Where To Eat & Drink In Cambrils, Spain: 11 Best Cambrils Restaurants
Despite being a relatively small beach resort, Cambrils boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary heritage. From a plethora of restaurants and tapas bars, there's something to cater to every palate. Food is not just a part of your Cambrils trip, it's a journey in itself. So, if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Cambrils, I’ve got you covered with the most exciting places to eat.
No matter which part of Spain you’re visiting, one word crosses all regions and boundaries - tapas. It’s a culinary tradition synonymous with Spanish cuisine: a plethora of delicacies served on small but laden plates, brought in succession until the table top is swallowed under a sea of bite-sized morsels.
The most significant difference in Cambrils? The busy fish market on the harbour.
Unlike other Spanish foodie cities, like Ronda or Seville, seafood is brought in daily by dedicated local fishermen and sold at the market in Cambrils. The freshest options make their way straight to the local eateries, a testament to their quality, thus ensuring that seafood is very much at the heart of this region’s cuisine.
And it’s only fitting that every tapas order in Cambrils should centre around, or certainly feature, locally caught seafood - whether anchovies in vinegar or salty sardines, grilled octopus, or calamari rings.
Paired with thin slices of marbled Iberian ham, paprika heavy chorizo, juicy green olives, or crispy croquettes. And washed down, of course, with a glass of local wine.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of incredible restaurants in Cambrils where you can taste tapas and other excellent Catalan dishes, ranging from traditional tavernas to Michelin starred upscale eateries.
All of which makes sense, because Cambrils, as my tour guide explained, is considered the gastronomic capital of the golden coast.
The best restaurants in Cambrils
Whether you’re looking for a restaurant amongst the pretty plazas of town or along the seafront promenade, you’ll find an abundance of fantastic restaurants, bars, cafes, and tavernas and you’re never far from somewhere excellent to eat. Here are my favourite dining spots in Cambrils.
La Selva Street Food
Address: Carrer de les Barques, Cambrils
This eatery was my introduction to the foodie scene in Cambrils, and boy, was it a surprise. The decor in La Selva is far from classic Spanish - but it is eye-catching. Inside is quirky; a giant lion looks regal, jungle leaves adorn the walls, and a line of exotic monkeys stands proud behind the bar, poised for cocktail orders. Somewhere amongst the menagerie, an anime fighter explodes from the wall, and dishes of sumo wrestlers fly past leaving my group wondering what’s to come.
At the bar, the ever-busy staff lay out goblets, tiki jugs, and coconuts, filling them with Aperols and other colourful cocktails. We choose something playful and fruity, delivered in a monkey-shaped jug, smoking, and the server insists on setting the table on fire before we’re allowed to drink.
It’s a world away from traditional Spanish tapas.
Instead, the menu is a fusion of worldwide flavours meets Iberia, with a safari twist. And whilst the food was unexpected (partly because the menu was full of flavours I’ve never tried), it is oh-so-delicious. The prawn ceviche is cold and yummy. The calamari, too, is flavoursome and fresh. Next, the beef gua bao buns arrive, sitting inside sumo wrestler bellies (yes, really), and they are decidedly moreish.
There are nods to traditional tapas, though usually with a twist, like their take on patatas bravas; big bowls of crispy potatoes laden with various delicious creamy sauces and aiolis I wish I could replicate at home.
Inside fills quickly, and as soon as the doors opened for dinner service, the small eatery was packed (I’d recommend booking a table), with people spilling out onto the few tables outside and the atmosphere buzzing.
La Selva Street Food is a must-visit in Cambrils, whether for food or the dizzying array of funky cocktails.
Read reviews here.
El Pòsit
Address: Carrer de Mossèn, Cambrils
A succession of fish dishes, boards of razor-thin Iberian ham, and steaming paella pans weave through the restaurant, drifting delicious and fragrant smells skyward. Outside, the chatter of patrons and clinking of wine glasses fill the outdoor terrace with joyful laughter whilst tucking into seafood-sharing platters.
Thankfully, the food in El Pòsit is equally matched with the atmosphere; honestly, this is easily one of the best Cambrils restaurants in town.
My first experience of this renowned eatery was in the port in Tarragona, a dinner of incredible food and good vibes that left a lasting impression. Visiting their seaside restaurant in Cambrils was an easy choice for dinner and a taste of what Costa Daurada cuisine has to offer.
For the best experience, I recommend a combination of small plates and larger dishes to share. The menu is extensive, and the real struggle is choosing between its many delights. The fried anchovies, crispy calamari, Iberian ham, cod fritters, roasted pork ribs, and bowls of the area's famous seafood paellas and stews are, however, the real winners.
While there are some non-meat options on the Mediterranean-inspired menu, at its heart, this is a classic seafood restaurant. Located close to the fish market, you’re guaranteed local produce and the freshest of the day's catch. It's a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Read reviews here.
Degustació Daniel Salinas
Address: Carrer Pescadors, Cambrils
For a casual place to eat in Cambrils, like an afternoon snack or aperitif, head to Daniel Salinas in the centre of town. . A former butcher, nowadays, this charming shop falls somewhere between a deli, charcuterie specialist, and light tapas bar, serving up platters of Spanish delicacies like freshly cut cheeses and meats like chorizo and acorn-fed Iberian ham.
