Where to eat in Barcelona?
Restaurants in Barcelona: Our Top Picks
Barcelona is a true paradise for food lovers. Tapas, seafood, Catalan cuisine, paella, or Michelin-starred restaurants: the city offers dining options for every taste and budget. From a tapas bar in the Gothic Quarter to a gourmet restaurant in Eixample, or enjoying paella by the sea, here are our top picks for where to eat in Barcelona.
Barcelona Tapas: The Best Restaurants
Tapas are an essential experience in Barcelona. Whether in traditional bars, neighborhood bodegas, or more modern venues, you'll order several small dishes to share: from patatas bravas and croquetas to pan con tomate, calamari, or anchovies.
El Born, the Gothic Quarter, Poble-sec, and Eixample are among the best neighborhoods to explore Barcelona's tapas scene.
© Barcelona.com
Cal Pep
Cal Pep is one of the most famous tapas restaurants in Barcelona. You often have to wait to get a seat at the counter, but this wait will whet your appetite: it's worth it! For the small indoor dining area, be sure to make a reservation.
El Born - Plaça de les Olles, 8
calpep.com
© Bar del Pla
Bar del Pla
This is one of our favorite tapas bars. Located just a stone's throw from the Picasso Museum, in the picturesque Carrer de Montcada, Bar del Pla offers tapas and raciones to share, with a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
El Born - C/ de Montcada, 2
bardelpla.cat
© Barcelona.com
El Xampanyet
This bar has retained the authentic feel of Barcelona's old bars. The counter, the tapas, and the lively atmosphere still make it one of our favorite spots in El Born.
El Born - C/ de Montcada, 22
instagram.com/el_xampanyet
© Barcelona.com
Quimet & Quimet
Quimet & Quimet is a bar like no other. No tables: you stand while savoring montaditos and small tapas, often made with high-quality canned goods. It's also a wine cellar where you can select your wine.
Poble-sec - C/ del Poeta Cabanyes, 25
quimetiquimet.com
Even More Great Tapas Spots
Discover our complete selection of tapas bars and restaurants in Barcelona.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Europe's top gastronomic destinations. Here are four Michelin-starred restaurants where creativity and seasonal ingredients take center stage. Be sure to book in advance.
© ABaC
ABaC
Dive into the world of ABaC, a restaurant distinguished by three Michelin stars, renowned for its unique approach that harmoniously blends tradition and modernity. Chef Jordi Cruz, known for his tenacity, passion, and perseverance, is the key to this exceptional culinary success.
Sant Gervasi - Avinguda del Tibidabo, 1
abacrestaurant.com/en
© Cinc Sentits
Cinc Sentits
Minimalist setting and contemporary Catalan cuisine: Cinc Sentits, "Five Senses," is one of Barcelona's finest dining spots. Chef Jordi Artal crafts tasting menus that change with the seasons.
Eixample - C/ d’Entença, 60
cincsentits.com
© Disfrutar
Disfrutar
Disfrutar is one of those places where you come as much to be surprised as to enjoy excellent food. Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas play with textures, shapes, and flavors, never forgetting the pleasure. A spectacular experience, certainly pricey, but hard to forget.
Eixample - C/ de Villarroel, 163
disfrutarbarcelona.com
© Moments
Moments
In the magnificent Mandarin Oriental hotel, Moments is one of the top dining spots on Passeig de Gràcia. Raül Balam, with Carme Ruscalleda as a culinary advisor, reimagines Catalan cuisine with creativity and elegance.
Eixample - Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40
mandarinoriental.com/en/barcelona/passeig-de-gracia/dine/moments
Where to Eat Halal in Barcelona? The Best Restaurants
Barcelona offers numerous options for halal dining, especially in Raval, Eixample, and around the city center.
Pakistani, Moroccan, Mediterranean cuisine, or burgers: here are some places you should know about.
© Zeeshan Kebabish
Zeeshan Kebabish
A Pakistani and Indian restaurant for lovers of grilled dishes, spicy curries, and generous portions. Dive into the cuisine of the subcontinent, right in the heart of Raval.
El Raval - C/ del Marquès de Barberà, 26
zeeshankebabish.com
© Nejma Brunch
Nejma Brunch
A brunch spot in Eixample, offering toast, eggs, pancakes, and juices for a delightful break. The establishment offers halal options; inquire directly about the dishes you are interested in.
Eixample - Avinguda Diagonal, 328
instagram.com/nejma_brunch
© Restaurant Arab Halal Marràkech
Restaurant Arab Halal Marràkech
Immerse yourself in the Moroccan atmosphere with traditional cuisine featuring couscous, tagines, and grilled dishes. A halal spot worth knowing in the Sants area.
