Our List of 9 Must-Try Barcelona Restaurants

Spanish food is famous all around the world — for a good reason. When in Barcelona, you must eat, and  Barcelona is a city that eats with style. From hidden gems to beachside dining and elegant dining rooms tucked away in quieter neighborhoods, it’s an essential part of the cultural experience. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in Barcelona serving traditional Spanish and Catalan food in this guide, so if you’re looking for your next food trip, keep reading for more!

Located in Ciutat Vella near the Gothic Quarter and Barceloneta beach, La Cova Fumada is a great spot for tapas at the heart of the city. It is credited for inventing the “bomba”, a potato croquette stuffed with meat and topped with spicy sauce, a dish now found in tapas bars across the city. With its lovely rustic interior and authentic Spanish and Catalan dishes, you can grab a bite here before exploring the rest of Barcelona. 

If you want to go more in-depth, you can join a Gothic Quarter Walking Tour and be guided through unmissable spots in the neighborhood like La Rambla and the Cathedral of Barcelona. Yes, there are more historical churches to see apart from the La Sagrada Familia, which you can read more about below.

If you’d like to go beyond one tavern and taste your way through a neighborhood, the Jon Cake’s El Born Handpicked Food Tour is a great way to do it. El Born is one of the city’s most atmospheric districts, full of history, art, and of course, food.

This curated tour gives you a chance to sample authentic dining spots (handpicked by renowned Chef Jon Cake), and get a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchens. For first-time visitors, it’s also a stress-free way to navigate the neighborhood without worrying about where to stop next. Food tours like this work especially well early in your trip: They help you get your bearings and discover dishes you’ll want to order again later (trust us, there are plenty). 

If you’re exploring the Gothic Quarter, there’s no better place for a satisfying sit-down meal than Taverna del Bisbe, located directly across from Barcelona Cathedra and one of the top restaurants in Barcelona. 

This restaurant is known for its menú del día, a traditional fixed-price lunch that includes a starter, main course, dessert, bread, and a drink for around. For travelers, it’s one of the best ways to eat like a local while getting excellent value. 

When ordering in a new country (even in the more touristy areas), Google Translate is still essential. Having a reliable source of WiFi, like an Europe eSIM, is handy here since you’ll have mobile data wherever you go without having to carry a bulky device or switching out your physical SIM. Plus, it works across Europe, so you’re still covered even when you continue your trip beyond Spain!

Just off La Rambla and one of the oldest Barcelona restaurants, Los Caracoles has been feeding locals and visitors since 1835. Its name means “the snails,” and yes, you should try them, but what most people remember is the aroma of roasted chicken as you walk in. With its homey interiors rich with its long history, you’ll definitely get a couple of great photos in as well. Because of its location, it’s easy to combine with a walk down La Rambla or a visit to Plaça Reial, both just ~5 minute walk away.

To make getting around the neighborhoods and famous landmarks easier, you can opt for a Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. It brings you to key attractions, so you can squeeze in sightseeing in between meals.

Founded in 1786,  Can Culleretes is the oldest restaurant in Barcelona. Its walls are lined with portraits of past diners, from artists to politicians, and the dining rooms are done in an old-fashioned style. The menu, however, is timeless: roasted meats, hearty stews, and Catalan staples. 

With its heritage, this place tends to be packed with locals and visitors alike, so reservations are recommended. Located in the Gothic Quarter near Boqueria Market, it’s a great choice for dinner after an afternoon exploring one of Barcelona’s busiest shopping and market streets.

If you’re building your own foodie itinerary, you can also consider the Hola Barcelona Travel Card. While the Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus brings you directly to the city’s most famous spots, this travel card gives you unlimited access to Barcelona’s public transport (bus, trams, metro) for up to 120 hours.

Back in El Born, Tapeo is a small, intimate spot that has made a big name for itself. Located just a few steps from the Picasso Museum and Santa Maria del Mar, it’s ideal for a meal before or after sightseeing. One of the younger and more unique Barcelona restaurants, the tapas here lean creative while staying rooted in tradition: cod fritters, caramelized leeks, and Spanish-style fried eggs are among the favorites.

Barceloneta is the place to go for seafood, and Maná 75 brings a modern, stylish touch to the area. The restaurant has a sunny terrace, a spacious interior, and a menu that balances classic Spanish dishes like fried calamari, with its top dish being paella. It’s ideal for a leisurely lunch before heading to the beach or after a walk along the port.

If you want a fun and unique way to commemorate your trip, you can even book a Private Professional Photoshoot to be done in Barceloneta Beach. If you’re traveling as a couple, consider this your sign. 

Roughly an 18-minute stroll from Maná 75 along the beachfront, Can Solé has been a favorite of local fishing families for more than a century. Founded in 1903, it’s one of the most popular seafood Barcelona restaurants.

The menu highlights include seafood paella with scallops and sea urchins, along with other classics like cod fritters. If you’re looking for a memorable evening, pair your seafood feast with a Flamenco Show at Tablao Cordobes. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience another essential side of Spanish culture: intense, passionate, and unforgettable.

For something more elegant, head to Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, a quieter residential district away from the tourist crowds. Here you’ll find Adobo / Adobar, a restaurant that combines Spanish tradition with modern presentation in an art-filled space.

Dishes range from roasted meats to seafood casseroles and stews, all made with top-quality ingredients and plated beautifully. It’s perfect for travelers looking to treat themselves to a refined evening. Because it’s located near Tibidabo, you can combine dinner with a trip up the hill for panoramic views of the city—a memorable way to spend your final night in Barcelona.

Exploring Barcelona restaurants is an adventure in itself. From historic restaurants to cozy hidden gems, the city serves up something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re here for tapas, fine dining, or cava-fueled evenings, Barcelona is one of the world’s greatest food cities, and your trip will be all the richer for savoring it properly.

Barcelona is known for its tapas culture, fresh seafood, and Catalan specialties. Some must-try dishes include paella de marisco (seafood paella), bombas (potato croquettes with spicy sauce), calçots (chargrilled spring onions, usually served with romesco sauce in winter), and crema catalana, the local version of crème brûlée.

La Rambla is the most famous street associated with food, thanks to the bustling La Boqueria Market, where you’ll find everything from jamón ibérico to fresh fruit juices. For more authentic dining, Carrer de Blai in the Poble-sec neighborhood is beloved for its pintxos bars, while the El Born district is packed with trendy eateries.

You’ll find excellent dining all across the city, but neighborhoods like El Born, Barri Gòtic, and Eixample are particularly rich with highly rated Barcelona restaurants. For seafood, head toward the Barceloneta area near the beach. If you want to explore like a local, guided food tours are a great way to discover hidden gems.

Tipping in Barcelona is not mandatory. Locals usually just round up the bill or leave small change. That said, if you’ve had great service, leaving 5–10% is appreciated, especially in sit-down restaurants.