The foodie’s guide to Barcelona: how to eat like a local

By , 13th April 2015

Barcelona is a dream for food lovers – as per Spanish tradition, it’s a city which allows you to eat little but often, sampling the best in Mediterranean fare on offer. The heart of Catalonia, Barcelona abounds in fresh, local produce, thanks to its proximity to the mountains and the sea – so foodies will definitely be in for a treat.

Here we bring your our top picks on where to eat in Barcelona, from authentic restaurants to the best brunch café. Think surf ‘n’ turf dishes (or mar i muntanya), mouth-watering seafood paellas, and decadent desserts and pastries.


Where to have breakfast/brunch


La Colmena (£*)
PLAÇA DE L’ÀNGEL, 12, 08002 BARCELONA

Foodies will love the assorted pastries at La Colmena
Photo by juancadelics 

You might be surprised to know that many Barcelonans skip what we consider to be the most important meal of the day – breakfast. But if you’re not willing to forgo a morning treat, head to La Colmena for an authentic local fare of coffee and a sweet pastry. The French croissant is the popular choice among Barcelonans, but with such alluring window displays, we can’t guarantee you’ll walk out with just one…

Top tip: for a twist on the traditional croissant, try one filled with pumpkin, marzipan, or sausage.


Skye Coffee Co. (£)
CARRER PAMPLONA, 88, 08018 BARCELONA

An unmissable coffee experience for foodies in Barcelona.Photo by vlasem

Around mid-morning, workers come filtering out of their offices for a coffee and a snack – something to keep them going until lunch. Skye Coffee Co. is a choice option for anyone looking for something a little more unconventional: the prize of the café is the beautifully refurbished 1972 Citröen HY coffee truck from where the talented baristas whip up your mid-morning brew. If you love vintage cars, modern design or simply enjoy a good coffee, this place is for you.


Brunch and Cake (££)
CARRER ENRIC GRANADOS, 19, 08007 BARCELONA


The perfect spot for brunch at Brunch and Cake in Barcelona.Photo by princess_ch

But if you’re feeling like something a little more substantial than the customary coffee-and-croissant, you’re in luck, because Barcelona also happens to know how to do the perfect brunch as well. Brunch and Cake is the sweet spot for your mid-morning hunger – not only do they do the perfect poached eggs, but they also do delectable fruit granola and avocado toast.


Where to have lunch


7 Portes (£££)
PASSEIG ISABELL II, 14, 08003 BARCELONA

Great for lunch in Barcelona: paella at the 7 Portes restaurant.Photo by Valerie Tan

Catalans are known to save their morning appetite for a late lunch – and for good reason. This is the most important meal of the day and to make it count, head to 7 Portes Restaurant in the historic centre of the city. Serving up authentic Catalan cuisine, the restaurant is over 170 years old and is known to have been frequented by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and even Juan Carlos I.

Top tip: try the restaurant’s popular rice dishes – the “Rich Man’s” Paella receives rave reviews from satisfied foodies!


Xurreria Sagrada Familia (£)
PLACA DE LA SAGRADA FAMILIA, 26, 08013 BARCELONA

Xurreria Sagrada Familia is a must for foodies in Barcelona.

Photo by drooliaeats

Dinner is served late in Barcelona, so to stave off the hunger pains we recommend a pit stop at Xurreria Sagrada Familia for some piping hot churros. The family-owned business is conveniently located by the Basílica de la Sagrada Família and is a firm favourite among tourists and locals alike. There are a variety of flavoured churros to choose from, including caramel, custard and Nutella – but the classic churros served with creamy chocolate dipping sauce is always a winner with the crowd.


Where to have dinner


Tapas 24 (££)
CARRER DE DE LA DIPUTACIÓ, 269, 08007 BARCELONA

Look no further on where to eat in Barcelona at Tapas 24.

Photo by foodiepink

Your foodie journey through Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without a spot of tapas, where you can sample a bit of everything, washed down with a glass or wine (or two, or three…) There might be a queue to get seated at Tapas 24, but it’s well worth the wait. The regulars recommend the Bikini Sandwich with cured ham, brie and truffles, and the gourmet McFoie Burger, which – you guessed it – is a delicious combination of foie gras and beef.


Petit Pau (£££)
CARRER DE L’ESPANYA INDUSTRIAL, 22, 08014 BARCELONA 

Petit Pau is is popular for traditional Catalan food.
Photo by gramofmemory

You’ll be surprised to find some of the best Catalan cuisine in this quaint and intimate restaurant – a true hidden gem in the big city. With only six tables, the tiny space nonetheless packs a punch with quality meat and seafood dishes – using only the freshest, seasonal ingredients available. Petit Pau is a great option for slow dining, with the restaurant’s enthusiastic owners, brother-duo Pau and Marc, welcoming each guest with a complimentary glass of cava and a personal explanation of the menu on offer.

Top tip: this restaurant is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike, so booking in advance in a must!


La Tomaquera (££)
CARRER DE MARGARIT 58, 08004 BARCELONA

A key foodie experience: snails at La Tomaquera in Barcelona
Photo by kinkaia

Feeling adventurous? La Tomquera is a no-fuss foodie experience, thanks to its authentic and honest Catalan menu. There are no bookings, no phone number nor website – you just turn up. Be prepared to stomach their signature escargot (caracoles), but if that’s too much, they also do a delicious Creme Catalana, the local version of crème brûlée.


Where to drink


Collage Barcelona (££)
CALLE CONSELLERS, 4, 08003 BARCELONA

Adventurous drinks even local foodies enjoy at Collage Barcelona.

Spain is known for its abundance of good wine, but if you’re looking for something a little different, go to Collage Barcelona for some of the city’s best cocktails. The personable and friendly mixologists are no strangers to experimenting – simply choose one of their unusual inventions such as a smoked gin cocktail or ask them to whip up something of your choice. Tucked away from the tourists, enjoy the bar’s cosy lounges, complimentary tapas and classy cucumber water.

*Price guide: £: Under 15 / ££: 15-30 / £££: 30-50

If you need a place to sleep off your food coma, be sure to check here for accommodation in Barcelona.

Do you have any other foodie recommendations? Let us know below!

Lead image by Alex Brown

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