Coming to Girona for the first time is exciting. The old town, the cathedral, the river views — and the food. Catalan cuisine is some of the best in Spain. But finding the real deal requires knowing a few things.
Here is what every first-time visitor should know before booking a table:
**Not all high-rated restaurants are good**
This is the most important lesson. Google and TripAdvisor ratings in Girona are heavily skewed by tourist traffic. A restaurant with 4.7 stars can serve frozen food if its location and decor impress the right people.
**The best restaurants do not need to advertise**
In Girona, the restaurants that rely on word-of-mouth from locals are usually the ones worth finding. If a place is constantly running ads or paying for influencer posts, ask yourself why.
**Price is not a reliable signal**
Expensive does not mean good. Some of the priciest meals in Girona are at venues that charge for the view, not the plate. And some of the best value is at humble spots that focus entirely on the food.
**Cyclists have different needs**
If you are in Girona for a cycling trip, your restaurant choices matter even more. Heavy, poorly cooked meals can ruin your recovery. Knowing where to get clean, well-prepared food is part of the training.
Girona is a fantastic food city. But like any popular destination, it rewards those who do their research.
Get the full guide — written by a local who has done the research for you →