The Spanish restaurant in Lunigiana, 35 minutes from La Spezia
El Caracol, Mulazzo: family-run Spanish cuisine since 1977 — paella, Polpo alla Gallega, catalana.
El Caracol is a Spanish-Lunigiana restaurant in Mulazzo, 35 minutes by car from La Spezia. Founded in 1977 by Antonio Novoa from Galicia, it offers Paella Valenciana (€16), Polpo alla Gallega (€13), Catalana di Gamberoni (€20), Tagliata, pizzas and desserts. 4.6★ on Google with over 600 reviews.
Family-run Spanish cuisine, without going all the way to Barcelona
Spanish cooking can't be improvised. Antonio Novoa was born and raised in Galicia: when he opened El Caracol in 1977 he brought with him his family's recipes — Paella Valenciana, Polpo alla Gallega, Crema Catalana, sangria. Today his children and grandchildren carry on the same table, with the continuity of almost fifty years in the trade. For those living in or passing through La Spezia, Sarzana, the Cinque Terre or the Tuscan coast, we are the only Spanish restaurant in Lunigiana.
The iconic Spanish dishes on our menu
Alongside the paella (our signature dish), the menu always features:
Polpo alla Gallega — €13
Antonio's Galician tradition, with potatoes and sweet paprika.
Catalana di Gamberoni — €20
Steamed king prawns with fruit and pinzimonio vegetables.
Crema Catalana — €5
The classic Spanish dessert to end the meal.
Sangria and Spanish wines
Wine list featuring Rioja and other Spanish reds.
How to reach us from La Spezia
Mulazzo is in the heart of Lunigiana, in the province of Massa-Carrara. La Spezia is 35 minutes away via motorway (Aulla exit). Free on-site parking. We're at Via Pineta 3: couples and families can also stay in one of our 8 hotel rooms.
Book your Spanish evening
Open Wednesday–Sunday for lunch and dinner, Monday dinner only. Booking recommended at weekends.