Restaurante Portonovo

Five years ago while on a Mediterranean Cruise, we had a chance to visit Barcelona for a couple of days.  We scaled hills, visited many of the popular tourist sites and of course took part in many of its fine authentic cuisines.  Five years later, we made a return trip into the city.  One of the places we remembered very well was a restaurant that was located along the shoreline where one could eat fresh seafood and paella. Although we had totally forgotten the name of the place, we had a pretty good idea as to where it was and after thirty minutes of walking we were able to relocate that restaurant. 

The restaurant’s name was Restaurant Portonovo.   It’s located on the east side of Barcelona near the yacht docks.  They serve a variety of paellas and fresh seafood platters, which is what this restaurant is known for.  When we located this place, a lady was standing in front of the restaurant welcoming us onto her restaurant front patio.  This was the same lady that we had met five years ago when we had first visited the place so we knew we were in the right place. 

Paella De Marisco

Scanning their menu, it appeared they had expanded it by a few dishes.  On this evening we ordered the Mariscada, a dish that we had exactly ordered five years ago and the Paella De Marisco.  Although the restaurant was not fully packed, the food took a while to get to the table.  I wasn’t sure whether we were all just a little extra hungry that night or just salivating for our food but it actually took about 40 minutes to arrive from the time that we ordered.  The staff however had provided us with fresh bread to keep our stomachs happy. 

When it arrived it smelled really, really good.  The paella came in its traditional pan while the large seafood Mariscada platter arrived on a separate large plate.  The platter had fresh lobster tails, shrimps, squids, mussels, scallops and shellfish in it.  I can tell you all the seafood on this plate was fresh and the seasonings they used I think were kept as simple as possible as to not to distort the taste of the seafood.  I think all the chef used were some butter, olive oil and sea salt and that was pretty much it.  Everything on this plate was as advertised and for 45 Euros, it certainly was all worth it. 

Mariscada

The paella with its fresh jumbo shrimp and mussels made all the difference in the world.  I can say that because we had paella a couple more times a few days later and I can tell you one can notice the difference between an average paella from a good one.  The people at Portovono really knew how to cook up a real good paella.  With a touch of lemon on its side and with the rice soft and moist on top and toasty on the bottom, this paella was certainly ahead of its class.  Compared to other paellas we had that week, this certainly was above average.  

Overall it was a great night back in Barcelona.  The manager even snapped a photo for us with her sign on top so that we would remember it the next time we go into Barcelona.  The staff was pretty helpful as there were two waiters serving us.  The manager I think was a little disappointed in that the four of us only had two dishes for the entire evening but believe me, her dishes were quite large and very filling.  We were thinking of getting some gelato afterwards that evening but as we were walking back to the subways, we realized we didn’t need it at all because all four us were completely full.  I highly recommend people to check this place out and read some of their other reviews at Trip Advisor. You sure won't be disappointed.  I give this place a 4.5 out of 5.

Restaurante Portonovo

Carrer de la Creu Coberta, 25

Barcelona Spain

+34 932 925 395