Best restaurants in the gothic quarter barcelona: 10 Best Restaurants in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona

10 Best Restaurants in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona

Exploring Barcelona’s Bari Gothic and looking for a great place to eat in this cool neighborhood? Not to worry, we’re here to serve! Our local guides have put together this list of the best places to eat and drink in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.


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The Top 10 Places To Eat in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is one of the coolest areas to explore in Barcelona. The mixture of ancient Roman ruins together with narrow streets and little shops creates a charming district you’ll love exploring.

It’s a popular area and when there are a lot of tourists, you’re bound to find some tourist-trap restaurants. To help you avoid them, we’ve asked our local guides to put together a list of their favorite places when they’re in this part of town.

We hope it helps you take the guesswork out of finding great places to eat so you can focus on enjoying your vacation. For foodies who love to travel, check out our Barcelona food tours. They’re a fun way to get to know the city, eat delicious authentic food, and meet new people. Buen Provecho!

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Arcano Restaurant

Photo courtesy of Arcano Restaurant

€€ | Catalan Tapas | Creative Cuisine | Cool Historic Setting

The owners have somehow been able to create a modern setting within the stone walls of this 17th-century space. The combination of styles is different and so is the cuisine. The staff is very friendly and the overall ambiance is great.

The cuisine here is Mediterranean with a variety of meat and fish dishes. You can opt for a combo where you get chicken together with empanadas which are delicious. As a starter, I recommend the tuna tartare or the burrata. The beef tenderloin as the main course is excellent or tuna with a sweet mango chili sauce. Wash it down with a rioja and your night is set!

Address: Carrer dels Mercaders, 10

Caelis

Photo courtesy of Caelis

€€€€ | Michelin Star | Amazing Experience | Open Kitchen

Caelis’ Michelin star helps to ease any doubts you may have when choosing a restaurant and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Chef Romain Fornell has created a fantastic experience on all levels from the ambiance to the food and the service. The open kitchen style is always a plus.

As you already know it is not cheap, but it is also not as expensive as some Michelin restaurants. While spending €250 for two people is not on most people’s radar, I do like to splurge once in a while when I travel. If you can, this is the place. They offer multiple-course menus (and vegetarian options as well) which range between €95 to €140, not including wine.

Address: Via Laietana, 49

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La Plata

Photo courtesy of La Plata

€ | Casual Atmosphere | Authentic | Tapas

La Plata’s owner Pepe claims that his establishment is the last authentic place in the city to get tapas. That means the food is simple and the wine goes down easily. While I’m not sure if this is the only authentic place to get tapas, I will say that every time I go to Barcelona, I make sure to stop by. If you’re looking for a no-frills eatery, this is your place.

Seating is limited as is the menu, but the quality of what they have is top-notch. You’ll find many locals here chatting about soccer games and politics. The wine is poured directly from barrels above the bar and the food comes out fast. Enjoy!

Address: Carrer Merce, 28

Tapeo del Born

Photo courtesy of Tapeo El Born

€€ | Modern Setting | Contemporary Tapas | Cozy Atmosphere

The restaurant is near the Picasso Museum, so it’s a great place to go after visiting the museum. While it’s also quite small, the ambiance is super chill and the staff is ready to help with any requests you have.

On the menu, you’ll find typical tapas such as fried anchovies and patatas bravas. However, they also serve a killer paella, spare ribs, and burrata. If you go, make sure you try the vermut (vermouth) as they have some very tasty brands!

Address: Carrer de Montcada, 29

El Salón

Photo courtesy of El Salón

€€€ | Mediterranean Cuisine | Eclectic Homey Vibe | Great Service

Located right next to the ancient Roman walls, they claim that this was the first bistro restaurant to open in Barcelona. The ambiance is eclectic and makes you feel right at home when you walk in. The delicious smell coming from the kitchen will definitely keep you there.

The restaurant serves up a great balance of fish and meat dishes. They vary from swordfish carpaccio to grilled sea bass and duck confit in a port sauce. I would wash it all down with a nice chilled bottle of cava. If you have room, they have some amazing homemade desserts.

Address: Carrer de l’Hostal d’en Sol, 6

Zona d’Ombra

€ | Wine Bar | Cozy Atmosphere

Whenever I go to a new city, I always head to a local wine bar to try the local wines. Zona d’Ombra has over 300 labels and it’s a great opportunity to try national wines and some you won’t find in a restaurant.

