Founded in the early 1960s on the beach of Barceloneta by the Costa family, Casa Costa, known to everyone as “El Deporte” was one of the classic seaside eateries that once lined the city’s shoreline.
It quickly became a truly iconic place, serving top-quality dishes made with fresh ingredients and preserving the essence of traditional seafood cooking. Over the years, it left a lasting mark on generations of Barcelonans, becoming a symbol of the neighborhood’s authentic spirit and maritime culinary heritage.
In 1979, the same family created Cal Pinxo, a restaurant that preserves the essence and expertise of their first family business.
From its very beginnings, it became a meeting point for locals and summer visitors alike, offering fresh dishes and traditional recipes that can still be enjoyed today in the iconic Palau de Mar.
In 2003, the family opened Cal Pinxo at Palau de Mar, bringing all the tradition and flavour of Barceloneta into this new space.
Since then, it has remained a meeting point where the family recipes and essence are preserved, accompanying us for decades and across more than five generations of the Rivera-Costa family.
They are often compared to “Los Albertos”, but without the trench coats—and with a very different kind of capital: hospitality management. There are not two, but three of them, and their wives bear no resemblance to the Koplowitz sisters; they are known as “the girls” and were in charge of the kitchens at Cal Pinxo, Merendero de la Mari, and Cal Pinxo Sitges.
Three strongholds of traditional seafood cuisine, with touches of elegance in their décor and a refined, warm approach to hospitality. The Mari family saga has always been driven by a clear purpose: to showcase the quality of their cuisine and the character of their establishments.
“We want our restaurant to be online, but above all, in the frontline,” jokes Manresa, playing with words, aware along with the rest of the family, that “people think there is nothing here, right on the seafront, which forces us to fight to bring the area back from neglect. We would love to have not just one, but seven excellent restaurants around us again, so this part of Barceloneta can regain the energy it once had.”
Palabras del periódico “El Mundo” de 1997.
Founder of the former seaside eatery known as “Casa Costa”, which later evolved into the beachfront restaurant in Barceloneta, Cal Pinxo.
Together with María Vellvé Costa, he ran the seaside eatery “Casa Costa”, which later became the beachfront restaurant in Barceloneta, Cal Pinxo.
Known as the three daughters of Mari; Mari Carmen, Rosa Mari and María Eugenia Rivera, they grew up within the family restaurant tradition. During the 1980s, they worked in the restaurant alongside their parents and husbands, helping to carry forward the family legacy.
He was the one who carried the full weight of the old beach bar. He also acted as a “tiet” (uncle figure) to the younger Josemari and María Eugenia, becoming a key presence of support and guidance within the family.
Waiter at Cal Pinxo in 1991, known for his exceptional communication skills and multilingual abilities. He spoke French, English, Italian, German, and Catalan, making him a key figure in serving the restaurant’s increasingly international clientele.
Guitarist who would often pass in front of the restaurant, becoming part of the everyday landscape of the place. Over time, however, he disappeared and was no longer seen before the closure of several restaurants along the Barceloneta coastline.