Sants - C/ de Béjar, 87
restaurantearabehalalmarrakech.com
© The Burger Maker
The Burger Maker
A fully halal burger restaurant, with beef, chicken, and lamb certified halal, right in the heart of Barcelona.
El Raval - Plaça de la Gardunya, 2
theburgermaker.com/en/shop
Paella in Barcelona: Our Top Picks
Paella originates from Valencia, but Barcelona boasts some excellent establishments specializing in rice dishes.
Seafood paella, black rice, casserole rice, or fideuà: it's best to choose restaurants that prepare their rice dishes to order.
For a more local experience, consider trying fideuà, made with short noodles instead of rice.
© Escribà
Escribà
On Bogatell Beach, Xiringuito Escribà is one of our favorite spots for rice dishes and paellas by the sea. It's a great place to extend a day by the water.
Bogatell / Poblenou - Avinguda del Litoral, 62
restaurantsescriba.com/xiringuito-escriba
@ Barcelona.com
7 Portes
Originally called the "Café of the 7 Doors," this establishment offers some of the best paellas in the city. A historic restaurant where you can also discover traditional Catalan cuisine.
El Born - Passeig d’Isabel II, 14
7portes.com
© Pez Vela
Pez Vela
Easy to find at the foot of the W Hotel, Pez Vela, the sailboat, is a wonderful chic chiringuito from Grupo Tragaluz.
Barceloneta - Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19-21
grupotragaluz.com/restaurantes/pez-vela
© Los Caracoles
Los Caracoles
Los Caracoles, "The Snails," is more than just its name. This historic establishment in the Gothic Quarter also offers paellas and rice dishes, including a seafood paella.
Gothic Quarter - C/ dels Escudellers, 14
loscaracoles.es
Where to Eat the Best Rice Dishes and Paellas?
Discover our comprehensive selection of restaurants specializing in rice dishes, paellas, and fideuàs in Barcelona.
Best Fish and Seafood Restaurants in Barcelona
On the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is an ideal destination for enjoying fish and seafood: grilled fish, calamari, prawns, shellfish, zarzuela, or contemporary seafood cuisine.
Here are some of our favorite spots.
© Lluritu
Lluritu
The place is a bit puzzling and looks more like a fish market than a restaurant. However, Lluritu is indeed a fish restaurant and one of our favorite spots in Gràcia. The grill and the plancha set the tone here.
Gràcia - C/ del Torrent de les Flors, 71
lluritu.com
© Passadís del Pep
Passadís del Pep
No menu at Passadís del Pep, but a selection of dishes based on the day's catch, mainly focusing on fish and seafood. One of our favorite spots in El Born to let yourself be guided.
El Born - Pla de Palau, 2
passadis.com
© Els Pescadors
Els Pescadors
We believe that Els Pescadors is one of the best seafood restaurants in Barcelona. Located on the charming Plaça de Prim in Poblenou, it's worth the visit for its Catalan seafood cuisine, rice dishes, and terrace.
Poblenou - Plaça de Prim, 1
elspescadors.com
© Barcelona.com
Can Pineda
Can Pineda has been around since 1904. If you want to experience traditional Catalan cuisine in all its richness, this establishment in El Clot remains a classic among classics.
El Clot - C/ de Sant Joan de Malta, 55
restaurantcanpineda.es
Vegetarian Restaurants and Plant-Based Options in Barcelona
Vegetarian cuisine, vegan menus, or delightful plant-based options: these places give vegetables the spotlight. Some also offer meat or fish; the details on each menu will help you decide.
© Xavier Pellicer
Xavier Pellicer Restaurant
Xavier Pellicer offers a culinary experience where each dish celebrates nature and the seasons. Vegetables take center stage, with vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore menus. A visit is a must for those who appreciate inventive cuisine that pays attention to ingredients.
Eixample - C/ de Provença, 310
xavierpellicer.com
© Biocenter
Biocenter
With its three spacious dining rooms and welcoming terrace, Biocenter serves delicious vegetarian and vegan food.
El Raval - C/ del Pintor Fortuny, 25
restaurantebiocenter.es
© Fat Veggies
Fat Veggies
Just like in many other fields, Catalans showcase great imagination. Fat Veggies redefines our view of vegetarian cuisine with grilling, smoking, and fermentation. A vegetarian spot with plenty of vegan options.
Eixample - C/ de Bailèn, 81
fatveggies.com
© Honest Greens
Honest Greens
Honest Greens aims to make healthy, seasonal, and quick meals accessible every day. A success! You can create your own plates and bowls, with vegetarian and plant-based options, as well as animal proteins.
