The vast variety of restaurants in Barcelona does not always make it easy to choose. But of course, you would like some good food or tapas and a nice place to sit down and enjoy. I have compiled a top 20 . From affordable to pricey, tapas to paella: at these places you are guaranteed to eat well!
Bar Cañete
Price: 40-50 euro per person for main course, drink and dessert
Special features: the open kitchen
Where: El Raval
Bar Cañete is really one of those places where you hang out all night and always order way too much. The tastiest cheeses, Spanish ham and fresh fish makes choosing difficult. There are tapas as well as some larger dishes. The homemade paella is delicious and different every day.
Los Caracoles
Price: 15 – 50 euro for a main course
Special features: the open kitchen where cooking is still done on wood and the chickens on a spit on the exterior of the building.
Where: El Gòtic
A true classic and one of the oldest restaurants in town is Los Caracoles. You certainly won’t be the only tourist here, but the interior, friendly staff and good cuisine more than make up for that. The chicken on a spit that you can already see hanging outside is one of its most popular dishes. The establishment consists of several dining rooms, as over time Los Caracoles became increasingly successful and the owner bought up adjacent properties. Nice detail: upon entering, you’ll first pass through the kitchen, the only place still cooking on wood in all of Barcelona.
Bar del Pla
Price: 15 – 40 euro for a main course
Special features: authentic interior
Where: El Born
Bar de Pla is hidden away in one of the cozy streets of the El Born neighborhood. The ambiance is simple, with large wine barrels as tables and a long bar where locals sit early in the morning with their beer. All the classic tapas are on the menu, and meat and fish lovers in particular will find plenty to eat here. The flavor combinations are surprising and delicious!
My Fucking Restaurant
Price: 25-30 euro for tapas, a drink and dessert
Special features: the showcooking experience at the bar
Where: El Raval
A naughty name, but a fine setting and great cuisine: My Fucking Restaurant is definitely one of my favorites. The menu features tapas and small dishes following traditional recipes, but with a modern twist. Recommendations include the burrata, the pulpo (squid) and the osso bucco croquettes. If you take a seat at the bar, you can also experience a true show-cooking experience: here the cold dishes are prepared in front of you.
Colmado
Price: 1,95 – 13,50 euro tapas
Special features: The vermouth
Where: Eixample
At Colmado you eat the most delicious traditional tapas, accompanied by a good glass of wine or vermouth, a popular aperitif in Barcelona. Think tasty patatas bravas (fried potatoes in spicy sauce), fantastic ‘Russian salad’ and Galician squid. You’ll be cozy inside, and outside they have a nice terrace overlooking one of the nicest streets in this neighborhood.
Casa Lolea
Price: 30 euro for a main course, drink and dessert
Special features: the delicious patatas bravas and the homemade sangria
Where: El Born
One of the most appealing tapas bars in the El Born neighborhood is Casa Lolea. In my opinion, the patatas bravas are among the best in Barcelona and the ceviche and steak tartar are also delicioso! You can go there in the morning for breakfast with delicious bagels and Sunday afternoon is vermouth time. The place is not big, so make sure you have a reservation. No availibility? Head to Casa Lolea’s little brother Can Framis, just a few minutes away.
Salamanca
Price: 39 – 50 euro for a menu
Special features: the location: in front of the beach
Where: La Barceloneta
Salamanca is a classic spot for fish or paella right in front of the beach. Many celebrities seem to regularly stop in here. When the weather is nice, sit on the terrace, of course, but be sure to take a peek in the kitchen, where cooks work their hardest to make fantastic paellas.
The Green Spot
Price: around 40 euros per person
Special features: the particularly delicious (vegetarian) dishes and beautifully prepared plates.
Where: La Barceloneta and Eixample
Anyone who loves healthy (and vegetarian) food is at the perfect place here. Thanks in part to The Green Spot’s hip Instagram-worthy decor and delicious food, you’re sure to have a fun evening. Be sure to try the fried eggplant with miso sauce or the jackfruit tacos. By the way, one of the locations also has a small club where you can dance after dinner.
Contracorrent Bar
Price: 2 – 12,50 euro per tapas dish
Special features: Sitting among the locals
Where: Eixample
A real hidden gem on the culinary front. Here you sit among the locals and order creative dishes to share, accompanied by a good glass of organic wine. Mediterranean ingredients, both cold and hot dishes, and plenty of options for meat and fish lovers, as well as vegetarians. Contracorrent Bar is run by Italian Nico, a fantastic chef, and his girlfriend Anna, in charge of the venue. The price-quality ratio is excellent and they have a terrace as well.
