Steak, sandwiches, and seafood. Take your pick of some of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
When it comes to beautiful cities to travel to, Barcelona, Spain easily tops the list. From their culture to the art to the food, why wouldn't you fall in love with Barcelona? If you plan on visiting this beautiful city, then we have got a great treat for you today. We have rounded up some of the best restaurants in Barcelona for you to dine at. After all, you do not really get to know a city until you dine in it. Only once you soak in the local flavors will you be able to truly say that you have explored everything that Barcelona has to offer.
There are so many things that make Barcelona's food scene so wonderful. For starters, there is the fact that it is incredibly diverse here. Whatever you are in the mood for, you are sure to find it in Barcelona. For example, pizza places, sandwich shops, and Asian inspired eats litter the city.
Today, we are going to go over this eclectic food scene. You will find a range of options to choose from when it comes to dining out. From fine dining to local street favorites we have got you covered. Read on and we are sure you are going to find the best restaurant that will meet your needs. Let's get started.
1. Tickets Tapas Bar
Credit: Tickets / Facebook
This next hot spot is one that you want to book well in advance. Tickets is a favorite hot spot in Barcelona so much so that table reservations can be as far out at two months! We have to say though that we are not surprised. Tickets offers some of the best dining in all of Barcelona. Albert Adria established this restaurant after his brother, Ferran Adria, gained popularity and prestige at his own restaurant. It is clear that whatever the Adria brothers are doing, it is working.
What makes this restaurant so great is that it has so much to offer. If you are traveling with a group, then you know the struggle of picking out a place to eat that suits everyone's taste buds. With this well established restaurant, you do not have to worry about that struggle.
Tickets offers four different types of food selections. There is seafood for your seafood loving travelers. There are grilled dishes for the traveler who loves everything a little charred. And for the friend who is always willing to try something new, there are inventive surprises that will keep your travel group guessing. Finally, how can we forget the range of sweet treats that Tickets provides?
Along with the traditional servings of tapas that is offered on their menu, be sure to look out for the enjoyments that are off the menu. For example, what makes this one of the best restaurants in Barcelona is the fact that Tickets takes an incredibly playful approach to their menu. They specialize in making sure that the diners feel right at home at this lovely restaurant. In fact, the playful nature of eating here is one of the driving factors that has made this restaurant so successful.
Along with their food selection, Tickets specializes in everything that is related to tapas. In fact, the Adrias brothers have established their own philosophy of tapas with this budding restaurant. The distinguishing factor is that Chef Albert’s tapas come with a modern twist that incorporates molecular techniques. These preparation techniques allow their tapas to be some of the best in all of Barcelona.
Not only are you going to love the food here, but the environment is simply addictive as well. The theme at Tickets is one that is reminiscent of the cabaret scene that existed in Barcelona during its golden era. Ladies who are traveling together, this is the perfect restaurant to channel your inner Las Chicas Del Cable spirit. You are sure to fall in love with the glamour and pizzaz that Tickets is oozing with. For a glamorous night out that is full of fun, fine dining, and entertainment, Tickets it the number one hot spot to be at.
2. Agut
When it comes to dining at one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, Agut should easily be on your list. For starters, this is one of the oldest restaurants you will find in Barcelona. Along with its long standing history, you are sure to find authentic dishes here that reflect what it means to get a taste of Barcelona. What we love about Agut is that it has everything you could want in an authentic restaurant.
Not only is the food great, but you can dine in absolute luxury here. For example, when you sit down for your meal, you will find yourself surrounded by history. There is literally a range of beautiful artwork including paintings that were composed by great Catalan artists of the 20th century. These beautiful pieces of art are just another reminder of how much of a gem this Catalan restaurant is. The artwork adds a quaint and homey feel that will have you soaking in all that it means to be in Barcelona.
If there is one thing that makes this one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, it is community. The fact that it holds such a strong reputation in the community has allowed it to thrive. Not only that, but Agut has been consistent in its quality and flavor throughout the years. For example, their aioli is just as delectable as it was when it was first served so many years ago. The recipes here have been passed down from generation to generation. This has enabled them to keep the traditional way of preparing food to thrive.
Whether it is five years or ten years in between your visit, you will find that the flavors will stay consistent. Tourists and locals can be thankful for that. There are other dishes they serve up here that will have your senses tingling. Such dishes include the cooked frog legs and breaded pratt artichokes. Their fresh beef meat and lamb brisket are other specialties that are winners. They will remind you why Barcelona is one of the best places to dine at if you are a food lover.
