Batea

Step into Batea and you’ll immediately sense that this isn’t your typical seafood restaurant. Tucked away in Barcelona’s elegant Eixample district, this lively spot channels pure Mediterranean energy through its pink-and-purple striped wallpaper and genuinely warm atmosphere. The team behind the beloved Besta has crafted something special here—a place where exceptional seafood meets an unpretentious, joyful dining experience.

The menu revolves around pristine ocean fare that lets quality ingredients shine. Start with their signature mariscada, an impressive seafood tower that changes with the seasons but typically showcases an abundance of crab, cockles, and clams arranged like a decadent afternoon tea spread. Fresh Galician oysters make the perfect accompaniment. For mains, the show-stopping squid omelet arrives impossibly gooey and topped with perfectly charred baby squid, while the grilled Mediterranean red prawns demonstrate how simplicity and great sourcing trump complicated techniques every time.

What truly sets Batea apart is the hospitality. The staff here genuinely enjoy what they do, and it shows. By the time dessert rolls around, don’t be surprised to find yourself chatting with your server like an old friend or sharing a gin and tonic with the maitre d’. It’s the kind of place where strangers become dining companions and every meal feels like a celebration.

For those seeking excellent seafood in a setting that refuses to take itself too seriously, Batea delivers exactly what Barcelona’s dining scene needs. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic evening over oysters and wine or a boisterous night out with friends, this gem in Eixample is ready to welcome you with open arms and an overflowing mariscada.