These are the 10 best restaurants in Barcelona, ranked by local expert
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Barcelona’s Hottest and Trendiest Restaurants in and Around the Downtown Core
BY
Sam Mednick
Barcelona Local Expert
Ferran Adria and Jordi Vila are just two names amongst many, who draw self proclaimed foodies and culinary ‘know-it-all’s’ from all corners of the world, to Catalonia. Barcelona’s reputation as a gastronomic hub has flourished over the years and only continues to grow and make a name for itself as one of the greatest cities for innovative, creative and avant-garde cuisine. Whether you’re looking for authentic hole in the wall joints full of character and culture, an informal and lively ambiance in a trendy downtown restaurant, or high quality tapas in an elegant and classy establishment, there is truly something for all tastes in Barcelona. Between the rustic Gothic Quarter, posher Born district to the often seedy Ravel in the Old City and into the more upscale Eixample district in the newer areas, Barcelona’s restaurant scene is as eclectic as the people who inhabit and frequent it. A few notable places to consider are Montiel, 41 Degrees (if you can get tickets), Paco Meralgo, Pakta and Comerc 24. There is also a host of Michelin Star establishments in the city as well as just outside. The number one restaurant in the world, El Cellar Can Roca, is only an hour and a half away outside of Girona.
A trendy, young, lively and unique restaurant that specializes in Asian tapas. Mosquito has found its niche offering the most amazing Dim Sum and dumplings, you’ll actually feel like you’re in Hong Kong and China, while dipping into a wide variety of tapas amongst friends.
Mosquito is a small place in the heart of the Born, owned and run by a British native who spent years in Asia mastering the art of Asian cuisine. This place is always packed and for good reason. You can’t make reservations on certain days so if it’s a weekend be sure to show up before 8:30pm if you want a table without having to wait in line for hours.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Mouth watering Asian tapas in a rustic and unpretentious locale
Sam’s expert tip: They have an excellent selection of local as well as international beer.
Read more about Mosquito →
This is one of those restaurants where you always find yourself passing by, staring at the people in the window, mouth drooling wishing you were sitting at their table. There’s something that draws people to Cafe de L’Academia, whether it’s the invigorating ambiance, chic yet rustic decor or the classical music that is often played in the background during the meal, it’s hard not to enjoy this restaurant.
There are two floors so although it’s small there’s enough room that you don’t feel like you’re being packed in. They also have a great outdoor patio which is very romantic in the evenings and sunny during the days.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Tasty Catalan food in a modern and cool setting with a great patio
Sam’s expert tip: Ask about their rooms for large parties.
Read more about Café de l’Acadèmia →
Photo courtesy of Llamber
A hip, New York style gastro tapas bar in the heart of the Born neighborhood. Llamber is chic and trendy, set in a loft style setting with exposed brick and a mix of high top tables and regular seating. The restaurant prides itself on quality, fresh food from the market as well as it’s incredible wine list with a whopping 30 wines by the glass. This is a chic new place in Barcelona to dine with friends or on a date. It’s also great for family outings perhaps on a special occasion.
It’s quite roomy and great for large groups.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Delicious, trendy tapas in a cool loft style restaurant in the Born
Sam’s expert tip: Try their salad it’s incredible and innovative
Read more about Llamber →
This Michelin star restaurant boasts the best of both worlds; an eclectic tapas bar with the service of an elegant restaurant. Avant-Garde with a modern decor, Comerc 24 has been hailed as a Barcelona ‘must-try’ from foodies worldwide. Renowned chef, Carles Abellan’s reputation precedes him and his talents shine through his innovative and delicious dishes. There is a set menu and a la carte options, so if you have vegetarians amongst you be sure to let them know in advance so they can prepare something. This is a wonderful place for a special dinner with a loved one or group of friends.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: A Michelin-Star restaurant in the Born neighborhood, not to be missed.
Sam’s expert tip: Book well in advance the restaurant is always packed. If it’s full ask to be seated at the bar.
Read more about Comerc 24 →
Mediterranean inspired cuisine with Spanish influence, this intimate and elegant restaurant is an excellent find in the heart of the Old City. Pla has an extensive menu including fish, meats, salads as well as seasonal specialties and mouth watering desserts. It’s classy yet unpretentious and a perfect place to spend a truly enjoyable evening. This is a wonderful experience on all levels. The waiters are attentive and fun, even sitting beside you while they tell you the daily specials. The menu is innovative and only uses the highest quality ingredients. They also have a great wine list with plenty of options for both red and white wine lovers.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: A romantic and charming restaurant in the heart of the Gothic Quarter
Sam’s expert tip: Be sure to reserve and keep in mind dinner is done in shifts, 9pm and 11pm
Read more about Pla →
Innovative tapas in the heart of the Eixample, Paco Meralgo’s minimalist decor doesn’t take away from its warm atmosphere and absolutely delicious food.
