The Restaurant List
This is an un-definitive, often-fluctuating ranking, based on a simple question:
Where do I want to eat today?
Girona has amazing restaurants at every level, from counter serve gems to three-Michelin-star spectacles.
Ranking them together is impossible, but I’m doing it anyway.
Hakuk Gastrobar
WhatElevated tapas and Catalan cuisine.
Like, so elevated.
WhyEvery bite is right.
WhenWhen you want to amaze someone with quality, then astound them with reasonable prices.
HowFocus on the shareables, like zucchini carpaccio, bravas, and savory cheesecake.
Get full before dessert, then get dessert anyway because it's that good.
Bionbo
WhatSurprise tasting menus with a competitive twist. The menu changes seasonally, and they don't tell you what you're eating until the end of the dinner. And, you're competing against the other tables to taste and decipher the meal as you go.
WhyFive of the top-ten meals in my life have been at Bionbo. Chef Xavier's attention to detail and innovation is incredible. The concept might sound like a gimmick, but it makes you focus on the food in a way you likely never have before.
This usually my #1 restaurant of all-time, but the end-of-2025 menu wasn't at the same level as the others. I'm very excited to come back next season, though, and I expect Bionbo to reclaim it's rightful place atop the rankings.
WhenWhen you're feeling open-minded and ready to play silly games with seriously good food.
P.S. - Maybe wait until they stop doing the Godfather themed menu.
P.P.S. - If they're offering the Blind Menu (yes, you wear a blindfold the whole time), DO IT.
HowTrust in Xavier.
8de7
WhatLike Hakuk, this is also elevated tapas / Catalan. And it’s also excellent.
WhyThe best (and most controversial) patatas bravas in the city. Consistent excellence across years and dishes makes this a perennial favorite.
WhenWhen you don't mind finishing dinner after 11pm.
HowGet the bravas, but be warned - it's almost too much for two people to split. Almost. Get the quail toasts and the super coca and the tortilla and something with a kumquat and maybe bring an extra friend so you can share it all.
Restaurant Tarla
Full Review
WhatLively spot serving modern tapas beneath the stone ramblas.
WhyPhenomenal execution of the classics with some creative flourishes. Perhaps the best 'classic' bravas on this list - no meat, no funky presentation, just cubes of crispy-smooth potatoes and a side of perfect sauce.
WhenWith a friend, a big group, or when you want to accumulate a big group as friends stop to say hello on their evening walk through town.
HowRaw dog it: get the steak tartar and the wild boar carpaccio.
Plus bravas, obviously. How do they do that to potatoes?
La Pulperia
WhatSeafood restaurant with boho-chic-kitsche atmosphere.
WhyA passionate husband and wife duo with real seafood (and bravas!) expertise.
WhenWith a friend or three.
HowTry the galician mushrooms, trust in Fran.
Sukoon Indian Cuisine
Full Review
WhatUpscale Indian. Also, one of the tables has a river running through it, so that’s pretty cool.
WhyIncredible depth of flavor, friendly staff, plush yet welcoming interior. I’m not sure why, but all of the best cheese nanns I’ve ever had have been in Catalonia.
WhenWith a friend or a larger group.
HowAsk for recommendations, try a bunch of stuff, skip dessert.
Mola Botiga de Pastas
Full Review
Map
WhatCounter-serve shop with one guy dishing out Italian pasta, cannoli, pizza, and other goodness.
WhyThat one guy? He nails it, everytime. Every combo we've had has been fantastic.
WhenSolo or with a friend when you want something casual, but not rushed. It's counter-serve, but the man is a pasta artisan.
HowYou can't go wrong, but the Norma sauce with a chunky shape is one right answer.
El Cellar de Can Roca
Full Review
WhatMulti-time #1 Restaurant in the World serving a seemingly endless tasting menu of Catlan inspired bites.
WhyA true spectacle of restauranteering, so much so that it's more like a museum or a theater production than a restaurant.
Like an art museum, though, I'm not going there if I want a real dinner.
WhenOnce, but probably not twice.
HowIf you can't get a reservation through the online portal, see if your credit card company has a concierge - they might be able to book hidden dates/times.
Umai
Full Review
WhatFancy Japaense with an open kitchen and intimate atmosphere. You could get ramen for two and have a great meal for ~40 euro, or you could spend 40 euro on a single appetizer.
WhyThat scallop hotate? Worth it.
The ramen? Subtle, but very satisfying.
The sushi? Creative and well executed, (maybe a bit small, though)
The dessert? Adorably mirrored so that two people can share it without conflict.
WhenWith a date you want to impress with something off the beaten path.
HowYou can ball out or focus on value-for-money, and both will be great.
Restaurant A4Mans
Full Review
WhatWhite tablecloth Korean-Catalan fusion with multiple tasting menus.
