What to eat in Perpignan: Catalan flavours, markets and favourite dishes

If you missed the news, here it is: we now fly direct from Dublin to Perpignan, in its sun-baked corner of southern France. That means it’s never been easier to soak up the flavours of French Catalonia, a place where lunch stretches long into the afternoon and local ingredients are ripened by long sunny days.

We’ve already introduced you to the coastlines, castles and countryside that surround Perpignan. This time, we’re digging into the local food culture, from mountain fare to coastal dishes, busy food markets to vineyard tours; basically, all the flavours that make Perpignan worth flying for. So whether you’re booking a last-minute summer getaway in Perpignan or dreaming of an epic autumn trip filled with gorgeous food and wine, here’s your insider’s guide to the local food scene.

Discover the flavours of Perpignan

Perpignan: a region shaped by its borders

Perpignan is located just 30 kilometres from the Spanish border and its food traditions have been shaped by that unique blend of heritage. Catalan roots run deep in this region, something that can be seen in the local language and festivals, but also in the local cuisine. Expect olive oil instead of butter, garlic and anchovy paste in place of cream or mustard, and paprika-spiced meats alongside dishes that feel reminiscent of paella.

The city of Perpignan acts as a gateway to a wider region that stretches from the high Pyrenees down to the Vermillion Coast on the southern Mediterranean. Take a short drive inland and you’ll reach the foothills of Canigou; here you’ll sample hearty dishes like ollada (a pork and cabbage stew) and trinxat (mashed potatoes with cabbage and bacon), the staple food of the local mountain communities.

Head eastwards to the coast and you’ll encounter seafood: grilled sardines, suquet de peix (a tomato-based fish stew), and mussels steamed in white wine and herbs. Hungry yet? Book your direct flight from Dublin to Perpignan.

Perpignan’s history has informed its food scene

What to eat in Perpignan (and where to find it)

Perpignan’s rich and distinctive Catalan cuisine is reason enough to book your flight to this fascinating destination. You’ll begin to notice some of the traditional dishes as you explore the city: everything from boles de picolat (slow-cooked meatballs in olive and anchovy sauce) to cargolade, a summer favourite of snails grilled over vine shoots. For dessert, try pa d’ous, a sweet Catalan-style French toast.

If you’re wondering where to start your food adventure, try Perpignan’s charming old town. Just behind Place de la Loge, you’ll find La Casa Sansa, a well-loved spot known for its old-school tiled dining room, loyal customers and no-frills approach to the classics, including slow-cooked boles de picolat, hearty vegetable stews, and simple grilled meats.

For something more elegant, La Galinette is an essential stop on your food tour of Perpignan. Head chef Christophe Comes grows much of his own produce on the outskirts of town and lets the seasons influence his menu. On your first visit you could find line-caught fish with wild fennel; on the next, a garden-inspired starter that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat. It’s Michelin-starred, but not stuffy or formal.

Le Figuier has a relaxed vibe and offers courtyard dining under leafy trees, the right kind of space for long, chatty lunches and a glass of local wine. For a more modern small plates experience, drop by Via del Vi: its knowledgeable team and Catalan/French menu have made this a super trendy food destination. It’s also a great place to sample Roussillon’s vibrant natural wine scene, with new bottles on the menu every week.

Taste your way through the streets of Perpignan

Food markets worth exploring

Perpignan’s fantastic open-air stalls are piled high with fruit, sun-dried tomatoes, local cheeses, wild herbs, and crusty loaves from the region’s bakeries.

Marché de la République is one of the local favourites; it’s perfect for picking up picnic ingredients or just browsing what’s in season. Les Halles Vauban, the city’s covered market, would equip you with the makings of a Catalan-inspired feast. Look out for Catalan charcuterie, anchovy paste, olives stuffed with garlic and cheeses from the surrounding mountains.

An easy picnic idea: pick up a slice of tomme de chèvre des Pyrénées or a local brebis (sheep’s cheese), a bag of fresh cherries or figs and a bottle of chilled rosé or cider from a market, then head to the Parc Sant-Vicens, a peaceful green space on the edge of the old town for a laid-back picnic.

Fresh produce at a local market

Raise a glass to the local wines

Better-known neighbours (like Languedoc and Provence) once overshadowed Perpignan’s nearby Roussillon wine region, but it’s currently having a moment. And the city, right at the heart of the region, is a brilliant base for exploring the area’s excellent grape varieties.

For something full-bodied and hearty, try a Côtes du Roussillon Villages red; it’s often made with grenache and syrah and works with grilled meats or strong cheeses. If you’re dining on fish or shellfish, go for a white from the nearby Collioure region: crisp, floral and full of coastal flavour. The local fortified wines, Maury and Banyuls, are rich and complex, ideal for sipping with dessert or strong blue cheese.

Vineyards like Domaine de la Rectorie, Famille Lafage and Clos des Fées are all within a reasonable drive from Perpignan, offering tastings and tours in gorgeous settings.

Admire the vines of Roussillon

Beyond the city: foodie day trips

If you’re staying beyond the weekend, you could consider venturing further away from Perpignan. The village of Thuir (home to the famous Byrrh apéritif) offers great cellar tours and delicious rustic lunches. Collioure, a postcard-perfect harbour town, is the anchovy capital of France; book a tasting at Les Anchois Roque, then wander the old streets in search of fresh seafood.

Further inland, you’ll find Castelnou, a hilltop village with medieval charm and some surprisingly good restaurants. Read our article on day trips from Perpignan for more on Castelnou and Collioure.

The charming waterfront of Collioure

Pack your bags and work up an appetite

It’s an exciting time for Perpignan’s incredible food scene. And with our direct flights from Dublin, we’re bringing you closer to some unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning a summer escape or an early autumn getaway, this corner of French Catalonia is ready to win you over, one meal at a time. Book your Dublin to Perpignan flight today!