It’s time to take you to the stunning Catalonian coast for lunch at La Taverna del Mar. In May I enjoyed a fabulous stay at the heavenly Hostal de La Gavina in S’agaro (more of which later) – one of my favourite hotels ever (seriously). It’s perched on a hill overlooking the azure bay and beach of Sant Pol. And that’s where you’ll find La Taverna del Mar. A short walk down said hill and into a wonderland of blues (inside and out). Lunch venues don’t get more exciting for beach bunnies like me.
And there’s no mistaking you’re at the beach. The restaurant is decked out in blues and whites, including blue glasses and seaside-themed crockery. The large picture windows look directly out onto the sparkling sea, letting in a gentle sea breeze. If this isn’t restaurant paradise on earth I can’t imagine what is. Well even more so once you start perusing the menu. La Taverna del Mar specialises in seafood, fresh Mediterranean fish and traditional rice dishes. We shared a variety of the freshest seafood – dishes were all placed in the middle of the table – my favourite way of eating. You get to sample so much!
What’s on the menu
Is there a better way to start a meal than with an oyster? Personally I don’t think so! Today’s fresh oyster was served with refreshing cucumber water and green apple. Perfection.
How I love fresh white anchovies – and somehow they seem to taste so much better in Spain. Today’s were no exception. And how’s this for an unusual dressing – vinegar, raspberries and passion fruit. I was amazed at how beautifully the fruit complimented the salty juiciness of the fish. Seriously heaven on a plate.
Next up something I’ve never experienced before. Love it when that happens. This is tomato tartar served with rocket salad and Sardinian bread. Okay so it looks like beef tartar but it’s made entirely of tomatoes. It even tastes a bit meaty – and absolutely delectable. No idea how the chef has managed this magical creation – but if you ever do see it on the menu, I couldn’t recommend highly enough.
Here are my helpings of these two delicious dishes on an appropriately designed fishy plate. Loved all the attention to detail – it was like every piece of crockery had been carefully chosen to perfectly compliment both the food and the restaurant itself.
Well that was an incredible start. But the best was yet to come. These crispy prawns. Little baby prawns lightly battered and quickly fried. Hot, crunchy and so tasty, ready to be devoured. You eat the whole thing so none of that messy peeling. I could have demolished the whole bowl myself. Going to look out for these on Spanish menus in future, I’m addicted.
A plateful of grilled Galician razor clams was served with tomato confit and kaffir lime for an interesting twist. They tasted like they’d just been brought in from the sea. Like that very minute.
And then some beautifully sweet grilled langoustines with garlicky finish. Gosh, the bowls of yumminess just didn’t stop coming. I honestly can’t remember having such an extravagance of seafood in one sitting. And all so fresh and perfectly cooked. All I want writing this is to be right back there right now!
What’s for pudding
Regular readers will know that I’m not much of a pudding lover. But today this glass was just delivered to me…what can you do. It’s the La Taverna cheesecake served with mango, passion fruit and shortbread. Possibly my favourite dessert ever. Yes, I know it does seem like there’s a lot of favourite things happening today…happiness.
In fact one of my happiest lunches ever. And you can see why here…this is our table.
And this is the view across the beach towards our hotel on the hill. Now if only you could taste the food, you’d also want to rush straight there with me.
Today’s price point
The Sea Menu, which is similar to what we had is priced at €75.
There’s a comprehensive selection of Spanish wine on offer starting from €24.
La Taverna del Mar is located on the beach of Sant Pol in S’agaro. S’agaro is just over an hour from Barcelona airport.
