Barcelona has a fabulous food scene: from Michelin starred restaurants to international and fusion cuisine, there’s always something for everyone.
Whether you want to go for tapas or fancy a restaurant with a view, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to know where to find the best food in Barcelona – including the best tapas in town!
Where to Find the Best Food in Barcelona
Before we start with our selection of restaurants in Barcelona, let’s have a look at what tapas you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Must try tapas in Barcelona:
- Pa amb tomaquet: most traditional and popular toast made with bread, ham, tomato, salt, and olive oil.
- Escalivada: roasted aubergines, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Calçots: grilled green onion, very typical from Catalonia.
- Bomba: a croquette made of meat and potatoes, original from Barceloneta beach.
- Paella: rice-based dished popular on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. It may feature seafood, rabbit, and chicken.
- Fideuá with alioli: similar to paella, fideua uses noodles instead of rice. It’s often served with garlic sauce (alioli) in Barcelona.
- Iberic ham: the most delicious curated ham… ever.
- Croquetas: Spanish version of the croquettes. They can be made of ham, mushrooms, Cabrales cheese… options are endless.
- Squids: these need no introduction. They’re usually served deep-fried.
- Tortilla: omelet made with potatoes, egg, oil and maybe or maybe not, onion.
- Patatas bravas: fried potatoes covered with spicy sauce.
- And for drink, try cava! The Catalonian version of the champagne.
Recommended food experiences in Barcelona
If you want to learn more about gastronomy and history, then we recommend joining one food tour.
Recommended food experiences in Barcelona.
Barceloneta Beach: Xup Xup Restaurant
Paseo Marítimo de la Barceloneta s/n
With an unbeatable location right in Barceloneta Beach, Xup Xup restaurant is a personal favorite – and not just because that view!
Xup Xup restaurant is the best for fresh seafood and fish. The restaurant staff is really amazing.
Bogatell Beach: L’Escamarlà
Passeig Marítim del Bogatell, 40
Another personal favorite by the sea for paella Parellada or fideua with alioli is L’Escamarlà, located in Bogatell Beach.
The prices are very reasonable and the staff is very friendly!
Passeig de Gracia: El Nacional
Passeig de Gràcia, 24 Bis
El Nacional is one of the trendiest hotspots in Barcelona! It features different 4 restaurants and 4 bars in the same area with tapas and a la carte options – expect a lively atmosphere and lovely food.
Don’t forget to visit the bathroom to get a selfie with its famous mirrors!
Passeig de Gracia: Blanc
Passeig de Gràcia, 38, 40
Blanc is the all-day dining restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona. It focuses on local food and natural ingredients.
The menus have been designed by Carme Ruscalleda, whose restaurants have won 7 Michelin stars so far.
They also serve afternoon tea and Sunday Brunch.
Passeig de Gracia: Terrat
Passeig de Gràcia, 38, 40
With an amazing location at Mandarin Oriental‘s rooftop, Terrat restaurant features delicious Peruvian-Japanese food by Gaston Acurio, one of the most influential chefs in the world.
It’s one of the top picks in Barcelona for fusion cuisine.
Old Quarter: Bodega La Puntual
Carrer de Montcada, 22
Bodega La Puntual is the best on the list for traditional tapas if you’re looking for an authentic experience.
My friend Alberto and I entered a food coma after visiting this place: everything was delicious!
Old Quarter: Bar Veraz
Av. de Francesc Cambó, 14
Located next to the lobby at The Barcelona EDITION, Bar Veraz is a great pick for Mediterranean cuisine.
Decorated with historic photos of and mirrors
Old Quarter: Cabaret
Av. de Francesc Cambó, 14
Cabaret is perfect if you’re looking for something different: it’s more than a food experience!
Located in the basement of The Barcelona EDITION, it almost feels like a clandestine club but it’s actually the coolest restaurant in Barcelona! They really know how to put on a show!
