LF Eats: the insiders’ guide to some of the best eateries off the beaten track
Costa Brava
Cala Pedrosa
This tiny restaurant is tucked away in a beautiful pebbly cove about one kilometre south of Tamariu. It is one of those sheltered little hideaways that makes one think of pirates and smugglers. You can reach it from via boat or by the coastal path. It is a lovely walk down but a bit more of a challenge on the way up! They are open only in the summer months, but the cove is great for a picnic all year round.
“Our clients love it because it is easily accessible by boat. You can moor it and then swim to have some lunch. The food is very basic – omelettes, sardines, ‘tostadas’, cherries – that kind of thing… ideal of for a hearty breakfast”
— Silvia Portavella, Lucas Fox Costa Brava rentals and owner Begur boats
Cala Pedrosa on the Cami de Ronda from Calella de Palafrugell
Ibiza
Can Sulayetas
Tucked away in the North West of the island, and set in beautiful countryside just off the road between San Mateu and San Miguel, this is a truly authentic little Ibicenco restaurant. Open all year round it was once the preserve of fishermen and the main meeting point in the area for the locals. Today Can Sulayetas is one of the most popular restaurants in San Miguel, serving traditional Ibicenco dishes.
“I love this place – it has a fantastic sun terrace and is surrounded by fields and wildlife, and on Sunday afternoons the mode of transport for people to arrive for their relaxing afternoon, can be anything from mountain bikes and Harley Davidsons, to vintage cars and horseback. Far from the madding crowd, it is a chance to sit back, take a breath and really appreciate the wonders of the island”
— Jason Ham, Lucas Fox Head of Business Development
PM-804-1
Sant Joan de Labritja
Ibiza
+34 971 334 567
Marbella
El Fogón de Flore
This hilltop restaurant boasts amazing views and delicious traditional Andalusian cuisine. There is a swimming pool that is open from the beginning of June until the end of September, so you can also enjoy freshly made tapas and salads while relaxing by the water.
“Just a short drive from Marbella but definitely worth the trip. Have lunch next to the swimming pool with its panoramic views across the village and mountains. It’s a large, traditional-looking restaurant with big windows to soak up the views, fabulous log fire for winter and prime position for relaxing in the sunshine during summer. And it serves brilliant Spanish food – particularly good is the ‘bacalao algarve’ and there’s a local dish called Sartena Ojeneta – the perfect brunch/hangover dish as it’s a sort of fry up served in a pan”
— Zoe Dare-Hall, LFStyle writer and Marbella holiday resident
Ctra A355 Marbella – Cartama Km 34
29610 Ojén
Málaga
+34 952 881 072
Barcelona
Can Pineda
If you are looking for some of the best tapas in town served in a traditional, authentic environment then this is the place for you. Hidden away off the tourist trail, Can Pineda looks like a simple café but its delicious food and friendly atmosphere combines to make it one of Barcelona’s best hidden gems.
“So often a classic Spanish tapas restaurant disappoints. This is not the case with Can Pineda! Everything on the menu is delicious – even a simple goat’s cheese salad, and the chocolate “bombetas” are to die for!”
— Catriona Groves, Lucas Fox web content writer
C/Sant Joan de Malta 55
08018 Barcelona
+34 93 308 30 81
Sitges/Gavà Mar
Kauai
Kauai is situated right on on the beach in Gavà, just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Barcelona. With a huge area of 12,000m², including a large terrace with stunning sea views, it is the perfect place to chill out and relax while sampling a delicious offering of traditional tapas and Mediterraean cuisine. There is also a barbecue area, ideal for large parties, and a coffee lounge where you can sit back and read a book or enjoy a cocktail as the sun goes down.
“This is an absolute gem of a place in one of the most beautiful stretches of beach south of Barcelona. If you have kids, it’s a haven. They are provided with drawing materials, have trees to climb and the beach is 10 paces away. When I went, I went with a foodie snob who was gobsmacked by the quality of the dishes available and also the super efficient service. Go go go!”
— Carrie Frais, LFStyle editor
C/Clafell 25-27
08850 Gavà
+34 93 645 11 88
Maresme
Celler Jordana
Enjoy a truly local experience, sitting on wine barrels whilst sampling delicious tapas served at the back of this classic bodega in the heart of the beautiful village of Alella. Then pop next tour to Restaurant Marfil to fill up with traditional Catalan cuisine.
“Celler Jordana or “Can Jordana”, as the locals call it, is THE place to go if you want to enjoy the popular Spanish tradition of “Vermut” but with a twist. In addition to the typical chips, olives and cockles at Can Jordana you can also taste a gin and tonic marinated salmon or a wonderful selection of cheeses. This with the added attraction that all products are local and of the best quality. Cheers!”
— Cristina Vidal, Lucas Fox Maresme office manager
Rambla Àngel Guimerà 60
08328 Alella
+34 93 555 18 16
Mallorca
Fedele
Located in the heart of Palma opposite the Parliament building, this small but authentic Italian restaurant is a real must for lovers of Italian cuisine. One of their signature dishes is the ‘spaghetti alla puttanesca’ which translates as ‘the way a whore would make it´. Tempted?
“This is a tiny restaurant, like an old Trattoria, with excellent home made food. If you go, you have to try the Tiramisu! The owner (Fedele) is hilarious. Also great for kids”
— Rafael Calparsoro, Director Lucas Fox Mallorca
C/Conquistador 6
Palma
Mallorca
+34 971 969 367