Overall, one of the best things about this restaurant is the fact that they just get it. There are no frills or ruffles. Instead, you will find simply good old Spanish cuisine that is oozing with authenticity. If you are looking for quality over advertisement, then this underrated long standing restaurant is one of the best places to dine in at when you are in Barcelona.
3. Can Ros
Credit: CAN ROS / Facebook
This next restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona because it has thrived for so long. The surrounding community takes a significant portion of the credit for that. This is because the geographical location, suppliers, and proximity to the water offer everything Can Ros needs to be the best. This century-old seafood restaurant was one of the first restaurants that opened in the neighborhood of Gracia. Although this restaurant has deep historical and traditional roots, their menu would say otherwise. Can Ros has been able to take traditional seafood dishes and adapt them to the 21st-century demands that locals and tourists love. This unique ability is what has landed Can Ros as one of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
When it comes to the menu, you can expect to see a range of unique selections. For example, you will find an amazing rice with capipota. (Capipota is the head and foot of a calf). For an added zing, you might even want to try the black rice that is just as delectable. If you are an early riser, then you will want to take advantage of their incredible sit-down breakfast. This is something that they have been widely known for as far as staples of quick dine in and out restaurant go.
4. Dos Palillos
If you are looking for fine dining with a zing of asian flavor, then this is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona to go to. This restaurant is incredibly unique because it takes the best of both worlds and fuses them together. Chef Albert Raurich combines Asian and Spanish influences to show the similarities that exist between the different cultures when it comes to food. No better dish can you observe this with then on Dos Palillos’ famous tapas. The dedication and passion Chef Alber has for his menu has helped earn him and the restaurant its first Michelin Star.
It should be noted that the seating in this restaurant is quite unique. Instead of having tables, there is a wrap-around bar where all your meals will be served at. Although this might be a different setting than traditional restaurants, it does provide for an intimate feel. You will get to see the chefs in action all the while dining on some of the best dishes Barcelona has to offer. For a laid back and casual atmosphere, Dos Palillos is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona to stop in at for a bite to eat.
5. ABaC
Credit: ABaC / Facebook
When it comes to top notch dining, this next place takes the top spot as far as best restaurants in Barcelona go. Chef J Jordi Cruz has won three Michelin Stars for his top notch restaurant, ABaC. This is a testament to how well established and valued this restaurant is.
When it comes to the menu, Chef Cruz aims to stick with traditional Catalan dishes. However, what sets his menu apart is the fact that his dishes are incredibly sophisticated and well-crafted. In other words, every dish that Chef Cruz makes is an edible work of art. One of his most famous dishes is the eggs with asparagus. While it may sound like a less than spectacular dish, the preparation behind it is extremely extensive and done with care. This is just one of the many examples of how attentive to detail the menu is when it comes to fine dining here at ABaC.
6. El Canalla
If you want to get a sample of unique flavor, then El Canalla is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona to go to. What makes El Canalla so unique is the fact that they use a wood and coconut shell fueled josper oven. A josper oven is a great cooking method in the fact that it is a bit like a broiler all while acting as a barbecue too. It grills and prepares food in a manner that gives it the right amount of flavor and juiciness.
When it comes to El Canalla, the josper oven takes standard dishes and turns them into something exceptional. For example, a simple dish like the grilled spring artichokes with olive oil and tender chard pork comes alive and bursts with flavor. And yet, it is able to retain a fresh and crunchy texture that blends well with the overall dish. Another great dish that the josper oven deserves credit for is their burrata cheese that is topped with tomato, marmalade, arugula pesto, lemon, and honey. These ingredients are bursting with flavor and allow the dish to come alive in your mouth. El Canalla takes the flavors of northern Spanish dishes and traditional Catalan food to present guests with some of the best eats that Barcelona has to offer.
7. Maitea Taberna
Credit: Maitea Taverna / Facebook
If you are a snacker, then you are going to love this next best restaurant in Barcelona. When it comes to snacking, you have probably seen the popular pintxos. These are the famous toothpicks bite-sized bar snacks. Notably, they are more specifically confined to the Basque region in Barcelona. Well, Maitea Taberna is the place to go to if you are looking to sample some of these popular pintxos.
What makes Maitea Taberna so wonderful is the fact that there is a range of dishes for you to choose from. For example, you can take your pick of hot meals or cold meals that are not only delicious but are incredibly reasonably priced. Some of their popular dishes include the popular Morcilla de Burgos (black pudding with rice) with apple purée. Ask any local and they will tell you that this dish is a winner.
