Barcelona's Finest Bites: A Delicious Round-Up of Our Favourite Eats
Barcelona, is a culinary-rich city where every street corner brims with gastronomic delights, and each barrio offers its unique flavour. In this bustling metropolis, the food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, catering to every palate, from the gluten-free gourmand to the aficionado of eloquent dishes. We have spent several years exploring the nooks and crannies of this majestic city, savouring the flavours and soaking in the ambience of countless dining spots.
From the casual charm of tapas bars, and taverns to the sophistication of high-end eateries, Barcelona's dining landscape is a treasure trove of culinary gems. We've dined, sipped, and savoured. Now, we're thrilled to share our curated list of the best restaurants in Barcelona – places where the food not only tantalizes your taste buds but also tells a story of tradition, innovation, and passion. Join us as we take you on a delicious journey through the heart of Barcelona's dining scene.
Albe
In the bustling streets of Barcelona, Albe stands out as a culinary haven for experimental foodies thanks to its Catalan and Lebanese dishes. The inviting atmosphere pairs perfectly with the expertly crafted dishes, offering a symphony of local flavours and fresh, quality ingredients. Albe is a testament to the city's rich gastronomic heritage, wrapped in a contemporary embrace. We often dine by the window and scrap our knives and forks on the plate after devouring dishes such as the lacquered aubergine and octopus.
Bodega Bonay
Bodega Bonay, situated in the heart of Casa Bonay, Barcelona, showcases a menu that delights with Mediterranean and local influences. Offering a selection from olives and bread with butter for starters to an assortment of dishes like coppa Spigaroli, cecina, falafel with labneh, and marinated anchovies. For those seeking heartier options, there's lacquered eel, celeriac carpaccio, and innovative mains like raw tuna with almonds, steak tartare, and grilled mackerel. Each dish, prepared with meticulous attention to quality and flavour, promises an exceptional dining experience. Desserts, including a cheese platter and lemon saffron semifreddo, round the meal beautifully.
www.casabonay.com/dining-drinks/bodega-bonay
Bar Alegria
This vibrant hotspot is the epitome of Spanish conviviality. It offers authentic tapas, complemented by an extensive selection of wines. Bar Alegria's dynamic atmosphere and traditional culinary offerings make it ideal for those seeking to experience local dining culture. It’s very much a vermuteria and makes for a great day option on the terrace of Gran Vía or a spot to gather with friends or have a date at night. It is pretty vibrant at night.
Mr PORTER Barcelona
Marrying sophistication with contemporary flair, MR PORTER Barcelona is a standout steakhouse offering an unparalleled dining experience. Its modern decor and innovative menu set the stage for an evening of culinary indulgence, making it a favourite for those seeking elegance and a taste of the high life. Their focaccia is incredible, as are their grilled lobster, jumbo prawns with grilled corn and avocado, black truffle polenta, and delectable cocktails. We sometimes stop by for skinny fries topped with parmesan cheese and a cocktail at the bar. Check out their Sunday lunch if you are in town on a Sunday.
Harry's is a blend of luxury and fine dining, renowned for its top-notch cocktails and gourmet Italian menu. The plush interiors and expertly crafted dishes make it a go-to for a luxurious night out, offering a glimpse into the city's upscale culinary scene. It is located on Passatge de la Concepció, a quiet little passage at the upper end of Passeig de Gracia. Dine with colleagues, friends, and family; everyone is welcome. The low lit starry restaurant serves iconic dishes including orecchia di elefante (rib of suckling veal), fillet of sole with snow peas, and papardelle al ragu with mushrooms.
www.grupoisabellas.com/es/restaurantes/harrys
Bar Cañete
A fusion of classic tapas bar and contemporary eatery, Bar Cañete is a hotspot buzzing with energy. Here, the small plates are big on flavour, showcasing the best of local produce. It's a meeting point for locals and tourists seeking an authentic Barcelona dining experience. It is unapologetically loud, and we love it. We recommend dining at the bar, where you can have banter with the staff and watch them prepare and serve dishes like veal meatballs, fresh prawn open omelette, Barcelona’s bomba and the deboned oxtail with mash potatoes (our favourite dish).
