Authentic Paella in Barcelona: Marina Bay by Moncho’s

When it comes to Spanish cuisine, Paella is probably the most iconic dish — and being in a seaside city like Barcelona, I knew I couldn’t leave without trying the real thing. With so many restaurants around the city offering paella in Barcelona, I wasn’t sure where to go. Thankfully, a local friend recommended a spot by the beach: Marina Bay by Moncho’s.

This restaurant is located in Barcelona’s beach district, just a short walk (a few hundred meters) from the shoreline. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat on the second floor, you’ll have a beautiful ocean view — but we didn’t have a reservation, so we stayed on the main level. The outdoor seating has a nice coastal vibe, perfect if you want to catch some sun. We opted for the semi-outdoor area, which had a bit of a tropical feel — and since it was April, the occasional sea breeze made it just cool enough to appreciate.

As soon as we sat down, the waiter came by to take our drink orders. My friend went with a glass of white wine, while I asked for bottled water — only to find out later that they cost the same. 😅

While waiting for our paella, we warmed up with a couple of tapas:

Spicy Potatoes (Patatas Bravas): Even though the menu said “spicy,” it really wasn’t spicy at all — but the sauce on top was delicious! It had a mild garlic flavor that I loved. I later learned it’s called allioli, a traditional Catalan garlic and olive oil sauce you can even buy in local supermarkets.
Croquettes: These deep-fried croquettes were filled with a creamy fish paste — but surprisingly, there was no fishy taste. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they were flavorful but a bit on the salty side for my taste.

Finally — the moment I’d been waiting for! The Paella Valencia’ Style came packed with seafood, chicken, and vegetables, a more traditional and hearty take on the dish. The rice was plump and slightly chewy, fully soaked with savory broth and full of umami. Every bite was bursting with flavor — it honestly felt like a firework show in my mouth!

The seafood was fresh and well-prepared, but personally, I would’ve preferred a seafood-only version — I felt the chicken didn’t quite fit in with the flavors. Still, the dish was rich, comforting, and beautifully balanced between the rice and sauce.

One downside: because we were sitting in the semi-outdoor area, the paella cooled off pretty quickly, and once it got cold, it felt a bit oily and heavy. So if you’re eating outside, definitely dig in while it’s still hot!

Marina Bay by Moncho’s offers a comfortable dining environment with a wide variety of seafood and tapas. If you can snag a second-floor table with a view of the ocean, your experience would be even better. Either way, paella in Barcelona is an absolute must — it’s a national treasure that delivers big flavor and warm memories. Don’t leave without trying it!

📍Marina Bay Barcelona
Carrer de la Marina, 19-21, Ciutat Vella, 08005 Barcelona, Spain