What to Eat in Girona, Spain
1. Introduction
Girona is one of the culinary gems of Catalonia, offering a mix of traditional Catalan flavors, Mediterranean ingredients, and modern innovation. The city’s cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage and strong connection to local produce. Whether you dine in a family-run tavern or a world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, Girona promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
2. Traditional Catalan Dishes to Try
1. Pa amb tomàquet (Tomato Bread)
A staple of Catalan dining, pa amb tomàquet is simple yet delicious. It consists of rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt. Often served as a side dish, it accompanies nearly every meal in Girona and is the foundation of Catalan home cooking.
2. Botifarra amb mongetes (Catalan Sausage with Beans)
This hearty and comforting dish is a Girona classic. Botifarra is a seasoned pork sausage, typically grilled and served with white beans sautéed in olive oil and garlic. It’s a traditional farmer’s meal that highlights the region’s love for rustic and wholesome flavors.
3. Escudella i carn d’olla (Catalan Stew)
A popular winter dish, escudella is a rich meat and vegetable stew often served in two courses: first, a broth with noodles, followed by the boiled meats and vegetables. It’s a perfect representation of Catalan home-style cooking and is especially popular during festivals or cold months.
4. Suquet de peix (Fish Stew)
This flavorful seafood stew originates from the Catalan coast but is widely enjoyed in Girona. Made with fresh fish, shellfish, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, and saffron, suquet de peix is a warming and aromatic dish that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
5. Esqueixada de bacallà (Salt Cod Salad)
A refreshing dish made with shredded salt cod, tomatoes, onions, olives, and olive oil. It’s often served chilled and makes an excellent starter, especially in summer. The combination of salty fish and fresh vegetables creates a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Local Specialties Unique to Girona
1. Xuixo de Girona
The xuixo is perhaps Girona’s most famous sweet treat. It’s a deep-fried pastry filled with custard cream and dusted with sugar. According to local legend, it originated in Girona in the early 20th century and has since become a symbol of the city. It pairs perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
2. Cargols a la llauna (Grilled Snails)
A traditional Catalan delicacy, cargols a la llauna are snails grilled on a metal tray and seasoned with herbs, olive oil, and sometimes spicy sauces. It’s a popular dish during local festivals and is often enjoyed with aioli or tomato sauce.
3. Crema Catalana
This is Catalonia’s answer to crème brûlée — a smooth, custard-based dessert topped with a thin layer of caramelized sugar. It’s flavored with lemon zest and cinnamon, giving it a distinct Mediterranean aroma.
4. Coca de recapte
A Catalan-style flatbread similar to pizza, coca de recapte is topped with roasted vegetables such as peppers, onions, and aubergines, sometimes combined with sausage or anchovies. It’s a common snack or light meal found in bakeries and markets across Girona.
4. Fine Dining and Modern Cuisine
Girona is home to one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world — El Celler de Can Roca. Run by the Roca brothers, this three-Michelin-star restaurant combines creativity, emotion, and local ingredients to redefine Catalan cuisine. While dining here requires advance booking, it represents Girona’s culinary excellence at its highest level.
Aside from El Celler de Can Roca, Girona offers numerous contemporary restaurants and tapas bars that reinterpret traditional Catalan dishes with modern flair. Local markets, such as Mercat del Lleó, are excellent places to taste artisanal products like cured meats, cheeses, olive oils, and pastries.
5. Local Wines and Beverages
Girona is part of the Empordà wine region, one of Catalonia’s oldest and most respected wine-producing areas. Visitors can enjoy red, white, and rosé wines made from local grape varieties, often paired with regional dishes. Other beverages worth trying include Cava (Catalan sparkling wine) and Ratafia, a sweet herbal liqueur traditionally produced in the region.
6. Conclusion
Girona’s food scene is a reflection of its rich culture and natural bounty. From simple country dishes and coastal seafood stews to creative haute cuisine, the city offers a diverse and authentic taste of Catalonia. Whether you are sampling pa amb tomàquet in a local café or savoring a multi-course tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, Girona’s culinary traditions are sure to leave a lasting impression.