It’s fair to say that this restaurant has some of the most unique tapas in the city, offering dishes that are hard to find in other places. Their large windows and bar stools provide for an airy feel and excellent people watching, especially during the day time. Once you are finished dining take advantage of the great location and check out some of the wonderful bars and clubs in the ‘gayeixample’ neighborhood just a few blocks down.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Delicious gastro tapas in an authentic setting in the trendy Eixample neighborhood
Sam’s expert tip: Check out their takeaway paella option on Saturday & Sundays.
Read more about Paco Meralgo →
Charming, quaint and one of the only restaurants in Barcelona that takes reservations on their outdoor terrace, El Salon is a always a sure bet for out-of-towners, dates and intimate evenings amongst close friends.
Featuring a mix of Catalan and French cuisine, the inside of the restaurant has a classic and authentic feel while the patio nestled out back creates a friendly and warm ambiance as it sits alongside several other bars and restaurants, all situated within close proximity of each other. This is a delicious restaurant with friendly staff who take great pride in their food, service and in providing an overall enjoyable experience.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Delicious food with a beautiful terrace surrounded by old Roman Walls
Sam’s expert tip: Try their tuna steak and aubergine.
Read more about El Salón →
Fabulous cooking classes by a professional nutritionist and vegan cook. This is less of a traditional restaurant and more of a home experience plus cooking class, which ends in a three-course meal. Pabulum focuses on fresh, organic, local and in season foods, providing private and group cooking classes in a modern, trendy loft in the Gothic Quarter.
Classes and dinners are run by a native American with a passion for food and not only are incredibly fun and informative, but focus on creating pretty, elegant dishes that are sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Cocktails and an amuse-bouche accompanies the classes. If you’d rather not participate and just watch the magic happen, that’s possible as well. (NA)
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: The best ‘local restaurant’ in the city with hands on participation for aspiring cooks
Sam’s expert tip: Schedule in advance as classes are limited
Read more about Pabulum →
There are few Barcelona restaurants able to beat the charm, elegance and eclectic menu found at Montiel. Hidden on one of the narrow side streets in the Born, this small, two-story restaurant has mouth watering tapas, meats, starters and above all they have an excellent selection of fresh fish daily.
One of the only places in the city that has fish on Mondays (for the most part fish is not caught and sold on Sundays), this is a sure bet for dates, guests or an intimate evening out. This is a wonderful place to go for date night or an intimate night out with good friends.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Trendy Mediterranean cuisine in a charming and intimate setting
Sam’s expert tip: Try their sirloin steak and tuna tartar.
Read more about Montiel →
Photo courtesy of Murivecchi
An Italian landmark in Barcelona, Murivecchi is renowned for its delicious food, authentic Italian flair and attentive staff. Known as one of the city’s most scrumptious Italian restaurants, Murivecchi has made quite a name for itself over the years. Everything on its extensive menu is made of the highest quality and freshest ingredients. Some particularly mouthwatering dishes include the burrata, the steak, the tuna and of course every single pizza option.
Not only are the staff highly trained and innovative, they’re also flexible, catering to guests who are vegan, gluten-free or have other dietary restrictions.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Best Italian restaurant in Barcelona. Delicious food authentically Italian
Sam’s expert tip: Every Thursday they’re now doing an Aperitif
Read more about Murivecchi →
Meet Sam Mednick
Sam’s passion for the sea and mountains makes Barcelona the optimal living destination.
Sam’s love for traveling has taken her to Africa, the Middle East, Europe and South America. Before… More About Sam
The 10 Best Restaurants in Barcelona for 2023
Barcelona Restaurants
Nat and Mase, Go To Travel GuidesWe’ve hand-picked
10 of the best places to eat in Barcelona
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Japanese Restaurant in Eixample
Salvaje (SLVJ)
The international restaurant sensation Salvaje is known for its excellent Madrid, Panama, Bogotá and Miami locations, and has added this amazing Barcelona restaurant to its brand.
