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Tragamar

Near the end of the season

By Brian Gallagher 04.10.16

The collection of seaside villages surrounding Palafrugell on the Costa Brava play host to some of the most emblematic restaurants in all Catalonia. Tragamar owned by Raquel Tarruella, of the pioneering hotelier and restaurant family, is situated on an idyllic sandy inlet at the edge of Calella de Palafrugell looks over the calm blue waters of the Mediterranean. Terrace and interior are dominated by the salty breeze and the distant echoes of the sea, as one would expect the menu is also inspired by its location, an ever changing feast of the best the Mediterranean has to offer, from shellfish to the catch of the day.

Working off the premise that when the raw ingredients are prime quality, fresh and in season the kitchen’s main responsibility is to not interfere too much with nature has already provided. Boquerones, prawns, sardines, squid, a selection of fideuà and rice dishes as well as local meats and fresh pasta. There are vegetarian options as well but the main reason for visiting Tragamar is as the name suggests swallowing the fruits of the sea.

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    View of the Tragamar restaurant in Calella de Palafrugell

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    The Tragamar terrace on the beach just back from the sea

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    Lobster rice dish

    Loosely associated with the Grupo Tragaluz group the Tragamar restaurant first opened in 1996, when Raquel Tarruella conceived a modern and informal restaurant located directly on the beach front. Back then finding the right food suppliers and providers was a challenge, the idea of combining a chiringuito with a gourmet standard restaurant was revolutionary. Its youthful exuberance is still intact nowadays however Tragamar is an established reference on the Costa Brava where each season chef Adría Giol is inspired by the fruits of the Mediterranean.

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    Fried fish of the day

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    The Tragamar mussels served fresh cooked in white wine and garlic

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    The grilled sardines

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    Locally grown tomatoes from the region

    The décor is restrained and inspired by the maritime theme, if possible securing a table on the sandstone terrace is recommended with its shaded view of the sea which is almost within reach. Tragamar closes during the winter months, opening in April till the end of October or later depending on the season and the weather.

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    The decor is simple and contemporary with a maritime feel