Here’s my guide on the best restaurants in Barcelona.
Whether you’re looking for value tapas bars, local Catalan cuisine, or tasting menus at Michelin star stunners I’ll have it listed here – I might even throw in the odd street food joint.
Let’s take a deeper look at the Barcelona restaurants dominating the local food scene.
Full disclosure: I’ve arranged deals for my readers with the first three Barcelona restaurants you’ll see. If you appreciate the work we do here a booking would really support our efforts. We respond to thousands of questions every year for free – try us if you can’t find what you’re looking for in our Barcelona restaurant guide!
The Best Restaurants in Barcelona
Bodega Joan
€€ | Area: Eixample | Carrer Rosselló 164 | Metro: Diagonal (L3, L5)
You’ll be texting your friends photos of their mixed paella (a type of surf and turf), but even if you’re afraid of rice you can eat like royalty here with their carne picanha: a char-grilled sirloin cap that’s plate perfection.
Since their made to order paella takes about 25 minutes you’ll have plenty of time to take it easy Spanish-style, with some Serrano ham, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), or even Galician octopus.
This is a lively place with authentic Spanish atmosphere and free flowing wine.
Our blog readers get a 25% discount on a paella tasting menu – click the banner below for info.
Season
€€-€€€ | Area: Eixample | Carrer d’Aribau 125 | Metro: Diagonal (L3, L5)
This delicious gourmet tapas restaurant famous for ‘new classics‘ of Catalan cuisine gets to the top of the list – since most of my readers want a balance of Spanish tradition and contemporary style.
The fresh, natural, and seasonal menu tailored to wine lovers bills itself as Mediterranean food with an international touch… or as they call it: Barcelona food.
You’ll be raving about their seafood paella and the Catalan cured meat platter – there are also great vegan options and the craft cocktails are out of this world.
You can get €5.00 off a gourmet tapas tasting menu by clicking the button below:
Louro
€€€ | Area: La Rambla | Carrer del Caputxins 37 | Metro: Liceu (L3)
Louro is probably the only restaurant I’d recommend on the famous La Rambla – but that’s not to say this is a big fish in a small pond. It’s one of my favourite modern Spanish restaurants in the whole city.
Here the fresh seafood-rich Galician fare gets a creative/avant-guard twist.
Some top menu features here are the smoked sardines, crunchy octopus, scallops gratin, Galician beef filet, and the highly underrated calamari sandwich. Check out the Louro menu for more
As this place is always packed I’ve set up a quick reservation system directly with the restaurant (no money down, with reservation priority via my blog) by clicking the blue button below.
Booking via Barcelona Hacks also gets you a complimentary glass of cava per diner, a sparkling white wine from Spain comparable to champagne.
Best Gourmet Restaurants in Barcelona
Teatro (formerly Tickets)
€€€€ | Area: Poble Sec | Av. del Parallel, 164 | Metro: Poble Sec (L3) | Website
Unfortunately, the playful small plate tapas giants at Tickets – once named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world – had to shutter their doors and reel in their fine dining tasting menus (and Michelin stars) over the pandemic.
Re-branded as Teatro in 2022, they’re moving forward with most of the same furniture, 5 of the classic Tickets dishes, and a new menu heavy on stews and modern snacks like jamon ‘airbaguettes’ and even parmesan ice cream.
They’ve also got their own cocktail bar in the back to make a night of it.
Lasarte
€€€€ | Area: Eixample | Carrer de Mallorca, 164 | Metro: Diagonal (L3, L5) | Website
The prestigious Basque chef Martín Berasategui offers his signature, artful cuisine – and three Michelin stars – in the restaurant of the Hotel Monument in Barcelona, right on Paseo de Gracia.
The menu features scallops with creamy raw celery, low-temperature free-range egg with roasted jowls, and roast sole with lentil stew and potatoes.
One of the best restaurants in Barcelona for dinner after visiting the Gaudi mansion La Pedrera.
🥘 Looking for food + history + wine + fun? Take one of Barcelona’s best food tours.
Disfrutar
€€€€ | Area: Eixample | Carrer de Villarroel, 163 | Metro: Hospital Clinic (L5) | Website
Opened in December 2014 in the heart of Eixample Izquierdo, Disfrutar brings the experience and creativity of three former chefs from legendary El Bulli to Barcelona: arguably the most experimental restaurant of all time.