Contraban
This culinary hideaway is known for its inventive take on Mediterranean fare. Set in a relaxed and modern atmosphere, Contraban prides itself on using fresh, seasonal ingredients, making every meal a delightful and unexpected journey of flavours. Chef Alain Guiard presents creative dishes with local wines, take, for example, the smoky aubergine with honey and pine nuts, beef cheeks and artichoke polenta, sea bass “Cocotte Luté," orechiette shrimp broth. The restaurant is nestled in the adults-only Wittmore hotel and promises an elegant dining experience.
www.wittmorehotel.com
Bistrot Levante
Tucked away in the Gothic Quarter, Bistrot Levante offers a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. With its quaint charm and focus on reimagined cuisine, this neo-bistro is a haven for food lovers seeking a fusion of old and new in a setting that speaks volumes of Barcelona's historic charm. We’ve been fans from day one, so we remember the love toast days and can’t dine in without ordering the lamb meatballs and their feta cheese with Lebanese chips. They also have a great selection of natural wines and the option to dine out on the cute terrace.
Baldomero
Baldomero is about comforting, Mediterranean cuisine in an informal and pink setting. The warm and welcoming ambience is the perfect backdrop for its homely dishes, offering a cosy retreat for those seeking a comforting dining experience. We always order the lamb when it’s on the menu - it never disappoints, nor does their pistachio cake. The simple combo midweek makes it a perfect spot for residents, allowing them to select 2 sides and a protein. The menu is simple, and that’s why we love it. No fuss, just good, wholesome food.
Robata
A paradise for lovers of Japanese cuisine, Robata specialises in the art of grilled delights. Their expertly prepared sushi and robatayaki are a treat for the taste buds and a feast for the eyes, showcasing culinary artistry at its finest. Expect sushi rolls, seafood, & Japanese beef dishes in a relaxed locale with modern decor low lighting. For individuals who would rather not eat raw fish, there are many of non-sushi food options, including sea bass ceviche, wagyu, and a variety of dishes made on the Japanese grill.
Gala Restaurant
Gala Restaurant epitomises elegance and fine dining. With a menu that celebrates local and seasonal produce, this restaurant offers an exquisite culinary experience with a fun contemporary interior design. Aside from it being a place where surrealism and colour come into play, the restaurant in Barcelona is a gourmet haven, offering a wide variety of dishes that will transport your taste buds on a real culinary adventure. They have a great assortment of tapas and appetizers, authentic Italian dishes, and other Mediterranean delicacies, in addition to our extensive sushi bar.
www.galarestaurante.com
Benzina
BENZiNA, known for its Italian-American fusion cuisine, brings a unique and trendy vibe to Barcelona's dining scene. Its retro decor and inventive dishes create a perfect setting for those craving a blend of Italian flair and American spirit. Their Italian food is “bold, authentic, and original” flavourful, and ingredients are locally sourced to create the best dishes. Located on Passatge Peer Calders in Sant Antoni, it’s nestled on a quiet street and has a cute terrace - making it a nice option on a balmy sunny day.
7 Portes
Established over a century ago, this iconic eatery prides itself on its rich historical ambiance and mastery in traditional dishes. Notably, their paellas and traditional cannelloni stand as testament to their dedication to Catalan and Mediterranean flavors, promising a dining journey that is as memorable as it is delicious. A visit to 7 Portes is not just a meal; it's a dive into the culinary heart of Barcelona
Bar Galan
A beloved local haunt, Bar Galan is celebrated for its friendly atmosphere and delectable tapas. This spot delights with its authentic Spanish cuisine, featuring standout dishes like the "Ensaladilla de Txangurro Bar Galán" and the mouthwatering "Arroz de gamba roja al horno." We also recommend ordering the scallops. It's a place where simplicity and quality meet, offering a dining experience that seduces the palate with every bite. Dive into Bar Galán's culinary journey for a taste of traditional Spanish dishes served with a touch of sophistication.