This newest establishment is a… Read More » -
Seafood Restaurant in Eixample
Disfrutar
Barcelona’s Disfrutar is, without a doubt, one of the world’s most inventive eateries. This is not only because it has been awarded two Michelin stars, but because it provides an experience that goes beyond del… Read More »
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Mediterranean Restaurant in Gracia
Con Gracia
Con Gracia offers some of the most incredible Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine you will ever taste. The grilled duck breast with seaweed salad, and aubergine cannelloni are must-tries from the menu. Make sure … Read More »
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Catalan Restaurant in El Raval
Alkimia
If you’re looking for an adventure in Catalan cuisine, then a visit to Alkimia is a must.
The restaurant is located in an old 19th-century building that has been modernized inside. Jordi Vilà, who is famous for… Read More » -
Hilltop Restaurant in Montjuïc
El Xalet de Montjuïc
El Xalet de Montjuïc is a beautifully-positioned restaurant located on the slopes of Montjuïc, overlooking the entire city of Barcelona. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic night out, as the panoramic vie… Read More »
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Barbecue Restaurant in Eixample
Palo Verde
There’s definitely to be a trend in Barcelona these days for local, seasonal and organic goods, and Palo Verde restaurant is no exception. Palo Verde, one of Barcelona’s newest hotspots for foodies, offers an e… Read More »
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Catalan Restaurant in Eixample
Moments
This restaurant, located within the stunning Mandarin Oriental Barcelona hotel, epitomises everything you would expect from a Michelin-starred establishment.
The contemporary chairs and gleaming gold leaf desig… Read More » -
Fusion Restaurant in El Poble-sec
Mano Rota
The Spanish phrase “mano rota” translates to “broken hand.” Its name originates from an old saying that symbolises someone who is extremely competent and is the perfect name for this gourmet hotspot. You can ex… Read More »
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Seafood & Paella in Barceloneta
7 Portes
Barcelona’s 7 Portes, founded in 1836, is one of the city’s oldest and most popular eateries. This restaurant boasts a refined atmosphere with dark wood panelling, elaborate tiling and vintage pictures througho… Read More »
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Fine Restaurant in Eixample
Lasarte
Upon entering Lasarte, you are met with an atmosphere of elegance, refinement and discretion.
This restaurant has gained quite the reputation – and for good reason. It boasts 3 Michelin stars and thus attracts … Read More »
This newest establishment is a… Read More »
The restaurant is located in an old 19th-century building that has been modernized inside. Jordi Vilà, who is famous for… Read More »
The contemporary chairs and gleaming gold leaf desig… Read More »
This restaurant has gained quite the reputation – and for good reason. It boasts 3 Michelin stars and thus attracts … Read More »Explore More of Barcelona
The Best Activities, Tickets & Tours in Barcelona
Click Here to see a Full List of Activities, Cheap Tickets and Guided Tours in Barcelona
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Where to eat in Barcelona? Our 12 Favorite Restaurants –
Forget the five kilometers of golden sandy beaches and the magnificent architecture of Gaudí: the main reason to visit Barcelona is the food
Few cities in the world can rival the Catalan capital for gastronomic offerings that range from world famous stars Michelin starred to unassuming tapas bars and everything in between. Here is our selection of best restaurants in Barcelona for every taste, occasion and budget.
Table des matières
Where are the best tapas in Barcelona?
Tapeo: cheap tapas
As the name suggests, this is a paradise for tapas lovers. With a long bar and modern décor, Tapeo Restaurant is staffed by outstanding chefs who combine tradition and creativity to serve delicious tapas made with the highest quality ingredients
Spreading the flavor of Barcelona through a wide range of tapas dishes, from Spanish omelette to glazed beef cheek stew , Tapeo offers a truly flawless presentation and taste.
This affordable tapas bar is a popular place to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine in one of Barcelona’s trendiest neighborhoods.
Locations, bookings and directions: more information
Palosanto
La Rambla del Raval is dotted with lively cafes and restaurants, but not all of them deserve a visit. However, if you walk down the street, you will come across Palosanto, a small establishment with a few tables and a bar inside, as well as a terrace outside
Don’t be fooled by the looks – the tapas at Palosanto are some of the best in Barcelona and stand out for their originality, and the burger is highly recommended.
Website, reservations and directions: more
Racó d’en Cesc
More of a tapas restaurant than a bar, Racó d’en Cesc has been serving its customers since 1986, when it opened its doors in Barcelona’s Eixample district
Menu focused on traditional Catalan cuisine, but with a modern approach to menu presentation and design.
For those looking for an original dining experience, the beer tasting menu is quite unique.
