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Where to Eat in Barcelona, Spain

Updated: May 1, 2023

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Great for: Singles, Couples, Families, Groups, and Honeymooners


row of tables for two in Barcelona Spain
Dining in Barcelona Offers Many Options

Barcelona, Spain is not only an extremely popular destination on its own, but it is also a foodie destination. The city offers a vibrant culinary scene that blends traditional Catalan cuisine with modern gastronomy. Barcelona is known for its fresh seafood, jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), and delicious tapas. Some of the popular dishes to try include paella, calçots (a type of green onion), botifarra (a type of sausage), and crema catalana (a traditional dessert).


In addition to the traditional dishes, Barcelona has a thriving street food culture and a large number of food markets. Some of the most famous markets include La Boqueria and Santa Caterina, where you can find a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood.

Barcelona is also home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants


In this article, you will find a variety of restaurants to help you decide where to go or mix and match as you visit this vibrant City.


A couple enjoying a romantic meal
Romantic Meal

Top 5 Restaurants in Barcelona for a Romantic Meal

In such a vibrant city, a little romantic escape is welcomed. There are many wonderful romantic restaurants in Barcelona but I've narrowed it to five.


  1. El Xalet de Montjuïc Located in the Montjuïc mountain, this restaurant offers stunning views of the city of Barcelona. The menu is based on Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of modernism. The average price is around €70 per person. It is considered romantic due to its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, the beautiful views, and the possibility of enjoying a drink in the outdoor terrace. https://xaletdemontjuic.com/es

  2. El Principal de l'Eixample: This is a modern-style restaurant located in the Eixample district, with a classic and romantic atmosphere. The menu offers traditional Catalan cuisine with contemporary twists. The average price is around €60 per person. The restaurant is considered romantic because of its elegant and cozy decor, with a fireplace and warm lighting that create an intimate atmosphere.

  3. La Dama: This restaurant is located in an old mansion in the Eixample district, with a chic and modern atmosphere. The menu offers a fusion of Catalan and Asian cuisine, with creative and original dishes. The average price is around €50 per person. It is considered romantic due to its charming decor, with a mix of classic and modern elements, and the possibility of enjoying a cocktail on the beautiful terrace. http://www.la-dama.com

  4. Can Travi Nou: This restaurant is located in a farmhouse in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, surrounded by gardens and trees. The menu offers traditional Catalan cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The average price is around €50 per person. It is considered romantic due to its peaceful and quiet atmosphere, the charming decor with a rustic touch, and the possibility of enjoying a walk in the gardens after the meal. https://cantravinou.com/es


Paella served in a pot, one of the unique experiences in Barcelona Spain
Paella, a traditional meal in Barcelona, Spain.


Unique and Unusual Restaurants in Barcelona

If you are looking for something different from tapas, themes, ingredients, or unique decor, try one of these when you are in Barcelona.

  1. El Bosc de les Fades - This unique restaurant is located in the heart of Barcelona, in the famous La Rambla area. The restaurant is designed like a fairy forest, with dim lights and hanging vines. The dishes are tapas-style, and the cocktails are themed after fairy tales. The prices range from €6-€20 for tapas and €10-€14 for cocktails. https://www.boscdelesfades.com/en

  2. Espai Sucre - This unique restaurant is located in the Gothic Quarter and is a dessert-only restaurant. The restaurant offers a seven-course dessert tasting menu for €60, with an optional wine pairing for €30. The menu changes seasonally and focuses on using local and seasonal ingredients to create unique and innovative desserts. https://espaisucre.com/espaiessence

  3. Dos Pebrots - This restaurant is located in the Raval neighborhood and is known for its unique combination of traditional and modern Catalan cuisine. The restaurant has an open kitchen and offers a tasting menu for €85 per person. The dishes are designed to be shared, and the restaurant uses local and seasonal ingredients. https://www.dospebrots.com

