Everyone knows that Barcelona, Spain, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Located between the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, the Spanish metropolis is home to a wide array of monuments, museums, and architectural wonders. But after all that sightseeing, you must be wondering where to eat in Barcelona.
Due to an abundance of fresh ingredients and that special Catalan flavor, Barcelona is also the place to find delicious food. After spending the day visiting La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, or the Montjuïc Magic Fountain, and sunbathing in Barceloneta, you will be in the mood for a savory and filling dinner.
Fortunately, Barcelona offers a lot of options for that. If you want to experience some of the best Northern and Catalan dishes, here are the top ten restaurants to try out.
Are you planning your trip to Barcelona?
If you’re traveling to Barcelona, ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks to help you plan!
- Book a transfer from the airport to Barcelona city center with Welcome Pickups.
- Rent a car from the Rome airport through Discover Cars.
Where to Stay in Barcelona:
- Grand Hotel Central ⇒ 5-star luxury near La Rambla with poolside bar, rooftop terrace
- ME Barcelona ⇒ 5-star hotel near La Rambla
- Catalonia Catedral Hotel ⇒ 4-star eco-friendly hotel near Plaça de Catalunya
Best Tours and Experiences in Barcelona:
- Skip the Line: Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour (definitely the way to go)
- Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour (we loved this tour)
- Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona (if you have extra time – super fun)
Love food AND cooking? Why not take a cooking class in Barcelona?
- Paella Cooking Experience with Professional Chef and Bottomless Wine
- Mediterranean Cooking Class in Barcelona
⇒ Find the best of everything in the city in our Essential Travel Guide to Barcelona (infographic)
Where to Eat in Barcelona
Uma
The winner of Trip Advisor’s 2017 Traveler’s Choice award, Uma is an innovative restaurant situated in the Bajos of Barcelona. It has no menu, which is why most of its satisfied customers describe the dining experience as a true culinary adventure.
Not only is the food delightful, but the establishment also has a great wine selection, professional service, and stunning décor.
Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 275, 08008 Barcelona, Spain Website
Santa Rita Experience
Another one of TripAdvisor’s top picks, the Santa Rita Experience has received the Certificate of Excellence due to its appealing menu selections and welcoming atmosphere.
According to a few customer reviews, the chef takes their time to explain what each dish is made of, and how the flavors combine, which is a great plus.
Location: Carrer dels Almogàvers, S/N 08018 Barcelona Spain Website
Con Gracia
If you have any specific culinary requests or preferences, Con Gracia is the perfect place to accommodate them. The restaurant is able to adapt to the needs and requests of its clients expertly. Whether you are lactose intolerant, gluten-free, or a vegan, its diverse menu and professional staff have your back.
The efficient communication between restaurant personnel and clients can be seen in the way the owner interacts with guests as well. He usually waits on tables alongside the servers, and he is always open to suggestions. An average meal for two will set you back around 65 euros, which is more than reasonable for this side of town.
Location: Carrer de Martínez de la Rosa, 8, 08012 Barcelona, Spain Website
El Canalla
Designated number one on the list of Barcelona’s best restaurants by Eater.com, El Canalla is iconic to the Sarrià neighborhood. Its menu is comprised by a variety of Catalan and Northern Spanish dishes that are imbued with a special dose of flavor thanks to the Josper.
The Josper is a broiler-barbecue hybrid fueled by wood and coconut shells. If you choose to eat there, you simply must try the charred pluma Ibérica pork with roasted potatoes and shallots.
Due to the Josper, this signature dish is taken one step further. In fact, even simpler options, such as the olive oil-grilled spring artichokes, gain a wonderful complexity of taste that will leave you craving more.
Location: Carrer Major de Sarrià, 95, 08017 Barcelona, Spain Website
La Taverna del Clinic
When in Barcelona, it’s mandatory to experience some Catalan fine dining. La Taverna del Clínic is the perfect place to do that. This elegant Barcelona restaurant went into business back in 2006, and it was a small family affair.
