Culinary Delights on the Costa Brava: This is the Taste of Your Holiday in Lloret de Mar
In Catalonia, eating is far more than just taking in nutrients. It is the foundation upon which the entire daily schedule is built – a social event where family and friends come together. Those who spend their holiday at Casa Azulino enjoy the best of both worlds: the freedom of their own kitchen and proximity to fantastic local eateries.
To make you feel like a true local among Tapas, Paella, and Crema Catalana, we have put together this guide. A little tip in advance: Most dishes here are referred to by their Catalan names. However, we have included the Spanish terms (Castellano) in brackets behind them.
TIP: If you want to go straight to specific addresses, you can find our personal restaurant recommendations for Lloret de Mar here.
The Catalan Rhythm: Timing is Everything
If you try to go out for dinner in Lloret de Mar according to a typical Northern European schedule, you will often find yourself standing in front of closed doors. Catalans live later, especially when it's hot:
- Breakfast (el esmorzar / el desayuno): Usually quite sparse (coffee and a biscuit). It’s not until late morning that people head to a bar for a hearty sandwich with cold cuts or tortilla.
- Vermut (el vermut): A social ritual in the late morning. Friends meet for a vermouth before the actual lunch begins.
- Lunch (el dinar / la comida): The most important meal, rarely before 2:00 PM. In restaurants, the Menú del Dia is the winner here in terms of value for money.
- Berenar (la merienda): A small afternoon snack, especially for children.
- Dinner (el sopar / la cena): Doesn't take place until after 9:00 PM. Because it is so late, people often eat light, such as salads or a tortilla.
Specialties You Must Try
The cuisine of the Costa Brava is shaped by its geography: Mar i Muntanya (Mar y Montaña) – Sea and Mountain. Here, meat and seafood naturally end up in the same pot.
Classics from the Rice Pot
On the Costa Brava, people traditionally don't eat a classic Paella, but rather Arròs (Arroz), a creamy rice stew. Another specialty is Fideuà – where fine vermicelli noodles are used instead of rice.
TIP: Fantastic rice specialties are served, for example, at Restaurant Can Sabata.
Pa amb Tomàquet (Pan con Tomate): The Quintessence
The famous tomato bread is the national dish of the Catalans. In many traditional restaurants, you will be served the ingredients "pure": toasted bread, garlic cloves, and whole tomatoes.
We often observe an amusing scene here: tourists slice the tomato and place it on the bread like a topping. The local guests at the next table usually look on in total confusion – because for a Catalan, that is almost a sacrilege!
To ensure you are recognized as a true pro, here is the correct guide:
- The Garlic (l'all / el ajo): Take a peeled clove of garlic and rub it vigorously over the rough surface of the toasted bread.
- The Tomato (la tomàquet / el tomate): Cut the tomato crosswise. Take one half and rub the pulp with pressure directly into the bread until only the thin skin is left in your hand.
- The Finish: Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt on the bread.
Escalivada & Trinxat
- Escalivada: Oven-roasted vegetables (aubergine, peppers, onions), peeled and served with oil.
- Trinxat: A rustic winter dish made of cabbage, potatoes, bacon, and garlic.
The Winter Highlight: Calçots
If you are visiting us between January and April, you must experience a Calçotada. During this event, special spring onions (Calçots) are grilled over an open fire until the outside is black. You peel off the skin with your hands and dip the tender heart into the spicy Romesco sauce.
Sweet Finishes & A Little Coffee Guide
The Crema Catalana is the classic. It is prepared with milk instead of cream and has a crispy caramel layer. If you prefer something fruity, order Mel i Mató (Miel y Requesón) – fresh cheese with honey.
When it comes to coffee, you should know these terms:
- Cafè (Café solo): A simple, strong espresso.
- Tallat (Cortado): Espresso with a dash of milk.
- Cafè amb Llet (Café con leche): Espresso with plenty of milk.
- Cigaló (Carajillo): Espresso with a splash of brandy, Baileys, or rum.
Cooking for Yourself at Casa Azulino
One of the most beautiful experiences is preparing the region's fresh products yourself. In the fully equipped kitchen of your holiday home, you can feel like a local chef.
Our tip: Be sure to visit the Mercat Municipal (Mercado Municipal), the municipal market of Lloret de Mar.
Ready for a Culinary Journey of Discovery?
Whether you want to explore the best tapas bars in town or feast on your own terrace at Casa Azulino – Lloret de Mar offers something for every taste.
Check availability now for your gourmet holiday on the Costa Brava!
