Another Yelper wrote that this restaurant is criminally underrated and I agree. Established in 1903, they've been cranking out seafood and paella for over 100 years, so they know what they're doing. This was one of the only restaurants we were able to book online reservations for, so no issues with seating. Menus had English, Spanish, and Catalan. We were able to order in English. I liked everything that we had: Paella with Seafood for two - I thought this was the best paella we had on the trip based on flavor, the cook of the rice (not too firm), and the cook of the seafood. Black rice with small beach cuttlefish for two - Served with a very garlicky aioli. Also very flavorful, half our group liked this version better. Cod puff-balls frittered - filled with ground cod - texture like a fried mashed potato ball with a really nice crispy/craggily exterior. Steamed mussels - perfectly cooked, only a few didn't open. Very tasty natural broth. Red Sangria - a very sweet version, but I liked it. Generous pitcher portion. Tiramisu - two cream and cake layers. I believe they use chocolate cake instead of ladyfingers. Crema Catalana - this is like a Crème Brûlée but thinner and with some citrus notes read more

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Paella ofcourse! What I got the paella ofcourse! The typical one to that.. as a tourist.. ha. This was the second paella I had in Barcelona, and I really liked it. Everything was seasoned very well and tasted very good. No complains. I also got the razor claims - this to me was very new and different (personally I didn't like it). The crema Catalana was very good! I had around 3 of these and this one to me was the best.. (I am not local to barcelona.. I am still surveying). Environment Located in an off street on the main popular street. I didn't have a reservation and luckily was able to get a seat just an hour before the closing. They sat me at the front door, so I was not able to see the space. But I think there is quite a number of seating available, and even upstairs. Niceness of the staff Since I was very near to the door and the bar area.. which means I was always in the eyesight of the waiters and host. Also maybe I was a tourist, I was always on their minds? They were friendly and I was able to get my orders in with no problem Dollar It was decent I suppose, it was 24.40 per person for the paella and then the clams were 17.50. The bread costs! Yes I would recommend to other tourist alike haha.. read more

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The dinner started out fine. My friend and I were looking forward to having a big paella dinner since we were celebrating both our birthdays, so we made the first reservation available and were the first party to the restaurant for the night. We were sat and able to order our seafood paella and some sides. They served us the first round of paella, but when we had finished, we noticed that all the surrounding tables were being served the rest of their paella. Like I mentioned before, we were the first party into the restaurant for the evening so it was very noticeable when other tables were being served other courses while our table was ignored. We brushed it off at first, and served ourselves the second serving. Then surrounding tables started being served dessert and coffee, all while our server had not been to our table since setting down our paella, even though we were very clearly finished with our meal. The dessert being served to other tables did look good, and we would have loved to celebrate our birthdays with a sweet treat, but unfortunately we were never acknowledged or offered anything else. Finally when other tables started getting their checks and leaving, all while we were still sitting there with our empty plates, we had to flag down another server just to get the check and leave. I have never experienced such unresponsive or inattentive service that was clearly targeted at only our table. Food was okay but was completely overshadowed by the embarrassment that came from being ignored while everyone else got served and to top it off, this was our most expensive meal on our entire stay in Barcelona. read more

Can Solé - Seafood Paella - Mediterranean Near Me - Barcelona, B

We're in the gothic corner of Barcelona near the marina. Quaint friendly restaurant was recommended, professional staff with English. We had reservations for a table for 5 We ordered paella with seafood for 3 and Chicken & sausage paella for 2 so we were set. Tasty garlic olives were served. I've never had Paella before. They cleared most of our table before it our feast was brought out, after a short wait 2 sizzling cast iron skillets covered our table they were a sight to see. Our seafood paella shrimp clams mussels skillet was skillfully served onto 3 plates by our waiter, he did the same for the girls chicken & sausage plates . Our lunches were fantastic unbelievable flavors.We all finished with smiles for our memorable lunch. The price was super for the food, setting, and service we experienced. We're now ready to catch our flight to Portugal Try Can Sole you won't be disappointed read more