Now, it flaunts its elegant décor and fresh seasonal ingredients, making it ideal for a romantic dinner that preserves the charm and history of the city.
Location: Carrer del Rosselló, 155, 08036 Barcelona, Spain Website
Ipar-Txoko
If a name that seems hieroglyphic to anyone who’s not a local tells you anything, it’s that you’re in for a culinary treat. Ipar-Txoko is situated in the heart of Gràcia, and it is a Basque restaurant where the owner casually socializes with clientele and lists the specials from memory every day.
The varied array of rich Northern dishes will surely convince you to eat here. We recommend trying native dishes such as the alubias de Tolosa, a delicious black bean stew, or the bacalao a la Vizcaína, which is a salted cod cooked in a decadent and hearty red pepper sauce.
Nevertheless, if you hear they have the chuletónde vaca (pictured above) among the day’s specials, don’t be afraid to order it. It is a grilled and dry-aged beef T-bone with a spectacular presentation.
Location: Carrer de Mozart, 22, 08012 Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain Website
Disfrutar
No fine dining experience in Barcelona would be complete without a visit to Disfrutar. It was open in 2014 by a team of former El Bulli chefs that devoted their careers to designing the most delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine in the Iberic peninsula. This, combined with the elegance of the location and service, earned them a one Michelin star rating.
Location: Carrer de Villarroel, 163, 08036 Barcelona, Spain Website
Botafumeiro
It’s no secret that a huge part of Spanish cuisine revolves around seafood. Due to the country’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this tasty ingredient is always fresh and ready to enjoy. If you want to partake in the traditional experience, nothing compares to the Botafumeiro restaurant.
As online publication the Telegraph explains, the establishment earned its unique name due to the incense burner in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The seafood it serves is brought in fresh every morning from the harbors of Galicia and Catalunya. For this reason, you simply must try their mariscada, which is a classic platter of clams, oysters, and percebes.
Location: Carrer Gran de Gràcia, 81, 08012 Barcelona, Spain Website
Can Solé
One of the main appeals that Barcelona has over other major European cities is that it is an urban area with a beautifully integrated seafront. Therefore, La Playa de la Barceloneta is a must-see when you’re in the area. And, of course, when you’re here, there’s nothing more traditional than a paella dinner.
For this purpose, Can Solé is the place to be. It is one of the many establishments in Barceloneta that offers this coveted menu item, but it sets itself apart from the crowd by being a bit more luxurious and better staffed. Lunch and dinner go for around 40 euros a pop here, which isn’t bad at all considering all the perks of eating at Can Solé.
Location: Carrer de Sant Carles, 4, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Website
Els Quatre Gats
Finally, no list of Barcelona eateries would be complete without the historically significant Els Quatre Gats. Its name translates as ‘the four cats’, and it breathtaking Modernista architecture is something you won’t want to miss out on.
The building was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary to Gaudi. The artists of the time, including the notorious Pablo Picasso, used to meet up here for a drink, which makes the entire setting all the more interesting to tourists.
The Mediterranean-style food is also an asset, although it pales in the face of the beautifully tiled and galleried interior. If you want to ensure that you see it during your stay, make sure to book a table in advance.
Location: Carrer de Montsió, 3, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Website
CONCLUSION
If you are wondering what to eat in Barcelona, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of restaurants in Barcelona you need to try.
Whether you want to try some signature Catalan dishes, or you are ready for an innovative experience, you will surely enjoy every last bite. Just remember to make reservations, as these trendy spots get booked to the maximum quite quickly.
Be Prepared For Travel
Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:
🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home
- Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
- Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner)
- Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
- Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
LIKE THIS POST? Why not share it on Pinterest?
Ahhh Disfrutar is the one that got away! We didn’t have a chance to eat there but it looks so good. Great roundup!
Is that the most meaty scallop or what Amanda? Like a meal in itself. Just fabulous.