Cheriff
Cheriff
Cheriff is a Barceloneta seafood and paella institution founded in 1959 by Pedro Ruiperez, a fishmonger nicknamed Cheriff for his love of Western films. Now part of Iborra Restaurants, the interior was redesigned in 2019 by Mesura Architecture Studio with terrazzo floors, navy accents, and warm wood.
Background
About Cheriff
The Story
Cheriff was founded in 1959 by Pedro Ruiperez, a fishmonger from Murcia who ran a seafood stall at Barcelona's Moll de la Planxeta dock. Locals nicknamed him Cheriff because of his jovial personality and his habit of wearing a sombrero and gun holster inspired by American Western films. His daughter Nini (Maria de los Angeles) took over the kitchen in the 1980s and ran it until 2016. That year, the Iborra Restaurants group (Eduardo Iborra and family) acquired the restaurant and in 2019 commissioned Mesura Architecture Studio to completely redesign the interior while preserving the maritime heritage.
The Cuisine
The Iborra Restaurants kitchen team serves Mediterranean seafood cuisine following Nini's original recipes. Signature dishes include Paella del Cheriff with Galician clams and espardenyes, peeled seafood paella, red lobster paella, arroz negro with cuttlefish, fideuà, and arroz caldoso. Seafood tapas include gambas croquettes, steamed mussels, clams a la marinera, fried calamari, and gambas al ajillo. Rice dishes for minimum 2 people. Around 50 EUR per person without drinks.
The Team
Cheriff is part of Iborra Restaurants, run by Eduardo Iborra and his family (Teddy, Benji, and Alexia), who also operate Elche Restaurant. The kitchen team follows the original recipes established by Nini during her decades running the kitchen. Google reviewers give it 4.2/5 from 1,082 reviews.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Cheriff Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Seafood, paella, rice, Barceloneta, maritime, Mesura design
Diner Ratings
4.2
1,082 reviews
TripAdvisor
3.7
675 reviews
Professional recognition includes Macarfi food 7.0/10. Diners rate it 4.2/5 on Google (1,082 reviews) and 3.7/5 on TripAdvisor (675 reviews).
Been to Cheriff? Share your experience with the community.
Reservations
How to Book Cheriff
Booking
Reservations strongly recommended, especially for paella which requires minimum 2 diners and often advance notice. Book by phone at +34 933 196 984 or email at cheriff@iborrarestaurants.es. Also available on OpenTable. Paellas and rice dishes must be ordered for minimum 2 people.
Experience
Cheriff Dining Experience
A Barceloneta seafood institution redesigned in 2019 by Mesura Architecture Studio with cast-in-situ terrazzo floors, navy blue accents, warm wood wall and ceiling panels, recycled brass fittings, and curved arches dividing dining areas. White tablecloths and elegant maritime design create a sophisticated but warm atmosphere. Terrace seating available. The design blends the restaurant's fishermen-district roots with contemporary elegance.
Navigate
Cheriff Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Carrer de Ginebra in the heart of La Barceloneta, Barcelona's historic fishermen's district near the port. The restaurant sits close to the Moll de la Planxeta harbour where founder Pedro Ruiperez originally ran his seafood stall. The interior was completely redesigned in 2019 by award-winning Mesura Architecture Studio.
Nearby
La Barceloneta is Barcelona's historic fishermen's district, a grid of narrow streets between the port and the beach. Carrer de Ginebra is one of the neighbourhood's main restaurant streets, known for its concentration of seafood restaurants and tapas bars. The area retains its maritime character despite increasing tourism.
Nearby Restaurants
La Estrella 1924
Catalan
Catalan cuisine rooted in tradition, where generations of family heritage.
The Green Spot
Vegetarian
Vegetarian restaurant near the Born with seasonal plant-based menus, from Grupo Tragaluz.
Oaxaca
Mexican
Authentic Oaxacan Mexican cuisine by chef Joan Bagur near the Born quarter.
Cadaques
Mediterranean Seafood
Wood-fired rice and Emporda cuisine by Sagardi Group in the Porxos d'En Xifre.
Details
Cheriff Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:00–16:00 & 19:00–23:00 |
| Tuesday | 13:00–16:00 & 19:00–23:00 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–16:00 & 19:00–23:00 |
| Thursday | 13:00–16:00 & 19:00–23:00 |
| Friday | 13:00–16:00 & 19:00–23:00 |
| Saturday | 13:00–23:00 |
| Sunday | 13:00–23:00 |
Cheriff hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From cheriff_restaurant on Instagram
Questions
Cheriff FAQ
What makes Cheriff's paella special?
+
Cheriff's signature Paella del Cheriff features Galician clams and espardenyes, following original recipes from Nini who ran the kitchen from the 1980s to 2016. All paellas and rice dishes require a minimum of 2 people and often need advance notice when booking.
What seafood dishes does Cheriff offer besides paella?
+
Cheriff specializes in Mediterranean seafood with dishes like arroz negro with cuttlefish, fideuà, gambas al ajillo, prawn croquettes, steamed mussels, clams a la marinera, and fried calamari. They also serve peeled seafood paella and red lobster paella.
How was Cheriff redesigned by Mesura?
+
Mesura Architecture Studio completely redesigned Cheriff's interior in 2019 with cast-in-situ terrazzo floors, navy blue accents, warm wood wall and ceiling panels, recycled brass fittings, and curved arches dividing dining areas.
Is Cheriff located in Barceloneta neighborhood?
+
Yes, Cheriff is located at Carrer de Ginebra, 15 in La Barceloneta. It's a 3-minute walk from Barceloneta metro station (L4).
What do reviews say about Cheriff?
+
Google reviewers give it 4.2/5 from 1,082 reviews, while rates it 3.7/5 from 675 reviews.
What's the story behind the name Cheriff?
+
The restaurant was founded in 1959 by Pedro Ruiperez, a fishmonger from Murcia who ran a seafood stall at Barcelona's Moll de la Planxeta dock. Locals nicknamed him Cheriff because of his jovial personality and his habit of wearing a sombrero and gun holster inspired by American Western films.