Catalan $$$

Feb 26
1 min read

Updated: May 5

Catalan Mediterranean Restaurant, offers a vibrant dining experience that blends traditional Mediterranean flavors with modern culinary techniques. Specializing in Spanish tapas, fresh seafood, and savory meats, Catalan provides a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for casual meals or special occasions.

The menu is extensive. I ordered the mixta paella. A combination of meat and seafood paella. It was absolutely delicious and enough for tomorrow’s dinner. My wife had the wild salmon with saffron aïoli, also a huge piece of fish with plenty left over for another meal. As a starter, I had a burrata caprese salad, consisting of a big ball of burrata, atop a salad consisting of pickled beets, nuts, celery, roasted chickpeas, and other ingredients that I couldn’t identify. There’s probably enough for four people, but certainly two people, and it’s delish.

The restaurant is a standalone building with plenty of parking. It has a Mediterranean/Spanish feel, with booths, tables, and an indoor patio with a fountain in the center. Our server, Abby, was charming, knowledgeable, and a pleasure. The new owner stopped by to offer his greetings. Since it was my birthday, he offered a complementary dessert, a caramel custard, along with a hearty Happy Birthday performed by his son-in-law, a professional singer.

Catalan is a gem in Rancho Mirage. It offers a large menu featuring unique Mediterranean and Spanish dishes I have not seen available elsewhere.