Best places to eat in Barcelona

After our recent trip to Barcelona, which was our 4th time in the city I can confidently say that we had some really amazing food but also some really bad. Being one of the most popular tourism destinations in Europe Barcelona is full of tourist traps. But if you know the right places to go you will have some of the best culinary experiences ever!

So here are my Barcelona favorites in each neighborhood.

BARCELONETA (Metro station: Barceloneta)

This is quite a touristy area close by the sea. Most of the beachfront locations are not recommended but you will find some true gems in the narrow streets of Barcelonata.

Bar Jai-Ca - Great variety of tapas (top 3 photos)

La Cova Fumada - Cute little tapas bar, only open until 2:30pm so make sure to get there early before the crowds arrive

La Xampanyeria - It's actually a bar but come for the sandwiches

Brunch & Cake by the sea – Famous brunch spot

Bestial – One of the nicer places on the beachfront, nice for drinks (bottom middle photo)

Surf House – Nice for a quick lunch

Peix Vela - popular for it's paella (bottom left photo)

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  Bar Jai-Ca

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  Bar Jai-Ca

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  Bar Jai-Ca

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  Peix Vela

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  Bestial

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  Barcelonate Beach

GOTHIC QUARTER (Metro stations: Plaza Catalunya, Liceu, Jaume 1)

Another very touristy area famous for it's narrow streets. In this area you will find many many places but most of them should be avoided. Also stay away from La Rambla.

Milk – Cute breakfast spot

Federal – Really yummy breakfast

Caelum – Cute cafe famous for it's hot chocolate (bottom right photo)

Satan’s Coffee Co. – Great third wave coffee shop

Xarcuteria La Pineda - Small delicatessen shop, great to grab a drink and some local treats (bottom left photo)

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  La Pineda

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  Caelum

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  Caelum

EL BORN (Metro stations: Urquinaona, Jaume 1)

I like El Born for it's many cute boutiques and it's proximity to Parc de La Ciutadella. But it also has some nice food options.

Picnic - great brunch place

Nomad Coffee Lab – Very good coffee

El Xampanyet – Great tapas bar, but always full

Hofmann Pastisseria - The pastries are art, also try the croissants

Cal Pep – Good tapas

Honest Greens - If you crave something more healthy

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  Hofmann

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  Hofmann

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  Nomad Coffee

L'EIXAMPLE (Metro station: Passeig de Gracia)

One of my favourite areas of Barcelona. The buildings and streets are so beautiful and majestic and the vibe is less touristy

Brunch & Cake – Great for brunch

Granja Petitbo – Another cute breakfast place

Taktika Berri - Super local place with great pintxos selection (first 3 photos)

Paco Meralgo - One of the best meals we had in Barcelona (last 2 photos)

Porvenir - Great local place to try some traditional Galician cuisine

Cerveceria Catalana – although there is always a wait the tapas are really good (middle right photo)

Ciutat Comtal - Great tapas with cute outdoor area

Baldomero - Stylish atmosphere with healthy food options

Gimlet – beautiful bar

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  Taktika Berri

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  Taktika Berri

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  Taktika Berri

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  Cerveceria Catalana

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  Paco Meralgo

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  Paco Meralgo

SANT ANTONI and EL RAVAL (Metro stations: Liceu, Sant Antoni, Universitat, Poble Sec)

Less touristy areas with great food options

Pinotxo Bar - Located inside the famous La Boqueria food market. This place is perfect for a quick lunch

Federal – Sant Antoni location has a great rooftop area

Canete - Upscale tapas experience

Ugot – great breakfast place

Bar Lobo – love this place for lunch, nice outside terrace (last three photos)

Chök – some Instagrammable sweet treats (top left photo)

Mercado de La Boqueria – definitely worth a visit on it's own

Quimet & Quimet – another cute tapas place

Pincho.j - welcome to pintxos heaven

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  Chok

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  Bar Lobo

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  Bar Lobo

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  Bar Lobo

GRACIA (Metro stations: Diagonal or Fontana)

This area is super local and you can tell that it is a popular destination for young Barcelonanians. Here you will also find a wide selection of different world cuisines.

La Pepita - Hands down the best meal we had in Barcelona which was recommend to us by many locals

Botafumeiro - Great seafood. A Barcelona staple.

Can Punyetes - it does not get more local than this place

L'Empanaderia de Gracia - For a quick bite

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  La Pepita

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  La Pepita

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  La Pepita

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  La Pepita