Website, reservations and directions: more information
Tickets: The best gourmet tapas restaurant
No list of restaurants in Barcelona would be complete without a special place for the best tapas restaurant: Tickets, and for good reason.
It may seem futile to read this after you’ve tried (and likely failed) to get a table at this Michelin-starred tapas bar, but if you’re lucky, or if you’re planning at least a few months in advance, you’re in for a real culinary experience.
Of course, there are restaurants with a lot of Michelin stars (Tickets currently has one), but the relaxed and colorful atmosphere, theatrical presentations, the frenetic energy of the dining room and the ever-changing dishes of the legendary chef Albert Adria make this restaurant truly unique.
There is no menu in Tickets. Instead, the waiter usually asks, “How hungry are you?” (which means “How much money are you willing to spend?”).
If you manage to get a table, choose the full menu and ask for the “Dessert Room” – this is a separate area where you are taken for dessert dishes that look like they came straight from Willy Wonka. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Website, reservations and directions: more information
Where to get the best paella in Barcelona?
Can Maillot
Founded in 1968, when Barceloneta was still a sailing village, this restaurant is one of the best known when it comes to quality fresh seafood, especially paellas.
The restaurant specializes in dishes such as calderos de bogavante, a type of paella with boulabesse lobster, and suquet, fish cooked in its own juice.
The location of Can Majó is also excellent as you can look out over the sea. The atmosphere is typically Spanish and the prices are not the lowest, but they are fair for the area and the quality of the products on offer.
Website, reservations and directions: more information
Elche
The Elche restaurant is located right in the city center, in the Poble Sec area.
There is nothing more authentic than Elche. The restaurant is named after the owners’ hometown, in the region where paella originated. This family-run establishment has been offering traditional seafood and chicken paella for over 50 years.
Stylish atmosphere, white tablecloths. While not the cheapest option, it offers great food and service at a more affordable price than other high-end restaurants
Of course, you also pay to try authentic traditional paella, freshly made to order, and we believe that it’s worth it!
Website, booking and directions: more information
Terraza Martinez: enjoy the best paella in Barcelona with 9 best views0014
This paella restaurant has one of the best views in Barcelona. It offers a truly breathtaking view of the city, thanks to its location at the foot of the Montjuic mountain, towering over the city.
The paella served in the restaurant is very tasty, and in addition to the many rice dishes, there is a range of Spanish tapas, meat and seafood dishes, the restaurant’s specialty cazuela de bogavante y rape and much more.
Please note that the restaurant is divided into several areas, and if you want to dine with a view of the city on its outdoor terrace, it is better to book a table in advance.
Martinez is a great place to refuel after a day of sightseeing in Barcelona, the atmosphere is amazing, trust us.
Website, booking and itinerary: more
Where to eat the best fish and seafood in Barcelona
Estimar
When exquisite seafood, elegant surroundings and impeccable presentation outweigh the price, the cuisine of Estimar and Chef Rafa Zafra cannot be beaten.
Tucked away in a dark alley a few steps from the Church of Santa Maria del Mar, many refer to this fine restaurant as a temple; a temple dedicated to the worship of the finest seafood.
The catch of the day is displayed on piles of ice on the open kitchen counter, while seasonal delicacies such as sea urchins, percebes and small eels (angulas) are served to intrepid customers.
Website, reservations and directions: more information
Best cheap restaurants in Barcelona
Salon
Warm, friendly and welcoming, El Salón was founded in 1995 as the first French-style bistro in this part of Barcelona.
El Salón Restaurant serves homemade Mediterranean cuisine with a distinct Catalan and French influence, but in a casual and informal setting
True to its origins, it exudes charm with its recycled furniture, entrance sofas and library-themed décor. The restaurant’s period interior not only offers guests a unique dining experience, but also features a terrace on Traginers Square with a Roman wall as a backdrop.
Website, bookings and directions: more
El Bosque de Les Fades
This fabulous restaurant offers a unique and magical dining experience, far from anything you can find in Barcelona or, for that matter, in Spain. Located in the bustling tourist center of Las Ramblas, it is a 9 little gem0003
No detail has been spared in the design of this affordable restaurant in Barcelona. The beauty of the decor alone is reason enough to visit. Enjoy plenty of surprises at El Bosc de Les Fades with hot sandwiches, tapas and snacks.
Website, reservations and directions: more information
The best gastronomic restaurants in Barcelona
Besta
Besta is the brainchild of Carles Ramón from Catalonia and Manu Nunez from Galicia.
Together they invented a gastronomy unlike any other: a combination of the best seasonal products from their regions. This is a very successful combination.
