What to eat in barcelona: 28 Barcelona Food Favorites You Will Love

The good news is that if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona – the capital city of the Catalan community – there are all sorts of local must-eat foods to delve into, many of which date back to hundreds if not thousands of years.

Here are a few dishes that you simply can’t miss during your time in Barcelona.

Paella

No foodie trip to Spain would be complete without a paella feast! This iconic rice and seafood dish actually originates from Valencia and was originally made with beans and meat instead of fish a shellfish.

Today, in every corner of Spain, paella is reserved for important celebrations and family occasions.

Where to eat it: There’s absolutely no question the best paella is always homemade paella. It takes a very long time to cook, so it’s difficult for restaurants to make fresh. Only 5 minutes walk from Gaudí’s iconic landmark Park Güell, talented home-chefs Bego and Iván offers Barcelona’s best paella in town using a traditional recipe from Alacant.

You can watch their whole cooking process while you enjoy an ecological white wine, from El Pla de Manlleu or rosé wine from Penedès A.O., a region famous for its excellent wines and cavas.

Bombas

During the dark days of the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona was fraught with danger. Anarchists and revolutionaries roamed the then slummy streets of Barceloneta (now the city’s glitzy seafront neighbourhood), hurling handmade grenades in their fight against General Franco’s Fascists.

These tiny grenades turned out to be extremely effective, and inspired a local (and highly imaginative) chef to create what is now one of Barcelona’s most iconic tapas dishes, “la bomba” (or the bomb).

It’s basically a tennis ball-sized potato croquette served with two different sauces: a white garlic allioli that represents the string fuse that the anarchists would light before launching their grenades, and a rich and spicy red sauce that represents the bombs’ explosive qualities.

Not only are bombas delicious, but they are quite literally an edible piece of Catalan history, a must for all foodies in Barcelona!

Where to eat it: There are lots of good places to eat “bombas” in Barcelona, but it’s rumoured that they were invented at La Cova Fumada, a crumbling old hole-in-the wall type of place in the heart of Barceloneta.

HIGHLIGHT: In case you’re interested in learning to cook a complete Barcelona meal, you should check out home-chef Núria’s widely popular Half-day Catalan Home Cooking Classes.

Her classes take place at her home in the heart of Barcelona and she offers 3 classes, each with a different theme. Each class consists of a main dish, 2 fresh market tapas, and a dessert.

Calçots and romesco sauce

The calçot is a type of green onion that is native to the region of Catalonia. They come into season at the end of winter and the locals celebrate their arrival with wild street barbecues. These sweet onions (and all sorts of meats) are grilled to enjoy with homemade romesco sauce, a traditional Catalan salsa made with hazelnuts, almonds, and red peppers. It really is the ultimate foodie fiesta!

Where to eat it: The biggest “calçotada” parties happen out in the countryside, where rural communities get first pickings, but you will find plenty of street parties throughout Barcelona. You can also enjoy this rustic ritual at restaurants Quinabarra and L’Antic Forn in the city centre.

Highlight: No trip to Barcelona is complete without touching fresh calçot in the famous Boqueria market. Angels & Carmen, Foodie Sisters as the world calls them, offer Boqueria Market Tour & Best Spanish Cooking Class in Barcelona.

Esqueixada

Probably the most authentic Catalan salad you can eat, this light and rustic feast is made with “bacalao” (or raw salted cod) and served with romesco sauce, tomatoes, onions, and black olives. It’s fresh and zesty, perfect with a glass of sparkling Catalan Cava!

Where to eat it: The old-world restaurant La Vinateria del Call (which is said to be the oldest wine bar in Barcelona) is the perfect place to discover this good old fashioned local dish.

Pa amb Tomàquet

It’s true what they say: “The simple things are always the best.” And it’s especially true in this case. Translated literally as “bread with tomato,” this is an essential dish that can be enjoyed as an accompaniment with every meal from breakfast to lunch and dinner.

It’s basically bread-rubbed with garlic and the juice of a tomato and seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some places even serve the ingredients separately so you can make it yourself.

