Best Seafood in Spain

What is the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Spain? For some it will be the vibrant seaside resorts lining the Costa del Sol, while for others it could be the fantastic architecture punctuating the streets of Barcelona.

Whatever it is that paints your picture of Spain, the country’s famous cuisine cannot be far behind. With thousands of miles of coastline, it’s little wonder that the most widely used ingredients in Spanish dishes are sourced from the sea, with paella, bacalao (salt cod) and gambas (prawns) all featuring heavily in the national diet.

But where should you go to experience the freshest and tastiest seafood in Spain? Read on to find out.

Malaga

The beachside city of Malaga boasts blue skies, soaring temperatures and sunshine aplenty all year round. Its location on the Costa del Sol also means it is perfectly placed to take advantage of all the fresh fish caught in the Mediterranean Sea.

When you land, hire a car at Malaga airport and set off to explore the many seafood restaurants contained within the city. Los Mellizos Malaga is a first-class dining establishment that is well known for its fried fish recipes. Located on the Calle Sancha de Lara, the restaurant boasts a sun-warmed terrace with space for 50 guests and an indoor lounge for another 60 diners. Browse the fish and crustaceans on display in the large glass cabinet before ordering your meal and have a chat with the staff to see what they would recommend. Take your seat and watch your food arrive on the crisp white tablecloths – the presentation will have you salivating even before the smell hits your nostrils.

Los Mellizos Malaga is open for lunch between 12.30pm and 4pm, then for dinner between 8.30pm and 12.30am. As well as seafood it offers meat and paella dishes, too.

Granada

Also in Andalucia is the city of Granada, located at the bottom of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Restaurante Marisquería Cunini is the place to go for fishy tapas and tasty snacks. Located on the Plaza Pescadería, the restaurant is very popular among locals and tourists alike, so book ahead to ensure a table. In keeping with many places in Andalucia, this eatery offers diners a tapa dish with every drink they order, so expect mouth-watering morsels of cod cooked in saffron with clams, tomato and olives, nibbles of chopitos (baby squid) and the famous gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic sauce). There is also a main menu from which to order if you are in the mood for a more substantial meal.

Cordoba

Like the architecture, visitors to Córdoba will find the cuisine ever so ‘Moorish’. (Apologies.) Before tucking into a hearty plate of seafood, take a look around the ancient Mezquita, which still stands as a testament to the Moorish settlers. Los Berengueles is a popular choice with foodies because of its pick-your-own cold counter containing varieties of prawn. The restaurant doesn’t open until 8.30pm but within an hour will be full to bursting with local families, so try to book ahead wherever possible.