Tortosa’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, deeply influenced by the region’s agricultural wealth and its proximity to both the sea and the mountains. Local dishes often feature rice, olive oil, and fresh seafood. One of the city’s signature dishes is “arrossejat,” a rice dish made with seafood and sometimes topped with alioli, a garlic mayonnaise. The city’s cuisine also celebrates “xató,” a Catalan salad made with endive, cod, anchovies, and a rich Romesco sauce.
Meat lovers can enjoy dishes like “coques de recapte,” a savory pastry topped with sausage, peppers, and other local ingredients. The Ebro Delta is famous for its rice, so you will find it in a variety of dishes, from seafood paellas to “arròs caldós” (brothy rice with meat or fish). Local olive oil, known for its high quality, is a staple in almost every dish.
Tortosa’s sweet tooth is satisfied with traditional desserts like “pastissets,” pastries filled with sweet pumpkin or almonds. The city is also known for its wine production, with several vineyards in the surrounding region offering local red and white wines that pair beautifully with the regional cuisine. Visitors can experience Tortosa’s flavors through its bustling food markets and at its many traditional restaurants and cafes.