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Catalonia – a wedge-shaped autonomous community that makes up the north-east corner of Spain – has so much more to offer than just its iconic capital, Barcelona. And that’s especially the case when it comes to dining. Catalonia has its geography to thank for its food: its panoramic beaches give way to the streams, rivers and wetlands that encircle the foothills of the Pyrenees. Those foothills gradually undulate upwards until they make up the eastern section of the sprawling mountain range that separates Spain from France. By the Catalonian coast, quiveringly fresh Mediterranean seafood is the religion. The further into the mountains you go, the heartier and more game meat-heavy the dishes become.
This highly concentrated diversity of world-class produce is a playground for chefs. It’s no wonder that it’s a Biosphere certified region, and that the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) recently bestowed Catalonia the esteemed title of World Region of Gastronomy for 2025. Catalonia has 64 Michelin Stars spread out across its different regions. That’s probably part of the reason it’s often called a destination of destinations. If you want to enjoy the full culinary spectrum that Catalonia has to offer, consider staying in the Tarragona or Delta D’Ebre regions. Between them, they have seven of Catalonia’s 12 designations of origin regions, as well as seven Michelin-starred restaurants, each of which showcases a different side to Catalonia. Here’s why they should be at the top of your list.
Michelin star restaurants in the Tarragona region
1. Quatre Molins
Regardless of which of the two set tasting menus you choose at this creative one-star restaurant, your meal at Quatre Molins is likely to feature honey in a starring role – chef Rafel Muria’s family has been beekeeping for over 200 years. Elsewhere on the menu at this restaurant in the charming Priorat, Tarragona province, classic Catalan dishes are couched with excellent technique, supported by a great local wine list.
2. Can Bosch
The chefs here (father-and-son act Joan and Arnau Bosch) only have two edicts they follow strictly: ingredients must be seasonal, and seafood and fish must be local – and excellent. No wonder they’ve retained their Michelin star since 1985. Tip: to kick up the sense of occasion, order ahead to secure a dish from the lobster section.
3. El Rincón de Diego
Usually in Spain, when you’re eating this close to the beach, it’s highly unlikely you’re having a nice meal. Not so at El Rincón de Diego, which is just a couple of doors down from the beach in pretty Cambrils. Pair that location with the deft cooking of chef Diego and his son Rubén, plus a thoughtful wine list, and you’re in store for an exhilarating meal.
4. Deliranto
There’s something a little delirious about the food at Deliranto. Each dish has a fantastical undercurrent, whether it’s something with a direct inspiration – such as the Wizard of Oz, or Alice in Wonderland – or something zany and unique plucked out of the mind of chef Josep Moreno. Is it dinner and a show? No, here dinner is the show.
Michelin star restaurants in the Terres d’Ebre region
5. Villa Retiro
Is the lower Ebro one of Spain – or maybe Europe’s – best hidden gems? Absolutely. But even if you (somehow) don’t like fantastic coastlines, nature and small crowds, you should visit for the food alone. The Biosphere reserve wetlands of the Ebro Delta, some of the largest in Europe, provide the ideal growing conditions for rice, so it inarguably has some of the best rice dishes in Spain. If you want to try it for yourself, start with Villa Retiro, where chef Fran López’ elegant, snacky menu is all about honouring the Baix Ebre.
6. L’antic Molí
It’s difficult to be a strictly slow-food, circular economy-focused, organically minded restaurant anywhere – but perhaps it’s easier to do where L’Antic Molí is located. After all, when the produce is this good, why would you want to get it from anywhere else? But the sublime ingredients are harnessed and employed in an embarrassment of clever, delicious ways. This place talks the talk and walks the walk.
7. Les Moles
Les Moles is another restaurant that happily avails itself of the near-peerless produce, from both the mountains and the sea, that you find in the Terres d’Ebre. Maybe you’ll experience that ethos by loading up on the half-sized a la carte options, or working your way through one of the set menus. However you do it, chef Jeroni Castell’s food is guaranteed to surprise and delight you in equal measure.
1. Grand Hotel Mas d’en Bruno
24 exquisite suites and every amenity you could imagine, set amidst acres of Catalonian wine country.
2. Ora Priorat
An excellent stay in the middle of Priorat, and a member of Design Hotels. Ora effortlessly walks the line between rustic charm and modern aesthetics.
3. Terra DominicataThis hotel and winery looks like it came straight out of a postcard. This former monastery, set amongst the terraced hills and vines of the Montsant Natural Park, is truly one of the best-kept secrets in Catalonia.
Stay at these five-star hotels in Catalonia
Catalonia is a leading tourist destination based on quality and the social and economic profitability of the tourism industry.