WhyAnother wife and husband project with a unique offering on the Girona food scene. The menu is broad, but the Korean elements have tremendous depth - I'm still thinking about that bulgogi.
WhenWhen you've had your fill of bravas and want to travel across continents without leaving a well-lit hotel-bar-style dining room.
HowConvince your party to do a tasting menu. Alternatively, be sure to get a bulgogi all to yourself, because you won't want to share it. Try not to spill sauce on the tablecloth.
El Cafè
Full Review
WhatClassic count-your-toothpicks tapas bar with vermut, fried-things-on-bread, cheesy-things-on-bread, and fried-cheesy-things-on-bread.
WhyIt's lively, it's local(ish), and it’s a delightful way to have a quick bite or hang out for hours.
WhenWhen you're tired of restaurants serving "tapas" that you can't balance atop a wine glass.
HowPick your snacks, keep your sticks, and order a few special croquettes or a tortilla.
Bravola Foccaceria
Full Review
WhatCounter-serve foccacia sandwiches.
WhySmall menu, big sandwiches, bigger flavor..
WhenWhile solo strolling or doing an impromptu picnic on ancient steps.
HowShare a few between a group, don't expect to finish an entire sandwich yourself unless you just finished a ride.
La Fabrica
Full Review
WhatAn Instagram-ready icon of Girona's cycling scene.
WhyWell-plated and well-tasted brunch-y stuff. The hype is high, but so are the results.
WhenWith friends, after a ride or a stroll along the walls.
HowGrab a table outside and watch the cyclists come and go. If you're with a group, consider splitting the nutella waffle.
La Garrina
Full Review
WhatA natural wine bar with eclectic "bar" food, ranging from stuffed avocados to pad thai.
WhyA lovely spot for a sip 'n sit or a chip 'n chit-chat.
WhenSolo or with a few friends for an afternoon hangout or late-night chat.
HowGet nachos and a bunch of napkins.
Coquette
Full Review
WhatA chicken joint, but in a way that only Girona can do. Catalan appetizers plus internationally-inspired roast chicken.
WhySometimes, all you need is chicken and rice, done incredibly well with minimal adornment.
WhenWith a group that appreciates a lively, modern soundtrack and sharing dishes.
HowIt's a hard formula to mess up.
Yooki Ramen and Korean Fried Chicken
Full Review
WhatBright, modern place offering exactly what its name suggests, plus a few extras.
WhyUnpretentious ramen, unreal chicken, very reasonable prices.
WhenHungry and in need of comfort, but not looking to stay for long.
HowSubstitute fried chicken into the ramen or get a few pieces as a side.
Qvevri Restaurant Georgiá
Full Review
WhatAuthentic Georgian cuisine, plus a few Catalan staples, in a grotto-chic locale.
WhyUndoubtedly good, but the textures tend softer than we personally prefer - also, sneaky cilantro in many dishes. The khachapuri (bread boat full of cheese) and the mega-dumplings were excellent, though.
WhenWhen you want something soft or something cheesy.
HowFocus on the Georgian specialities and pick your textures wisely if you need a bit of crunch in your lunch,
SAFO Bar
Full Review
WhatCreative market-driven eats and natural wines.
WhyWhoever writes the menu is genius, because everything sounds fantastic. In practice, the dishes don't quite live up to their own hype, but they're still really good and the vibes are high.
WhenWhen your foodie friends want wine and anticipation, but aren't super hungry.
HowFeast your eyes!
Entre Terres
Full Review
WhatAn artisanal shawarma shop with one entree (shawarma), one side (hummus), & one dessert (knefeh).
WhyThe pita is excellent and the shawarma is uncomplicated - good, though not exciting.
WhenWhen you don't want to make decisions.
HowIf you're post-ride hungry, you'll probably want more than just the shawarma... but if you're alone, sandwich + hummus + dessert is too much, and a bit repetitive.
Hors Categorie
Full Review
WhatCycling-focused & cyclist-frequented eatery with something for everyone.
WhyThere aren't many restaurants where the walls are covered in signed World Champion jerseys and you can bump elbows with current European Champions getting their post-ride snack.
WhenPost-ride -- lycra not only accepted, but matches the decor.
HowPark your bike on the rack outside and use one of the provided locks.
Domestique Cafe
Full Review
WhatCafe on the rambla with homemade baked goods and (reportedly) good coffee
WhyThe owner loves his scones and the seating options on the rambla and inside are both nice.
WhenPre-ride, mid-ride pocket scone, post-ride.
HowJust chill, y'know?
Recent Reviews
There’s no such thing as an unbiased review.
I’m Nick. I ride bikes and eat food.
My biggest biases are:
I’m usually hungry
I rarely dislike something
However, after exploring Girona’s restaurants, I have thoughts on what’s most worth your time.
I hope my unprofessional opinions help you find a great meal!
