The local take
Old-school counters in El Born and the old town serve patatas bravas, croquetas, anchovies and bombas with a glass of vermouth or cava, and many are standing room only. Neighborhood bodegas still fill bottles from the barrel, and in Sant Antoni and elsewhere, counters inside the food markets cook Catalan stews and rice dishes for breakfast and lunch. Down in Barceloneta, the old fishermen's quarter, seafood comes fried, grilled or in soupy rice.
A weekday set lunch is a good-value local habit, while brunch spots and bakeries fill the gaps. For a splurge, a few fine dining tables pair Catalan produce with ideas from further afield. Read the guide's note on each place for what to try, or tap a chip to see only tapas bars, cafes, food markets or fine dining.
TapasCasualEl Casal Café Bar
Located in the heart of El Born, this restaurant specializes in good wine and fresh oysters.
Barcelona, El BornRecommended by Elvira H.
TapasCasualEl Xampanyet
El Xampanyet is a legendary cava and tapas bar in El Born.
Barcelona, El BornRecommended by Laura B.
Fine DiningDos Palillos
Dos Palillos is a funky Michelin star eatery in El Raval that uses local ingredients to create Catalan-Asian fusion dishes that are inspired by Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast…
Barcelona, El RavalRecommended by Montse M.
TapasCasualCal Pep
If you want to have a unique dining experience, try Cal Pep in El Born.
Barcelona, El BornRecommended by Elvira H.
TapasCasualBodega Marín
This neighborhood bodega in Gràcia is very traditional.
Barcelona, Vila de GráciaRecommended by Maria S.
Bakeries/CafesBakery ZeroZero
Bakery ZeroZero is an option for those looking for healthier alternatives to sweet treats.
Barcelona, El BornRecommended by Montse M.
TapasCasualBig Group FriendlyBar Bodega Gol
This rustic restaurant and tapas bar in Sant Antoni specializes in classic Spanish and Catalan dishes.
Barcelona, Sant AntoniRecommended by Maria S.
TapasCasualBar Calders
Bar Calders in Sant Antoni is a local favorite with charming tapas and a vermouth bar.
Barcelona, Sant AntoniRecommended by Laura B.
TapasCasualBar Canigó
Bar Canigó is a tapas bar in Gràcia with more than 100 years of history under its belt.
Barcelona, Vila de GráciaRecommended by Laura B.
TapasCasualBar Celta Pulperia
This tapas bar in El Born features classic seafood and octopus dishes from Galicia.
Barcelona, El BornRecommended by Elvira H.
TapasCasualBar Cugat
Bar Cugat is a simple restaurant near the Girona Metro stop that has a relaxed environment and very friendly service.
Barcelona, Dreta de l'EixampleRecommended by Montse M.
TapasCasualBar del Pla
Bar del Pla is a popular tapas bar in El Born that attracts locals and visitors alike.
Barcelona, El BornRecommended by Elvira H.
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