. Wild local fish is masterly cooked over their hot coals; sea bream, sea bass, snappers, sardines, and, of course the authentic red lobster from Begur, the fresh shrimps from Palamos and the grilled octopus. What else? Obviously rice! Paella, black rice, lobster rice... Its mouth-watering flavor will welcome you even before you reach the place.
Any time of the day is good to visit Toc al Mar, amazing food and a laid-back atmosphere will make you disconnect from the rest of the World.
And if you reach by boat to small port of Aiguablava and don't feel like touching the sand, you can order your paella and just enjoy it!
COMPARTIR / Cadaqués (Alt Empordà, Costa Brava)
"Compartir" stands for "Share" in Catalan...to share a moment, to share an experience, to share food. This restaurant is all about sharing.
A house with more than three centuries-old owned was reconverted six years ago into a restaurant that would soon become a place of pilgrimage for all gourmet enthusiasts and those who missed El Bulli's "savoir faire". This is easy to understand once you find out that three key pieces of Ferran Adriàs kitchen Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch y Mateu Casañas are behind the project.
Casual food masterly executed and thought to share, surrounded by the pleasant atmosphere of one of the most breathtaking coastal villages in Catalonia.
These three chefs (and entrepreneurs) opened their second restaurant in Barcelona two years later, called Disfrutar, which has scooped up two Michelin Stars in record time.
Picture by Francesc Guillamet
TERRAZA MARTÍNEZ / Barcelona
For urbanites, Terraza Martinez is the place to be. The so-called "chiringuito with no beach" boasts unbeatable views to the sea (and the city of Barcelona), thanks to its privileged location on the mountain of Montjuic.
The three terraces (that can be enjoyed all year round) and a delicious menu that offers Mediterranean dishes to share and, of course, a prime selection of paellas, are a winning combination. Oh! And don't miss their formula; Vermouth + salad + paella (to choose) + desserts + a drink, for more than a reasonable price.
VILLA TERESITA (HOSTAL SPA EMPÚRIES) / L'Escala (Baix Empordà, Costa Brava)
Hostal Empúries is a seafront haven of peace near the Empúries Greco-Roman ruins. The location is beautiful inside and out, clean lines in total harmony with its environment and totally committed to a sustainable accommodation model based on social and ecological responsibility. In fact, Hostal Empúries was the first hotel in Europe to achieve the most complete ecological certification, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), awarded in 2010.
But lets go back to today's topic because Hostal Empuries can also be very proud of its culinary offer; four different spaces sharing a common thread, a seafront eco-mediterranean cuisine.
Villa Teresita is the most gastronomic proposal, led by Alvar Ayuso (best Young Catalan Chef in 2017), this cozy and intimate venue elaborates signature cuisine with the freshest local fish and the vegetables collected from the hotel's own garden. What else?
L'ARROSSERIA / Cunit
Self-confessed "rice lovers", the couple in front of this coastal restaurant decided that this would be the main product on their menu. As is only natural, rice here is masterly cooked in all its versions, and just a few carefully selected tapas and more than a generous selection of wines complete the offer.
Don't miss the chance of spending some time with Carme, not only the sommelier of L'Arrosseria but also the alma mater of the restaurant. She will share her passion for natural wines with you!
