Barcelona is not only Spain's most cosmopolitan city, full of art, history and great shopping, but is at its most enticing when it comes to dining. Perched on the coast of the Mediterranean there is always a good supply of oysters, mussels, prawns, crabs and fish, and it has a good number of world-renowned chefs who know how to create mouthwatering dishes. 7 Portes, Passeig de Isabel II, 14, www.7portes.com (Spanish) One of Spain's oldest restaurants, dating back to 1836, it still packs plenty of punch when it comes to serving up delicious seafood-inspired cuisine. Continually attracting the A-list including royalty, the extensive menu includes more than 10 types of paellas - Spain's favourite all-in-one rice dish - as well as more unusual delights such as cold salted cod salad and cannelloni stuffed with seafood. Arola, Hotel Arts, Marina 19-21, www.hotelartsbarcelona.com Chef Sergi Arola has earned two Michelin stars in recognition of his expertise in creating exceptional seafood dishes. Dine in beautiful modern surroundings (right) where the decor, food presentation and flavours create a memorable experience. In the warmer months the outdoor tables are perfect for a leisurely lunch. Highlights on the menu include sardines with passion fruit-infused vinaigrette, king crab salad or cannelloni with avocado, shrimp and ginger. And then continue your dining experience with perfectly cooked fish and Catalan rice dishes. El Bulli, Cala Montjoi, Rosas, www.elbulli.com Named the best restaurant in the world by the Michelin Guide a few years ago, a meal at El Bulli is simply to die for. Bookings for the year are open online only for a few days in October. Situated on a pretty cove about a two-hour drive from Barcelona, the restaurant was once an old seaside house complete with garden. The menu - created by chef Ferran Adria - features fresh fish, seafood and seasonal vegetables cooked in ingenious ways. The views of the Mediterranean from the outdoor tables are simply stunning. Suquet de Almirall, Passeig de Joan de Borbo, 65 Grab an outdoor table for the fabulous views of the marina and try this eatery's traditional Catalan rice and seafood dishes. Start with a huge bowl of plump, steamed mussels served with wedges of lemon, before moving on to perfectly grilled bream or sole seasoned with cold pressed virgin olive oil, garlic and parsley.