Eixample - Rambla de Catalunya, 3
honestgreens.com/en/restaurants/plazacat-en
Barcelona Restaurants: The Most Popular Spots
Some addresses in Barcelona have become must-visits, not only for their cuisine but also for their atmosphere, decor, or presence on social media.
© El Nacional
El Nacional
To explore the diversity of Spanish cuisine all in one place, head to El Nacional. Four restaurants and four bars gathered in a large space on Passeig de Gràcia: everyone can find their own vibe here.
Eixample - Passeig de Gràcia, 24 bis
elnacionalbcn.com
© Ciudad Condal
Ciudad Condal
The restaurant’s name, also written in Catalan as Ciutat Comtal, refers to one of Barcelona’s nicknames. It's a lively spot for beers and tapas, whether traditional or more creative, with something to satisfy many cravings.
Eixample - Rambla de Catalunya, 18
laflautagroup.com
© Cervecería Catalana
Cervecería Catalana
Cervecería Catalana is one of our favorite tapas restaurants in Barcelona. Tapas and montaditos line up at the counter in a lively and informal atmosphere.
Eixample - C/ de Mallorca, 236
laflautagroup.com
© La Paradeta
La Paradeta
La Paradeta is a self-service seafood restaurant chain in Barcelona. You select your products at the counter, then the kitchen prepares them and calls you when your dishes are ready.
Sagrada Família - Passatge de Simó, 18
laparadeta.com
Seasonal Cuisine and Slow Food Spirit in Barcelona
Beyond tapas and paella, Barcelona boasts numerous eateries that focus on seasonality and a cuisine attentive to ingredients. Here are some places to explore with this mindset, without confusing plant-based cuisine with exclusively vegetarian restaurants.
© Vrutal
Vrutal
Vrutal invites you to rediscover plant-based cuisine through flavorful and creative dishes, all in a friendly and trendy atmosphere.
Poblenou - Rambla del Poblenou, 16
vrutal.es/en/contact
© Berbena
Berbena
Berbena enchants with the creativity of a seasonal cuisine that dreams are made of. Small dishes to share and wines complete the picture. The establishment is not vegetarian and specifies that it cannot accommodate vegan guests.
Gràcia - C/ de Minerva, 6
berbenabcn.com/en
© Direkte
Direkte
Direkte maintains that intimate counter spirit and cuisine prepared right in front of you that we all love. Now located in Eixample, Arnau Muñío's restaurant offers seasonal menus where Catalan and Asian inspirations meet. Everything we love!
Eixample - C/ de París, 200
direkte.cat
© Gatblau
Gatblau
Gatblau offers creative cuisine where vegetables and seasonal ingredients take center stage. A place committed to agroecology, it also offers animal-based ingredients. Discover it for its Slow Food spirit.
Sant Antoni - C/ del Comte Borrell, 122, local 2
gatblaurestaurant.com/ca
Where to Eat in Barcelona: The Best Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own unique culinary vibe. Tapas in the alleys of the historic center, fine dining in Eixample, or local gems in Gràcia: here are four particularly interesting neighborhoods for dining out.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
© Naval S, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter offers a wide variety of restaurants, from traditional taverns to more tourist-oriented spots. Sometimes, you need to venture a bit away from Las Ramblas to discover the most intriguing dining options.
© Pere López Brosa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eixample
L'Eixample is probably the most comprehensive neighborhood for food enthusiasts. Michelin-starred restaurants, contemporary cuisine, modern tapas, and numerous great spots are concentrated around Passeig de Gràcia, Enric Granados, and the surrounding streets.
FAQ
FAQ: Restaurants in Barcelona
L'Eixample, El Born, the Gothic Quarter, Gràcia, and Poblenou each offer different atmospheres and styles, from tapas to gourmet restaurants.
El Born, the Gothic Quarter, Poble-sec, and the Eixample are among the best areas to find traditional or more contemporary tapas bars.
Restaurants specializing in rice dishes, especially near the sea in Barceloneta or Poblenou, are great options. A true paella is usually made to order.
You can eat simply for about €15 to €25 per person. A good restaurant with several courses often costs around €30 to €50, excluding high-end gastronomy.
Lunch is typically taken between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Dinner often starts around 8:30 PM, with many Barcelonans eating closer to 9 or 10 PM.
Yes for popular restaurants, fine dining, and Michelin-starred establishments, especially in the evening and on weekends. Some tapas bars operate more on a first-come, first-served basis.