L'Estartit sits on the Costa Brava coast facing the Illes Medes (Medes Islands) — a protected marine reserve that makes it one of the best spots for diving and snorkelling on the entire Mediterranean coast. The town itself is a classic Spanish seaside resort: a long sandy beach, a promenade lined with restaurants, and a lively summer atmosphere.

Finding good food in a tourist-heavy seaside town is always a gamble. For every gem, there are ten places serving microwaved paella to unsuspecting visitors. Restaurant Camelot, thankfully, falls into the gem category.

The Setting

Tucked slightly back from the main seafront strip, Camelot has the feel of a neighbourhood restaurant that happens to be near the beach rather than a tourist trap designed to catch passers-by. The interior is warm and unpretentious, and in summer the terrace is the place to be.

The Food

The menu covers solid Catalan and Mediterranean ground — fresh fish, grilled meats, rice dishes, and well-executed starters. What sets it apart from the seafront competition is the quality of the ingredients and the care in the cooking. The fish is genuinely fresh (not frozen-and-thawed like many beachfront restaurants), the rice dishes are made to order rather than batch-cooked, and the sauces taste homemade because they are.

The arros caldos (soupy rice) was particularly good — rich with seafood stock and loaded with prawns, mussels, and clams. It's the kind of dish that reminds you why you came to the Mediterranean in the first place.

Worth the Detour

If you're visiting L'Estartit for the beaches or a boat trip to the Medes Islands, Camelot is a reliable choice for lunch or dinner. It won't break the bank, the quality is consistent, and it has that reassuring buzz of a place where locals and visitors mix naturally.