What makes Maitea Taberna one of the best restaurants in Barcelona is the fact that it conveniently gives you the opportunity to dine the way the locals do. If you are traveling in any country, one of the best things to do is try out some of the authentic food that that country has to offer. Without a doubt, Maitea Taberna will offer you all the local flavors that truly in encompass what it means to be in Barcelona.
8. La Taverna del Clínic
One of the most popular fine dining establishments in Barcelona is La Taverna del Clínic. La Taverna del Clínic once started out as a very small restaurant but has now grown to be one of the best restaurants in Barcelona. In fact, the popularity of La Taverna del Clínic has enabled it to expand their space so that they can accommodate more guests.
There are several things that make this restaurant a great choice when it comes to fine dining. For starters, La Taverna del Clínic sources only the best seasonal ingredients possible. They work with local farmers and fisherman to offer you some of the best tastes in all of Barcelona. Not only that but because of their expansion to the dining room in 2014, they have been able to manufacture more dishes that are simply stunning. The two brothers who owned the restaurant even offer a decadent tasting menu. On their test tasting menu, there is a range of unique options to choose from. For example, you can indulge in some o toro tuna with sea urchin, caviar, black garlic sauce.
Finally, make space for your taste buds to sample some of their ever popular celery ice cream. Like many restaurants in Barcelona, their attention to detail and craftsmanship is of the utmost importance. You will be able to easily see this reflected in the dishes that are served out. If you are looking for a special night out to celebrate an evening or event, then this is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona to do so on.
9. Fan-Shoronpo Japonese Ramen
Credit: Fan-Shoronpo Japonese Ramen / Facebook
If you are in Barcelona and are looking for different flavors to try, then the Fan-Shoronpo Japonese Ramen is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona to dine in at. Ask any local or visitor and they will tell you that this is easily one of the best ramen bars in the city. Not only that but if you are in the mood for some delectable soup, then this is the place to go.
Fan-Shoronpo Japonese Ramen is widely known for their traditionally crafted soup dumpling. These dumplings are made by hand and are oozing with goodness. They are steamed pouches of gingery pork that simply wake up your senses. After an evening of exploring Barcelona and wearing yourself out, this is the perfect remedy to get you started for a new day.
What we love about Fan-Shoronpo Japonese Ramen is the fact that although it can be classified as street food, it is not lacking in flavor. Every bite is bold and enticing. Don't be surprised if you decide to come back for more. Without a doubt, this is easily one of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
10. Lomo Alto
If you are a pork lover, then this next spot is one of the best places to dine at in Barcelona. For starters, it is no secret that Barcelona is home to some of the best pork inspired dishes around. Lomo Alto is no exception. Here you will find not only yummy pork dishes, but you will get a first hand experience of what it means to age a chop of meat to perfection.
For starters, the meat that the Lomo Alto serves up has gone through a delicate aging process. In fact, when you enter this restaurant, you will immediately be greeted by the massive Leonese Ox that hangs high above the reception area. Lomo Alto takes dry aging their meat seriously. For example, this Leonese Ox is well under its 500 date aging process.
Not only is the aging process serious but the way they store their product is as well. The chefs here take pride in meticulously cataloging each type of meat they have undergoing the aging process. Their meats are labeled with the age as well as the breed. Customers can be certain that they will always be served up the dish that will best fit their needs.
Not only do the chefs here take pride in aging their meat, but they also pay super close attention to detail when they are serving it up as well. Take for example their delectable Rubia Gallega T-bone steak. This T-bone steak undergoes a lengthy 150 day aging process. Although it is lengthy, the waiting game is worth it. Never will you have the opportunity to soak your teeth into a more tender or juicier steak than then at Lomo Alto.
The aging process is not the only thing that gives the food here an excellent reputation. The cooking process is just as important too. The steaks served up here are all cooked up to perfection in the charcoal fueled josper grills. The josper grills give out a flavor that is unmatched. If you are looking for a great bite to eat, then Lomo Alto is easily one of the best restaurants in Barcelona to stop by.
11. Restaurante Martinez
Credit: Martinez / Facebook
Another one of the best restaurants in Barcelona that you have to try out is Restaurante Martinez. For starters, the location is one of the best selling points for this restaurant. Restaurante Martinez is situated on the side of Montjuic. This location brings with it incredibly beautiful panoramic views of the city and the port below. If you are looking to get away from the busyness of the beach district you are in luck. This is one of the best restaurants In Barcelona to dine in at for a little quite.
