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Top 10 Restaurants in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city full of big, bold flavours, all steeped in tradition and culture. The people of Barcelona (generally) carry the art of cooking in their blood. Recipes for traditional dishes are passed on through generations and just seem to get better with age!
The Barcelona food scene has always been big and full of creativity. But with the worldwide popularity of gastronomy growing steadily year on year, the scene has really exploded. That is not to say that all the best restaurants in Barcelona are those with a Michelin star or two. Sometimes it’s the most unassuming ones that surprise you!
I have put together my favourite spots in Barcelona, for all sorts of foods. Take a read to find the one that most tickles your taste buds and add it to your must-see list. Hopefully you’ll try them all!
1. Maitea Taberna
Best for: Pintxos
Pintxos originate from San Sebástian in the Basque region of Spain. They are delicious, bite-sized morsels which can be enjoyed as a precursor to a tapas dinner. They are made by topping slices of bread with any number of ingredient combinations.
Pintxos by the dozen at Maitea Taberna. Image sourced from Maitea official website.
Maitea Taberna is my top pick for Pintxos in Barcelona. The owners’ family hails from San Sebástian and with Grandmother’s recipes at hand, you can bet the Pintxos here are as good as they come.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon to Sat – 1pm to 12am
ADDRESS: Carrer de Casanova, 155 08036 Barcelona
Metro Station: Hospital Clínic
2. Paco Meralgo
Best for: Tapas
Tapa, loosely translated, means “cover“. This term is thought to have come about in an inventive effort to keep flies out of wine, using a slice of cured meat. Today, we know ‘tapas’ as small plates of food that are packed with flavour. It is customary to get a bunch of different tapas to share across the table.
Patatas Bravas are a must-order with any tapas-filled meal! Photo by Nacho Carretero Molero on Unsplash.
You can find brilliant tapas on just about every corner of Barcelona. The best spots however, will always have a queue of people waiting for a seat.
Paco Meralgo is known for creating some of the most delicious, modern-styled tapas in Barcelona. It is no wonder then that this is my go-to for a beautiful, flavour-packed tapas lunch or dinner.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Daily – 1pm to 12am
ADDRESS: Carrer de Muntaner, 171, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Metro Station: Diagonal, Provença (train station)
3. Restaurante Martínez
Best for: Paella
Paella originated in Valencia, but is a well-known Spanish dish that is served all around the country. And Barcelona is no exception. The base of paella is made with white rice cooked in saffron, stock and spices. There are many varieties of paella available thereafter. Usually, chicken, fish, meat or vegetables are added to the rice base and all the ingredients get simmered together in a specialised paella pan.
Seafood paella, served from the pan. Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.
Paella is traditionally served from the same pan in which the meal was made. This means that every gram of flavour added to the dish gets to be savoured by you!
Restaurante Martínez is the perfect location to enjoy a perfect paella. Reserve a table on the terrace for a tropical experience or a spot on the balcony to dine with an amazing view of the ocean. No matter where you sit at Restaurante Martínez, make sure to try the ‘Rice with Red Prawns from the Costa Brava’ for a locally sourced taste explosion.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Daily – 1pm to 11:30pm
ADDRESS: Carretera de Miramar, 38 · 08038 · Barcelona · Parc de Montjuïc
Metro Station: Poble Sec
4. The Green Spot
Best for: Vegetarian
More and more people are eating a plant-based diet these days, for whatever personal reason. This has led to a quick and steady increase in the number of dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants in major cities. Once again, Barcelona is no exception. There are tons of great vegetarian and vegan spots dotted around the city.
The Black Pizza from The Green Spot – not vegan but worth every bite! Image sourced from The Green Spot official website (encompaniadelobos.com/en/the-green-spot)
The Green Spot however, has got to be one of the most beautiful. Its slogan is ‘Veggies for veggies. Veggies for non veggies’ and truer words have never been spoken! My boyfriend (carnivore) and I (vegetarian) go to this place often when we are in the city, and he LOVES it. Their pizzas are some of the best I have ever had and often, they’re not only vegan or vegetarian but also gluten free.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon to Sun – Lunch: 1pm to 4pm, Dinner: 8pm to 12am
ADDRESS: Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 12, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Metro Station: Barceloneta
5. Lluritu
Best for: Seafood
Barcelona is well known for its seafood. With abundant waters so nearby, it is not surprising that you can find some amazing seafood restaurants throughout the city. The fish and shellfish in Barcelona is generally way above average, as restaurants are able to source the freshest seafood every day.
The lorito fish is found along the Spanish coastal waters. This is where the owners of LLuritu found the inspiration for their restaurant and its quirky theme, not to mention the name. In addition to their fish specialisation, they love to grill! Lluritu prides itself on the fact that there are no stoves in their kitchen.
The Grilled Seafood Platter from Lluritu is a must-have. Image sourced from Lluritu official website.
