The Best Places to Eat in Barcelona
Bustling Barcelona proffers an ample array of attractions that continues to reel in international crowds year after year. Whether you’re exploring Catalonia’s plethora of multi-peaked mountainous hikes, day trips, Gaudí’s mythical-like monuments, or idyllic Southern-European beaches, the city’s culinary culture is the crown to an authentic BCN experience.
Here’s what we cover in this Barcelona food guide:
Catalan Specialities
What to Drink in Barcelona
Authentic Tapas in Barcelona
Best Restaurants in Barcelona
Best Cafes & Brunch in Barcelona
Best Vegan & Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
Best Coffee Shops in Barcelona
Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Tips for Eating Like a Local in Barcelona
FAQs
Want to go the extra mile?
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Worried about fitting into the local’s scene here in BCN? I’ve got your back. If you don’t want to stick out like a fish out of water, check out my advice below.
Tips for Eating Like a Local in Barcelona:
Dinner is never before 9:00 pm. The later, the better. When I worked in a restaurant, most people would enter the doors around 10-11 pm and leave after midnight. If your stomach won’t stop rumbling, at least try holding back until 9 pm.
Avoid Las Ramblas at all costs. These streets are big-ass tourist traps. Sure, there’s a handful of restaurants that aren’t too bad, but if you want more of a local’s experience rather than a tourist-targeted, over-priced eatery, your best bet is to stay far away.
Give the Menú del día a fair go. Back in General Franco’s regime, restaurants were obligated to provide this discounted option. But nowadays, Barcelona is known for its wealth of quality lunchtime deals. If you want to save a penny or two, you simply can’t go past the Menú del día.
Ditch the tap water. Yes, you read that right! Even though Google states Barcelona’s tap water is safe for consumption, I’m here to tell you that it’s far from a local’s choice. Grab bottled water instead!
Tapas is for sharing. Don’t get to eat an entire plate of croquetas de espinaca while your friend demolishes the patatas bravas. As a general rule of thumb, you always share and pick at various plates.
After stuffing your face, head for a post-dinner drink. The drinking culture in Barcelona is strong, oh-so-strong. Gin & Tonics, along with a classic Catalan Cava or Vermut Rojo, are all the rage.
Fish are friends and food in Barcelona… Yes, that is a modified quote from the movie Nemo… I can’t personally vouch for the seafood on offer here in BCN because I don’t eat it and never have. But in saying that, it is one of Spain’s hot spots for a quality fresh find. So if you’re into seafood, give it a red-hot go.
FAQS
What food is famous in Barcelona?
Barcelona is famous for a delectable fusion of Spanish and Catalan cuisine. Spanish favourites include jamon iberico, patatas bravas, croquettes, gazpacho and Valencian paella. Catalan crowd-pleasers include escalivada, bacalao (cod fish) and fideuà.
How do you eat like a local in Barcelona?
If you don’t want to feel like a tourist in Barcelona, make sure you eat when the Spanish do. Lunch is around 3 or 5 pm, and dinner is later, usually around 9 or 10 pm.
What is the diet in Barcelona?
Catalan food is based on the typical Mediterranean diet, with many fish, legumes and vegetables. Often served with lots of olive oil, you’ll find it’s easy to feel satisfied and healthy.
How much does a meal cost in Barcelona?
That depends on where you eat! If it’s a tourist-targeted restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between €10 to €14. You can pay around €6 to €9 for a meal if it's a local spot. You’ll find the ‘menu del dia’ at lunchtime, with an entrée, main dinner and dessert or drink for around €11 to €15.
There is so much to discover in this bustling Spanish city; the best part is that it won't cost you a dime! Don't be misled into believing that you need to spend any money to enjoy all that BCN has to offer fully. For a comprehensive guide replete with all my favourite things to do (that don’t require any dosh), check out this post for the best Free Things to do in Barcelona: Barcelona, you bloody beauty.
So there you have it, folks; the best places to eat in Barcelona, Spain. If you’re on a strict mission to pursue quality restaurants, I can guarantee these eateries will leave you in a hard-core food coma. ¡De nada!