When it comes to the food, the dishes are just as impressive as the views. Seafood lovers are going to absolutely love Restaurante Martinez. Some of their most popular dishes include their decadent lobster rice and their inviting oyster bar. Not only that, but you can sample their famous rice dishes such as the Senorita Paella. This dish is garnished with peeled and shelled seafood that is absolutely out of this world. You should also make it a point to sample their fantastic homestyle Santona anchovies that are served whole.
What we love about this restaurant is the fact that all of their ingredients are either sourced locally or are caught locally. If you order the prawns, you are in for a treat. You can look forward to them being caught straight from the market. Not only that, but enjoy the fact that they were caught the traditional way that Barcelona is so famously known for. Finally, if you are more in the mood to nibble on meat as opposed to seafood, no worries. You will absolutely love their steak options. Dig your mouth into their flavorful dry aged superior T-bone steak. There is also their aged beef sirloin steak that is just as tasty.
If you are looking for a great place to enjoy some of the tastiest seafood that Barcelona has to offer, then Restaurante Martinez is one of the best places to go to. While we know you will be coming for the food. The view is not half bad either.
12. Conesa Entrepans
If you are looking for a great sandwich shop to dine in at, then this next place is for you. Conesa Entrepans is easily one of the best restaurants in Barcelona to go to. This sandwich shop was founded in 1951. Since then, lines of tourists and locals have been eager to get a taste of some of the best sandwiches Barcelona has to offer. What makes Conesa Entrepans unique is the fact that they specialize in making their homemade hot rolls fresh in house daily. Not only that but the way they prepare their meals are cooked to perfection on a griddle. This gives each sandwich a delectable taste that will fill any appetite.
Conesa Entrepans is committed to quality customer service. The range of options available on their menu reflects this as well. From regular sandwiches and vegetarian sandwiches to low cholesterol sandwiches and gluten-free sandwiches, Conesa Entrepans has got it all. In addition to their sandwiches, diners will enjoy the range of snacks available too. These snacks include typical finger foods that any restaurant in Barcelona will carry. Nibble on some of their popular Patatas Bravas as well as their Croquetas de Cocido. Not only that, but diners are sure to love the portions of chicken breast that are served with bread crumbs and crunchy almonds.
13. Bar La Plata
Credit: Bar La Plata / Facebook
It is very easy to get overwhelmed by everything around you when you are traveling. The same goes for when it comes time to sit down and eat. If this is an issue you find yourself running into often, then one of the best places to go to is Bar La Plata. this popular restaurant in Barcelona has been serving up some tasty meals ever since 1945. Not only that, but they've been serving the same four meals since their inception. If you find yourself near the old port of Barcelona, then you must make it a point to visit this small corner bar.
When it comes to the menu, you absolutely have to nibble on the local flavors served here. Ask any local, and they will tell you that are preferred favorites. For example, the salted anchovies and the tomato salad are simply delicious. Other diners might argue and tell you that the floured and fired boquerones (the anchovies) and the fried sausage are the real show stoppers. Whatever meal you decide to go with, One thing is certain. We are sure you will not be disappointed. The flavors are bursting and alive in every dish.
When it comes to dining, there is never a right or wrong time to visit Bar La Plata. Whenever you go, you are sure to find bustling lines outside of the door. In fact, there are only a few tables for you to sit at and dine in. Instead, you should do as so many of the hurried locals do. Grab your meal and dine in right at the counter. If there is too much congestion there, then the streets are more than welcoming as a seating area for you to nibble on some authentic food. For all these reasons, Bar La Plata is easily one of the best restaurants in Barcelona to stop by.
Final Thoughts
It is no doubt that Barcelona is one of the best places to go to if you are looking for a romantic getaway. From the beautiful Spanish cities to the beautiful Spanish beaches, Spain has it all. Whether this is a special getaway or an impromptu vacation, you will not be disappointed. This is especially true when it comes to the food scene. Try out some of these popular locations and we are sure you will not be disappointed. You do not have to take our word for it either.
There are plenty of locals who will agree as well. In fact, if you stroll around this beautiful city, you are sure to see throngs of lines waiting outside many of these restaurants. If your time is limited, then there's another option. If you are able to plan your trip in advance, there are ways you can avoid this. For example, if possible always book your table in advanced. Booking your table in advance will allow you the opportunity to not worry about what to do when it comes time to dine.
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