L'Estupendu

Just north of Barcelona’s bustling center, the seaside suburb of Badalona hides a gem that lives up to its name—L’Estupendu, which translates to “the stupendous.” This waterfront seafood spot offers the kind of relaxed, sun-soaked lunch that makes you forget about your afternoon plans entirely. With its expansive patio overlooking the Mediterranean, the vibe here is decidedly beach casual, perfect for long, leisurely meals with friends or family.

The menu here celebrates the sea with generous portions that showcase Catalonia’s rich coastal culinary traditions. Start with heaping bowls of grilled mussels and clams prepared à la marinière, then move on to their impressive paellas. The black rice with razor clams and crab is a standout, but the real discovery for many visitors is the fideuà—a uniquely Valencian and Catalan specialty where short, toasted noodles take the place of rice, soaking up all those incredible seafood flavors.

L’Estupendu is the kind of place where you come for lunch and find yourself still lingering as the afternoon light shifts across the water. It’s ideal for those who appreciate straightforward, abundant seafood without the fuss of more formal dining rooms. The outdoor seating means you can enjoy the salt air and seaside atmosphere while you eat—exactly the kind of Mediterranean experience that makes a trip to this part of Spain so memorable.

Whether you’re a local looking for a reliable seafood haunt or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of coastal Catalan cuisine away from the tourist crowds, this Badalona spot delivers exactly what its name promises.