The Empordà represents one of Catalonia's most important gastronomic regions, competing for renown with Penedès and Ribera d'Ebre. This reputation is no accident: the combination of exceptional land and sea products, century-old culinary tradition, and innovative chefs has positioned Empordà on the international gastronomic map.
Staying at Aparthotel Arenal places you at the heart of this culinary adventure. Pals and its surroundings host some of the region's most esteemed restaurants, along with traditional markets where local producers sell directly.
Signature Products of Empordà
Empordà's culinary identity is built on three pillars: rice from Pals, shrimp from Palamós, and regional wines. Pals rice grows in paddies surrounding our village, irrigated by an ancestral canal system. This rice possesses the perfect grain for arròs a la cassola, Empordà cuisine's most representative dish.
Palamós shrimp, internationally known as red langostinos, are caught in deep waters not far from shore. Their sweet flavor and firm flesh make them irreplaceable in regional cuisine. Anchovy from l'Escala, salted and fermented for months, provides deep umami that both food lovers and Michelin-starred chefs appreciate equally.
The region produces exceptional wines under the DO Empordà designation. Strong reds and aromatic whites from native Catalan varieties pair perfectly with local cuisine. Open-to-public wineries offer tastings and tours that illuminate the region's terroir.
Reference Restaurants in Pals and Surroundings
Pals concentrates a notable density of quality restaurants. Arròs i peix, located in the medieval heart, combines traditional techniques with contemporary presentation. Its arròs a la cassola, prepared in rustic clay pots, honors ancestral recipes while satisfying modern palates.
Cal Pep, situated near Pals, is legendary for its fideuàs (pasta similar to rice prepared similarly) and Mediterranean bonhomie. The restaurant operates without reservation, meaning you should be prepared to wait for hours during peak season, but the experience abundantly rewards patience.
For luxury dining, Pebre, located in the Empordà region, offers contemporary cuisine based on local products, with a wine selection that explores the region's finest producers. The team is enthusiastic about educating guests on ingredient provenance.
Beach restaurants like those along Platja de Pals offer casual chiringuitos where fresh shellfish and daily fish catches are prepared simply, highlighting product quality.
Markets and Buying Local Products
The Pals market, held Tuesday mornings from June through September at Plaça Major, is the place to meet local producers. Seasonal fruits, farm cheeses, homemade preserves, and fresh flowers sell directly from vendors.
The Torroella de Montgrí market, larger and operating year-round, offers a more complete experience. Here you'll find meat, fish, artisanal cured meats, and Empordà interior agricultural products. Thursday and Saturday mornings are the busiest.
For those interested in food transformation, several regional farms open their doors for visits. You'll see how cheese is produced, how cured meats are prepared, and how small-scale viticulture operates.
The DO Empordà Wine Route
Empordà's wine experience is accessible and educational. Several wineries located less than thirty minutes from Pals offer tastings and lunch. Cal Pep Wine Experience combines tasting with dining in the vineyard, perfect for an afternoon after a morning at Golf de Pals.
Primary grape varieties are Garnacha and Carignan for reds, while Xarel·lo and Macabeo dominate whites. Natural wines are gaining prominence, with wineries experimenting with ancestral fermentation methods.
Gastronomic Experiences at Arenal
Aparthotel Arenal itself offers culinary experiences. Our café and garden serves local breakfasts, afternoon snacks, and beverages, with access to artisanal products from nearby suppliers. The informal atmosphere enables the spontaneous conversation that characterizes Catalan hospitality.
We regularly organize themed dinners and events where invited chefs collaborate with our team. These evenings are perfect opportunities to meet fellow travelers while enjoying exceptional cuisine.
Home Cooking and Classes
Several initiatives offer cooking classes where you learn to prepare Empordà's emblematic dishes. From arròs a la cassola to fideuàs, these classes are not merely culinary instruction but an immersion in regional history and culture.
Some larger Arenal studios include access to complete kitchens, allowing travelers to shop at local markets and create their own meals during extended stays.
Navigating Dietary Preferences
Empordà cuisine is naturally receptive to different dietary preferences. The abundance of shellfish, vegetables, and olive oil means vegetarians find authentic options, not mere adaptations. Restaurants can adjust dishes according to allergies or restrictions with available ingredients.
Practical Tips for Eating in Empordà
Reserving in advance is essential for popular restaurants, especially weekends and during tourist season. The Arenal team can facilitate reservations and provide recommendations based on dietary preferences and budget.
Meal times in Spain differ from other countries: lunch is between 1-3 PM, dinner begins around 8 PM. Most restaurants close between services. Markets operate early morning, typically closing by midday.
Conclusion
Empordà gastronomy is not a secondary attraction but a primary reason to visit Pals. From snacking at the Arenal café while watching the medieval village, to luxury dinners at renowned restaurants, the culinary experience defines your trip. Book your stay and prepare yourself for a gastronomic odyssey that will transform your relationship with Spanish food.
For additional inspiration about what to do in the region, consult our complete guide to Pals and our best nearby beaches.