Top 20 Foods to Eat in Barcelona
Updated: May 13
Off all the places that I've travelled so far in Europe, I believe the Spanish cuisine clearly takes the trophy. Italian cuisine comes real close but I'm going to tip my scale in favour of the flavourful Spanish food that has such heavy Mediterranean infusion in it.
With tons of Tapas bars, buzzing local eateries, fresh food markets and Michelin star restaurants located around every corner of this pulsating city, Barcelona has truly a sought-after food culture which is only gaining more and more popularity as time passes by. So where and what to eat in Barcelona? The list is not exhaustive, so if you have any more recommendations, we would love to hear them in our comments.
Although people in Barcelona identify themselves as Catalyunians and Catalan cuisine which is the shared cuisine of Northern Catalonia and Andorra is their go-to food, there is no dearth of Spanish delicacies in Barcelona. Listed below are the Top 20 foods to eat in Barcelona and some of the best places to try them.
Top 20 Foods to Eat in Barcelona
#1 Chicken Paella at Restaurant Núria
Firstly I must say Restaurant Nuria is a beauty in itself. A restaurant in the heart of the city in Rambla de Canaletes, built over 2 floors, has enough room to house a lot many guests and an amazing ambience, Nuria touches your soul. The food is classic Spanish and undoubtedly their chicken paella is one of their best. With the best ingredients of the region and tossed into a pan of rice, chicken, vegetables and saffron, paella is a Spanish favourite. Originating from the region of Valencia, Paella got its name from the paellera, the cooking utensil in which it is cooked and served, a flat round pan with two handles.
Address: Rambla de Canaletes, 133, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
#2 Seafood Paella at Belbo Candela
Belbo Candela is located adjacent to the City Hall Theatre in Barcelona. It is located in the prime area of Rambla de Catalunya across the road from the Placa de Catalunya. The decor was pleasing to the eye, the mood lighting was fresh and the ambience was very relaxed. The highlight in this restaurant was their Seafood Paella. For people who like their seafood peeled, this is the place to be.
Address: Restaurant Belbo Candela, Rambla de Catalunya, 2-4, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
#3 Patatas Bravas at La Bodegueta
Everyone knows Spanish Tapas! Tapas are basically small eats that can be combined to make a full meal. It can be cold (such as mixed olives and goat cheese) or hot (such as patatas bravas or fried eggplant with honey). Special mention to the Patatas Bravas in La Bodegueta. You must be wondering how can this simple dish be any different or special compared to the ones available elsewhere. But you will know instantly when you try them at La Bodegueta. Firslty get a table at the terrace on the bustling courtyard of La Bodegueta. Although it falls as number 3 out of the top 20 things to eat in Barcelona, yet Yukon gold potatoes served with a aioli garlic sauce and topped with salsa brava (sauce made of extra virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, and tomato paste), this dish was a winner!
Address: Rambla de Catalunya, 100, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
#4 Chorizos
Chorizo was a staple in our Barcelona meals, appearing in various tapas throughout the day. These are Spanish spicy sausages, basically a type of pork cured meat which can be eaten without cooking.
#5 Pimientos de Padrón
My first encounter with Pimientos de Padrón was during a camping trip with my Spanish friend. He brought along a large packet of these irresistibly addictive Herbón peppers, lightly sweetened and seasoned with sea salt. Found in nearly every tapas bar, Spanish, or Catalan restaurant in Barcelona, these small, vibrant green peppers hail from the municipality of Padrón in Galicia, northwest Spain.
#6 Catalan Tomato Bread (Pan Con Tomate)
A traditional food of Catalan, Aragonese and Balearic cuisine, the Pan Con Tomate is offered in every restaurant in Barcelona. It goes well with your sangrias and an easy snack for the kids. This is a very humble version of the Catalan Tomato Bread which you see served here, however the real deal is the one with the use of ripe summer tomatoes and day-old bread. Tan muy sabrosa!
#7 Spanish Tortilla (tortilla de patatas)
Can I please cry out of sheer happiness because I managed to fill my face with the Tortilla de Patatas throughout my stay in Barcelona? A very average picture taken of a very mouth-watering dish! This quick to whip up at first glance dish is a national dish of Spain (to the best of my knowledge eh!). It is an essential part of the Spanish cuisine. the dish which can be served hot or cold, is basically an egg omelette that combines potato, onion, olive oil, and salt.
Catalan cuisine at Braseria Cal Ramon
It is a highly recommended restaurant to try out the Catalan dishes mentioned above. It is a traditional Catalan Restaurant founded by Ramon in 1979.
Address: Av. de Gaudí, 74, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
#8 Sangrias
The most famous drink in Barcelona and renowned world over is the Sangria. Sangria is a classic Spanish drink which has become an iconic drink. Main ingredients include red wine, brandy or vermouth, sliced apples and oranges, and sparkling soda however now there are various versions of the same drink. The most popular Sangria in Barcelona is the red wine Sangria topped with fruit. The other variety is the white wine sangria. You may order the 1 litre jug or by the glass. It is mostly popular amongst the tourists, not so much the locals.
