Lisa's Recommendations
I've seen sooooo many restaurants, services and bars come and go in Castelldefels - luckily the good ones seem to stand the test of time and I love to share them right here (updated monthly - best viewed on DESKTOP).
Below are my tried and tested recommendations for the best independent food and drink offerings in town. If you'd like to submit a recommendation click here.
Literally THE BEST croissants and sourdough in the world, in my opinion - get down to Pachi Larrea. We're lucky enough that this global award-winning Ecuadorian chose to set up shop in Castelldefels, as well as Barcelona. Check out his Instagram here for their latest creations.
Bakeries
Born in Quito, Ecuador, he trained in Argentina and Spain. He spent nearly five years working with master pastry chef Oriol Balaguer in Barcelona and served as Executive Pastry Chef at the 1 Hotel in Miami...and we have his shop in Castelldefels...I mean....
They're also SO friendly and helpful.
A German bakery, very popular here. Pretty much everything is made with sourdough. Also offers sandwiches and bocadillos to take away.
There are lots of these around town. Great deals on coffee and croissants, or a mid-day bocadillo. It's a traditional bakery chain here (since 1962) and specialises in daily fresh bread, pastries and outside catering.
Butchers
A highly-rated family butcher in the centre. They are known for their specialty in Argentine-style cuts and premium quality. Great for summer BBQs.
A local favorite for fresh meat. Customers specifically highlight it as one of the best butchers in the area for quality.
A super-friendly premium quality butcher - mainly specialising in chicken, but you'll also find their homemade croquettas and burgers. You can order online and collect. Great eggs too!
is a highly-rated family-run butcher shop in Castelldefels known for its high-quality meats, cold cuts, and specialty prepared items like pizzas and burgers. They operate multiple locations in the area and offer delivery services for local customers.
Greengrocers
I love this place and have been going for years. You can tryst that the fruit and veg are fresh and in season - with some being grown at their own farms in the Gava area. Also great ecological eggs, olive oil and local honey.
They have a lovely little store in town and you can also order online for delivery. Very "Ametller Origen" but on a smaller scale.
Brunch
OK so it needs a total make-over, but that's what also makes Restaurante Marítimo one of the most iconic spots on the Castelldefels beachfront (Paseo Marítimo). It is best known for its traditional Mediterranean cuisine and its terrace with direct views of the sea. A perfect spot for late breakfast or a freshly prepared juice with beautiful views. The brunch menu isn't gourmet, it's pretty classic, but very affordable. They also do a great Menu del Dia.
I'll be honest, I didn't think a "French place" would survive long here but this one is a cracker and deserves to be around for along time. Great breakfast/brunch dishes and good coffee. A lovely outdoor setting just steps from the beach. Make sure you book because it can get busy!
Proper-Coffee Stops
Café de Finca is now a specialty coffee brand known for its focus on single-origin beans sourced directly from selected farms (fincas). Founded in 2009, it opened the first specialty coffee shop in Castelldefels and has since expanded into roasting, distribution, and a subscription-based online store. A perfect placed to sit outside and people-watch.
If you're looking for somewhere closer to the beach are, then this newer coffee stop is perfect. I recently discovered them and their cool little outdoor seating area. Pet friendly and known for its in-house roasted beans, and high-quality Japanese matcha.
A Weekend Lunch
Casa Victor
A popular restaurant and wine bar in the centre of Castelldefels, known for its creative Mediterranean tapas and "platillos". It is especially famous for its award-winning tortillas and high-quality wine selection. Sit outside when the sun's out and enjoy a slow lunch with friends.
Las Botas is a long-standing family-run establishment specialising in Mediterranean and traditional Catalan cuisine since 1970. It has a cozy atmosphere with seasonal produce, and a great place to go to try calçots when they're in season. Good for family and larger party dining.
A great place for high-quality tapas dishes and a cool open-air atomsphere, not far from the beach. It can get very busy at the weekend and during summer months so make sure you book a table.
This place is great! It is literally overflowing at weekends with the locals. Fresh seafood and generous portions, and a lovely setting at Port Ginesta. Highly recommend booking your table here.
A Drink in the Sunshine
There are two Olave restaurants, both are great. I love the one in the pueblo where you can sit in the sunshine with a cava or cerveza and some olives and crisps and enjoy the vibe with friends.
Right on the beach front paseo. A great place to have a drink and a bit of tapas in the sunshine. You definitely need to book at the weekend in the summer months.
This is only a couple of years old. Steer clear on a windy day - but otherwise it offers great sunset and beach views whilst sipping on your favourite cocktail.
Menu del Día
My current favourite. A long menu lunch at Cel Blau. Their jamón croquetas are literally the best I've ever had in Spain. The place is packed on Fridays and weekends. Laid back vibe, friendly, hard-working staff and great fresh fish and in-season dishes. Recommend booking.
Famous for its Mediterranean cuisine and its long-standing tradition since 1946. Amazing rice dishes and a great Menu del Dia. A lovely outdoor seating area in the Spring and (not-too-hot summer months). Reserve at weekends.
This food is nothing fancy but the menu is fresh, super cheap, service friendly and the place is always packed with locals. It's a cozy, family-run restaurant with a terrace outside to enjoy a long lunch - and the menu del dia is available at weekends too (many places only offer it Mon-Thu).
Beers & Cocktails
Named after chef and owner Wolfy - who, alongside his wife Macarena, offer international dishes like fish and chips, alongside tapas, burgers, and the usual pub-style food. This place is as close to a 'pub' as anything else you will find in town. Pints of Guinness are a big pull-in for local expats. Staff are friendly and some speak English. Often an expat hang-out so you'll usually find a new friend to talk to at the bar! Good for a Gin & Tonic but not really a 'cocktail place'.
Your local mojito happy-hour place at the weekend! A great spot, with outdoor terrace and garden seating area - to meet with friends for a few end of week drinks.
A great outdoor space in between the town and the playa for grabbing a cocktail or beer with friends.
Paellas
Award-winning paellas with a stunning view of the beach. Ask for a table on the terrace.
Mentioned above already - this place is still one of the best in town for paella! A perfect place to take your visitors to.
OK, so this isn't in Castelldefels but I have to give it a mention. It's been a long-term favourite of mine and is just a short trip away in Sitges. It's well known for its creative rice dishes. The name is a play on words because "zorra" is "arroz" (rice) spelled backward. Another place you have to book during busier months.
Dinner
Argentine steakhouse located on the beachfront in Castelldefels. It is highly regarded for its authentic Argentine meat cuts and its location right next to the beach - so you can walk it all off afterwards.
Situated in the mall, this place is just amazing for value for money. All you can eat freshly made sushi, noodles and rice dishes. Out of all of the places that have popped up recently offering the same - this one still stands out as top quality.
I recently tried this fairly new Italian in the playa area and the pizza and service was great. The lighting was a bit bright (my pet hate, ha) but atmosphere was fun and the place was full to the brim.
DeliverY +
Quick-Bites
My favourite rostisserie chicken in town. This little place is owned by a lovely couple - who also speak English - and they have run this place for many many years. It's a firm favourite with locals and you'll see queues outside at the weekends as people pick up their family lunch. Order for delivery online or pop in and have a chat, pick some side dishes and enjoy some local homemade recipes.
Kebabs sometimes get a bad wrap (ha, see what I did there?) but there are quite a few of these places around town now and I've tried most of them. This one is still a favourite. A super cheap menu and fast service. Order for delivery, take-away or sit on their front terrace space to watch the world of Castelldefels go by.
Their chicken with its unique Korean dressing is so good! A current favourite in our household.