  4. La Paradeta - This seafood restaurant is located in the Poblenou neighborhood and offers a unique dining experience where customers choose their seafood from a market-style display and then have it cooked to order. The prices vary depending on the type of seafood chosen, but most dishes range from €10-€20. The restaurant is casual and has a lively atmosphere. https://www.laparadeta.com/en/seafood-restaurants



a chef finishing a plate of food
The Detail of a Michelin Star Chef

5 Michelin Star Restaurants


If it's a Michelin star you are after there are 30 to choose from. It's difficult to rank the Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona as each one offers a unique and exceptional dining experience. However, based on the number of stars and reviews, here are the top 5 Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona:

  1. Lasarte - 3 Michelin stars Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 259, 08008 Barcelona Price: Tasting menu starts from €195 per person (as of 2021) What makes it special: Lasarte is a high-end dining restaurant that is known for its innovative cuisine, elegant interiors, and exceptional service. The restaurant is run by chef Martin Berasategui, who has 12 Michelin stars in total, and his team of expert chefs who serve up some of the most creative and flavorful dishes in Barcelona. https://www.restaurantlasarte.com

  2. ABaC Restaurant - 3 Michelin stars Location: Avinguda del Tibidabo, 1, 08022 Barcelona Price: Tasting menu starts from €195 per person (as of 2021) What makes it special: ABaC Restaurant is a luxurious establishment that boasts of stunning modern decor, impeccable service, and a menu that blends Catalan and Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant is run by chef Jordi Cruz, who is known for his innovative cooking techniques and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. https://abacrestaurant.com/en

  3. Cinc Sentits - 1 Michelin star Location: Carrer d'Aribau, 58, 08011 Barcelona Price: Tasting menu starts from €110 per person (as of 2021) What makes it special: Cinc Sentits is a small, cozy restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with its focus on Catalan cuisine. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasonal produce, and the dishes are presented in an artistic and creative manner that enhances the overall dining experience. https://cincsentits.com/en

  4. Hoja Santa - 1 Michelin star Location: Avinguda Mistral, 54, 08015 Barcelona Price: Tasting menu starts from €110 per person (as of 2021) What makes it special: Hoja Santa is a contemporary Mexican restaurant that serves up some of the most flavorful and innovative Mexican dishes in Barcelona. The restaurant is run by chef Paco Méndez, who has worked in some of the best restaurants in Mexico, and his team of expert chefs. https://www.hojasanta.es


A row of cafe's
Budget Friendly Dining in Barcelona

Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Barcelona


Barcelona is not just about fine dining, there are many budget-friendly places to savor the wonderful flavors of the region. It is so hard to narrow down the number of budget-friendly restaurants and cafes in Barcelona so here are seven for you to consider.


  1. El Vaso de Oro: This tapas bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it's easy to see why. With prices ranging from 1.50€ to 4€ per tapa, El Vaso de Oro offers a great selection of delicious and affordable small plates.

  2. Quimet & Quimet: Another popular tapas bar in Barcelona, Quimet & Quimet is known for its delicious montaditos (small sandwiches), vermouth, and wine. Prices are affordable, with most montaditos costing between 2€ and 3€. https://quimetiquimet.com/en

  3. La Flauta: This restaurant is a great choice for those looking for a more substantial meal. La Flauta serves traditional Catalan cuisine at reasonable prices, with most dishes costing between 10€ and 15€. https://laflauta.es

  4. Maoz Vegetarian: If you're looking for a healthy and budget-friendly meal, Maoz Vegetarian is a great option. This vegetarian fast food chain offers falafel sandwiches and salads for around 5€. https://maozusa.com

  5. Bo de B: This sandwich shop is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Bo de B serves large, delicious sandwiches for around 6€. https://www.facebook.com/BodeBCN

  6. La Fabrica: This restaurant offers a great selection of pizzas, salads, and other Italian dishes at reasonable prices. Most dishes cost between 8€ and 12€. https://www.lafabricacentral.com

  7. Cervecería Catalana: This tapas bar is a must-visit spot for any foodie visiting Barcelona. While prices can be a bit higher than some of the other options on this list, the quality of the food is worth it. Most tapas cost between 3€ and 7€. https://cerveceriacatalana.com


There you have it, romantic, unique, Michelin star, and budget-friendly places to try in Barcelona. No matter what your budget is, you're sure to find delicious food in this amazing city!



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