Stack it with cheese and/or slices of meat, and you’ll find yourself in foodie heaven in no time.

Where to eat it: Everywhere and anywhere that you eat tapas! If you go to a restaurant and they don’t have it, you’re not in a good restaurant.

Escalivada

Like so many of Spain’s iconic dishes, escalivada is all about showcasing the quality of each ingredient. It’s made simply by grilling eggplant and red peppers over an open wood fire and serving them on toasted bread with lashings of quality olive oil, garlic, salt – and if you’re lucky, anchovies.

It’s simple, but spectacularly delicious.

Where to eat it: Pop into Sésamo in the ever trendy Sant Antoni neighbourhood and you’ll soon understand why the locals love this ancient dish so much.

Mató

France may be the most famous country in Europe when it comes to cheese, but with its quantity, quality and diversity, there’s no denying that Spain is a close contender. And in Barcelona, or anywhere else in Catalonia for that matter, the one cheese you simply must try is mató.

Soft, sweet, and spreadable (a lot like ricotta), the Catalans eat this unsalted goats cheese with honey and walnuts – the perfect regional dessert!

Where to eat it: Anywhere that offers it is good, but for a taste tour of Catalonia’s finest cheeses, pop into the Formatgeria la Seu and speak to Katherine, a Scottish lady with an immense knowledge of Catalonia’s many options.

Crema Catalana

Last but not least, crema Catalana! Made with a creamy vanilla custard and blow torched until it forms a glassy crust, you may well recognise this as “creme brûlée.”

In fact, it’s basically the same thing – the Catalans will tell you they created first, the French argue that they did. Either way, once you crack open the crunchy top layer with your spoon, you’re sure to fall in love!

Where to eat it: All Spanish/Catalan restaurants will offer it as a standard dish, but at Pastisseria Escribà they serve it over waffles to make it doubly decadent!

Bonus:

You can always try delicious tapas and seafood paella with a professional Spanish chef, attend a Spanish cooking class together with a Boqueria market tour, or have Paella over lunch.

What to try in Barcelona from food: dishes and products – Barcelona10

Catalonia is famous for its original, hearty and delicious recipes. Therefore, when going to this region, do not forget about the gastronomic part of your trip. And we will first introduce you to the dishes that are worth trying in Barcelona, ​​as they are made best here.

We recommend combining tasty and educational by participating in one of the gastronomic tours with Russian-speaking guides. And for more Barcelona holiday tips, including a list of restaurants and cafes for all budgets, download our travel guide app.

Catalan paella

The first dish that comes to mind is paella. You simply must try it when you are in Catalonia. This is perhaps the most traditional Spanish dish. Paella used to be the food of farmers, but today almost every restaurant includes this dish in its menu. Paella is made from rice. Either seafood, or chicken, or pork, or veal are added to rice. In Catalonia, the first option is the most common, so you can eat especially delicious paella in seafood restaurants. By the way, if you are a seafood lover, be sure to go on a tour of oyster farms.

» READ ALSO – Where to taste the best paella in Barcelona

Gaspacho

Gazpacho is one of the most famous dishes of Spanish and Catalan cuisine. This is a cold soup that is especially nice to eat in summer. Gazpacho is very healthy, as it is prepared from raw vegetables (mainly tomatoes), so all the vitamins are preserved.

Tapas

Tapas are an integral part of Catalan cuisine. In simple words, tapas is any snack served with beer or wine, such as olives or nuts, or a separate small dish: salad, scrambled eggs, kebab, sandwich, etc. There are a lot of tapas bars in Catalonia.

Serrano ham with bread and tomatoes (Jamón serrano)

More of an appetizer than a full meal, this dish is extremely delicious with beer. Serrano ham, also known as Serrano jamon, is served in thin slices with white bread, on which tomatoes are also grated with a thin layer. The name of this ham comes from the word sierra (sierra) – a mountain range where salting and curing of meat in a natural way takes place throughout the year.

» READ ALSO — Where and what is the best jamon to buy in Barcelona

Omelet with potatoes (Tortilla de patatas)

Yes, with potatoes! This is how the Spaniards prepare their omelet. Sometimes onions and tomatoes can be added to the dish. An omelet looks like a pie and is served hot or cold cut into triangular pieces. Very filling and incredibly tasty! Perfect for an inexpensive lunch.

