Walter Ponce
Camping Mar is a Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant in Marina Vela, the newer marina behind the W Barcelona hotel at the far end of Barceloneta. It is known for its rice dishes, sharing plates and a large terrace by the moored boats, and it belongs to Grupo Tragaluz, which runs several restaurants in Barcelona. I visited in July 2023, and the captivating terrace caught my attention the moment I walked in.
The restaurant is in a somewhat discreet location that you don’t stumble upon by chance, yet it has managed to attract plenty of diners, and once you find it you wonder why you hadn’t before.
The terrace
The space was first planned as an informal area with round tables shaded by large umbrellas. Instead, the team built a bigger terrace, and it proved a stroke of genius: everyone craves eating in the open air, and it has worked far better with customers than the original design.
Camping Mar menu: what to order
The menu is short and fresh, with dishes for snacking and sharing, rice dishes and hamburgers. The combo meals are what really stand out.
At the time of my visit, the rice combo let two people share a gazpacho starter, choose an appetizer and pick one of three rice dishes, all for 29 euros. The burger combo cost 17 euros. Both included dessert, a drink and even coffee, which you prepare and serve yourself at the table, so there is no need to leave your seat. Prices change, so treat these as a guide.
A glance at the surrounding tables shows how popular the rice menu is. If you prefer to order à la carte, there are options like grilled mussels with celery, red curry or fish & chips, plus daily off-menu specials.
What I ate: flavourful patatas bravas, fresh fried fish and a well-balanced Arroz de gamba y calamar (prawn and squid rice).
Current menu (PDF): Camping Mar carta
Is Camping Mar worth it?
Yes. Camping Mar is one of those hidden treasures of the Barcelona seafront. The location in Marina Vela, the terrace and the value of the combo meals make it an easy recommendation. Food and portions get four stars from me, while service gets two. My overall rating is three stars. Whether you go for a combo or explore the menu, it is worth the walk to the end of Barceloneta.
Rice dishes: paella and arroces
Rice is one of the highlights of Mediterranean Spanish cuisine:
- Paella comes from the Valencia region, but rice dishes (“arroces”) are popular all along the Catalan coast.
- Arroz negro is cooked with squid ink, giving it a deep black colour.
- Arroz caldoso is a soupier version, between a paella and a stew.
- Fideuà uses short noodles instead of rice.
- Socarrat is the crispy, toasted layer at the bottom of the pan, which many people consider the best part.
Rice dishes are usually ordered for a minimum of two people and take 20-30 minutes, so order early. Locals traditionally eat rice at lunchtime.
Where is Camping Mar? Address and getting there
Address: Marina Vela, Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 103, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Marina Vela is at the southern end of Barceloneta, next to the sail-shaped W Barcelona hotel, between the old port and the open sea. It is quieter than the busy beachfront.
- Metro: Barceloneta (L4) is the closest station. From there, walk down Passeig de Joan de Borbó towards the W hotel, around 20-25 minutes.
- Bus: several lines run along Passeig de Joan de Borbó towards the W hotel area.
- On foot or by bike: the seafront promenade from Barceloneta beach is the nicest way to arrive.
- Taxi: easy and practical in the evening.
What to do nearby
- Barceloneta beach: Barcelona’s most famous city beach, a short walk away
- Barceloneta neighbourhood: a former fishermen’s quarter with narrow streets and traditional bars
- Port Vell: the old harbour, with yachts and the Columbus monument at the end of La Rambla
- Port Cable Car: crosses the harbour from Barceloneta to Montjuïc, with great views
Around Port Vell, my review of Casa Amàlia is another option, and my list of 50 favourite restaurants in Barcelona has many more.
Tips for your visit
- Book a terrace table in summer.
- Check the current menu, prices and opening hours before you go, as they can change by season.
- Go at lunchtime if you want to eat rice like the locals.
- Bring sun protection for the terrace during the day.
FAQ
Where is Camping Mar in Barcelona? In Marina Vela, at Passeig de Joan de Borbó 103, behind the W Barcelona hotel at the end of Barceloneta.
What is on the Camping Mar menu? Mediterranean sharing plates, rice dishes such as prawn and squid rice, burgers, fish & chips and daily specials, plus fixed-price combo menus at the time of my visit.
Is Restaurante Camping Mar expensive? At the time of my visit, the average was around 50 euros per person à la carte, with cheaper combos. Prices may have changed.
Does Camping Mar have a terrace? Yes, the large terrace by the marina is one of its main attractions.
Who runs Camping Mar? It is part of Grupo Tragaluz, a Barcelona restaurant group.
How do I get to Camping Mar? Take the metro to Barceloneta and walk along Passeig de Joan de Borbó, or take a taxi to the W hotel area.