Expect avant garde dishes across different tasting menus with the option of wine pairing. This is a truly unique gastronomic experience, and it’s a can’t miss Barcelona restaurant for lovers of creative cuisine.
Some curious menu highlights include: liquid salad, smoked cookies, and transparent ravioli with pesto.
Alkimia
€€€€ | Area: Sant Antoni | Ronda de Sant Antoni, 41 | Metro: Hospital Clinic (L5) | Website
The secret mission of this top Barcelona restaurant is to infuse traditional Catalan cuisine with new life. It’s stylish, enchanting, and even a bit romantic – and yes, it has a Michelin star for those asking.
Among the most compelling real food dishes are the crayfish and prawn tartare, mackerel a la flama with peas, and the pork crackling croissant with Catalan cream.
Keep in mind this is a tasting menu only restaurant and reservations are very necessary.
🍷 Want to sample the best local wines? Book one of Barcelona’s best wine tours right now.
Moments
€€€€ | Area: Eixample | Passeig de Gracia, 38 | Metro: Passeig de Gracia (L2-3-4) | Website
Rocking two Michelin stars, Moments is the flagship restaurant at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Carme Ruscalleda is the director here, the only chef in the world with seven Michelin stars, and you’ll feel it right in the taste buds from the first bite of their very innovative, very Catalan cuisine.
Visiting Casa Batllo in the evening? This is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona for a post-Gaudi bite. Banker’s Bar, in the same hotel, is also one of the best bars in Barcelona for cocktails.
Àbac
€€€€ | Area: Sant Gervasi | Av. del Tibidabo, 1 | Metro: Vallcarca (L3) | Website
“Everything Starts with an Idea” is the slogan of this beautiful garden restaurant that takes traditional flavours and gives them a modern Parisian, Chinese, and avant garde twist.
This Barcelona restaurant counts three Michelin stars so their tasting menus (especially with wine pairings) can push €350.00 so this is a great special occasion restaurant.
Their caviar and whipped hazelnut butter crisps and marinated lamb ribs with ‘Arabian nuances’ are highlights.
Spanish Restaurants & Tapas Bars
Bitacora
€€ | Area: Barceloneta | 1 Carrer Balboa | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) | Website
One of my favourite tapas bars in Barcelona.
This kitschy little Barcelona restaurant where you watch the cooks is a stone’s throw away from the beach. Here they mix classic tapas with more modern and ethnic flavours.
The menu features three of my Barcelona restaurant favourites: ceviche, gambas a la plancha (grilled prawns), and ginger marinated chicken.
Try and get a seat on the terrace outside.
Can Boneta
€€ | Area: Eixample | Carrer de Balmes, 139 | Metro: Diagonal (L3, L5) | Website
Chef Joan Boneta’s small corner in Barcelona’s Eixample district is a place for shareable half portions of homemade Catalan food – made with fresh produce, big flavours, and a lot of love.
One of the best restaurants in Barcelona for Spanish classics with a good price-quality ratio.
Highlights include octopus with creamed potatoes, Catalan cannelloni, and tuna tartare.
La Paradeta
€€ | Area: El Gotico | Various Locations | Website
Don’t miss this for anything if you’re a fan of fresh seafood dishes.
This self-service seafood joint lets you choose fresh fish from a market counter, sits you down with a bottle of their natural wines from Catalonia, and cooks it for you right there and then.
Expect to wait a while even if you get there at opening but know that it’s worth it – make sure to grab a bottle of lightly sparkling Blanc Pescador wine and try the grilled squid and chiriprones (fried baby cuttlefish).
Can Maño
€€ | Area: Barceloneta | 12 Carrer del Baluart | Metro: Barceloneta (L4)
Call it a hidden gem or call it a dive, but here it’s about fresh fish dishes and old world charm.
This fantastic Barcelona seafood restaurant finds its beauty in the friendly atmosphere, simple to tacky decor, and cheap prices – the local crowd lines up from 8:00 pm so get there early.
From the dining room you can watch the cooks in the kitchen banging out Catalan dishes, so it feels a bit like being home. All together you won’t spend more than €15/20 per person for an abundance of fish.
