The best food spots in Barcelona

Tapas, jamón and sangria. They’re the three most important food groups in Catalan culture and you’re likely to eat and drink a whole lot of them while in Barcelona. This city is popular for small morsels of food served in rapid succession, this is where the nation’s signature dish Paella is served to seaside diners — although, this is a traditionally a dish from Valencia — and where carafes of sangria can quench your thirst and whet your appetite. If you do find yourself in Spain and want to know where the best places to eat are, then here is a list of the best food spots in Barcelona.

Read more: Spain is a feast for the 60-year-old senses

Tapas and Pintxo Bars

Known as tapas in Catalan or Pintxos in Basque country, these tiny bite-sized portions of food are regularly served throughout Barcelona. Pintxos are regularly topped onto pieces of bread and eaten with toothpicks and are less common in Barcelona than tapas bars. If you’re after tapas, they’re regularly served with beer and the most traditional options include patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo and calamares.

Where to get it: Pintxos can be found at Maitea, which means Love in Basque, while there are tapas at El Xampanyet where you can wash down your food with a bottle of vermouth.

Paella

A traditional dish from Valencia, paella is just as popular in Barcelona. You might also want to give Fideuà a try, which is a local take on paella but served with noodles instead of rice. If you’re a traditionalist, then the regular ol’ paella is always a safe and delicious option.

Where to get it: The city’s most famous paella is reportedly from 7 Portes which specialises in seafood. They also have some tapas on the menu including deliciously gooey croquettes.

Crema Catalana

Similar to crème brûlée, the crema catalana is a silky smooth milk-based dessert that has a hint of lemon and cinnamon. A great way to end an evening of tapas, pintxos or a big bowl of paella, this goes down nicely with a glass of Spanish sparkling wine, cava.

Where to get it: Vioko in La Barceloneta is a popular restaurant for a silky crema catalana, as is Escriba, which is the perfect place for diners with a sweet tooth.

The Gothic Quarter

Known for its old buildings, history and quaint neighbourhoods, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is also the place to go if you want to spend the day sitting in a café eating Catalan-style pastries, sweets and drinking hot chocolates. There are also a handful of authentic tapas restaurants and bars.

La Boqueria Markets

This is the place where your senses will come alive in Barcelona, the colours, the smells and all that delicious produce. La Boqueria is a must-visit while in Spain and if the market stalls aren’t enough to tantalise your senses, then there are also cooking classes and events on offer, too.

Gràcia District

Once a small township on the outskirts of the city, the Gràcia district has since been gobbled up by Barcelona’s urban sprawl. But it retains its own identity and that includes a very foodie vibe. There are a variety of popular food and drink stops including the trendy restaurant Gut, despite its unfortunate name, Disbarat, known for its barbecues, and bars like Café del Sol, one of the first bars to open in Gàrcia’s main square.