The Best Places To Eat In Barcelona:
Barcelona is a feast in every sense. The vibrant city blends Gaudí’s iconic architecture, golden beaches, and sunny plazas with one of Europe’s most exciting food scenes. From authentic tapas bars hiding in the Gothic Quarter to Michelin‑starred gastronomy and buzzing local markets, Barcelona is paradise for food lovers.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, knowing where to eat in Barcelona can make all the difference. With so many tempting menus, and hidden local gems, it’s easy to get lost in the options. Below, I’ve curated my ultimate Barcelona restaurant guide: a hand‑picked list of favourite food spots in the city.
El Xampanyet
A Barcelona institution and an unmissable spot on any visit to to the city. Touristy – yes, but trap – absolutely not. If you only make it to one place on this list during your time in Barcelona, make it El Xampanyet. Dating back to the 1920s, the space is bursting with character – with beautiful brightly coloured tiles and an extensive array of vintage wine bottles. It will steal your heart and leave your appetite thoroughly satisfied. The house-made cava flows day and night and pairs perfectly with traditional tapas on offer. House-cured anchovies, tinned seafood, hard cheeses and cured meats accompany delicious cooked dishes – the rice with squid ink and chickpeas and pancetta are personal highlights. Be prepared to squeeze in at popular times and find a spot to stand at the bar to revel in the infectiously lively atmosphere.
Visit: elxampanyet.com
Bar Bodega Quimet
One of Barcelona’s tucked-away treasures, Bar Bodega Quimet was opened in the 1950s by the Quimet family, specialising in ‘conservas’ (canned fish). Anywhere that comes recommended by a long time Barcelona resident is worth pursuing, and this place absolutely holds up. Located on Carrer de Vic, it’s off the tourist-treaded path and an ideal spot to stop in for lunch after a morning roaming Parc Guell. The compact space, rustic barrel tables and dark wooden panelling are instantly inviting, and you’ll find tapas favourites on the menu like patatas bravas, Spanish cheeses, olives and anchovies. In the tough (and entirely subjective) competition for the best pan-con-tomate (bread with tomato), this place was among the best for its deliciously soft bread and fresh tomato topping. With a laid back atmosphere and a surprisingly extensive menu for a space on such an intimate scale, it would be easy to spend an entire leisurely afternoon or evening here, sipping on Spanish wines with a running selection of food.
Morro Fi
While not strictly a spot for dining, this list would not be complete without a nod to Barcelona’s love affair with Vermouth. A drink once popular around 1900, Vermouth has made a major comeback in popularity over the last decade to cement itself as the city’s favourite apperitivo. No trip to Barcelona would be complete without sampling it and there’s nowhere better to give it a try than Morro Fi. The small and inviting space serves up their deliciously bittersweet vermouth over a cube of ice with an orange slice and an olive to garnish. Small bites like Spanish cheeses, marinated mussels and cured and pickled anchovies make an ideal accompaniment, as well as their enormous and unmissable house-made potato chips.
Visit: morrofi.cat
Bar Ramon
Bar Ramon has been a local staple since 1939. With a 1950s rock and roll theme and a lively neighbourhood feel, the vibe differs to many other restaurants in the city and is all the more appealing for it. Presentation usually comes second to flavour here, and you can eat incredibly well for great value, so its no wonder locals love it. Generous portions extend to the vermouth, that comes served in pint glasses, alongside tapas classics like garlic shrimp, calamari and croquettes.
Visit: barramon.dudaone.com
Rocambolesc
The three Roca brothers – Joan, Josep, and Jordi Roca are renowned for their family restaurant El Celler de Can Roca – featuring in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants (and subject of an excellent episode of chef’s table). For those whose budget doesn’t stretch to that extent, and those with a sweet tooth (like me), Rocambollesc is a must visit. The wonderfully whimsical ice cream shop was opened by Jordi Roca – the dessert mastermind of the family – whose own famous nose appears on its menu in the form of a stawberry sorbet popsicle, ‘the Rocanas’, along with gourmet scoops and soft serve swirls in an array of wonderful flavours. Situated right on la Rambla, it’s unmissably positioned to grab a sugar fix while exploring the heart of the city. The incredible ice cream and prime positioning mean it’s often very popular, but well worth waiting in line for.
Visit: rocambolesc.com
Bar Canete
This charming upscale tapas bar is known for its fresh seafood and perfectly executed traditional dishes. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, with the sound of clinking glasses and chatter filling the air. Bag a seat at the counter and you can enjoy watching the chefs at work while you dine. Be sure to try the croquettes here and the show-stopping Russian salad.
Visit: barcanete.com
Bar Brutal
Housed within the space of Can Cisa – a wine shop and bar – lies Bar Brutal. It may be tucked away but it’s by no means hidden, as a popular spot for lovers of natural wine and delectable small plates. The wine-led restaurant stocks around 300 wines, with a focus on natural wine along with organic and biodynamic bottles. If you know your way around unfined, unfiltered and low intervention wine lists you’ll be in your element here, and if you’re not, the relaxed and friendly staff will be happy to help guide you to something perfect – whether you’re feeling something funky and adventurous or clean and crisp, the extensive selection will suit any palette. The space is creatively decorated industrial chic, the lighting is low and atmospheric, and vibe is ultra trendy yet refreshingly relaxed. The menu is a delicious mix of eclectically influenced small plates – combining Spanish, Italian and Middle Eastern flavours in dishes that pair perfectly with the wines. The menu rotates regularly but whatever it holds, you can bet you’re in for something special.
Visit: barbrutal.com
Bar La Plata
Blink and you might miss this tiny corner bar, just a block away from the old port of Barcelona, but definitely don’t pass it by. La Plata is one of Barcelona’s most charmingly characterful, not to mention delicious, food spots. It has been serving the same 4 staple dishes since 1945 – with salted anchovies, tomato salad, fried boquerones and bread topped with fried sausage constituting the entire menu. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Order up all four dishes and enjoy the winning combination of the rich, sharp and salty flavours that define dining in Barcelona. For good reason it’s popular and gets crowded at peak times, with only a few tables inside the compact space, make like the locals and find standing space at the bar or in the street outside.
Visit: barlaplata.com
Boqueria Market
La Boqueria Market is not technically a restaurant, but it’s an excellent place to sample some of Barcelona’s best street food. This bustling market, located just off Las Ramblas, features dozens of food stalls selling everything from fresh meat and seafood to chocolate and churros. Be sure to sample some of the famous Iberico ham and sticky sweet nougat.
Visit: boqueria.barcelona
Bar Salvatge
Bar Salvatge is a natural wine bar in the Gràcia neighborhood with a declared focus on “natural wines and wild wine makers.” Wines by the glass are served from draft taps lining the wall behind the bar, along with a wide range of bottles – most of which are low intervention and many locally sourced. As natural wine bars go, this definitely is one of the best value in Barcelona and beyond, so whether you’re already a natural wine lover or curious about giving it a try, this is a perfect place to find something you’ll enjoy. The menu combines creative tapas plates with wine bar staples like cured meats and cheese boards, to pair perfectly with any glass.
Visit: instagram.com/barsalvatge
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