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Magnificent! One of the best meals of the year! Criminally underrated on Yelp. 120 year old resturaunt. Mostly locals, but they were warm and inviting to tourists The best service, fairly bilingual, fresh linen, excellent wine, excellent coffee, the Paella is to die for, no tomatoes in this, boullabaise with a variety of seafood! All the seafood was awesome. Great ambience. I cant say enough good about this place. Try it. This is the Paella you need. This is authentic. This is real. read more

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Our starters arrived quickly consisting of a surprisingly hearty green salad (9.50€). For the price, I was expecting the classic iceberg, tomato, and cucumber affair but was treated to romaine, olives, tomatoes, shaved carrots, onion, and poached white asparagus spears instead. As with most European restaurants, the dressing of oil, vinegar, and salt follows a DIY approach. Then there was the simple grilled asparagus (12.50€), just cooked through with a sprinkle of salt. It's not fussy, it's done right. But it was the glistening plate of Iberico jamon (25.50€) that elicited ohhs and ahhs across the table. Shaved carefully and thinly, the ham was wonderfully sweet and "clean" tasting compared to Canadian counterparts. Our server suggested we get an order of the tomato bread (2.50€ per two slices) to go with it: thick pieces of well toasted (some a bit over done) country bread accompanied with raw garlic cloves and halved tomatoes to rub and smash to your heart's content. The rice in the seafood paella (21.50€ per portion; two portions pictured below) were plump and well seasoned adorned with a generous portion of mussels, clams, calamari, bay scallops, and two shrimp and two langoustines. For my standards, I found the seafood a smidge overdone, yet Can Solé was already better than other restaurants. Their black seafood rice (21.50€ per portion; two portions pictured below) had a depth of flavour that brought the paella to another level and was a favourite around the table - if you're only having one paella, I highly recommend ordering the black version. Both rice dishes weren't overly salty but had tons of flavours; since it wasn't over seasoned, the seafood flavours could shine through. read more

One of the first times I've tried white wine sangria, but was very good! Paella was flavorful, but definitely on the saltier side. Located a little ways off from a more touristy area of Barcelona, but overall the food was worth the price & good service! Waiters were very friendly & checked up on us throughout the meal. read more

Can Solé - Seafood paella - Mediterranean Near Me - Barcelona, B

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While walking around in Barcelona we ran into this place and had lunch there. There was only one other customer having lunch. The service was great and the food was excellent. They took care of our gluten-free needs and chatted with us especially since the place was empty. The only reason why I didn't give 5 stars is that my wife got sick afterward. She had the ox tail which she said was delicious. She is convinced it was the oxtail that caused it even if it would be difficult to prove. My dish, shrimp, was great and I did not have any issues. read more

The mussels were amazing. The place was pretty busy only 20 minutes after opening. We did not have a reservation however we're seated right away. I can't wait to come back, my favorite restaurant in Barcelona! read more

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It's been 20 years since I've been In Spain. And I couldn't ask a better restaurant to end my trip. This place was hiding Off the Main Street and down a small alley. You know this place is good, when look at the walls and see photographs of past celebrities and patrons. This restaurant is small with enough space for about 7 tables. For our first course we had mixed salad, calamari and croquettes filled with ham, cheese and liver. The portions were just enough to comfortably feed a table of 6. And for our main course we had paella mixto for 6. This dish is huge!! The flavor of the paella was terrific and the amount of seafood in the dish was just right. Unfortunately we weren't able to finish it all, but this place definitely had the best paella I have had on this trip. In addition to the food, the staff was nothing short of amazing. They were kind, funny and really made feel like we were Barcelona locals. Our server capped off the night with a couple of shots of Spanish Brandy called Orujo de hierbas. It was terrific and if we kept on drinking at the pace they fed us shots, I would be fluent in Spanish in no time. There is no other way to say this but, I totally recommend this place to any tourist visiting Barcelona. I will definitely come back here next year for another delicious meal. read more

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Made reservations a month ago. It was supposed to of been a special night out for my wife and I, we got dresses up, took a cab there, walked about only to fine the paced was closed, no note, no email, no nothing. My wife with high heals walking about only to find street food in the area, it was a great disappointment and we will very much warn any future patrons to stay away. So Can Sole FU! read more