El Nacional
Price: 25 – 40 euro for a diner
Special features: El Nacional is Spain’s largest restaurant, located on the most expensive street in the country
Where: Eixample
At Spain’s largest restaurant – which actually consists of several restaurants in one building – you can have a bite at any time of day: for (late) brunch, lunch, high tea, drinks and dinner. Fancy a good cocktail? Then this is also the place to be. El Nacional is open between noon and one o’clock at night. An ideal place to crash during or after shopping on the Passeig de Gràcia.
Petra
Price: 14 euro for a main course
Special features: Seasonal products
Where: El Born
During lunch you can get great afternoon menus at this little place, definitely a favorite among locals (tourists do not know their way to this cute restaurant). Dishes are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine such as salads, pastas, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. When the weather is nice, they sometimes set up a table outside, but otherwise it’s always a cozy affair inside.
La Pepita
Price: 20 – 50 euro
Special features: classic tapas with a twist
Where: Eixample
On the large mirrored wall behind La Pepita’s long-throw bar are written the creative tapas of the day and a selection of wines. The ham croquettes are among the best in town.
Ciudad Condal
Price: 25-30 euro for tapas, drink and dessert
Special features: de montaditos (sandwiches with something tasty pinned on them)
Where: Eixample
Famous among Barcelonians who don’t minder to wait a while for a table (on the terrace in summer!) or a spot at the bar. An extensive menu of traditional tapas and small dishes. There is also a daily changing menu of tapas and montaditos (pintxos, delicacies on a piece of bread with a skewer) the sandwich of the day and desserts. Reserving a table is not possible here.
El Velódromo
Price: 30 euro for main course, dessert and drink
Special features: continuous kitchen, open from 7.30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Eixample
At El Velódromo you can go from early morning until late at night every day, but the restaurant excels at dinner. In addition to the surprising Catalan tapas, be sure to try the patatas bravas and Spanish tortilla.
Elche
Price: 30-40 euro For a main course, side dish, drink and dessert.
Special features: the paella (one of the best in town as far as I’m concerned)
Where: Poble-Sec
In the less touristy Poble-Sec neighborhood, you might eat the best paella in Barcelona. Elche’s decor is classic, so it may not be the best option for smaller children. But those who love fish and want to feel like they are really having a night out will not be disappointed here. Save some room for the homemade desserts.
Can Cisa/Bar Brutal
Price: 15 – 20 euro for a dish
Special features: The wines
Where: El Born
The owners of Can Cisa / Bar Brutal wanted to show the atmosphere of an old wine cellar in a modern way. They do this in an informal setting filled with large barrels, serving high quality wines, all organic. The food is as good as the wines. The menu features original dishes made with the best ingredients, such as smoked salmon burrata or eggs with truffle and dill sauce.
Disfrutar
Price: from 120 euros per person for a menu without drinks
Special features: two Michelin stars
Where: Eixample
Disfrutar is Spanish for enjoy and you will certainly do that here. Not for nothing did the two-star restaurant secure a spot in just about every list of best restaurants in Europe and the world. Menus start at 120 euros per person (without drinks) and reservations are obviously a must.
Boca Grande
Price: between 35 and 50 euros
Special features: stylish and attractive decor
Where: Eixample
Boca Grande is a beautiful and impressive restaurant decorated by Lázaro Rosa-Violá, located in Passatge de la Concepció. You can eat delicious tapas, fish or meat dishes here with a good wine to match. Above the restaurant is a super hip cocktail bar with an oriental touch. Nice to end your evening with.
Elsa y Fred
Price: 40 euros per person
Special features: the cozy interior
Where: El Born
A personal all time favorite. At Elsa y Fred you’re in the right place for lunch, brunch and dinner. The portions are comparatively large and the price-quality ratio is good. If it is busy you can usually wait at the bar for a table, but booking a table is recommended. Definitely try the patatas bravas and the tuna tartare. There are a few tables outside, but I prefer to sit inside.
Casa Rafols
Price: around 40 euros per person.
Special features: The speakeasy cocktail bar with entrance through a mirror next to the restrooms
Where: Eixample
At Casa Rafols, you are sure to have a great evening. The beautifully decorated space, delicious food and atmosphere are great. All the products are homemade and the choice is vast. For those who love to drink and dance, this is also the place to be. In the hidden speakeasy bar downstairs in the restaurant, listen to jazz while enjoying a cocktail.