One of the great things about a wine bar is that they almost always have delicious food to go with the drinks. Zona d’Ombra is no exception. From jamón to foie gras, you’re definitely going to find something to your liking. This is a great place to go for drinks before dinner or make a night of it and stay there for a few hours. Whichever you decide, you won’t regret it.

Address: C/ de Salomó ben Adret, 12

L’Antic Bocoi del Gotic

Photo courtesy of L’Antic Bocoi del Gotic

€€ | Authentic Catalan Food | Great Atmosphere | Historic Space

This local restaurant is a true gem in Barcelona. Many restaurants, if not serving tapas, tend to go for an international vibe. L’antic Bocoi del Gotic has remained true to its roots and serves up fresh, regional food. I guess you could say it takes you back in time a bit.

As you walk in, you’ll encounter smiles from the staff and while not a big restaurant, it is very cozy. The menu consists of many types of vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Drink a local wine and don’t forget to try one of their homemade desserts.

Address: Baixada de Viladecols, 3

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The Green Spot

Photo courtesy of The Green Spot

€€ | Vegetarian Cuisine | Fancy and Creative | Welcoming Ambiance

If you’re looking for delicious vegetarian dishes served in a warm contemporary chic space, The Green Spot is the spot. The food here doesn’t just taste good; it’s beautifully presented, making it a memorable dining experience.

Try the black pumpkin pizza or the sweet potato noodles and tacos—they’re a firm favorite. Enjoy the beautifully decorated space with live music. For dessert, order the vegan chocolate cake. You won’t regret it.

Address: Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 12

Can Culleretes

Photo courtesy of Restaurant Can Culleretes

€€ | Typical Catalan | Family Owned | Historic Restaurant

When you think of old-school Europe, images of family-run restaurants come to mind. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is the place. Eating here is like going into a local Catalan’s home. And they must be doing something right, because this restaurant is supposedly the oldest in Barcelona, opening in 1786.

Their menu is quite large, so there’s definitely something for everyone. Besides the typical paella, which is great, you can get a bit more adventurous with dishes like the wild boar stew or Catalan-style roasted suckling pig. It’s open mainly for lunch and only for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: Carrer d’en Quintana, 5

Restaurant Lounge My Way

Photo courtesy of Restaurant Lounge My Way

€€€ | Restaurant and Lounge | Jazzy Atmosphere

To mix things up a bit, I’ve added one of my favorite modern-style restaurants. Every night at 11 pm the restaurant turns into a lounge bar, so you can basically stay here all night eating, drinking, and enjoying some good music. What else could you want?

The cuisine is what I would call a mixed Mediterranean style. They have all the traditional tapas and a wide menu of various meat dishes, including steaks, and also many fish dishes. If you come here, I would forgo wine for some killer cocktails. You won’t regret it.

Address: 4-10, Carrer de les Heures

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Sam Mednick

Barcelona Local Expert

Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella is best known for the Gothic Quarter. The heart of the city’s history, culture and local vibe, it’s no wonder you’ll find some of the tastiest and most authentic restaurants in this part of town. Whether you’re looking for local Catalan dishes, gastro tapas or rustic hole in the wall joints, the Gothic Neighborhood has it all. Amongst the windy streets and tucked away courtyards, the Gotico hosts some of Barcelona’s most well-known locales. Plaza Sant Jus in particular is ripe with excellent restaurants from Pla, to Bliss, to Cafe L’Academia and the best cocktail bar in town, Ginger. Just a short walk down the road, Plaza Reial (right off La Rambla) is a bit more touristy, but full of renowned restaurants including Les Quinze Nits, which ALWAYS has a line up, so be sure to show up early as they don’t take reservations.

Another popular street is Calle Escudellers, where the chickens from Caracoles restaurant can be seen spinning in the window and known for being delicious. 

Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or ‘greasy tapas’, the Gothic Quarter is one of the trendiest and liveliest places in the city in which to enjoy great eats in an eclectic atmosphere.  



