La Vela Blanca is a beachfront chiringuito on the Costa Brava coast in Empuriabrava. It sits on Carrer de la Rubina with direct sea views, rooftop seating, and a setup that works as a full restaurant or a lazy beach day with sunbeds and umbrellas.
Our Empuriabrava beach club guide covers it alongside the best places to stay nearby.
The vibe is casual and relaxed. Groups and tourists dominate, but families are genuinely welcome, with a kids' area and full wheelchair access including the restroom. Live music and performances are a regular feature.
Prices sit at €€, with an average spend of around €20-30 per person. Price comes up more than anything else in guest reviews, which suggests it's a point of friction for some. Reservations are accepted, which is worth doing if you want a good table. Free parking is plentiful nearby, both in the lot and on the street.
Rated 3.7 from 266 reviews. Just over half give it five stars, but roughly one in five leaves one star, so it divides opinion. Service and atmosphere score best in detailed ratings. One guest described it as "comfortable and relaxed, with very kind and friendly service." Food gets slightly lower marks.
Our picks for a night in Empuriabrava:
- Canalside stay in EmpuriabravaHotel Caravelle
- Best-rated hotel on the beach stripHotel Spa Terraza
- Marina-view rooms near the clubsHotel Duran
- Good-value option near RosesHotel Montecarlo Roses
Food & Drinks at La Vela Blanca
Tapas are the focus of the menu. The food is well suited to the beach setting: sharing plates, salads and light dishes that pair easily with a cold drink.
Cocktails are popular, and mojitos in particular get called out by guests. There's a happy hour covering both food and drinks, which makes afternoon visits good value. Wine, beer and spirits are all available, and you can eat at the bar or order at the table with full service.
The food score lags slightly behind service and atmosphere in guest ratings, so the setting and drinks are as much the draw as the kitchen.
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