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What Food To Try in Tarragona and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Tarragona for 2024.

National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Tarragona cafes and restaurants
$13.1 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10.92
$54.6 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $38.21
$7.6 
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.64

What to Try in Tarragona

Must-try Dishes
Esmorzar - Breakfast Plate - This hearty breakfast features a spread of crispy bread, cured meats, cheese, and local tomatoes, all drizzled with olive oil. Locals savor it while chatting in cafés early in the morning, fueling up for the day ahead.

Fideuà - Noodle Paella - Made with thin noodles, fresh seafood, and a rich fish stock, this dish resembles a paella but is uniquely its own. It’s popular for Sunday family meals, often cooked in a large pan for everyone to share.

Patates amb Olla - Potato and Meat Stew - A filling dish of potatoes simmered with tender meats and flavorful spices creates a comforting, hearty meal. Locals enjoy it during winter, especially on chilly days, warming their bellies and hearts.

Calçots - Grilled Green Onions - These long green onions are charred on a grill and served with a savory romesco sauce for dipping. Generally served during the calçotada festival from January to March, eating them is a messy but joyful outdoor affair.

Botifarra - Catalan Sausage - Juicy pork sausage seasoned with spices and herbs, typically grilled and served with white beans. Not only is it a popular dinner choice, but ordering it with a side of aioli reflects the locals’ love for bold flavors.

Bombas - Potato Balls - A crispy potato ball stuffed with meat and topped with spicy sauce, making for a satisfying street food option. Often found at local markets, they’re popular for a quick bite while exploring the city.

Escudella - Catalan Stew - This traditional stew combines a hearty mix of meats, vegetables, and beans, served in two parts; first as broth and then the solid ingredients. It's typically enjoyed during family meals, especially around the holidays for a taste of warmth and nostalgia.

Tiravelles - Seasonal Vegetable Dish - In spring, delicate young fava beans and fresh peas are cooked with herbs and garlic, showcasing the season's bounty. Often served as a main dish, locals take pride in its connection to the land and its vibrant flavors.

Desserts & Drinks
Cafè amb Llet - Café con Leche (coffee with milk) - A rich espresso topped with steaming hot milk, often enjoyed with a sprinkle of sugar. Locals love to sip this during their morning rituals or afternoon breaks, typically served in a ceramic cup for an authentic touch.

Sangria - Sangría (fruity wine punch) - A refreshing blend of red wine, chopped fruits, and a splash of brandy, it's a go-to drink during sunny beach days or lively gatherings. It's commonly enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening, served in large pitchers, perfect for sharing.

Chicha - Chicha (sweet corn drink) - A deliciously sweet beverage made from fermented corn, sugar, and cinnamon. Often seen at local festivals or summer parties, you might notice it served chilled, typically in a colorful plastic cup; just be careful, as it can be a hit or miss for first-timers!

Neula - Neula (thin pastry) - A crispy, delicate waffle-like pastry that can be found throughout Tarragona, often with a dusting of powdered sugar. Locals munch on these during festive gatherings or as a snack with coffee, especially during the colder months when they are freshly made.

Gelat - Gelato (creamy ice cream) - Packed with rich flavors from local fruits like figs or almonds, this gelato has a silky texture that melts in your mouth. It's a must-have in the warmer months, best enjoyed as a post-dinner treat while strolling the picturesque streets of Tarragona, just be on the lookout for unique seasonal flavors!

Food and Groceries in Tarragona

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.39
Oranges $2.62
Potatoes $1.28
Apples $2.04
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.69
0.5L Local Beer $1.2
Imported Beer $1.53
Wine Rating >4.0 $5.19

Various Groceries
Chicken $6.93
Rice $1.17
Local Cheese $9.28

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

When you walk through Tarragona’s bustling streets in the early evening, the smell of freshly cooked calçots fills the air, signaling that it's time for the locals to gather for dinner. Here, meals typically start around 8 PM and can stretch well into the night, unlike many other places where dining may wrap up by 9 PM. This unique rhythm sets the scene for a vibrant culinary culture.

Dining out in Tarragona also shows a wide price range depending on the area. In the heart of the old town, a reasonably priced meal might cost around €15-€20 per person, while venturing towards the waterfront can push this up to €25-€30, particularly if you're enjoying seafood (and trust me, the local catch is well worth it). Just yesterday, I paid €18 for a lovely dinner featuring a traditional paella in a popular local spot.

In terms of payment, cash remains king. While many restaurants now accept card payments, the old habit of paying in cash persists, especially in smaller establishments or market eateries. Always check how they prefer payments before ordering. Oh, and before I forget, tipping is not obligatory but leaving a small change (around 5-10%) is appreciated for good service.

Popular dining areas include the Port area, overflowing with seafood restaurants and casual tapas bars, as well as the quaint streets of the old town filled with diverse dining options. During weekends, these spots tend to fill up quickly, so making a reservation is advisable—this is particularly true during the summer months when tourists flock in.

You might be surprised by how locals often enjoy a late lunch, typically between 2 PM and 4 PM, which is a significant change from common practices elsewhere. This is when many families gather, opting for a “menú del día" (menu of the day), which usually costs between €10 and €15. If you go during peak meal times, be prepared to share your space with more guests, as the ambiance can become quite lively.

A common tourist mistake I see is underestimating the importance of meal times. Arriving at restaurants too early can leave you facing empty tables and closed kitchens, particularly in the off-season when some places might open later in the day.

As the seasons change, so does the variety on offer. Winter brings comforting stews like "escudella," while warmer months feature lighter dishes and more outdoor dining under the stars. Local dining habits adapt to these shifts, with many gathering outside for community barbecues and “tartas” during spring celebrations.

Tarragona's food scene beautifully marries local custom with a welcoming, communal spirit that makes each meal an experience to savor.