Photo courtesy of Les Quinze Nits

There is always a line up outside Les Quinze Nits. Part of the Andilana Restaurant group, although this place can be slightly touristy, it’s one of the tastiest Gothic Quarter restaurants. Their dishes have a Mediterranean and Catalan flare and are all reasonably priced. One of the best parts about Les Quinze Nits is its location. Perfectly situated, overlooking the always lively, Plaza Reial, you can enjoy dinner while feasting your eyes upon the performers who are always there to entertain during dinner (breakfast and lunch as well). The palm trees and gorgeous lights make for a romantic and very special evening.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: Les Quinze Nits is a Barcelona staple and a favourite in the Gothic Quarter

Sam’s expert tip: Show up early as you can’t reserve and there are ALWAYS long lines

Read more about Les Quinze Nits →


Sight, smell and taste converge when you see the large wall of roasting chickens at one of Barcelona’s most famous restaurants. Dine on incredible Catalan dishes of roasted meats, fresh fish dishes and snails. Los Caracoles is one of the city’s most famous chicken restaurants. Luring people in with it’s mouth-watering roasted chicken which can be spotten from La Rambla (down the street) this restaurant is always packed with locals and tourists alike. Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, on Calle Escudellers, it’s right around the corners from Plaza Reial and Plaza Tripi, both of which are excellent areas for a night on the town.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: Los Caracoles is one of Barcelona’s most famous chicken restaurants

Sam’s expert tip: After dinner check out Marula Cafe just down the street

Read more about Los Caracoles →


With its hanging disco ball, plush leather seats and wooden tables, many Ginger fans have coined this trendy wine and cocktail bar as an ‘airport lounge’. It is however, rather known for it’s innovative cocktails, wide selection of amazing wine and high quality tapas. This is a Barcelona gem, ideal for weekend adventures, intimate drinks and lively evenings on the town. Ginger is nestled behind Plaza Sant Jaume, in Plaza San Jus a little hard to find if you don’t know where to look, but once you stumble upon it you’ll be sure to mark the spot; if you’re up for dinner after a few drinks, check out Pla restaurant which is right around the corner.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: Ginger is the best wine bar and tapas restaurant in the Old City

Sam’s expert tip: Try their tuna tartar and duck tapas dishes as well as the Gordito wine.

Read more about Ginger Bar →


Els 4Gats, or ‘Four Cats’ is one of Barcelona’s most famous restaurants. Most well known for being Picasso’s watering hole, it opened in June, 1897 in a building designed but architect Puig i Cadafalch and instantly caught peoples’ attention due to its artistic detail and unusual design.

When Picasso was 17 he began frequenting the locale and even carried out his first exhibit in the large room at the back. It was his poster that was used as the main page for the menu. Today, 4Gats is a popular tourist destination but also holds fond memories for locals, especially those in the Gothic Quarter.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: Picasso’s Old Watering Hole and a Catalan Staple, this place is worth a visit even if you’re not going to eat there

Sam’s expert tip: Be sure to reserve a seat at the back in the large room

Read more about Els 4Gats →


Romantic, intimate and cozy, this dimly lit wine and tapas bar is tucked away on one of the Gothic Quarters’ many side streets. Ideal for dates or a few drinks with friends, it’s owned by a Canadian and the service is top notch and so is the food. Andu has a particularly good wine list, with a variety of Spanish wines and a few international bottles on the menu. Their comfy couches and wooden tables provide for a very intimate atmosphere and although its more frequented during the colder winter months, Andu still appeals to the summer crowd, especially late nights on the weekends.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: Great tapas bar and restaurant with a fun outdoor patio

Sam’s expert tip: Try their hummus

Read more about Andu Bar →


Photo courtesy of Jet Lag

Wine and tapas bar in the center of the Gothic Quarter, Jet Lag is a welcome new addition to Barcelona’s bar scene. Nestled behind Plaza Sant Jus, just up from Jaume Metro station, Jet Lag serves a range of amazing, international wines including those from France, Argentina, Italy and Chile. They also have great cheese plates and tasty bread as well as an extensive menu including salads meats, fish dishes and a variety of other options. Although Jet Lag isn’t large, it’s always full and never feels crowded. The owners are delightful and eager to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: Jet Lag has an excellent wine list and great service

Sam’s expert tip: Every Thursday get free tapas when you buy a drink.

