If you live in Girona, you'll know that the summer heat can be relentless. Temperatures regularly hit 35–40°C and the city becomes an oven trapped between hills. Our escape? Head to the coast. And when you're looking for somewhere to eat near L'Escala, it pays to explore beyond the obvious tourist traps.

Klova i Kava is one of those places you'd never find unless someone told you about it. Tucked away on the road between Viladamat and L'Escala, it doesn't look like much from the outside. But step in and you're greeted by a warm, modern space run as a cooperative — an increasingly popular model in Catalonia where the staff collectively own and run the business.

The Menu

The lunch menu is an absolute steal at €25 per person. We visited on a weekday and the place was buzzing with locals — always a good sign. The chef and owner clearly takes pride in blending Catalan tradition with international influences.

Starters included a fresh mango and chicken salad that was light, zingy, and perfect for a summer afternoon. The flavours were clean and well-balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness from the ripe mango.

For mains, the star of the show was the Korean-style pork ribs — sticky, tender, and packed with flavour. It's not what you'd expect from a small restaurant on a Catalan country road, but that's exactly what makes it special. The ribs were slow-cooked to perfection with a glaze that hit all the right notes of sweet, salty, and umami.

The Verdict

For three of us, including wine, the total came to around €120. That's remarkable value for food of this quality. The service was relaxed and friendly, the kind of place where you feel welcome from the moment you walk in.

If you're in the L'Escala area and want something beyond the standard seafood-and-paella offering, Klova i Kava is well worth the detour. Just don't tell too many people — we'd like to keep getting a table.