Merendero de La Mari
Merendero de La Mari
Merendero de La Mari is a five-generation Barceloneta family restaurant now housed in the ground floor of Palau de Mar at Port Vell. Jordi and Guillermo Ribera run a cocina marinera focused on pescados, mariscos, and arroces, with 'Rape a la Mari' as the restaurant's named signature dish.
Background
About Merendero de La Mari
The Story
Merendero de La Mari is the current chapter of a Barceloneta restaurant family that spans five generations. The lineage began with L'Esport, one of the first merenderos feeding beachgoers in la Barceloneta, and continued through Can Costa, built in the 1940s with a permit from the Comandancia de Marina and frequented by visitors including John Wayne and Burt Lancaster, and Casa Costa, which opened in 1959 when the seafront was remodelled. Mari, the third-generation matriarch, founded Cal Pinxo with her husband and then opened El Merendero de la Mari at Platja de Sant Miquel in 1988. Ahead of the 1992 Olympics the restaurant moved to its current home in Palau de Mar at Port Vell.
The Cuisine
The kitchen follows a cocina marinera approach focused on pescados, mariscos, and arroces drawn from the market, with 'Rape a la Mari' named on the restaurant's own website as its signature dish.
The Team
Today the restaurant is run by Jordi and Guillermo Ribera, the fifth generation of the Ribera family, continuing the Mediterranean, market-led direction set by their mother Rosa Mari Ribera.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Merendero de La Mari Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Diner Ratings
4.1
2,056 reviews
Yelp
3.7
43 reviews
Diners rate it 4.1/5 on Google (2,056 reviews) and 3.7/5 on Yelp (43 reviews).
Been to Merendero de La Mari? Share your experience with the community.
Reservations
How to Book Merendero de La Mari
Booking
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily. Book online through the Covermanager widget linked from the official website, or reach the team by phone or WhatsApp. Advance booking is sensible for the terrace in spring and summer.
Experience
Merendero de La Mari Dining Experience
The harborside terrace at Merendero de La Mari faces the Port Vell marina from the ground floor of Palau de Mar, with nautical decor inside and a large outdoor seating area that is especially pleasant in spring. The setting accommodates groups and leans upscale while remaining informal.
Navigate
Merendero de La Mari Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Merendero de La Mari occupies Palau de Mar on Plaça de Pau Vila, the 19th-century former port warehouse at the edge of Port Vell and La Barceloneta. The dining room and elegant terrace face the marina, with paid parking available nearby at Telpark.
Nearby
La Barceloneta is Barcelona's historic waterfront neighborhood, born from the city's maritime traditions and fishing heritage. Today it blends authentic local character with tourism, offering narrow streets, seafood restaurants, and direct beach access. The area maintains a distinctly Catalan working-class identity while serving as a gateway to the Mediterranean.
Details
Merendero de La Mari Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:30–23:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:30–23:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:30–23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:30–23:00 |
| Friday | 12:30–23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:30–23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:30–23:00 |
Merendero de La Mari hours verified 2026-04-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended. Online bookings via Covermanager, by phone (+34 932 213 141 or +34 679 355 450), or WhatsApp (+34 679 355 450).
Good to Know
Social
From merenderodelamari on Instagram
Questions
Merendero de La Mari FAQ
How much does a meal cost at Merendero de La Mari in Barcelona?
+
Merendero de La Mari operates at under €25 per person, making Mediterranean seafood and paella accessible without premium pricing. The restaurant maintains a single price level despite offering quality Mediterranean cuisine in the waterfront La Barceloneta neighborhood.
Where exactly is Merendero de La Mari located in La Barceloneta?
+
The restaurant occupies the ground floor of Palau de Mar at Plaça de Pau Vila, 1, on the edge of Port Vell and La Barceloneta. Barceloneta (L4) metro is a one-minute walk, and paid parking is available nearby at Telpark.
What type of seafood and paella does Merendero de La Mari serve?
+
The kitchen describes itself as a cocina marinera specialising in pescados, mariscos, and arroces, with 'Rape a la Mari' (monkfish a la Mari) named as the signature dish on the restaurant's own website. Starters lean on classics such as esqueixada de bacalao, scallop ceviche, and Cantabrian anchovies.
Do I need reservations at Merendero de La Mari or can I walk in?
+
Reservations are recommended rather than strictly required. Book online through the Covermanager widget on merenderodelamari.com, by phone on +34 932 213 141, or by WhatsApp on +34 932 213 141. The terrace fills quickly in spring and summer, so advance booking is sensible.
Does Merendero de La Mari have waterfront terrace seating?
+
Yes, the restaurant features a harborside terrace that provides waterfront views and enhances the Mediterranean dining experience. The nautical decor creates an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere, with the seaside setting being especially appealing during spring months.
What are the opening hours at Merendero de La Mari?
+
Merendero de La Mari operates daily from 12:30–23:00, serving both lunch and dinner throughout the week. The consistent schedule offers flexibility for both spontaneous visits and planned dining occasions.