Walter Ponce
Julieta’s is an Ibiza-style Mediterranean restaurant on the beachfront of Barceloneta in Barcelona, at the foot of the W Barcelona hotel and right in front of the sand. Its menu is built around rice dishes, Mediterranean tapas and grilled plates, inspired by the simplicity of Greece, the freshness of Ibiza and the warmth of Tulum, with the Mediterranean Sea always the main inspiration.
The interior design, by the Dalla Polvere studio, focuses on handicraft pieces, natural and organic materials and cozy sixties furniture full of surprises. The spectacular space sits in a privileged spot with unbeatable sea views.
Julieta’s menu: what to order
The menu combines rice dishes, Mediterranean starters and grilled proposals. The paella, the black rice with fried squid and baby squid, the seasonal vegetables and the red prawn are some of the most popular dishes.
Classic tapas such as Jabugo ham and black squid croquettes, patatas bravas, Russian salad, Andalusian-style squid and cod fritters share space with more gourmet plates, such as Santoña anchovies with crispy butter bread, clams in marinara sauce, or prawn carpaccio with lemon, salt and oil.
Those looking for healthy options will find gazpacho, lettuce hearts with crispy chicken, Parmesan and Caesar sauce, a green salad, and a salad with tuna belly, tomatoes, Figueres onion, olives, capers and hard-boiled egg, served in striking tableware like the rest of the dishes.
Desserts, most of them homemade, complete the menu: mini ice creams, lemon pie, cheesecake, crema catalana, apple crumble with vanilla ice cream and a homemade chocolate cake with a biscuit base.
Cocktails, music and the beach terrace
The experience doesn’t end with the food. Julieta’s offers a wide selection of classic and signature cocktails, and has hosted DJ sessions at weekend lunchtimes. The idea is that people come to eat and stay all afternoon, having a drink and enjoying the views, the music and the terrace. An irresistible plan for hot summer days in the Catalan capital.
Is Julieta’s worth it?
It depends on what you are after. The location is the star: I gave it five stars, and few restaurants in the city sit this close to the sea. The food scored lower in my ratings, two stars, with three for service and price and four for portions, for three stars overall. Go for the setting, the terrace and a long, relaxed afternoon by the beach rather than for a gastronomic meal.
If you like the idea of eating by the water in this corner of Barceloneta, also see my review of Camping Mar, close by, and my list of where to eat in Barcelona.
Where is Julieta’s? Address and getting there
Address Julieta’s: Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19, 08039 Barcelona
Website Julieta’s: https://julietasbcn.com/
Instagram Julieta’s: https://www.instagram.com/julietasbcn/
The W Barcelona hotel, often called “the Vela” (the sail) because of its shape, stands at the southern end of Barceloneta beach, on land reclaimed from the sea at the mouth of the port. Barceloneta itself is the old fishermen’s neighbourhood, built in the 18th century between the port and the sea, with a long tradition of rice and fish dishes.
- Metro: the nearest station is Barceloneta (L4). From there it is a walk of around 20 to 25 minutes along the seafront.
- Bus: several city buses run along Passeig de Joan de Borbó towards the W Hotel area.
- Taxi: the easiest option from the centre.
- Walking: a stroll along the promenade from Barceloneta beach is a nice way to arrive.
Rice dishes: what to know before you order
- Rice is for lunch. Locals traditionally eat paella and other rice dishes at midday.
- Minimum of two people. Most restaurants cook rice to order for at least two diners.
- It takes time. A fresh paella usually needs around 20 to 30 minutes, so order a few starters.
- Arròs negre (black rice) gets its colour and flavour from squid ink and is often served with allioli.
- Socarrat is the crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan, for many the best part.
Tapas classics on the menu
If you are new to Spanish tapas, here are a few of the dishes mentioned above:
- Patatas bravas: fried potatoes with a spicy sauce and often allioli. Every bar in Barcelona has its own version.
- Croquetas: creamy béchamel croquettes, here with Jabugo ham or squid ink.
- Ensaladilla rusa: Russian salad with potato, tuna, vegetables and mayonnaise.
- Calamares a la andaluza: squid lightly floured and fried, Andalusian style.
- Santoña anchovies: cured anchovies from Cantabria, considered among the best in Spain.
Best time to visit
The beachfront is at its best from late spring to early autumn, when the terraces are full, and sunset in summer is especially popular. In winter the area is quieter, but Barcelona’s mild climate means sunny lunches by the sea are possible on many days. Check current hours and seasonal schedules before you go.
More photos
FAQ
What are the reviews of Restaurante Julieta’s like? My review is three stars overall: five for the beachfront location, two for the food. It is often searched as “Julietas Barcelona” or “opiniones de restaurante Julieta’s”.
Where is Julieta’s in Barcelona? At Passeig del Mare Nostrum 19, at the foot of the W Barcelona hotel, facing the beach in Barceloneta.
What is on the Julieta’s Barcelona menu? Paella and other rice dishes, tapas like croquettes and patatas bravas, grilled dishes, salads and homemade desserts.
Is there music? The restaurant has offered DJ sessions on weekend afternoons. Check their Instagram for current events.
Do I need a reservation? It is recommended, especially for weekend lunches in summer.
Is it a good place for sunset? Yes, its seafront location makes it a popular spot for evening drinks.