Restaurante Arume
€€€ | Area: El Raval | Carrer d’En Botella 13 | Metro: Universitat (L1/L2) | Website
If cooking is about creativity then this Barcelona restaurant has it right.
Here you’ll find a modern execution of traditional dishes from Galicia with eye-catching presentation. Grab my two menu highlights: crunchy octopus and a blackberry mojito
The delicious desserts, simplistic decor, and suffused lighting create an intimate atmosphere that makes it one of the great places for couples in Barcelona.
Jai-Ca
€€ | Area: Barceloneta | Calle Ginebra 13 | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) | Website
One of the best restaurants in Barcelona for authentic atmosphere. If you’re in a group and wanna sample a ton of fresh seafood tapas for a fiver each then head to this super-popular bar-restaurant.
Here you’ll also jockey for position with locals but the quick service and big portions will make it worth the wait.
Can Margarit
€€€ | Area: Poble Sec | 21 Carrer de la Concordia | Metro: Poble Sec (L3) | Website
One of the top restaurants in Barcelona since way back when – Can Margarit was founded over 40 years ago as a tavern with traditional Catalan cuisine.
Of all the Barcelona restaurants I’ve ever been to, it’s the only one that gives you a free glass of wine on arrival 😉 They’re poured from the many barrels lining the walls.
For €20.00 you’ll get a huge pan con tomate, a Murcian salad with potatoes and onion, cod, spicy sea snails, sausages, garlic potatoes and the house specialty jumillana – a type of rabbit stew.
Can Punyetes
€€€ | Area: Gracia | Francisco Giner 8-10 | Metro: Diagonal (L3/L5) | Website
A rustic tavern-style Barcelona restaurant with great service. You go here for grilled meat – and more grilled meat. The small à la carte menu of Catalan cuisine classics is a hit with locals so the botifarra sausage and beans is a massive favourite but you can’t go wrong with the lamb either.
Their classic tapas plates of cheese and jamon are just as good.
Also, just as a Barcelona restaurant guide aside: I’d be cheating you in telling you where to eat in Barcelona if I didn’t mention there are tons of Barcelona tapas bars that give away free tapas if you buy a drink.
Clubhaus
€€-€€€ | Area: El Born | Av. del Marquès de l’Argentera, 13 | Website
This isn’t technically a tapas restaurant even if they have some of the best patatas bravas in Barcelona. The Mexican-Asian food menu is everything good about fusion, as proven by their tacos.
This multi-space concept that’s famous for food, art, and play also has a stunning cocktail bar, games room, karaoke room, club (the Jungle Room), and a great little terrace out front.
Head here if you’re looking to parlay dinner or post beach snacks into a fabulous, full on night out without lifting a finger.
El Celler del Vermut
€€ | Area: Sagrada Familia | 239 Lepanto | Metro: Sagrada Familia ( L2/L5) | Website
If you’re hungry before or after visiting Sagrada Familia this is the only place to go!
This hole in the wall hasn’t yet been discovered by the tourist crowd – so let the bartenders hand cut your Spanish deli meats and cheeses right in front of you while you sip a delicious homemade vermouth in peace.
La Bombeta
€€ | Area: Barceloneta | 3 Carrer Maquinista | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) | Website
Whenever I’m in Barceloneta and asking myself, what are the best restaurants near me? I always end up catching that “No English and No Credit Cards” sign.
The slogan of this classic tapas dining room shouldn’t be anything to fear though! It’s one of the best places to eat in Barcelona and really, they’re big fat liars – they’ve got English menus 😉
The house special here are the bombas, a massive potato ball stuffed with ground meat and covered in a spicy sauce.
Bormuth
€€ | Area: Barceloneta | 31 Carrer del Rec | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Website
Delicious meat and fish tapas and a classic pan con tomate to match. The homemade vermouth (vermut in Catalan) with a slice of lemon and two olives is something you can’t leave out – the mussels marinara and eggplant and honey are two tapa standouts.
Can Paixano
€ | Area: Barceloneta | 7 Reina Cristina | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) | Website
This place is so famous that I had to dedicate an entire article to Can Paixano. Known to locals as La Champaneria, here you’ll find bottles of house rosé wine for the price of a pack of gum and two metro rides.
