The Guide to Barcelona continues with a big one ! I’ve got three more posts headed your way, starting with one of the most important parts of the city–the FOOD. Last week I covered the Best Healthy Restaurants in Barcelona, but now we’re going to get down to the really good stuff, like the tapas. The food here is pretty unreal. After 4 months of living in Spain we’ve only experienced one bad meal. Everything else has been a place I’d recommend or return to.
The food here can be very indulgent. We have so many guests coming that I try to cook at home most of weekdays and save those great meals out for when friends and family are in town. Here are the best meals we’ve had in Barcelona, divided by Spanish food/tapas, drink spots and brunch, because what else could you possibly need?
Best Tapas / Spanish Food in Barcelona
Cerveceria Catalana: We bring almost all our visitors here and it never disappoints. The wait time tends to be around 90 minutes (no matter how early we get there), but it’s worth it. There’s a separate list for inside and outside so put your name on both and grab whatever table is ready first. The price is always shockingly inexpensive.
La Flauta: If we aren’t taking guests to Cerveceria Catalana, we’re probably taking them here instead. Another amazing tapas meal every single time. Again, it’s a long wait but worth it.
Paco Meralgo: An excellent tapas place that actually takes reservations. If you don’t have time to wait around, make a rezzie here and enjoy.
La Pepita: Feel like a local at La Pepita in the Gracia neighborhood. It’s a small bustling restaurant with an inventive menu, including a variety of “la pepitas” sandwiches. If there’s a wait (and their usually is), grab a drink at their sister restaurant La Cava two doors down.
Bar Mut: If you’re feeling adventurous, just tell the waiter what kind of things you like and don’t like and they’ll do all the work. Super good food and one of the best desserts I’ve had in a while, french toast bread pudding.
La Singular: This tiny restaurant only has about 10 tables, so you’ll definitely want a reservation. Everything we ordered was incredible. My favorite dish was the sweet potato gnocchi.
El Nacional: This spot houses a bunch of restaurants, kind of like Eately (minus the grocery store aspect). If you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for, browse around all the restaurants and pick whatever hits you.
Entrepanes Diaz: Another tiny restaurant that will make you feel like a local. The cozy set up feels like it’s out of Paris, but the food is straight from Spain and so good. Hopefully you’ll get Jorge as your waiter because he’s the best.
Vivant: This cute restaurant in Eixample gets points for decor, amazing food and friendly service.
BarraVas: You might not expect much when you walk into this Gracia spot, but the food is excellent and inexpensive. Definitely feels like a local hang. Call ahead for reservations.
La Paradeta: The concept here is fun and simple. Walk up to the seafood counter, pick out the specific items you want, the quantity and if you want it grilled or fried. That’s it! They’ll call your number out when you’re food is read. Simple but fresh and delicious.
L’Antic Forn: I suggest going here simply for the calcots. Calcots are a seasonal vegetable, typically available late November through March. They’re like giant grilled spring onions and they are incredible. You’ll dip them in a romesco sauce and eat them by the bundle. If you happen to be in Barcelona during calcot season, you must order them.
Bar Pinotxo & Bar Central: These are two options within La Boqueria market (found on Las Ramblas). The market is a huge tourist attraction but the food at these two stands are really good and authentic.
Las Fritas: Not a restaurant, but worth noting because they serve up the best damn fries around. They come out super hot with your choice of sauce. Stop by near the beach or while wandering through the Gothic Quarter. You won’t be disappointed. And if you are, I’ll finish your fries.
Sweet potato gnocchi at La Singular
Calcots before grilling
Best Brunches in Barcelona
Granja Petibo: Delicious breakfast in a cozy setting, what more could you ask for?
Brunch & Cake: Also noted on my Best Healthy Restaurants but putting it here too because it’s so fun and tasty.
Mama’s Cafe: Again, another one from the Best Healthy Restaurants list. A great brunch stop in Gracia.
Alsur Cafe: Interesting menu full of things like carrot cake pancakes and waffle sandwiches.
Best Spot to Grab a Drink in Barcelona
The great news is, basically anywhere you grab a glass of wine or a beer it’s going to be super cheap (typically 2-4 euros a glass). Cocktails will run you closer to 10 euros.
Bobby Gin: Go here for the drinks! They have food too but I haven’t tried it so I can’t yet recommend it. But let’s chat about the drinks. Gin tonics are a hugely popular drink in Spain (and yes, they call it gin tonic, not gin & tonic). I despise g&t’s and you’d never see me ordering one at a bar. But I tried one here and it was so delicious, it’s not like what you’re thinking. There’s a huge menu featuring different varieties of gin tonics. If you’re a gin tonic hater like myself, you’ll probably still enjoy one here.
Xampanyera: This whole in the wall place is worth stopping at. It’s known for it’s cava and you’ll see pretty much every table in the restaurant with a bottle on their table (10 euros a giant bottle!). The food was quite good as well and is perfect for an afternoon pick me up.
Mirablou: Go here for best views of the city. Have a drink while overlooking the whole city. They also have food but I haven’t tried it. You can get here by hiking up Tibidabo or by bus.
You’re going to want to remember these for later! Pin it for your next trip to BCN.
This is just the iceberg when it comes to dining out in Barcelona. As I continue to discover great meals, I’ll add them to the list.
If I’ve missed any of your favorites, comment below so I can make a visit!
