Vicus Restaurant

After living in Dublin for a number of years, Elisabet Figuerola and her partner Gerard Geli decided to move back to their native Empordà to open a restaurant focusing on a modern take on traditional Catalan cuisine – and in the summer of 2011, Vicus was born. Head chef Damià Rafecas cooks up creative dishes like rack of lamb with vanilla, cabbage and parmesan and fillet of venison with pumpkin tatin, but if there’s one must-try item on Vicus’ menu it’s the restaurant’s locally grown rice-based dishes like the arròs de botifarra negra i bolets de temporada (rice with black pudding and wild mushrooms).

Located in the former premises of the emblematic Can Barris restaurant (now transferred to the town of Campllong), Vicus creates signature cuisine based on traditional Catalan recipes and using seasonal products. Its speciality are rice dishes created using locally grown grains from the paddies of nearby Pals. As well as à la carte, you can choose between the lunchtime set menu, the rice menu or the tasting menu.

Incluido en la Guía Michelin, este restaurante en Pals es otro de los más recomendados si quieres disfrutar de una experiencia única en la que los sabores, la innovación y el producto de calidad son los grandes protagonistas. Muy recomendable toda la carta aunque tenemos que hacer especial mención a los arroces, que están exquisitos y como entrante las navajas en escabeche y el tartar de ternera. Los precios de los entrantes rondan los 12-15 euros y los platos principales, como el arroz, 21,50 euros, unos precios que no son excesivos si tenemos en cuenta la relación calidad-precio.

Cuando Damià, Eli y Gerard dejaron sus trabajos y montaron Vicus, hace ya 12 años, no sabían aún que su restaurante (llevaba cerrado 30 años hasta que lo adquirieron), enclavado en medio de Pals, se convertiría en lugar de peregrinación para los amantes de la buena comida. Hoy, este pequeño templo gastronómico, que pone especial cariño en la elaboración de platos con productos de proximidad, incluye siempre en la carta dos arroces que van variando según la temporada. Triunfan su arroz negro con chipirones frescos a la plancha y una suave base de alioli de pera y el.

Dive into the flavours of contemporary Catalonia as the husband-wife restauranteurs, Elisabet Figuerola and Gerard Geli, along with head chef Damià Rafecas, sing the simple praises of the seasons. Of particular note are the rice dishes, made with locally cultivated grains grown right in Pals. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, offering good value and quality.

This charming restaurant offers a gastronomic journey that showcases the best of traditional Catalan cuisine. From succulent grilled meats to fresh seafood and vegetarian options, Vicus has something for everyone. The menu is carefully curated to feature locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Opened in 2010 by owners Damià, Elisabet and Gerard, Vicus is a restaurant located in the small village of Pals. Lauded for its inventive take on classic dishes, it’s without a doubt one of the best restaurants on the Costa Brava. The space itself is contemporary and sophisticated, mirroring what comes out of the kitchen.

Si estás recorriendo la famosa calle Enginyer Algarra en Pals, no dudes en visitar «Vicus Restaurant». Este lugar es muy recomendado por la Guía Michelín gracias a la relación precio-calidad que ofrece en cada platillo. La cocina de este establecimiento presenta un menú muy variado con lo mejor de la región.

06/10/2025: Este restaurante es una auténtica joya con un menú innovador, un servicio excelente, un ambiente encantador y, lo más importante, una comida exquisita. Hemos ido ya en 5 o 6 ocasiones y nunca nos ha decepcionado. Los postres son tan buenos que ahora siempre pedimos 3 para compartir entre 2.

Vicus- An incredible restaurant making the most out of local and carefully selected ingredients to produce simply delicious regional cuisine. The presentation of the food is superb and when combined with the best local wines you are assured a dining experience not just a meal.

Vicus:A real Catalonian experience with many ingredients local to the area. They serve Catalan dishes with an innovative twist, and we recommend sharing the plates so you can try everything!. The price per person is around 50-70 €.

Did you know the wetlands around the medieval village of Pals are where a particular rice grain is grown?. It’s the best rice for Costa Brava rice casseroles. And Vicus is a great place to experience its flavor and fragrance.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that it is on the rather plain main road into the town, rather than in the old centre. The meals here are among the best we have had in the Costa Brava.