The botifarra sausage and manchego cheese tapas pair perfectly and with 10 euros you’ll have enough fresh food and drink to make you sick. WARNING: It’s closed on Sunday and is only open until 22:00.
Paella Restaurants in Barcelona
I’ve already got an entire article on the best paella in Barcelona but here are a few highlights:
Les Quinze Nits
€€€ | Area: El Gotico | 6 Plaza Reial | Metro: Liceu (L3) | Website
You’ll love it for its location in one of the most picturesque, visited squares in the Gothic Quarter but you’ll come back because €20 gets you a giant plate of homemade paella, some sangria, a dessert and coffee.
Les Quinze Nits is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona for people watching but don’t worry about the lines: even during peak hours the longest you’ll ever wait is 30 minutes.
Xiringuito Escribà
€€€ | Area: Poble Nou | Avenida del Litoral 42 | Metro: Llacuna (L4) | Website
Here’s where to eat in Barcelona if you want a seaside view. Xiringuito Escribà is packed with big portions and knowledgeable locals – the seafood is a natural star in one of the first xiringuitos (beach bars) opened for the 1992 Olympic Summer Games.
Make reservations to be safe.
La Fonda
€€ | Area: El Gotico | Carrer dels Escudellers 10 | Metro: Drassanes (L3) | Website
People looking for value will appreciate the €10.85 weekday lunch special that includes wine or sangria, starter, paella, and dessert. You won’t find any real homemade paella for much cheaper in the city and its super-central location makes it a perfect walk-up spot.
Burger Restaurants in Barcelona
Pim Pam Burger
€ | Area: El Born | Calle Sabateret 4 | Metro: Arc de Triomf (L1) | Website
It’s not really a secret anymore – they have the best fries in Barcelona. The open kitchen allows you to watch them hand-cut the potatoes and press the mince into patties. No lamps here! All burgers are cooked to order and are 100% organic.
The prices here (the Pim Pam Basic burger is less than 6 euro) make it one of the best burgers in Barcelona value-wise, but I prefer shelling out an extra 60 cents for the BBQ burger with bacon 😉
It’s small so if you can’t find a seat get take away and head for nearby Ciutadella Park.
B Burger
€€ | Area: Eixample | Carrer d’Arago 36 | Metro: Rocafort (L1) | Website
I’m told the ‘b’ stands for ‘best’ – so what a coincidence I find myself writing about the best burgers in Barcelona! This tiny burger bar is super popular because, well, the burgers are f@&#* delicious. Make sure you reserve a table (weekends especially) in advance to avoid being disappointed.
What sets this place apart is the uncharacteristically friendly service, local craft beers, tasty salad options, and perhaps one of the best patatas bravas (a fried potato with spicy tomato sauce dish) in Barcelona.
Kiosko Gourmet Burger
€€ | Area: El Born | Marques de L’Argentera 1a | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) | Website
Genuine fast food. A bit pricier than Pim Pam but the massive patties (250g) justify the price!
Head on in and fill out the form selecting your daily-made bread (classic white, light wholemeal, brioche deluxe, or without), your meat (organic beef, chicken, or lamb), hand the burger maestro your cash, and boom! You’re off to flavour country.
All burgers are cooked medium and made to order. The homemade sauces will give your burger an extra kick. The vegetarian option, a patty made from chickpeas, sweet corn, baby spinach, and red pepper might just be one of the best in the city.
There are massive queues here so you may want to arrive early (1PM for lunch, 9PM for dinner)
La Vespa Burger Bar
€€ | Area: Gracia | Torrent De l’Olla 99 | Metro: Fontana (L3) | Website
When I lived in Gracia this was a great Sunday lunch spot (ie. hangover remedy). The restaurant is as chic as the neighborhood itself and you’ll notice its impeccable Italian style.
Cute and affordable, La Vespa might offer the best burgers in Barcelona by sheer combination of original toppings. The homemade guacamole featuring afrodiasaca burger is a highlight, and you can’t go wrong adding a bit of botifarra Catalan sausage.
Go for the Kobe beef patty.
Bacoa
€ | Area: Eixample | Ronda de la Universitat 31 | Metro: Catalunya (L1) | Website
This Australian-owned hamburgueseria has brought quality to the fast food sector and Barcelonians have noticed. There are now five locations throughout the city and another set to open in Madrid this year.
