The house signature
Paella Valenciana
€16King prawns, squid, calamari, mussels, clams, shrimp, green beans, peas and peppers.
The family dish · since 1977
Our paella, in Lunigiana since 1977
The recipe Antonio Novoa brought from Galicia when he opened El Caracol, refined over three generations into the dish that defines us. 35 minutes from La Spezia.
Looking for paella in Lunigiana? El Caracol in Mulazzo (35 minutes from La Spezia) has been making its own family paella since 1977, following the recipe Antonio Novoa brought from Galicia. Three versions — Valenciana, Mista and squid-ink Mulata — made to order, naturally gluten-free, for a minimum of two people.
A family story
From Galicia to Mulazzo, a recipe handed down
Antonio Novoa arrived from Galicia and in 1977, together with Elsa Giannardi, opened El Caracol in Mulazzo. In his suitcase was his paella: a personal recipe of sea and patience that immediately became the heart of the house.
Today his son Gianmarco and Federica prepare it, and his grandchildren bring it to the table: the second and third generation of the same family. It is the dish we are proudest of: it tells where we come from, honours the work of those before us, and carries the welcome we want every guest to find up here. Over 60% of our Google reviews mention it by name.
From the menu
The three versions
Today's menu prices and ingredients. Every paella is made to order, for a minimum of two people.
The house signature
Paella Mista
€18Surf and turf: king prawns, squid, calamari, mussels, clams, shrimp, chicken, pork, green beans, peas and peppers.
Paella Mulata
€16With squid ink: squid, calamari, shrimp, clams, courgettes, baby artichokes, green beans, peas and peppers.
Prices per person, minimum two people. Contains crustaceans, molluscs and fish: please tell us about any allergies when booking.
How we make it
Made to order, the family way
Cooked fresh, in its own time
Every paella starts when you order it: the rice cooks in its broth with fish, seafood and vegetables. The wait is part of the dish.
The sea in the rice
King prawns, squid, calamari, mussels and clams: the generous topping our guests have known us for, for decades.
Naturally gluten-free
Rice contains no gluten, and neither does our paella. If you have special requirements, let us know when you book.
Made to be shared
It is prepared for a minimum of two people and arrives at the centre of the table: a dish to enjoy together.
We have made it this way for almost fifty years, with the care of a family that has served it for three generations.
Studio Aperto MAG · Italia 1
Our paella, featured on national TV
In 2026 Italia 1 dedicated a feature to El Caracol and its paella: the story of the Novoa family, the terrace over Mulazzo and the dish that has brought Spain to Lunigiana for almost fifty years.
In their words
They choose us for the paella
4.6 stars on Google with over 600 reviews. These are from guests who came especially for it.
“We came for the paella — absolutely outstanding, well worth driving an hour for. Knowledgeable and welcoming staff. Long live this little corner of Spain in Lunigiana.”
Alessandro F.
“We came all the way from Milan specifically to try their paella and I have to say it is genuinely good and generous. A lovely restaurant with welcoming and attentive staff. Highly recommended, well worth the trip.”
Stefano S.
“We stayed at this hotel for 3 nights. Excellent welcome in a family atmosphere. Spotlessly clean room. We dined here every evening of our stay and can say we ate a spectacular paella.”
Maria R.
The paella up close
See it for yourself
Frequently asked questions
Everything about our paella
How much does the paella cost?
Paella Valenciana and Mulata cost €16 per person, Paella Mista €18. All are prepared for a minimum of two people. The full menu is always up to date online.
Do I need to book for the paella?
We recommend it, especially at weekends: the paella is made to order and terrace tables go fast. Message us on WhatsApp or call 0187 439707.
Is the paella gluten-free?
Yes: rice is naturally gluten-free and our paella contains none. It does contain crustaceans, molluscs and fish — please tell us about any allergies when booking.
What kind of paella is yours?
It is our family recipe: Antonio Novoa brought it from Galicia when he opened El Caracol in 1977, and we have passed it down ever since. Today we prepare it in three versions: Valenciana, Mista and squid-ink Mulata.
When is the paella available?
At lunch and dinner, every day the restaurant is open. Up-to-date hours are on the Find us page.
How far are you from La Spezia?
About 35 minutes by car, just off the A15 motorway. Many guests drive from La Spezia, Parma and the Cinque Terre just for the paella — and parking is free.
The table is ready. The paella is coming.
Book with a message: we confirm availability and time the same day.
Coming from far away? Our rooms are right above the restaurant: discover the hotel