Great little place with an Italian flavor and Ambiance. Great for lunch while walking the gothic quarter read more

KenScale: 8.0/10 If there is such thing as a classic institution in Barcelona when it comes to food, Can Sole probably fits the bill. Established in 1903, it has been serving fresh classic Catalan seafood and beloved by tourists and locals alike. Located at a somewhat obscure corner of Barceloneta nearby the coast, the restaurant displays photos of all the famous luminaries that passed by. In a way, the restaurant could look like a tourist trap, but the lunch I had here was anything but. My biggest goal at Can Sole was to taste paella (which I hadn't yet tasted during my trip to Spain), but I also heard positive things about seafood in general from a friend who recently dined here. I ordered red prawns and baby squids, both sautéed, and really loved the freshness of the ingredient. The flavor was also evenly balanced such that it didn't kill the texture of either seafood either. Paella with seafood was also outstanding. I wish there was more seafood on top of the rice, but otherwise the flavor was aromatic without being heavy or overly salty, and the texture of rice was also spot-on. Not surprisingly, my dining companion and I quickly devoured the big large pan for a party of two in short amount of time. For desserts, classic Catalan dishes like crèma catalane custard with caramelized topping (think crème brulee) and liquor-glazed cake are the safe bets. Can Sole feels and smells classic all over the place. I heard a lot of English around the dining room, which tells that this has become a tourist destination in Barcelona. There is a huge wine list that you can always choose from. Getting a reservation wasn't particularly difficult, and the dining room seemed to be on the quieter side on a Saturday lunch. Can Sole is the type of places you would want to visit while you are in Barcelona if you're looking for classic Catalan seafood. It is one of those places that you can't go wrong with. read more

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Since we only had one lunch in Barcelona, I knew that I had to find the perfect place for us to have all that Barcelona has to offer. A lot of research both online and in guidebooks led me to Can Sole, which was one of the restaurants open on a Sunday. Can Sole was established in 1903 and has been serving paella and seafood for over 113 years. We, of course, had to have the paella! Throw in some jamón ibérico (ham from the Black Iberian pig) and pan con tomate (tomato paste bread) and it was one of the best meals of our trip! The paella was so big it didn't even fit into a single shot! It was jam-packed with squid, octopus, mussels, clams, and shrimp. Between the three of us, we finished more than 3/4ths of it, which I think is an accomplishment. Service was attentive and we felt like we had one of the best meals during our entire trip here! My mom, who's never had Spanish food before, ate more paella than both of us combined! read more

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This was the absolute best meal we had in Barcelona. Everything from the food to the service was impeccable. The squid dish was the best squid I've ever had, and the seafood paella was delicious. They also gave a complimentary dessert because it was my birthday. The ambiance is nice as well and the walls are covered with pictures of notable people who have eaten at the restaurant. 10/10 would be back. read more

We were recently on a family vacation in Spain and had reservations at Can Sole. We were really looking forward to it, but unfortunately were unable to make it as I suffered an injury on the way to the restaurant and had to be taken to the hospital. Contacting the restaurant was the absolutely the last thing on my mind. The restaurant called my phone and spoke to my daughter berating her for not contacting them and for making it difficult for them to seat other parties. Even when she explained the situation, the gentleman (I use that term loosely) was rude to her and told her she should have called. This was a highly emotional time for us and my daughter was very upset. This added conflict was completely unnecessary and disappointing. Even if sympathy was too much to ask for, there should have been some level of professionalism. We were charged 70 Euro for the no show which we fully expected. We did not expect this behavior. read more

Following friend's recommendation, we reserved a dinner table for two and ordered a dried paella with sea urchin and scallops. An absolute pleasure, Can Solé did bomba rice a justice. Butterly but not over seasoning. It reminds me of my mum's cook! We definitely would recommend the paella. read more

Can Solé - Mediterranean Near Me - Barcelona, B

This was my favorite lunch in Barcelona. We ordered the tomato bread, cod fritters, sautéed red prawns and paella. For dessert, we ordered the Praline. Food was very fresh and so delicious. The star of the show was definitely the sautéed red prawns. I thought about them the whole day after lunch! Nice, savory flavor. Everything tasted homemade. I really loved it and our waiter, Toni, was very kind to us. read more