I have multiple friends who swear this is the best burger in Barcelona. Hell, they make everything themselves… even the ‘theft-free’ chairs you’ll be sitting on!
Known for its homemade mayo, 100% organic Catalan beef, and a creative use of traditional Spanish hams and cheeses… you won’t wanna miss this. The burgers here are extremely customizable so throw on some Serrano ham and a slab of manchego and tell everybody you ate Spanish 😉
Barcelona Pizza Restaurants
We couldn’t mention good restaurants in Barcelona without going Italian – for a more in-depth list check out our post of the best pizza restaurants in Barcelona.
Sport Bar
€€ | Area: El Gotico | 51 Carrer Ample | Metro: Drassanes (L3) | Website
It wouldn’t be a Barcelona restaurant guide written by me if I didn’t include my favourite restaurant. Don’t be fooled by the nondescript name though – these pizzas are extraordinary.
The chewy sourdough crust and wood fired oven magic is straight out of Naples. So are the staff. Get there early (8 PM) if any of the big Italian football teams are playing.
TIP: the pan di stelle dessert (a type of tiramisu made with cookies instead of ladyfingers) is out of this world.
Spaccanapoli
€€-€€€ | Area: El Born | Rec Comtal 6 | Metro: Arc de Triomf | Website
Many have asked me for Italian restaurants and I can’t help go to Naples for this authentic beauty and its divine polpette (meatballs), paccheri allo scoglio (a seafood stew/pasta combo) and one of the best pizzas in the city.
What I go for though is the slow cooked ragu. The flavour of this slowly simmered sauce is so good you’ll plan your next holiday to Rome and forget all about Spanish tapas!
Looking for something really authentic? The pasta con patate is a regional specialty and may seem like science fiction.
Two carbs? Try it and be amazed.
NAP (Napoli Authentic Pizza)
€€ | Area: El Born | 30 Avinguda Francesc Cambó | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Website
A true pizzeria, no pasta. This is the best value authentic Neopolitan pizza in Barcelona. A simple traditional à la carte menu with creative seasonal specials. Did I mention the 1 euro digestivos? Pour me another limoncello.
There’s a second location in Barceloneta (metro Barceloneta) at 69 Carrer del Baluard. I hear it’s less busy.
Madre Lievito
€€ | Area: Poble Nou | 1 Carrer de la Llacuna | Metro: Llacuna (L4) | Website
Fans of chewy sourdough crust would do well to fill up here. The natural yeast (‘madre lievito’) makes the crust here good enough to eat on its own!
In fact, you won’t find a stray piece of crust in sight. It’s so good you may even double down and get the nutella pizza for dessert – it’s worth every chocolately penny.
You’ll hardly find a better deal in our list of best restaurants in Barcelona than their €6.90 pizza margherita (+drink) lunch special.
La Bella Napoli
€€€ | Area: Poble Sec | 14 Carrer de Margarit | Metro: Paral·lel (L2/L3) | Website
If Sport Bar took away the screens and put out some white table cloths and classy decor you’d get this. They’re all Neapolitans and bring that southern hospitality.
Aside from spot on traditional wood-fired pizza the eggplant parmesan, this is also one of the best restaurants in Barcelona for desserts: the Nutella calzone are really something.
Antichi Sapori de Angelis
€€€ | Area: Les Corts | 48 Carretera de Collblanc | Metro: Collblanc (L5) | Website
I eat here once a month like clockwork at this hidden gem.
If you’re going a tour of Camp Nou or seeing Barcelona FC play you’ll be happy to know you can avoid the tourist trap hell of the area by eating in this restaurant/pizzeria that’s right around the corner.
De Angelis specializes in Calabrian cuisine so try anything with their homemade spicy sausage.
Ethnic Restaurants in Barcelona
What Barcelona restaurant guide is complete without an ode to the cultures giving it its cosmopolitan feel?
Come
€€ | Area: Eixample | Carrer d’Aribau 137 | Metro: Hospital Clinic (L5) | Website
One of the best new restaurants in Barcelona, this spot for Mexican haute cuisine is run by Michelin star chef Paco Méndez – the ex head chef of el Barri (Albert Adrià) who has teamed up with his wife Erinna Mariciano for this unique dining experience.
