Barcelona is one of the world’s great culinary destinations. In Barcelona you don’t have to blow the budget on Michelin-starred restaurants – though you can, with 18 establishments awarded at least one star – because just about everybody in Barcelona seems to be a foodie. There is something good to be had on just about every other corner, but unfortunately, there is also something set up to fleece tourists as well. You can eat incredibly well in Barcelona for not a lot of money, and you can blow a packet on garbage. Don’t do that! Here are some favorite Barcelona restaurants and bars where you can’t go wrong:
Casual & Tapas
Now I’ll admit, tapas joints are a dime a dozen in Barcelona, but not all tapas joints are created equal. And there’s even some imagination in this space. Go beyond reheated croquetas and get ready for a world of interesting gastronomy. These are the Barcelona restaurants and bars you’ll remember long after your trip.
Viblioteca
Viblioteca is a wine bar and more, turning out an array of sharing plates from behind the tiny bar. Bookings essential. Highly recommended. Read more
Bar del Pla
Bar del Pla in busy El Born is a favorite and does almost everything right. Highly recommended, and bookings essential. Read more
Bar Cañete
This old-school tapas bar is really worth the visit. Cañete does the classics very well, plus some daily specials, and a few more imaginative dishes. Read more
Sucursal Aceitera
Scursal is another Love It There* recommendation on Parlament – a solid choice for tapas and some more imaginative plates. Read more
Tasqueta De Blai
In a street full of pinchos joints, La Tasqueta de Blai is always busy – surely a good sign. Read more
Enoiteca Zona d’Ombra
Charming old-school wine bar in the centre of the old town, offering a massive choice of wines by the glass. Read more
Eldiset
This buzzing bar in El Born specialises in Catalan wines. Read more
Federal Café
This Australian-style brunch/lunch joint in Parlament is pretty darned good. And I’m not just saying that because I’m an Aussie! Read more
Quimet y Quimet
Tiny little hole-in-the-wall bar in El Poble Sec. Standing only. Good food, but popular with tourists. Read more
Palosanto
This tiny restaurant is popular for a reason. Palosanto does great burgers and some other interesting offerings. Bookings essential. Read more
Kiosk Universal
One of the many casual restaurants in La Boqueria, Kiosk Universal is an excellent choice for fresh seafood. Read more
Gats
Stylish, smart, good food – either tapas or bigger plates – and a great location. Gats is well worth putting on your list. Read more
Cometa
On-trend sandwich joint, with salads, decent coffee, and cakes too. Cometa may not be a must-see, but definitely worth the stop if you’re in Parlament and looking for lunch. Read more
Bar Lobo
Solid tapas choice close to Las Ramblas, Bar Lobo wins on many fronts. Read more
Komo en Kasa
Hole-in-the-wall take-away coffee and snacks with the friendliest service in Barcelona. Read more
Bigger Plates
The line between the ‘casual & tapas’ joints listed above and these ‘bigger plates’ can be a bit blurry – though in general these are the places where you’d expect starters and mains, and a bit less sharing. These Barcelona restaurants and bars may be more formal, but are still places that I reckon will leave an impression, and that’s why I’m…err…sharing.
Fismuler
Okay, it’s an outpost of a Madrid restaurant, but Fismuler is seriously good. One of my current Barcelona favourites.
Arume
Arume is a charming little El Raval restaurant that has (unfortunately) lately been overrun by TripAdvisor followers. Book late, rather than tourist hour, and all should be good. Read more
Bambarol Bar Restaurant
Bambarol is a bit off the main tourist track, on the other side of Diagonal, but worth the trek. Just don’t tell everyone. Read more
Cuines Santa Caterina
Cuines Santa Caterina is a big, bustling restaurant with a tapas bar at the entrance spilling onto the footpath. No reservations taken, but the tables turn over fairly fast. Read more
Louro
Apparently there isn’t a rule that restaurants in Las Ramblas must be horrid tourist traps. Who knew? The people behind Louro. Galician food done well. Read more
Torre d’Alta Mar Restaurant
Not the tourist trap you may expect given its outlook, Torre d’Alta Mar Restaurant delivers on its food promise too. Read more
1881 per Sagardi
1881 Per Sagardi does superior seafood in busy Port Vell. Not cheap, but highly recommended. Read more
Robadora
There are definitely more salubrious areas in Barcelona, even by El Raval standards, but Robadora is worth the visit. Read more
Tragaluz
Fine dining in an impressive location (and for a cost). Still, we wonder why Tragaluz somehow manages to avoid much media attention. Read more
Bar Brutal/Can Cisa
Bar Brutal specialists in natural wines, which some may find challenging. For fans, the selection may look like heaven. The food’s pretty good too. Read more
Cera 23
Cera 23 is the slightly less popular sister restaurant to Arume around the corner. Still one of El Raval’s better offerings. Read more