The welcome was a young fellow with no smile and my husband wanted to walk right out. But the other older guy was so nice and spoke almost no english , but was so welcoming. We had Paella that's hat they were know for, the bottom didn't have that crust that good Paella has. But flavor was good. read more

A party of 3, we arrived at 21:15, just as the tourists were finishing their meals. Food was unremarkable. We had squid ink arroz and merluza and while the fish was reasonably good, the rice was dry and the mariscos over cooked. Up to this point, I'd give it a 3 to 4 stars, but what spoiled it was the poor service. Clearly, by 23:00 they wanted us out and started clearing the plates while one of us was still eating. I know, Americans think that's good service, but in any educated society this is considered rude. read more

We don't get Italian often, mostly because I don't like paying for things We can make at home. Pesto Gnocchi- solid Wife dug the scallops and angle hair. Makes a solid Aperol Spritz Avocado lemon pizza left something to be desired... more lemon flavor and salt. Now the luggage room's avocado lemon pizza... that's got some flavor! Everyone was pleased with the food and service. Music selection was the best thing there. Solid swing era music that wasn't your typical cliche Louie Prima on loop. Plenty of Ella, Sanatra, Basie and the cats. Might go back if I'm in the area read more

Very good paella. A little uncomfortably quiet in the restaurant. But it was a really great meal. We tried paella a few times in Barcelona and this was by far our favorite. Very close to Barceloneta Beach. Slightly pricey but worth it. read more

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DO Not go here. Food is mediocre and expensive and the staff are soooo rude. Pretty sure they treated us terribly because we were Americans. After the worst service I've received in All over Spain they had the nerve to ask for a 35% tip, what a joke!!!!!!! read more

First time having paella in Spain. It was kinda shocking how big it was! It didn't have that crusty bottom we dreamed of, but it did have really nice flavours. It was even tastier with the garlic alioli (not aioli). read more

Can Solé - Mediterranean Near Me - Barcelona, B

This place is truly a gastronomical landmark in Barcelona! When you walk in a see the who's who that have dined here for over a hundred years it sparks the curiosity. Once the drinks and the food come out you will know why. Can Sole' takes dining to the level of an experience, beyond which you say it was a good meal, but instead after dining you think life is beautiful. A meal and an experience. The service was great, very kid friendly even with my lil guy who's deep in the throes of the terrible twos. The food was traditional Catalan seafood impeccably done in an open kitchen within eyes sight. I had the Fisherman Stew which was one of the most amazingly pure & simple ways I've ever eaten fish. The Paella rice was amazing with the texture of the "bomba " rice highlighting the dish. If you've never had a Brut Cava Sangria I highly recommend it. read more

Had the mandatory paella and it was awful. Seriously awful. We ordered the dry seafood version and it came out like a soup. Super salty. Stay away if you just come for the paella. The waiter is terrific at least the one working the second floor. Sucks for the folks sitting downstairs. read more

Menu in several languages Good bar and wine selections great wine by the glass. Mostly locals Owner visiting tables Attentive service Tuna with tomatoes with onions quite nice and flavorful Cuttlefish and sole fresh with tomatoes and onions and olives cooked down. Rich and thick sauce great flavor Prawns with mild garlic butter and mild herbs. Best in Barcelona. Excellent succulent Family place with lots of locals Overall great meal Bathrooms are clean read more

Solid 4 stars. We enjoyed our grilled red prawns for an appetizer. Paella was very good but could be better. Excellent service and very friendly staff. read more

I had the pleasure of dining here on a business trip. The local Catalans couldn't wait to take us here for the seafood and gastro experience. The food was fresh and the service was very good, they even spoke enough English to make the Americans feel welcome and part of their small family. I highly suggest skipping the pier restaurants and make this your destination in Barceloneta! read more