Butifarra Catalan sausage

Butifarra are traditional Catalan sausages. This dish is usually served with white beans, but salad and french fries are a popular variant.

Between the sea and the mountains (Mar i Muntanya)

If you have to try anything in Barcelona food, then this is Mar i Muntanya. A dish with an interesting name, and in terms of composition, it also implies a very unusual combination of products. one plate fits chicken and shrimp with tomato, onion and garlic sauce. In many restaurants, you can also find combinations of this dish with various types of meat and fish.

Romesco Sauce

Delicious traditional Catalan sauce made with almonds, garlic, hot peppers, tomatoes and olive oil. Ideal for meat dishes.

Caracoles a la catalana

The Spaniards are very fond of caracoles, or garden snails, which are cooked right in the “houses” with the addition of tomatoes, peppers and herbs. This dish is especially common in the regions: in the province of Lleida, at the end of May, a gastronomic festival in honor of the snail (Aplec de Cargol) is even held.

Panellets

Here we come to the desserts of Barcelona. The original Catalan dessert, Panellets, is made with almonds and sweet potatoes, such an interesting and satisfying combination. You can try the cake in any pastry shop in Barcelona.

Crema Catalana

And this is a dish you rarely get to try, so take advantage of the moment. Creme Catalana is a very tasty Catalan dessert, reminiscent of French creme brulee. Made with milk, eggs, caramel and caramelized sugar.

Turron

When asked what sweets to try in Barcelona, ​​everyone immediately answers – turron. This traditional Catalan sweet is incredibly popular. It is made from almonds, honey and sugar. This is a very sweet and tough delicacy, which is good to bring as a souvenir. There are several different variations of turron, with a milder version made with olive oil. You can also add hazelnuts instead of almonds. In many candy stores, you can try small pieces of turron before you buy it.

» SEE ALSO – Sweet Barcelona: What sweets to try

Sangria

Sangria needs no introduction, it is a traditional light alcoholic drink made from wine and fruit. In Barcelona, ​​chilled sangria is drunk everywhere; in the heat, it is especially pleasant. And where exactly to try the most delicious sangria, read in this article.

As experts say: “If you are going to Barcelona, ​​do not eat for a week before this”. So it is, not a single tourist has remained indifferent to Catalan cuisine. The simplest walk quickly turns into a gastronomic one, because the city is famous for its cool and unusual restaurants, and you can’t get around everything. But keep yourself in control, because Spanish cuisine is also very high in calories)))

Have a delicious trip!

Barcelona food – what to try in Barcelona?

We will tell you how to eat tasty and cheap in the Catalan capital, and also share the TOP 10 best tapas in Barcelona

The national food of Barcelona is extensive and varied, so every self-respecting tourist or traveler should definitely try all the splendor of local dishes. No trip or vacation is complete without tasting the local cuisine. After all, this seaside paradise has the largest number of bars and restaurants than any other city in Europe.

What to try in Barcelona for food? Spain and Catalonia are famous for seafood, jamon and wine, but Mediterranean Spanish cuisine is much richer. Butifarra, tortilla, patatas bravo, gazpacho, fideua, chorizo, and that’s just to start. And in each bar you will find a huge assortment of montaditas or pintxos – small sandwiches with all kinds of fillings. Of course, there are few varieties of home-made beer in Spain, but there are a myriad of varieties of wine and local cava champagne.

We are often asked how much does a meal cost in Barcelona? You can order one full and delicious lunch with a drink for 12-14 euros. A smart and economical traveler will not dine in expensive restaurants. If you want to taste several dishes inexpensively, then the best option is a business lunch. At the same time, it is not particularly important that you visit a good restaurant or a modest cafe; at lunchtime, prices are equal in almost every establishment, since it is locals, not rich tourists, who attend lunch.