Call it a chef’s menu on the fly. Each meal served at Come will be based on the diner’s individual tastes, as well as the ingredients available that week. In fact, no two weeks are the same.
There is also a fantastic wine bar with organic and and ‘biodynamic’ local wines.
Each tasting menu starts at €95.00.
Dos Palillos
€€ | Area: Raval | Carrer d’Elisabets 9 | Metro: Liceu (L3) | Website
Ferran Adrià boldly called this the most important Asian restaurant outside of Asia, and with Michelin star pedigree dating back to El Bulli Restaurant I’m not going to argue.
This is one of the few Barcelona restaurants that can count 4 different spaces: a casual sake bar, a terrace bar for non-restaurant patrons, a kitchen bar where the food is served by the chefs themselves, and a dining room.
Expect small tapas of local ingredients with hints of Japanese, Chinese, and southeast Asian cuisine.
Viet Kitchen
€€ | Area: Eixample | Carrer d’Aribau 137 | Metro: Hospital Clinic (L5) | Website
My friend spent 2 months in Vietnam and used the word ‘flashback’ multiple times to describe this Vietnamese street food gem in Eixample.
Here they take great pride in using only fresh ingredients to create traditional dishes.
From the super-crunchy pork and vegetable spring rolls and their carefully elaborated series of sauces to the traditional Vietnamese drip-filter cold coffee ending, we were treated to a trip to Vietnam for a value-town €10.00 lunch set menu.
Advice? Get their class caramelized spare ribs and fab pho.
Eat Carribean Barcelona
€€ | Area: El Raval | Carrer Montserrat 4 | Metro: Drassanes (L3) | Website
Wondering where to eat in Barcelona for some sweet spice? Go for tasty home cooked Jamaican food. This joint used to run out of a flat and limited spots could only be booked over the phone.
Today chef Lester has a real restaurant but hasn’t forgot his humble beginnings – making him one of the best hosts in Barcelona. The jerk chicken and lamb curry burst with flavour and you’ll wash it down with one of the best mojitos in the city.
Sushi Ya 2
€€ | Area: El Gotico | 3 Carrer del Cometa | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Website
In a city of cheap imitation sushi this place is a breath of fresh air. 3 course combination meals of top quality sushi can be had for €9.20 – €12.80 making it great value.
Throw in some local artisan beer, tasty rice bowls, and a great selection of traditional Japanese tapas like yakitori, takoyaki, and gyoza and you’re all set.
Mosquito
€€€ | Area: El Born | 46 Carders | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Website
This fantastic ‘Spanasian’ spot has a menu full of tapas inspired by Vietnam, China, and Korea. Grab a pencil and check off half a dozen items on their easy-order paper and make sure to get some of their dim sum – there are very few dumpling spots in Barcelona and this is clearly the best.
The value is great and yes, they serve tons of delicious craft beer!
Una Mica de Japó
€€ | Area: Eixample | 104 Carrer d’Arago | Metro: Urgell (L1) | Website
A small Japanese family run this cozy gem that’s open from 1-10 Tuesday to Saturday. Super-simplistic hand-written menus hang from the ceiling offering classics like chicken teriyaki, tempura, gyoza, and pork katsudon.
There’s no sushi but you won’t care. Your wallet won’t either – 10 euros will get you a great meal.
Abissinia
€€ | Area: Gracia | 55 Carrer del Torrent de les Flors | Metro: Joanic (L4) | Website
Such a great variety of flavour and smells at this uber-authentic Ethiopian restaurant. It’s a bit of a different vibe since you have to eat your hands – the brilliantly spiced meats and vegetables are served on a type of crepe and that’s your utensil!
Beginners would do well to get the taster menu and try a bit of everything with drink and dessert for €20 a head.
Puerto Plata
€€ | Area: El Born | 1 Carrer Tragi | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Website
It sounds dumb but it’s one of the best places to eat in Barcelona if you want to eat. This Carribean restaurant is perfect for a fresh food binge of epic proportions.
The set menu starts at €22 and includes 2 hours of non-stop eating (they bring you about a dozen different dishes and if you ask for seconds or thirds, they’re free!). It’s also all-you-can-drink beer, wine, and sangria.
Throw in dessert, coffee, a digestif, and a cocktail and we’ve got it made.
