Barcelona is full of fabulous culinary delights. From the traditional to the experimental and eclectic, there is certainly a realm of possibilities to fill a lifetime. This article will indicate some of our all-time favorite areas and cuisines available in the city, to give you a taste of what awaits.
Breakfast and brunch options
Starting each day with an energizing, nourishing breakfast is one of the most important measures you can take for your physical and mental health. Over the last few years, Barcelona has become more and more international in its selection of cuisines throughout the city. This has meant that a world of excellent breakfast and brunch options has sprung up in every neighborhood. In the Gothic Quarter, you will find Milk, serving all the breakfasts/brunches you’ve been craving, including a full English breakfast, a variety of pancakes, as well as many healthy options, in addition to a much-needed bespoke juice or mimosa on a Sunday morning.
A quickly popular choice seeing a boom over the last few years has been Brunch and Cake. With one outlet in Barceloneta along the Passeig de Joan de Borbó, and two others in Eixample Left, this creative brand serves healthy breakfast/brunch alternatives, including açai bowls, bagels, breakfast burritos and salads. There are also a delicious variety of vegetarian and vegan options available. Other delectable breakfast/brunch experiences include Eixampeling Brunch, a colorful, creative, and highly instagramable establishment, as well as Federal, serving the classics of avocado toast, croissants and burgers, located in both the Gothic Quarter and Sant Antoni.
Taste one of the typical foods of the country
Throughout the day and well into the evening, you will come across hundreds of tapas places – a real Catalan classic, a Barcelona staple, if you will. But how do you choose from so many lovely places? Tapas can differ enormously, from the traditional patatas bravas, croquetas and calamares, to some new and interesting variations. One which never fails to deliver on more traditional dishes is Perikete, perfect for any time of day of evening. Perikete also offers a very traditional feel, with jamón hanging from the ceiling, and barrel tables. With fresh, delicious and generous portions, along with a considerably extensive offering of different wines, this establishment is a sure-shot choice for successful dining.
On the more upscale side, there is Lateral in Eixample Left. Lateral offers a wide variety of tapas choices, from the authentic Catalan classics to the sashimi and burrata plates. With bright and sophisticated surroundings including artwork and large, arched windows, this restaurant is perfect for a romantic date, or an elegant dinner with friends or colleagues.
Nestled in the narrow, winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, you will find a selection of unique restaurants offering a fascinating and scrumptious take on tapas dishes. Many of these are perfect for an intimate glass of wine, or a full tapas dinner. Lit by large candles which date back over a decade, one such establishment is La Alcoba Azul (and its extension, La Alcobita), offering an explosion of flavors influenced by cuisines from all over the world.
Seafood opportunities
Being a seaside city, Barcelona offers a magnificent selection of seafood opportunities, a favorite of the locals. You will find a number of excellent seafood restaurants along the beach, including Salamanca and la Pez Vela. Both of these restaurants serve seafood and paella, a typically overlapping delicious combination, synonymous with Spain. Whether you are looking for a long sunny lunch overlooking the beach, or a dinner in the warm sea breeze, these restaurants are perfect for enjoying a varied choice of paellas, alongside a seasonal selection of tapas.
Restaurants located in the middle of nature
For a special weekend lunch, visiting a masía just outside the city center is a must-try, whether with friends, as a couple or as a family. These are also perfect for your special events. Some of the most beautiful include Can Cortada and Can Cortes. Can Cortada offers a beautiful, country venue, surrounded by local nature. In a picturesque, villa-style stone building, you will find traditional arches framing the dining area, with separate rooms available for private hire. In the summer, dine outside taking in the stunning surroundings and perfectly preserved historic building. Can Cortes, located in a charming traditional-style building in Sant Cugat, offers unbeatable views over the city of Barcelona, perfect for watching the sun glittering across the landscape or for watching the sunset. Both restaurants serve a vast assortment of traditional Catalan dishes, ideal for an authentic experience of the area. One of the most sought-after of these dishes served in these masías is ´calçots´, a spring favorite. This is a type of mild, long white onion, served with delicious romesco sauce for dipping. When calçots are available, is a true sign that summer is on its way.
If you like food, the Barcelona dining scene will offer you a world of adventure and exploration, whatever your tastes.