Close to the beach, this is the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat or drink, where you can sit and watch the world go by. Perch on a tall table and order delicious charcuterie plates alongside glasses of refreshing, chilled vermut (a Catalan vermouth) from nearby Reus.
El Tamboret
Address: Carrer de les Barques, Cambrils
A glimpse through the crowd around the door offers an inviting glow, and El Tamboret exudes the buzzy atmosphere of a rustic and relaxed Spanish tapas joint.
Although menu options are limited, it is one of the best evening spots in Cambrils and the perfect place to sample seriously good pates, meats, and cheeses. Arrive hungry and expect big plates of fondue, rillettes, speciality Iberian cuts, and spreads, all served with freshly baked chunky bread.
Even if you’re not eating, it’s a popular place with a younger crew who (much like their city-based sister bar) head here for beers and chats till the early hours.
Read reviews here.
Antonio Sirvent
Address: Carrer del Consolat de Mar, Cambrils
Ok, so strictly speaking, this isn’t a Cambrils restaurant and probably shouldn’t be on this list! But trust me, you can’t come to Cambrils without sampling the ice cream in Antonio Sirvent. The crema catalana flavour is mindbogglingly delicious, though there are dozens of other flavours to choose from - each rich, creamy, and refreshingly cold. It’s a summer day must-visit or a sweet treat after lunch.
More Cambrils restaurants
I didn’t have the opportunity to eat in every restaurant (sadly!) But the options below are at the top of my list of places to eat next time:
Restaurante L'Indret
Address: Carrer Josep Iglesias, Cambrils
Sitting alongside Cambrils promenade, just a stone's throw from the beach, Restaurant L'Indret is a waterfront restaurant with a very pretty outdoor terrace where you can sit and watch the waves.
The unique menu offers innovative tapas and sharing plates, such as caramelised puff pastry toast with anchovy and sweet veal and marrow croquette with truffle mayo. The speciality, however, is carpaccio and tartar sharers and the most delicious-sounding egg and potato dishes, generally served with something drool-inducing like truffle, candied veg, and chipotle. As you can imagine, it is high on my list of places to eat.
Read reviews here.
Instint Restaurant
Address: Carrer de Pau Casals, Cambrils
This modern Cambrils restaurant has made a name for itself with atmospheric decor and opulent Mediterranean dishes: plates of confit artichokes, cod carpaccio with orange vinaigrette, and anchovies with tomato emulsion hint at an elevated, contemporary tapas menu. There’s a focus here on high-quality ingredients at Instinct, and it shows.
Despite the hint of ‘fine dining’ on the menu and stylish plates, prices are reasonable for the setting; tapas range from €8 to €14 and a main course around €25.
Read reviews here.
Can Bosch
Address: Rambla de Jaume I, Cambrils
If you’re looking for a treat, Michelin-starred Can Bosch is one of the town’s best fine-dining eateries. This elegant restaurant opened its doors in 1969, and its focus on seasonal ingredients and quality seafood from the local market remains today. Choose from a lobster menu (price varies), a multi-course tasting menu for €105, or a traditional menu for €65 with wine.
Or, if you’re looking for a Michelin-starred option with a little more flair, then check out nearby Rincón de Diego.
Read reviews here.
Xiringuito Restaurant Del Mar
Address: Passeig Marítim, Cambrils
If you’re seeking lunch by the beach, this Cambrils eatery is the perfect spot. This xiringuito reminded me of the similar beach front shacks in Malaga; rustic and casual places to eat with shaded terraces and gorgeous sea views. As you’d expect from Del Mar’s Mediterranean outlook, the menu focuses on seafood with dishes like paella, prawns, sardines and mussels. Stop for a cold beer and plate of fried anchovies. Yum!
Read reviews here.
Miramar
Address: Passeig de Miramar, Cambrils
Another elegant Cambrils restaurant, Miramar is recommended by Michelin, and as such, the food is some of the best in town. Run by the third generation of the same family in the town centre, tuck into paella, seafood croquettes, langoustines, and oysters. Book a table on the terrace for dinner; situated on the seafront, the outdoor patio with its panoramic harbour views is spectacular.
Read reviews here.
ROCE
Address: Carrer de Sant Pere, Cambrils
Alternatively, paella-lovers should check out ROCE. A similarly beautiful restaurant with a focus on rice dishes; expect classic fillings like clams and shrimps, and more unusual options like candied artichokes.
Read the reviews here.
Al Punt
Address: Carrer Pescadors, Cambrils
This little wood-panelled restaurant is a Cambrils classic. It serves no-frills, delicious, locally caught seafood and is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. There’s an outdoor terrace, beachy interior, and an impressive list of local wines from the nearby mountain vineyards.
Read reviews here.
Food Tours In Cambrils
Although it’s easy to enjoy the cuisine and foodie scene in Cambrils on your own, if you’re seeking a culinary adventure, check out these boat trips. Enjoy a day sailing on the calm blue waters of the Mediterranean while tucking into local vermut, cava, and BBQ fish.
I visited Cambrils as a guest of Jet2 and Costa Daurada Tourism Board, however, all views are my own. Posts on this site may contain affiliate links that help support my business in creating content. If you purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information.
If you’ve found this guide helpful, you can buy me a ‘virtual’ mug of Earl Grey here.