Best Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants in Barcelona
Milk Bar & Bistro
€€€ | Area: Gothic Quarter | 21 Calle Gignas | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) | Website
The great thing about Milk is that even though it’s also a very accomplished cocktail bar and dining room, the brunch served here is among the best in the city.
The eggs benedict, chorizo hash, and pancakes with maple syrup and bacon are favourites.
Brunch is served 9:00 am to 4:30 pm but for those looking for something else the lunch menu and the famous noodle burger may be a good option.
La Federal
€€ | Area: El Raval | 39 Calle Parlament | Metro: Poble Sec (L3) | Website
A simplistic menu of delicious toasts, sweet and savoury croissants, egg dishes, burgers, cereal, and fresh smoothies.
While many of the best restaurants in Barcelona are local, this is actually an Aussie-owned joint and it shows in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Many consider La Federal to make some of the best coffee in Barcelona in addition to the excellent food.
Avenida Palace Hotel
€€ | Area: Eixample | Gran Via 605 | Metro: Passeig de Gracia | Website
If you’re looking for the Barcelona hotel breakfast buffet experience then look no further.
This luxury hotel actually hosted the Beatles back in the 60’s for their only ever Spanish tour. If it’s good enough for them how about us? You’ll get a selection of top quality sweet and savory options.
The mound of jamon iberico was impressive. My visiting guest also couldn’t believe the all-you-can-drink sparkling white and fresh squeezed orange juice.
Add sausages, scrambled eggs, and freshly made croissants and this is a great spoil yourself option.
It costs just €15.00.
Baluard
€ | Area: Barceloneta | 38-40 Baluard | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) | Website
A bakery crawling with locals which just might make the best bread and croissant in Barcelona. Wait for your order watching the bakers work their magic and even feel the heat off the oven!
There are no seats but who cares? You can take your pain au chocolat and juice to go and be on the beach in 5 minutes. No Michelin starred restaurant pretentiousness here – just grab and go.
Brunch & Cake
€€ | Area: Eixample | 19 Enric Granados | Metro: Universitat (L1/L2) | Website
Have the breakfast of champions served in flower pots or shovels! With the deliciousness of their Nutella French toast alone you’ll let a serving faux pas slide though, am I right?
Here the style is a bit more North American with a sprinkle of French but the portions are great for the price and it’s impossible to leave unsatisfied.
Looking for the Best Restaurants in Barcelona?
There are so many good restaurants in Barcelona that it’s impossible to fit them all in the guide – I’m more than happy to go off the board and help you find what you’re looking for if you drop me a line in the comments below.
Also, what were the best places to eat in Barcelona for you? Always curious to hear.
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October 21, 2022 at 3:42 pmHi. We are heading to BCN next spring and will arrive April 10 which is Easter Monday. Will restaurants be open ? We are a large group so looking for somewhere great that will take reservations.
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October 22, 2022 at 9:30 pmHi Amy, Most restaurants operate fairly normal hours over the Easter break as it's a huuuge money maker. For large groups I'd recommend Louro, Xiringuito Escriba, El Nacional or Cerveceria Catalana. Cheers,
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July 12, 2022 at 9:59 pmHi. Are you aware of a small family restaurant in the oldJewish quarter, over 100 years old, on Carrer del Banys Nous? Traveling to BCN in 2 months, a friend recommending it but did not recall the name?
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July 13, 2022 at 4:13 pmHi Rich, Sorry that is not ringing a bell in any way : ( I usually try and avoid that area for meals as it gets quite touristy... but if you find it and have a good meal I would be curious to hear! Cheers,
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June 18, 2022 at 9:26 pmgood stuff - very useful info....heading there in a few weeks for first time...ive booked these restaurants...7 portas/yakumanka/albe/bar canete....thoughts would be appreciated
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June 19, 2022 at 7:30 pmThanks Jeffrey! I've only eaten at 7 Portes and Bar Canete... both are classic Spanish, high quality ingredients, places to have some glasses of wine and some local dishes. Definitely worth the visit, though you're probably paying an extra 15% for the atmosphere and classy look/feel of these places.
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June 11, 2022 at 7:14 amLooking for great Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese and Middle Eastern restaurants. What can you recommend? Thx!
