The Best Fideuà to Try in Barcelona

Fideuà is a delightful dish that’s very similar to paella, which is widely considered a must-try food in Barcelona and countless other Spanish cities. It might not be as revered as its rice-based relative, but trust me, tasting fideuà in Barcelona is a foodie experience you won’t want to miss.

The two aren’t overly dissimilar, but fideuà combines fresh seafood like prawns and squid with fideus, a short, thin style of pasta. As you may have heard me mention on my Barcelona food tours, fideuà apparently traces its origins to a small town in Valencia, when a chef resorted to using fideus when they ran out of rice.

I’m a huge fan of this oh-so-delicious dish, and so I’ve put together this guide to fideuà in Barcelona. Whether you’re looking for a breakdown of the ingredients and preparation methods or restaurant recommendations, you’ll find all the information you need below!

Ingredients and Cooking Technique

Quality, flavorsome ingredients are central to crafting the perfect fideuà. Fideus, an ultra-thin short pasta, is at the core of this dish, along with fresh seafood varieties like monkfish, squid, and prawns, and umami-rich fish stock. For added punch, pimentón, saffron, and garlic are infused with the other components.

Paella pans, or large frying pans, are essential for fideuà cooking. The cooking techniques are reminiscent of those used in making paella, but there are some twists on the original recipe. For instance, the fideus are fried until browned and crisp, enhancing the texture.

Best Places to Eat Fideuà in Barcelona

L’Àmfora

Photo credit: L’Àmfora

As soon as I walked into the nautical-themed L’Àmfora, I was confident I was going to secure a delightful helping of fideuà. I shared this sizable portion with a friend of mine, but I have no doubt I could have finished the juicy prawns, delicate squid, and crunchy pasta by myself!

L’Àmfora – 08015 Barcelona – Open every day from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Casa Marina Picufi

The vibrant and homely Casa Marina Picufi is just steps from the Barcelona seafront. Although the team here specializes in Andalusian cuisine, they sure know how to whip up a superb fideuà with earthy saffron-infused pasta and succulent seafood.

Casa Marina Picufi – 08003 Barcelona – Closed every Monday and Tuesday, open every Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Micu Maku

Micu Maku is a sleek, relaxed eatery serving an array of Catalan favorites. This was one of the first places where I sampled fideuà, and the combination of textures and flavors from the mix of chewy fideus and sweet clams, mussels, and prawns.

Micu Maku – 08011 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Fideuà vs. Paella – What’s the Difference?

Photo credit: Jorge Franganillo licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic (no changes made)

Fideuà is much less well-known outside of Spain than paella, yet there are just a few key differences between the two.

For starters, fideuà substitutes paella’s signature bomba rice with fideus. This noodle-like pasta alters the texture we’ve come to expect from paella, giving the dish a subtle crunch.

Another difference worth noting is the choice of protein. Though paella is commonly associated with seafood, the traditional recipe calls for rabbit, chicken, and other meats. On the other hand, a classic fideuà is packed with a range of tasty seafood staples.

Pairing Fideuà: The Best Local Drinks to Order

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Flavorful condiments like punchy garlic allioli are popular accompaniments for a serving of fideuà, but choosing the right drink is just as important. After all, if you’re going to enjoy some fideuà in Barcelona, you have to pair it with a suitable beverage for the complete experience!

A sparkling wine like cava is always a reliable choice if you’re looking for something light and crisp that can balance the flavors of the dish. Nevertheless, I think a Terra Alta white is the best partner for fideuà, as they’re typically soft and fruity but acidic enough to stand up to the bold flavors.

Those who prefer reds should consider choosing a medium-bodied wine, such as a Garnacha, which has a lovely mix of floral and spicy tones that complement the fideuà.

Tips for Ordering Fideuà Like a Local

When you order fideuà in Barcelona, you’ll likely find that most restaurants can only prepare portions for two or more people.
Although serving and eating customs can vary throughout the region, fideuà is generally considered a lunchtime dish rather than an evening meal.
It’s a good idea to move a few streets back from the main sites and attractions to uncover more authentic spots and avoid tourist traps.
In comparison to other Spanish seafood dishes, fideuà doesn’t rely much on seasonal ingredients, meaning it’s available all year round.
Fideuà doesn’t tend to have as many variations and adaptations as paella, but occasionally, you may come across menus that incorporate meat as well as seafood.

Final Thoughts: Savoring Fideuà in Barcelona

Trying fideuà in Barcelona is a must for any passionate foodie. The premium local ingredients and balance of flavors are sure to leave you yearning for another helping of this much-loved dish!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food guide: What & where to eat in Barcelona. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/barcelona-food/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/

Amfora Restaurant. (n.d.). Restaurant Amfora – Seafood restaurant in Barcelona. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://restaurantamfora.com/en/

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Casa Marina Picufi – Restaurant reviews, photos & phone number. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d25290324-Reviews-Casa_Marina_Picufi-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

MiCUMAKU. (n.d.). Menu Aribau. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://micumaku.com/menu-aribau/