Ramon and Nunez are not afraid to take risks, especially when it comes to mixing unusual ingredients from sea and land. Surf ‘n’ turf (or mar i muntanya) is the basis of Catalan cuisine.
Pairings like chicken and shrimp or meatballs and calamari are big on the menu, but Besta takes it to the next level by serving Galician oysters with thinly sliced aged beef or fresh octopus with salted pig’s ear.
Wines mainly from small producers and classified by regions. You can try their own signature gin, distilled from seaweed and oysters.
Website, bookings and directions: more information
Mr. Porter
Located in the Sir Victor Hotel, Mr. Porter is everything you would expect from a gourmet restaurant in Barcelona.
The restaurant may be called a steakhouse, but its wood-fired oven also serves excellent vegetable and seafood dishes.
Among the main dishes of the menu are fried leek, beef carpaccio with cream and juicy Japanese Wagyu steak.
Their signature dish is a sweet but spicy jumbo shrimp salad with corn and avocado.
Cocktails are also on the menu. It’s About Thyme is one of the best cocktails made with thyme-infused Casamigos Reposado tequila, rust syrup, lemon mix and topped off with Ribera del Duero red wine, while carnivore lovers will want to try Rib Rye – a thyme-infused Bulleit Rye cocktail with Ruby Port, Campari and olive bitter.
Website, bookings and directions: more information
Cocina Hermanos Torres
Torres twins Sergio and Javier have made a name for themselves with the Michelin-starred Dos Cielos restaurant at the Meliá Barcelona Sky Hotel.
The more daring, more avant-garde Hermanos Torres impressively won two coveted stars within two years of opening.
They play with textures and temperatures, revisiting Catalan “grandmother’s” dishes to offer unexpected flavors.
Speaking of couples, in restaurants with tasting menus, wine and food couples don’t always justify your money. In this case, things are different. Treat yourself!
Website, booking and itinerary: more details
The best restaurants in Barcelona: TOP 10 – The Planet of Hotels Blog
This establishment was built in 1786 by the Martinez family, which owns it today. The restaurant is a favorite place for dinners of the local elite, as well as wealthy tourists who are not embarrassed by the inflated price tags for national cuisine. Continuity is visible in everything here: old recipes, indescribable respect for the regulars and photographs of eminent guests on the walls. Nearby is the Hotel Moderno, where you can comfortably stay while traveling to Barcelona.
7 Portes (7 doors) – a restaurant with an outdoor area
This place is iconic, as it was opened in 1836. During its 176 years of continuous existence, the restaurant has never changed its aristocratic style, which captivates and attracts visitors.
The menu presents the best dishes, as well as wines of long-term aging.
Café de l’Opera – drama in its purest form
This restaurant is called the most dramatic because of the audience it attracts. The fact is that the institution is located directly opposite the opera house, so aristocratic youth often gathered and gather there. Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere of a century ago reigns, creating an absolutely calm and peaceful atmosphere. In order to appreciate it, it is not at all necessary to have lunch or dinner there, it is enough just to drink a cup of coffee.
El Asador de Aranda – the best meat restaurant in Barcelona
El Asador de Aranda grill restaurant offers a quality and affordable meat menu. For only thirty euros, you can taste the meat of a young lamb baked in a real clay oven. The meat used by local chefs is always fresh and the recipes are old.
Cuines Santa-Caterina – an international haven
For tourists tired of Catalan and modern Italian cuisine, this place becomes a real refuge.
The Cuines Santa-Caterina restaurant offers 4 directions at once: Mediterranean, Oriental, Italian and vegetarian cuisines at quite reasonable prices.
Manairó – Signature Cuisine
Manairó has been run by world-renowned chef Jordi Irrer for years. The restaurant cannot be called quiet, as there is an impressive queue for dishes from this master. However, Irrera himself loves the hype, arranging excellent performances with a fire show. The quality of the food on offer is evidenced by the honorary Michelin star awarded to Geordie for phenomenal dishes presented at very affordable prices.
Flash Flash – stylish restaurant
Tortilla Restaurant Flash Flash is very popular in Barcelona for its originality, stylish interior and excellent cuisine, which is not beaten on the wallet. Photographs on the walls, black and white decoration, quiet music and unique lighting all attract local musicians and writers who form a circle of modern intellectual elite.
Gargantua I Pantagruel Restaurant – the most satisfying restaurant in Barcelona
Gargantua I Pantagruel Restaurant goes for great food, which is hard to find in Barcelona.