Read more about Petit Jet Lag →


Casually appointed with wicker chairs and walls of stone, this restaurant exudes a chic, rustic feel. Strains of classical music can be heard by diners feasting on new Catalan cuisine such as chicken brochette, quail with soy and sesame, and paella in fish broth with prawns. Cafe L’Academia is typically Catalan with a slightly modern twist. Less ‘stuffy’ than other Catalan establishments, the food is authentic, and the vibe slightly more lively. Situated in Plaza Sant Jus, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter you’re surrounded by great bars and after dinner places to have a tasty and always needed, digestif.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: Cafe L’Academia combines Catalan cuisine with a modern twist

Sam’s expert tip: After dinner have a cocktail around the corner at Ginger bar

Read more about Café de l’Acadèmia →


Photo courtesy of Cafe at Bliss

Tucked away in Plaza Sant Juss, Bliss is both a cozy coffee, tea and tapas joint as well as a thriving summer time venue due to it’s great out door patio. The back room is full of plus couches and comfy chairs which makes it hard to leave and ideal for chatting with friends over coffee and a few plates of delicious tapas. Their couches suck you in making it hard to leave, thus providing for one of the best places for tea time in the city. Their extensive menu caters to those looking for a simple pot of herbal tea to those wanting a slightly more sophisticated brew.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: Bliss is always open! It’s the surest best in the Gotico with great food, excellent service and a nice patio.

Sam’s expert tip: Try Their Ginger Tea

Read more about Bliss →


Before you order at Pla, the waiter will pull up a chair, sit at the edge of your table and discuss the daily specials. They’ll then answer any questions you might have about the menu and recommend an amazing wine from their very extensive list. This is Pla!

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 varied 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.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: Pla is Quaint and Charming with high quality food in a romantic setting

Sam’s expert tip: Be sure to reserve and keep in mind dinner is done in shifts so you only have two hours to eat from the time you sit down (which is usually enough).

Read more about Pla →


The antique decor that adorns El Sal�n is simply charming, and the menu is equally impressive. It is based on a Catalan traditional menu, but it is colored with French influence. Dishes you should try include the seared tuna, lamb and aubergine tart with goat’s cheese and pesto. El Salon is one of few Barcelona restaurants that has no problem adjusting the menu for specific clients. If you’re a vegetarian, or allergic to certain ingredients, they’ll make you a special plate that’s not on the menu at no extra charge. The owners pride themselves on customer service and its evident in the quality of the food and their attention to detail.

Recommended for Gothic Quarter’s Best Restaurants because: El Salon has the greatest outdoor patio in the summer, behind the old Roman Wall

Sam’s expert tip: One of the only outdoor patios you can reserve in the summer

Read more about El Salón →


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

Gotico (Gothic Quarter) – Barcelona Happyinspain Travel Guide

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the oldest part of the city, founded by the Romans in the third century BC. It is worth walking along it in order to feel the history of Barcelona and plunge into the era of the real Middle Ages.

Here you can still admire the buildings that were built in the XIV and XV centuries, during the Inquisition, plagues, knights’ campaigns and palace coups. You will see towers and preserved pieces of fortress walls, which are more than 2000 years old. Many legends have survived since then, the main characters of which are sorcerers and alchemists, members of Jewish communities, counts, hunchbacks, witches and even vampires.

At night, the Gothic Quarter is especially atmospheric, we advise you to take a walk around the Cathedral, where the sense of time is often lost and you seem to move into those long forgotten times. Thick stone walls darkened by time, narrow pointed windows, massive walls, bas-reliefs and sculptures. The feeling that at any moment a knight in armor or noble ladies in the outfits of that time will appear from around the corner.

The Gothic Quarter starts from Plaza Catalunya and extends down towards the sea. Its borders run between two iconic streets – Las Ramblas pedestrian boulevard with a statue of Columbus at the very bottom and Via Laietana.

The main attraction of the Gothic Quarter is, of course, the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia, located on Plaza Nova. This is a real treasure of Gothic architecture, the courtyard of which is worthy of a separate visit.

After the cathedral, it is worth stopping by Sant Felip Neri Square, look at the columns of the ancient Roman temple on Paradis Street, walk along the streets of the ancient Jewish quarter and go to the oldest square in the city, where the city hall and the town hall are now located, Plaza Sant Jaume. It is also worth visiting Plaza de la Merce and Plaza del Rei, each corner of which is saturated with centuries of history.

In addition to the beauties of antiquity, trade is in full swing in the Gothic Quarter and there are many establishments to satisfy the hunger and thirst of tourists, the best of which are described on our website.

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