La Paradeta is one of El Born's eating institutions and one of Barcelona's best value marisquerías (seafood restaurants). La Paradeta serves the freshest fish dishes at barguain prices and is located on the cobbled sidestreet of Carrer Comercial, just behind the disused Mercat del Born between Passeig Lluìs Companys and the Passeig del Born. It's one of the cheapest places to eat out in El Born, and one of the most enjoyable.
Upon entering La Paradeta you'll see what looks like any of the stalls selling heaped mounds of fresh produce in the famous Boquería market. As in the market you stand in line, inspect the goods and make your order, telling them how much you want - you pay according to the fish's weight in kilos- and how you'd like it cooked. Then you retire to one of the tables in the simply decorated dining room to wait for your food.
The options include squid, prawns, lobster, razor clams, mussels, oysters and fried fish cooked in batter or in delicious sauces. There's also a good selection of wines.
There are usually queues around the block even on week nights, so try and get there before 9pm if you want to avoid them. The restaurant is of the loud and jolly variety, so don't go along expecting an intimate, romantic time. You can expect to pay around 30€ for two of you, including drinks.
Essential Info
Address: Carrer Comercial, 7, 08009, Barcelona
Telephone: 932681939
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 8pm - 11.30pm, Friday to Saturday 8pm - 12pm, Saturday and Sunday 1pm - 4pm.
How to Get There
The nearest metro station is Arc de Triomf on the Red Line.
Getting to Barcelona: Barcelona is served by Barcelona El Prat Airport, and Renfe trains connect from all other major Spanish cities to Sants Estacio.