#9 Crema Catalana
Crema Catalana (Catalan cream) also known as crema cremada (burnt cream) in Catalan cuisine, which is not so burnt here in the image below but extremely delicious, is a dessert made of milk and eggs. It is basically a custard with a burnt sugar topping.
#10 Champinones Al Ajillo
These delectable dish also called Xampinyons Saltejats amb All i Julivert (Catalan) or Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic and Parsley is a savory delight, perfect for any tapas spread. These mushrooms, often cooked with olive oil, garlic, and a dash of Spanish paprika boasts a rich flavour which goes perefectly with toasted bread.
#11 Broquetes de Botifarra de Calaf a la Brasa
The petite Catalan Pork Sausage, grilled over charcoal, which resembles charcoal itself but offers a sensory delight.
#12 Escalivada (Pebrot Vermell i Albergínia a la Brasa)
Roasted aubergine and peppers
#13 Homemade Gazpacho
Another of their specialities is the Homemade Gazpacho which is available only between the summer months of June to September. On a hot Spanish day, it makes for he perfect drink. It is a cold soup from the hot region of Andalusia. It is made out of pureed tomatoes and vegetables such as onions, garlic, cucumber, sweet bell peppers and olive oil.
#14 For breakfast go to Bristol Cafe next to Sagrada Familia
At a 6 minutes walk from La Sarada Familia, this vintage cafe in Barcelona offers the very best of Catalan breakfast and brunch options. It is a gastropub which is great for delicious and cheap snacks.
Address: C/ de Roger de Flor, 220, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
#15 Mexican food at La Taqueria
Hands down one of the best meals in Barcelona. In a trendy, small restaurant with vibrant cantina interiors situated in the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood, you will fell like you are in the heart of Mexico. The vibe is buzzing and alive, the waiters are friendly and chilled out, the margaritas, tequilas and cocktails are great, the food is top notch (the Tacos are mouth-watering) and the food is worth every penny!
Address: Passatge de Font, 5, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
They specialise in Tacos and micheladas which is a traditional drink mixed of beer, lemon juice, salt and a sauce. So try these and definitely get the cheese Quesadillas for your children.
#16 Mexican Seafood and Margaritas at Costa Pacifico
If you hit a search on google for the top Mexican restaurants in Barcelona, Costa Pacifico surely turns up in the top 10. However for one to adore this gorgeous hidden gem in Barcelona, one must love seafood - fish and shellfish. Unfortunately for us, Sidd is allergic to shell fish and my kids haven't yet developed a liking for Mexican fish dishes, so it was only me who actually swigged a mouthful of food here. Like the name suggests, you are on the Pacific Coast with your fish on your table. They specialise in ceviche and fish tacos and that's what I ordered. Sidd ordered a vegetarian Taco and he said it was great. For the kids we ordered guacamole and chips and we let our hair loose over some splendid spiced up cocktails.
No reservations are possible so just land there and get lucky!
Address: Plaça de Sant Agustí Vell, 13, 08003 Barcelona, Spanje
#17 Jamón Ibérico in the famous Boqueria market.
In the famous Boqueria market, do not forget to buy Jamón Ibérico, maybe to relish it right there or carry a few vacuum sealed packs back to your home country to feast on later. Jamón Ibérico made from Iberico pigs, is very expoensive and is a delicacy,. If not in La Boqueria, you will find it in specialised gourmet shops all around Barcelona and in supermarkets.
#18 Manchego cheese and Spanish Cava
A delicacy in Spain and a very popular Tapas dish, Manchego cheese is a favourite. Made from the milk of sheep of the Manchega breed, it definitely tastes quite quirky. We tried it at one of the restaurants with olive oil and we were pleasantly surprised at how different it tasted from the goat cheese that's available in Netherlands. It is aged between 60 days and 2 years supposedly. Maybe worth a try?
Another popular drink is the Cava. Also known as Spanish wine, Cava is popular amongst the locals. Basically sparkling wine available in white or rose and is pretty cheap to buy in Barcelona.
#19 Crepe at Couleur Cafe
A minimalist cafe serving vegan crepes, coffee, smoothies and other pastries lies in the local neighbourhood of Barcelona, a little walk away from the Gothic Square. It was simple and flavoursome and Kiu and Arya were mighty excited at the prospect of getting a delicious crepe in this small alley.
Address: C/ de Sant Pere Més Baix, 54, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
#20 Hello Helado ! (Ice cream)
What better plan then to get your mouth around a helado on a hot Spanish day from one of the best creameries in the vicinity no? Barcleona is dotted with this ice cream parlours selling the creamiest and yummiest ice creams or 'helado'.
Try the ice creams from Gioelia Cremaria. You can get your hands on fresh ice creams, cakes and desserts and if you hadn't had enough already, then you can also get your hands on their soft brioches, frappes, and granitas. What a treat you guys!
Closing Thoughts
With this I feel like I have ended on a high (sugar-high?)! With its breathtaking architecture, lavish squares, stunning beaches, culturally ingrained markets and crazy nightlife, Barcelona can also boast about its enviable food scene. There is so much that this vibrant city can offer! Amen to that!
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