Not sure what was worse the food or service! Paella was worse we had in Barcelona. Potato croquettes were tasteless. Tuna clearly not fresh.the service was disinterested as best bordering on surly. That place was less than half full. We were the last table, when the prior group left, they began shutting lights. It was only 11 pm in Barcelona I would avoid read more

We arrived at the start of dinner service, and were treated to some of the best food and service we've had since arriving in Spain, two weeks ago. The wait staff was personable and very outgoing. The chef even came out to our table to chat about Catalunya! We ordered a traditional paella for 2 and an order of butifarra sausages, and split it among 3 people. The food was absolutely amazing! For dessert we had their homemade praline ice cream, crema catalana and tocinillo, each of which were amazing. I would definitely recommend Solé to anyone coming to Barcelona. The restaurant is clean, the food is good and the staff is great, too! read more

My husband and I came to this restaurant on the basis of numerous reviews stating it was great paella. Unfortunately, I was severely disappointed. The rice wasn't very flavorful, and it didn't have that crisp bottom that I love. I wouldn't bother returning. read more

this was one of our favorite places in Barcelona. located a little bit off the beaten path in barceloneta, the decor is old school; i feel like i'm in a catalan version of the Godfather set. the dishes are classic, and we thoroughly enjoyed the squid ink paella. the significant other felt it was the best paella in town; i thought it was a close second to Kaiku (which had a more homecooked feel to their squid ink paella). loaded with flavor and the rice was perfectly cooked. we liked it so much we ended up going twice on our 4 night stay. read more

Paella was bland and seafood was not fresh (had noticeably "fishy" taste). Steak was grey and had no flavor either--it looked (and probably tasted) exactly like the Waffle House steak that Anthony Bourdain ate on his show. Overpriced as well. We had to wait over 30 minutes just for the check after we told them we were done and they had taken our plates (and then had to ask for the check again and still waited another 10 minutes). They weren't openly rude to our faces but actively ignored us. We got the impression that they did not care much for foreigners. One of the worst experiences we have ever had at a restaurant, anywhere. read more

Very disappointing. My other half and I went looking for a good paella place while staying in Barcelona and settled on Can Sole. Never have I had paella so bland, it might as well have come out of a bag from the freezer. The place itself was clean and nice, and servers very attentive, but the food sucked. read more

Not nearly worth the price. This is a tourist trap. There are great restaurants all over the city that are better and 1/4 the price. The food is decent, but it's roughly the same food that you get from any other decent restaurant in Barcalona. (heard the couple next to us complaining) Everyone in the entire restaurant was a tourist. There are clearly many who would advise you to go here (you'll notice many of the reviews state they read an advert from a hotel, blogger, etc), but there's something fishy about those recommendations. My advice: go somewhere else, get better food, save €100! read more

By far the best meal I've had in Barcelona! It's a tiny place located in Barceloneta, and the waiters speak a little English so that definitely helps. We asked our waiter for his recommendation--to start we had the chipirones with asparagus and the fried artichokes with foie gras. Our main course was caldoso negro sepionet (bomba rice, squid ink, baby squid, in a thick broth). I don't think I've ever had anything so delicious! It's a bit pricey but worth every euro. read more

Epitome of a tourist trap. Unfriendly, indifferent and curt service. Vastly overpriced with average food. Unfortunate that restaurants like this are recommended in the anglophone press and blogosphere when there are so many better options. read more

We stumbled upon Can Solé while looking for a restaurant in Barceloneta and could not have been happier with the find! We received great / friendly service and even though we were there late waiting for the rest of our party they didn't seem to mind. The food was delicious and ranges from tapas such as pan con tomate, Andalusian squid and soups to Mediterranean fish varieties and traditional Spanish rice and noodle dishes. There is also an extensive wine selection. While prices are a bit high, the experience is well worth it for some delicious seafood and wonderful service in one of the best neighborhoods in all of Barcelona! read more

I have been to this restaurant multiple times for some of the best meals I have ever had anywhere. The owner prides himself on using the freshest local seafood and creates wonderful both standard (paella) and novel (platters and stews and amazing tapas) meals. Every item is carefully prepared and lovingly served. Superb wines to accompany each item. Should not be missed on any trip to Catalonia!! read more