If you are feeling daring, try the signature dish. But bear in mind that it is seasonal and limited. If there is no Lluritu available, go for the Mariscada brasa (or Grilled Seafood Platter). It’s simple, with no frills but oh, so fresh and fantastic!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Wed to Fri — 1pm to 4pm, 7:30pm to 11:30pm, Sat — 12pm to 12:30am, Sun — 12pm to 11:30pm
ADDRESS: Carrer del Torrent de les Flors, 71, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
Metro Station: Joanic
6. 7 Portes
Best for: Traditional Catalan cuisine
7 Portes is one of Barcelona’s best traditional Catalan restaurants. It first opened in 1836, which makes it over 180 years old. The recipes passed down from chef to chef over the years therefore, hold tremendous history and key secrets of traditional Catalan cooking. That being said, the restaurant is definitely not stuck in the past. The restaurant has worked hard to keep adapting to new ideas and evolving culture. Deep rooted tradition and culture combined with an openness to the ‘new’, makes for a very unique dining experience.
Octopus with spicy potatoes at 7 Portes. Image sourced from & Portes official Facebook page.
7 Portes speciality dishes are rice and paella, done with Catalan flair, of course. Also on the menu are seafood casseroles and roasts, as well as more modern and innovative dishes.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon to Sun – 1pm to 1am
ADDRESS: Passeig d’Isabel II, 14, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Metro Station: Barceloneta
7. La Taperia at El Nacional
Best for: Spanish energy
La Taperia is a restaurant that works on an interesting concept. Upon entering, you receive a menu which serves the pure purpose of tantalising your tastebuds. Cold dishes can be ordered off the menu but hot dishes are another whole ball game.
The exquisite La Taperia found at El Nacional. Image sourced from El Nacional official website.
The chefs in the back prepare select hot dishes as and when they wish. No-one in the restaurant knows what is coming out of the kitchen until the waiter shouts the name of the dish. And when I say they shout, I mean they shout, dance, sing and cheer the name of each dish out. The first diners to show the waiter their interest, nab the dish. And you never know when it might come out again.
It’s the most fun dining experience I have ever had and I can guarantee you that you will leave La Taperia wanting to go back again soon.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: mon to sun – 12pm to 1am
ADDRESS: Passeig de Gràcia, 24 Bis 08007 Barcelona
Metro Station: Passeig de Gràcia
8. Disfrutar
Best for: Fine Dining
Previously, I wrote an article on the 6 Best Michelin Star restaurant in Barcelona. So if fine dining is really your thing, check it out here. One restaurant not on that list, and that definitely deserves a mention, is Disfrutar.
The name for this two Michelin star restaurant is very apt. ‘Disfrutar’ means ‘enjoy’ and that is exactly what you will do from the minute you step into this restaurant. Everything about this place is enjoyable. From the decor and design to the impeccable flavours and techniques that go into creating awe-inspiring dishes. No detail is too small at Disfrutar and this is what makes it so special.
Disfrutar is not only a delight for the tastebuds, but also for the eyes! Image sourced from Disfrutar official website.
They also have an open kitchen, allowing diners to get a taste of the chaos that goes on behind a Michelin Star dish. The Gran Classic tasting menu incorporates dishes synonymous with the restaurant, while the Gran Festival celebrates seasonal ingredients and dishes. Either one is a great option for a fine dining experience at this magnificent restaurant.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon to Fri – 1pm to 2:30pm, 8pm to 9:30pm
ADDRESS: Carrer de Villarroel, 163, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Metro Station: Hospital Clinic
9. Delacrem
Best for: Ice Cream
While ice-cream (or gelato) is a well known speciality of Italians, there is nothing more satisfying than ice cream on a hot day in Barcelona. Delacrem is an Italian ice cream bar, situated in Eixample. Their ‘made by hand’ philosophy sets them apart, as do their creative, masterful flavour combinations.
Some of the best ice cream in Barcelona can be found at Delacrem. Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash.
All the ice-cream at Delacrem is gluten-free and they are mindful of the fat content in their recipes. They also offer vegan-friendly sorbets, catering to every preference.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon to Sun – 9:30am to 9:30pm
ADDRESS: Enric Granados, 15 – 08007 – Barcelona
Metro Station: Universitat
10. Xurreria Trébol
Best for: Churros
Where to begin with describing one of the best sweet-treat pastries ever to hit earth? Churros are almost like the Spanish version of a doughnut. Except they come in tubes and are a million times better! Churros are made from a thick dough mixture that is piped into tubes and deep fried. Most often they come alongside a pot of hot chocolate dipping sauce.
Churros and chocolate. Image by Oscar Nord, sourced from Unspalsh.
My top pick for churros is Xurreria Trébol in the trendy Vila de Gracia. It is 20 minutes away from La Sagrada Familia so if you feel like taking a stroll to see Gaudi’s masterpiece all lit up, grab yourself some churros on the way! This spot has a huge selection of churros and all sorts of fun fillings and flavours.
