This is one of those places that sums up why you ought to live in Barcelona: enjoy fresh seafood with a nice yet inexpensive glass of wine on a romantic, open-air terrace gazing out at the Mediterranean. It’s not hard to understand why Cavamar, which might be translated as “sea Champagne,” is one of Barceloneta’s most popular restaurants. But it takes more than pretty sea views to satisfy local patrons, with their typically more discerning palettes, and Cavamar delivers with its attentive service and a complete menu spanning the best of Spanish and Catalan traditional cuisine.
Choose from more than 30 tapas, including shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari and traditional Spanish fare like patatas bravas (potatoes), croquetas (dumplings), Spanish tortilla and smashed eggs. Experience one of the jewels of Spanish cuisine with one of their tasting platters of cured ham made from acorn-fed, free-range black Iberian pig from the Andalucían region. The rices, including paella, are a specialty, with several kinds on hand as well as a delicious brothy rice with seafood. The black rice (with squid ink) and fideuà (Catalan noodles) are highly recommended, particularly with a side of pungent all i oli (garlic mayonnaise) – just make sure whoever you’re kissing is having some too.
Starters include a half dozen salads, several carpaccios, a refreshing chilled Andalucian gazpacho with watermelon and a recommended grilled vegetable platter with romesco sauce, made with almonds, pine nuts and roasted garlic. Entrées include grilled meats, duck and fish, including sea bass, lobster and skipjack tuna. While it may sound like a place for seafood lovers, a friend tells us their steak is the best in town. And no fear, for that slightly finicky diner there are several pasta dishes, included a simple yet tasty penne al pesto.
Tapas run €6 to €7 each, with starters and salads from €8 to €10 and entrées €11 to €15, with a few more expensive dishes. Drinks include an all local wine list, a half dozen varieties of home-made sangria and a dozen cocktails. And if it rains or gets too hot, head inside to Cavamar Loft, which offers the same great ocean views and is also a perfect space for groups.
