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)
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)
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
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
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
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