www.bargalan.es
Xemei
Xemei, an exceptional Venetian cuisine spot located in the unlikely and scenic setting of Montjuïc in Barcelona. Xemei stands out for its authentic flavors and innovative dishes, crafted with love by the Colombo twins. The restaurant, nestled amidst the tranquility of Montjuïc, offers a unique dining experience that contrasts with the bustling city life. Signature dishes like the black spaghetti with seafood and the exquisite Venetian-style liver transport diners straight to Venice, making Xemei a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered.
www.xemei.es
Parking Pita
Nestled in a repurposed parking garage in Barcelona, Parking Pita offers a culinary journey that is both authentic and innovative, blending traditional Middle Eastern flavors with modern flair. With a menu that celebrates simplicity and quality, dishes such as roasted cauliflower with curry and pistachio, and artisanal 'open' and 'closed' pittas stuffed with a variety of fillings, showcase the restaurant's commitment to flavor-packed, seasonal cuisine. The unique setting, characterized by its industrial chic ambiance and communal dining, adds to the allure, making Parking Pita a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Barcelona.
Oaxaca Cuina Mexicana
Exuding colour and energy, Oaxaca brings the authentic taste of Mexico to Barcelona, right near the port. This restaurant, with its open kitchen, allows diners to witness the creation of authentic Mexican dishes, embracing traditional cooking techniques and ingredients. Their menu, enriched with flavors from Oaxaca, pairs beautifully with their signature cocktails, offering a holistic dining experience. The ambience, inspired by Mexican heritage and the lively spirit of Oaxaca, coupled with a prime location, makes it a must-visit for an authentic culinary journey. We love the ceviche!
Can Violi
Can Violi, once known as Bodega Floren, has revamped its menu to offer a modern take on traditional dishes. The culinary delights range from steak tartare and tuna tataki with kimchi mayo to duck cannelloni with truffle and mushroom sauce, and creamy seafood rice. For those craving classic flavors, they serve patatas bravas, croquettes, 'bombas', and a selection of Spanish cold cuts and cheeses. Their lunch menu provides excellent value, and special days feature rice/paella and 'fideuà'. The commitment to quality ingredients and local products is evident in every dish.
Doppietta
Doppietta shines as a beacon of Italian cuisine in Barcelona, harmoniously fusing traditional Italian flavors with the city's eclectic culinary landscape. Esteemed for its curated selection of cheeses, hams, and inventive pasta creations, Doppietta draws inspiration from the celebrated Italian car race, La Mille Miglia, infusing its ambiance with a sense of adventure and history. Alongside Benzina, it offers a fresh take on Italian dining, inviting guests into the heart of Barcelona for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
El Café de l’Arquitecte
Cafè de l’Arquitecte at Hotel Casa Sagnier elevates the dining experience with its sophisticated setting and strategic location near Rambla Catalunya. The menu highlights include exquisite rice dishes like wild mushroom and green asparagus rice and rice with cuttlefish and scallops, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and tradition. The elegant ambiance and proximity to Barcelona's vibrant areas make it an ideal spot for those seeking a memorable meal in the city's heart.
www.hotelcasasagnier.com/en/cafe-bar-restaurant-architecte-barcelona-center
Bodega Amposta
Bodega Amposta combines tradition and innovation in its menu, featuring a selection of market-fresh tapas, main courses, and daily specials, all sourced with top-quality ingredients. Among their offerings are delectable dishes such as their signature rice and fish dishes, showcasing the best of local cuisine. This neighbourhood restaurant, near Montjuïc provides a welcoming atmosphere for both intimate dining and larger gatherings, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience.
