Salou is one of those rare holiday destination finds that manages to bring together the best of both worlds: stunning sandy beaches and captivating culture. Add a thriving gastronomy scene into the bargain, and this seaside town is the triple treat. Although Catalonia’s capital may be better known for its culinary sophistication, situated just an hours’ drive from Barcelona airport, Salou is certainly a rival for the title of foodie capital of the region. There is an abundance of top quality restaurants to choose from in the town; here are six recommendations that are bound to whet your appetite.
Xantar Restaurant
Enjoy the delights of the Mediterranean kitchen at Xantar Restaurant, with carefully selected cuts of Galician meat, and Catalan favourites like black rice paella. With the three course set menu starting from 27,50 euros, Xantar promises a quality evening meal without breaking the bank.
Cook and Travel Restaurant
This gastrobar is founded on a novel concept: that you can travel without leaving your seat at the dining table. Reserve a place on one of their themed nights and be taken on a tour of another culture altogether: recent evenings have taken attendees to South Korea and London, among others.
La Morera
A popular choice for its affordable cuisine and variety of gluten free options, La Morera tops the list of restaurants in Salou when it comes to visitor ratings. Simple classics are flashily presented, while the restaurant’s polished glass frontage similarly contrasts with a rustic interior.
Restaurant Mimino
When you’ve had your fill of the traditional local cuisine, try Restaurant Minimo for a taste of Russia and Georgia. This family-run restaurant does not boast the slick surroundings of some of other options in this list, but for meat lovers, it should be first on your culinary itinerary. Go for the cazuela de carne: a tapas-sized meat casserole with satisfyingly crunchy red onions.
La Goleta Salou
This popular haunt has been serving up picture perfect seaside meals to visitors and locals in Salou for 25 years. Its menu is eclectic yet unashamedly traditional, serving everything from steak to spag bol, in addition to all the Spanish classics. The interior manages to be both elegant and cosy, but the best seats in the house are out on the terrace. Pluck a prawn from your paella, take a sip of sangrÃa, gaze out to sea and feel divinely clichéed.
Oliver’s Restaurant and Grill
It is hard to imagine when you’re surrounded by all this culinary splendour, but if you’re missing your sunday roast, head to Oliver’s. With high quality home cooked food and delicious grilled steaks, this joint does not disappoint if you enjoy hearty classics.
How to Get There
Although there are some public transport routes from Barcelona airport, Salou is best reached by private transfer service. Your driver will meet you at the Arrivals terminal, handle your luggage, and make sure you get to where you need to be with minimum hassle. From Barcelona airport, Salou is only an hour’s ride away, and with a friendly local driver you will be able to get a real taste of Catalonia on the scenic route up the coast.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable transfer from Barcelona Airport, Salou is just one of the destinations we serve. Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
This article is copyright free.