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June 13, 2022 at 2:36 pmHi Nat, For Italian I'm going with Sports Bar, Pummarola, or Bacano. For Thai I like Lamun Cuina Thai. Greek, not that familiar with it though the Quick Greek has amazing pita sandwiches. Also, I'm honestly a bit behind on Chinese and Middle Eastern... perhaps because in general the standards for ethnic foods in Barcelona are incredibly low compared to the UK, North America, Australia etc. Unless there were some once in a lifetime restaurant that was by chance in Barcelona I wouldn't necessarily be putting this on my list as a visitor - so much good local food to try! That said, if you had to with Chinese I'd go with Mosquito in El Born. But it's more dumplings with a Spanish tapas bar twist. Cheers,
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June 5, 2022 at 3:16 amIts been 10 years since my last visit to BCN. I thought the food was amazing. Still remember Alkimia. Amazing food. Went twice it was so good. I will have to try other innovative restaurants and old established Catalonian restaurants on your list.
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February 13, 2022 at 6:02 pmTaking my wife to Spain next week. Staying in Barcelona a few days. This site is really helpful. I just booked Season. But also booked Besta, Canete, and Cinc Sentis (birthday dinner). Are these tourist traps?
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February 14, 2022 at 9:00 amHi Jason, Thanks for writing :) I've only been to Cañete which I would say gets touristy because it's near La Rambla, but by no means is it a tourist trap. It's delicious and authentic. As for the others... I've spoken with people who have been to these and nobody said it was a tourist trap or anything like that. I think you're going to be in good hands! Cheers,
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March 8, 2021 at 6:48 pmI went to a restaurant in BCN about 10 years ago. It was near the beach, had no name, only open for lunch and didn’t have a menu. You got served what ever they decided to cook on that day and in season. It was cheap, nothing fancy (usually where the best food is) and where the locals ate. I was taken there by an old friend whom I lost contact with. I’ve been trying to find out.... anyone know?? Thank you! X
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April 24, 2021 at 11:59 pmI think the place you are talking about is La Cova Fumada. Very authentic and delicious.
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March 22, 2021 at 7:21 amHi Kay, Apologies for the late response in getting back... naturally, this site and all travel is virtually dead so I've been working other projects :( Unfortunately I've never heard of such a place without a menu and in fact with such a high turn around of places (especially 'old school' ones that tend to turn into modern lounges etc. with the passage of time) it's very likely it doesn't exist anymore. I will ask some of my friends though if they've heard of such a place... if it still exists I think I'm going to need to include it here! Cheers,
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February 26, 2020 at 10:32 pmYour recommendations were spot on. I hate to tell you which ones because I hate to get them flooded with tourists... Just pick one! You won't be disappointed! Thanks for the tips.
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January 31, 2020 at 10:58 pmMadre Lievito - lived up to the praise, the interior completes the experience. Calamary as a starter highly recommended. Pizza carpazzo can be served with octopus - very interesting. I opted for half closed pizza - delicious. No deserts were tested as we were full. Also the place is located off the beaten tracks so many locals.
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February 1, 2020 at 2:44 pmHola Yvon, That's great to hear! Always happy to hear the suggestions work out :) Cheers, Ash
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January 28, 2020 at 12:14 amHi Ashley, just returned from La Fonda. Not disappointed but not impressed either: Salmon was ok'ish, Zarzuela is not really recommendable but may be it is a matter of preference, and somehow the person who took fried calamary was not impressed either. Dessert was profitroli - recommendable, "mango, mango and mango" gave my peers brain freeze. Considering that Louro and La Fonda are almost vis-a-vis I would recommend the first day in and day out. Also we have gotten the impression, that La Fonda was packed with tourists, whereas Louro was mainly occupied with locals. Anyway, thanks for the recommendations and your blog in general!
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January 28, 2020 at 10:36 amHi Yvon, I would definitely agree with this assessment... La Fonda is kind of left over from our launch as a blog in 2015 and was a sort of economical/utility tapas place for people sightseeing in the centre with not a lot of time to spare. I still think it's good for that. That said, Louro is clearly at another level and being just as central would be the preferred choice... I am really glad you enjoyed it! It's a restaurant I've really been plugging lately so it's great to hear it's on the money :) Cheers and thanks for the message, always glad to hear how things pan out good or bad! It's how I keep the standards high. Ash
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