Seafood and Mediterranean Cuisine: A Journey of Flavors from the Sea to the Table

Seafood as a Pillar of Mediterranean Cuisine

Nutritional Value of Fresh Seafood

Seafood is one of the great treasures of Mediterranean cuisine—not only for its flavor and versatility, but also for its valuable nutritional properties.

Rich in high-quality proteins, it provides essential amino acids required for vital bodily functions. Moreover, its low fat content (between 0.5% and 2%) makes it an ideal ally for balanced diets and weight-loss plans.

It contains essential minerals like iodine, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium—key for nervous system function, bone formation and cardiovascular health.

When it comes to vitamins, seafood is especially rich in B12, crucial for the nervous system; vitamin A, for vision and immune health; and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. It’s also a source of polyunsaturated fats and omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation and balance cholesterol levels.

Mediterranean Tradition and Seafood: An Essential Combination

From the Italian coast to the Catalan shoreline, seafood has always been present on Mediterranean tables.
Mussels, oysters, clams, prawns, cuttlefish and squid are part of time-honored dishes passed down through generations.

At Velissima, we honor this heritage with recipes that celebrate the integrity of the product and the culinary tradition that defines us.

How to Choose Fresh, High-Quality Seafood

Keys to Identifying a Good Product at the Market

Freshness is everything. Good seafood should smell like clean ocean, have firm texture, bright colors, and—when it comes to bivalves—tightly closed shells with no visible cracks.

Crustaceans such as shrimps, langoustines or praws should have taut shells without black spots, and cephalopods like octopus or squid should show elastic, translucent flesh.

Seafood Seasonality: When to Enjoy Each Variety

Although many types of seafood are available year-round, enjoying them in their natural season ensures peak freshness, better flavor and a more sustainable approach.

Each species reaches its prime when sea conditions support optimal reproduction and growth.

• Red Lobster: Best enjoyed in spring and early summer, especially April, May and June.
• Goose Barnacles: Intense in flavor and meaty in texture, peak between April and September.
• Brown Crab and Spider Crab: Return in full swing in autumn, post-closed season, and are highly prized from October to December.
• Langoustines and Prawns: Most abundant and flavorful during the warmer months, from May to July.
• Mussels, Oysters and Octopus: Available most of the year, but especially excellent from winter to spring.
• Razor Clams, Clams and Cockles: Found year-round, but at their finest in colder months.
• Blue Crab and Lobster: Most common during autumn and winter.

Choosing seasonal seafood supports responsible fishing, reduces environmental impact and helps sustain coastal economies.
Plus, it means better flavor, nutrition and price.

Seafood and Wine Pairings: Perfect Combinations

White, Sparkling and Rosé Wines That Enhance Flavor

Seafood, with its delicate flavor and broad textural range, shines brightest when paired with wines that complement rather than overpower.
On Velissima’s wine list, you’ll find Italian whites like Mora y Memo Vermentino, Cutizzi Greco di Tufo and Villa Matilde Campostellato Falanghina—all with fresh, mineral and fruity profiles that pair beautifully with steamed, grilled or raw seafood.

For Pinot Grigio lovers, standout options include San Marco, Cesari delle Venezie or the refined Vie di Romans—perfect to enhance the maritime character of the seafood without masking it. We also recommend Sharis Livio Felluga, a Chardonnay–Ribolla Gialla blend with great balance and elegance.

Italian rosés, with their refreshing acidity and red fruit notes, are ideal for more flavorful or slightly spicy dishes.
At Velissima, you’ll find several premium labels that pair wonderfully with baked seafood, citrus accents or light sauces.

Tips from Experts to Enjoy Seafood with Elegance

When serving raw or chilled seafood — such as carpaccios or freshly prepared seafood platters — it is recommended to use cold serving dishes to preserve their texture and flavor.
Additionally, respecting proper cooking times to avoid toughening the flesh and avoiding overly invasive sauces are key to letting the product shine.

Wine temperature also plays a crucial role: between 6°C and 10°C for whites and sparkling wines, perfect for pairing with seafood in a balanced, refreshing way.
At Velissima, our team pays attention to every detail to ensure perfect harmony between plate and glass.

Traditional Mediterranean Seafood Preparations

From Italian Pasta Dishes to Catalan Suquet

The Mediterranean coast has shaped one of the world’s most celebrated cuisines, where seafood takes center stage.
At Velissima, we celebrate this richness with specialties that blend Italian tradition and top-quality ingredients.

Our handmade pasta dishes include Linguine & Aragosta, made with red lobster and Piennolo tomatoes, and Mezzi Paccheri al Sapore di Mare, featuring prawns, clams, mussels, scallops and fresh basil.

Beyond our menu, seafood also stars in many classic coastal dishes, such as the Catalan suquet de peix—a rustic fishermen’s stew with langoustines, clams, shrimps, monkfish or squid, slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful broth.

Simple Dishes That Let the Ingredients Shine

Sometimes, simplicity is the secret. The freshest seafood needs little more than a careful cooking time or a subtle dressing.
On our menu, this philosophy is reflected in dishes like Normandy Oysters Nº2, grilled XXL Fresh Langoustines and Mediterranean Red Lobster cooked over potatoes and confit onions.

A special mention goes to our Mediterranean Red Shrimp Carpaccio, served with fennel, melon and dill mayo—a dish that fully honors the ingredient’s natural excellence.

The Art of Enjoying Seafood at Velissima With All the Senses

Presentation, Aroma and Texture: What You Feel Beyond Sight

At Velissima, dining is a multisensory experience. The crack of a grilled prawn shell, the salty aroma that precedes the bite, the natural shine of a freshly opened oyster, the careful plating and juicy texture: every dish is designed to stir emotion from sight to palate.

Eating Seafood as a Complete Gastronomic Experience

Enjoying seafood is more than a meal: it’s a Mediterranean ritual. The sea breeze, the warmth of a sunset, music that complements without intruding and attentive service that understands the power of detail, all combine to make every evening unforgettable.

Conclusion: Why Seafood Remains the Soul of the Mediterranean Table

Seafood has stood the test of time as a pillar of the Mediterranean diet thanks to its flavor, benefits and incredible versatility.

At Velissima, we honor this living heritage every day with dishes that respect tradition and elevate every bite into a culinary experience.
Because the Mediterranean begins in the sea… and lives in every creation we serve.