As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, it is no surprise that Barcelona is also a true gastronomic paradise. No matter what you crave, you will find it all, from rustic and traditional Catalan food to innovative international fusion and everything in between. In no particular order, here are some options for the best restaurants in Barcelona for every type of palate.
01
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Best Breakfast: Viader Farm
Direction
Carrer d’en Xuclà, 4, 08001 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34933 18 34 86
Web
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Start the day at a classic Barcelona institution that has won the hearts (and taste buds) of five generations of locals. A traditional Catalan bakery famous for its homemade sweets, Granja Viader will transport you back to a simpler moment, before we start rushing (or even skipping) breakfast altogether. Grab a table in the corner and settle down with a good book, a pastry, and a cup of coffee. And if you don’t have a sweet tooth, don’t worry, they have plenty of tasty options available too.
02
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Best traditional Catalan food: Taverna El Glop
Direction
Carrer de Sant Lluís, 24, 08012 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34932 13 70 58
Web
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When you first walk into Taverna El Glop, you will almost feel like you’ve been taken away from busy Barcelona to a rustic tavern in the idyllic Catalan countryside. The warm and welcoming interior; Homemade dishes and excellent service will make you feel as if you are dining at the home of a lifelong friend. This place has become a reference for traditional Catalan cuisine, as well as a must-see in a city where choosing the real gems among the tourist traps can be a challenge.
03
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Best Wine Bar: El Diset
Direction
Carrer Antic de Sant Joan, 3, 08003 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34932 68 19 87
Web
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As the capital of Catalonia, home to 11 of Spain’s more than 70 wine regions, Barcelona is at the forefront when it comes to wine bars. With its low lighting and beautiful modern decor, the trendy El Diset easily stands out. Here, the emphasis is on Catalan wines, with 20 varieties available by the glass. Can’t you reduce it? One of the friendly wine experts on staff will be happy to make recommendations. Their excellent wines pair wonderfully with the selection of simple but delicious tapas.
04
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Best Traditional Tapas Bar: Bar La Plata
Direction
Carrer de la Mercè, 28, 08002 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34933 15 10 09
Web
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Not much has changed in the more than 70 years that Bar La Plata has been open. Among the old assets is the menu, which still consists of the same four tapas that have been serving since 1945. True, only four, but as this timeless venue demonstrates, tons of fancy innovations aren’t always necessary and sometimes simplicity is better. Support the bar with a lid or two and a glass of wine straight from the barrel for the authentic experience.
Continue to 5 of 10 below.
05
out of 10
Best modern tapas bar: Bar Cañete
Direction
Carrer de la Unió, 17, 08001 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34932 70 34 58
Web
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Several generations of proud family owned properties have made Bar Cañete what it is: a timeless and elegant ensemble reminiscent of the glamorous Barcelona bars of the past. That same philosophy holds strong with every tapa on the menu. They bring an innovative and modern twist to classic Spanish dishes, all of which use locally sourced ingredients and are prepared by expert chefs right before your very eyes. Just don’t forget the wine.
06
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Best haute cuisine restaurant: Torre d’Alta Mar
Direction
Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 88, 08039 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34932 21 00 07
Web
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One of the most exclusive restaurants in Barcelona is located 75 meters high. Housed in a former cable car station, Torre d’Alta Mar offers expansive panoramic views of the city and the coast. The views are just the beginning of an unforgettable experience complete with fresh and elegant Mediterranean dishes that make up two equally fabulous tasting menus. Perfect for a night of celebration with friends or a romantic and intimate dinner with that special someone, it is an icon in the rich gastronomic scene of Barcelona.
07
from 10
The best paella: Can Solé
Direction
Carrer de Sant Carles, 4, 08003 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34932 21 50 12
Web
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Paella is not originally from Barcelona: it comes from Valencia to the south. However, for many visitors, the rice dish is synonymous with Spanish cuisine that must be tried. Skip the tourist traps (identifiable from the outside by their bright yellow sun-faded paella signs) and head to Can Solé, a former fisherman’s restaurant turned charming tavern. Each paella is masterfully prepared to order, with the seafood varieties using fish caught off the coast just a few blocks away. It’s the kind of place that you hope will never change, and why should it, when you’ve been doing things right for decades?
08
from 10
Best brunch: picnic
Direction
Carrer del Comerç, 1, 08003 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34935 11 66 61
A few years ago, mentioning the word “brunch” in Barcelona would have resulted in confused stares from locals. That’s no longer the case, with trendy cafes like Picnic serving up great brunch menus filled with favorites like scrambled eggs, pancakes, and mimosas. The place itself wouldn’t feel out of place in New York, but it does retain a distinctive European flair. All in all, it is the perfect place to start your weekend morning with good food and good vibes.
Continue to 9 of 10 below.
09
out of 10
The best vegan and vegetarian food: Teresa Carles
Direction
Carrer de Jovellanos, 2, 08001 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34933 17 18 29
Web
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Catalan chef Teresa Carles has been a true pioneer in the local vegan and vegetarian food scene for 40 years. In 2011, he opened his eponymous restaurant in Barcelona, which continues to be a reference for meatless and plant-based meals. In fact, their 100% vegetarian Mediterranean menu (which also includes many vegan dishes) is so tasty that many meat lovers consider themselves fans. In addition to the fabulous food, the cozy and welcoming restaurant itself brings together rustic and modern touches that will make you feel like you’re dining at the home of a lifelong friend.
10
from 10
Best International Restaurant: Indochine Ly Leap
Direction
Carrer de Muntaner, 82, 08011 Barcelona, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34934 51 17 96
Web
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Travel to Southeast Asia without leaving Barcelona! Cambodian chef Ly Leap has transformed an unpretentious corner of the city’s Esquerra de l’Eixample neighborhood in Indochine, an immaculate garden paradise where the flavors of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam come to life. From the amazing botanical interior to the rich and intense flavors, it is a gastronomic experience that you will not find anywhere else in Barcelona.