Barcelona street food is a great option for a simple and tasty meal. Takeaway food is represented by numerous outlets with Italian pizza, Turkish doners and ubiquitous fast foods and coffee shops. We would like to note that fast food in Barcelona is not at all popular, as there are so many cheap tapas bars where you can eat or have a healthy and wholesome meal and at the same time the price will be affordable. Note for comparison that a small street hot dog costs 3.50 euros, and a bocadillo – a large sandwich with a choice of toppings and a cup of coffee with milk costs only 2.50 euros. So the choice for you, as well as for the locals, should be obvious.

Food prices in Barcelona go up after dark. Firstly, 10-15% is added to the bill if you eat on the terrace. Secondly, in such tourist areas as El Born, Gracia or Elxample, prices are always unreasonably high, since the main visitors are either wealthy tourists or wealthy locals. The average check for two with alcohol will be at least 50-70 euros.

If you want to save money, then a good option would be to dine in the districts of Raval, Poblesec or Montjuic.

The cost of food in Barcelona will be much lower if you move away from the city center to the usual residential areas, and visit local places accessible to locals. After all, Spaniards with one of the lowest salaries in Europe, just like budget tourists, do not have a hundred euros for one dinner. In the Parallel metro area you can eat cheap montaditos, in the Hostafranx metro area there are many accessible bars “for your own”, and most importantly, in almost every area you can find plentiful and affordable buffets.

Buffets are the cheapest food in Barcelona. Their unlimited buffet is a great opportunity to eat well and inexpensively with the whole family. The price varies from 12 to 15 euros, lunch is cheaper than dinner, drinks are usually not included. But before going to the buffet, you really need to want to eat, as the variety of foods is simply amazing. In addition to meat and fish dishes, do not forget to try the main Catalan dessert – crema catalana.

If you want something a little more local, then you should definitely visit the tapas bar. Tapas bars are small eateries. Snacking on tapas with a glass of cool beer or wine is a favorite Spanish pastime at any time of the day or night.

Food in Barcelona through the eyes of tourists is paella and sangria, but we hope you don’t limit yourself to just that. Arrange yourself a so-called gastro tour, try at least one dish you don’t know in every establishment you visit. Do not hesitate to ask the waiters for some advice, because every restaurant and chef has their signature dishes. Barcelona is a city where food is cheap and delicious if you know where to look. So leave your hotel, hit the town, and go on the hunt for a mind-blowing taste experience.

Top 10 Spanish Tapas

Bocadillo. Bocadillo.
Baguette sandwich with various fillings.

Patatas bravas. Patatas bravas or Patatas alioli.
Fried or baked potato wedges with spicy bravas sauce. Also, this potato can be served with alioli sauce (Spanish homemade mayonnaise with garlic).

Padrones. Padrones.
Roasted or baked green pepper sprinkled with coarse salt.

Pan con tomate. Pan con tomato.
Fresh toasted baguette rubbed with garlic and tomato.

Empanadas. Empanadas.
Pies of Argentinean origin with various fillings, be careful they can be very spicy.

Montaditos or pintxos. Montaditos.
Slides. Tiered sandwiches. With anything. In Spain you can find bars that only serve beer, wine and montaditos. Moreover, slides can be with anything and very multi-level. The average price is 1-2 euros. In generous Andalusia, when ordering beer, one montaditos is given for free. So while I got drunk and ate at the same time.

Croquetas. Croquetas.
Mini patties made of mashed potatoes with various fillings – with meat, jamon or cheese.

Tortilla. Tortilla.
Spanish omelet with potatoes baked in the oven.
It’s hard to know what you’re eating potatoes or eggs, but for many Spaniards this is a morning classic. The same Barcelona food that gets very mixed reviews. Some people really like it, and some people don’t.

Chorizo ​​de la abuela. Grandma’s chorizo.
Spicy fatty Spanish sausage. It has a characteristic red color due to paprika. The store sells its dry-cured version, and restaurants serve it fried in slices. Fatty, but tasty.

Andalusian calamari. Calamares a la Andalusa.
Batter-fried squid cut into rings. Served with alioli sauce.

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About FUNBCN

Hello. My name is Alina Kabakova and I am the founder of the FUNBCN experience agency.