A mold-breaking restaurant in the Barceloneta area
Talking about restaurants in Barceloneta usually leads us to think of tourist places, crowded terraces and menus focused on quick paellas. Maná 75 was born with the idea of changing that perception and offering a complete gastronomic experience, where rice is the protagonist, but not the only attraction.
The space surprises from the first visit. An open, bright, cheerful and colorful place, where decorative fabrics, sofas and round tables create a warm and informal atmosphere. The design is not casual: it combines feng shui philosophy with the essence of the classic seafood restaurant of a lifetime in Barceloneta.
The terrace as an urban oasis
If anything distinguishes Maná 75 it is its terrace. An urban garden a few meters from the sea, where the breeze moves the plants, the red umbrellas offer shade and soft music accompanies the moment. The wooden tables complete a cozy environment, ideal for long after-dinner meals, sunny Sundays or meetings with friends.
In a neighborhood where every corner seems to compete to attract tourists, this terrace has become a sought-after space for visitors and locals alike, something rare in Barceloneta.
Open kitchen and show cooking
Another of the restaurant’s great attractions is its bar with 19 stoves, the largest rice show cooking in Europe. Watching the paellas being cooked in front of you adds a spectacle component that reinforces the idea of a gastronomic experience.
The kitchen is open, which transmits transparency and dynamism. From there come not only rice dishes, but also fish from the fish market, meats and Mediterranean starters with a creative touch.
Rice as the protagonist
The menu features a dozen rice dishes prepared for a minimum of two people. From the classic seafood rice with crayfish and clams to proposals such as chicken and shrimp rice with asparagus or seasonal vegetable rice. There are also more sophisticated options such as lobster rice, which has become one of the public’s favorites.
But not everything revolves around rice. Dishes such as steamed mussels with citrus touches, sea bass ceviche or beef tenderloin with foie complete a Mediterranean menu that adapts to both those looking to share tapas and those who prefer a hearty main course.
A place for all audiences
The design of Maná 75 is based on large round tables that invite sharing, which makes it especially recommended for families, groups of friends or corporate celebrations. However, the space also allows a more intimate meal thanks to the amplitude between tables and the natural light that floods the place through its huge windows.
The proposal is inclusive: there are dishes suitable for celiacs, vegetarian options, children’s menu and facilities for large groups of up to 200 people, with the possibility of reserving the space exclusively.
Between tradition and modernity
Maná 75 is not just another paella restaurant in Barcelona. It is a place where tradition and modernity coexist. . The decoration is reminiscent of the traditional beach bars, but with a renewed and modern air. The menu recovers the essence of Mediterranean recipes, but with a careful presentation and contemporary touches.
Perhaps that is why it has earned a place among the locals themselves, in a neighborhood where many locals shy away from the tourist overcrowding. Visiting Maná 75 becomes a way to reconcile with Barceloneta.
The winery and wine pairing
The restaurant does not neglect the wine section. More than 50 national and international references are part of its wine cellar, designed to pair with rice dishes as well as with fish or meat. This bet reinforces its character as a gastronomic restaurant and not just a place for tourists.
Origin and philosophy
Maná 75 opened its doors in 2017, near the W Hotel, with the idea of offering a different space in Barceloneta. Behind the project is chef Sergi Escolà, with a background in haute cuisine and creative cooking. His previous career at El Casinet, in Coma-Ruga, endorses him, and now in the center of Barcelona he seeks to consolidate himself as a benchmark of good work.
The philosophy is clear: to create a place where eating well and enjoying the moment becomes a daily pleasure. It is not just about serving paellas, but about recovering the essence of gathering around the table, toasting and celebrating life.
Environment and characteristics
The atmosphere is original, modern and very trendy. The restaurant has live music on some occasions, offers after-dinner drinks and is pet-friendly, which reinforces its close character. It also has access for people with reduced mobility, an important point in a historic neighborhood like Barceloneta.
In short, Maná 75 combines everything you expect from a Mediterranean restaurant in Barcelona with a plus of authenticity and quality. A proposal that seeks to differentiate itself from the tourist clichés to become a reference for both visitors and locals.
