Barracuda, Paella and Fish, Castelldefels

It’s a habit of mine, no sooner do I get someplace specializing in one thing (paella) and I find myself craving something they don’t do a lot of or don’t do well. Chinese say.

So here (for a change) is a post about paella, further afield in Castelldefels, in a restaurant that feels like it’s a collaboration between Ikea’s outdoor section and Martha Stewart. All pretty pillows, piled thick in adorable nooks and stripy lawn chairs.

Barracuda has an impressive arsenal of quirky cutlery, napkins and ceramics. It sets off the food beautifully and makes every plate they set down look ready for a photo shoot.

This summer, I went three consecutive weekends with friends – local and from abroad. Its sells that dream that everyone imagines living in Spain to be: sun, salty air, paella served in shallow pans, cold beer. The only thing that is tweaked is the style, making it all more contemporary (and charging a premium for this) through its design and also things like “organic, local salad” which is a box a lot of us like to tick when we are eating out now. Green salad with burrata and pesto (€14.90), paella (€18.90 x 2).

The bill will add up, quickly. Regardless, it’s one of my favourite places to take visiting guests in the summer meanwhile the cod doughnuts and the fried squid are so yummy. I wish they had a take away window where I could buy the above in a paper cone and eat with my toes squashed in the sand watching the locals doing Zumba fitness class on the beach . (Oh yes – they do.)

Barracuda
C/ Ribera de Sant Pere Nº17
08860 Castelldefels
www.barracuda.cat