Where to get the most traditional food in Barcelona
Quick answer: For the most traditional food in Barcelona, head to Mercado de La Boqueria for cured meats and Bar Pinotxo, Quimet & Quimet for tapas, Montolio Can Maño for local seafood, Restaurante Arrosseria Gaudi for paella and Ølgod for craft beer with bar snacks.
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Barcelona is like a breath of fresh air, rich in culture and colour and welcoming to everyone. Food lovers won’t be disappointed, with choices ranging from the great local products sold along La Rambla to more elevated meals at renowned traditional restaurants.
It would be a shame to visit Barcelona without tasting the unique traditional cuisine of Catalonia. Here is where to find it.
Mercado de La Boqueria
One of the most beautiful indoor markets in Barcelona, La Boqueria is a must-see stop on most gourmet Barcelona holiday packages. Here you can taste fantastic local meat products like ham and bacon, along with a wide variety of sausages, plus freshly squeezed juices and smoothies made from locally grown fruit and vegetables.
Don’t miss Bar Pinotxo. This little bar became famous when Woody Allen paid it a visit and was amazed by its Catalan flavours. Personally, I would recommend the chickpeas and morcilla (blood sausage); it is truly a speciality.
Quimet & Quimet: Traditional Tapas in Barcelona
Tapas, anyone? It would be a shame to visit Barcelona and skip a meal at one of its most famous tapas restaurants. Quimet & Quimet takes a little finding, as it sits on a small street, Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, a bit away from the main walking zone, but it is well worth the effort.
Many visitors consider it the best tapas bar in Barcelona. Expect a small, busy place with mostly standing room. Its wide range of freshly made cold tapas will make your palate sing, and paired with a cold local beer, you get the full Barcelona experience.
Montolio Can Maño
With Barcelona’s seaside location, it would be a sin not to taste the local seafood. Plenty of restaurants serve seafood, but locals and tourists alike call Montolio Can Maño one of the best.
It is a small local seafood restaurant near Ronda Litoral, serving fresh seafood and great local wine at good prices. Best of all, the crowd is mostly locals with only a few tourists, so you really get to feel the true energy and culture of Barcelona.
Restaurante Arrosseria Gaudi: Paella
This cute restaurant sits right on Av. de Gaudí, so you can stop by as you walk down from the park. The dish to try is, of course, paella. There are different kinds, so choose your favourite.
The waiter brings out a separate table with a hot pan of freshly made paella and plates it right in front of you. Pair it with a cold glass of San Miguel or a glass of local wine, then finish with coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell with exquisite chocolate. It is food hedonism at its finest.
Ølgod: Craft Beer and Bar Food
We end this Barcelona gastronomy tour at a local beer bar. With over 30 taps pouring local and international craft beer, Ølgod is the perfect option for tasting artisan brews in Barcelona. You can even try their famous beer cocktails.
You’ll still get to eat, too: bar food like tapas and patatas bravas goes great with a pint or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I try traditional Catalan food in Barcelona?
Mercado de La Boqueria is a great start, especially Bar Pinotxo for chickpeas and morcilla.
What is the best tapas bar in Barcelona?
Many visitors consider Quimet & Quimet on Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes the best. It is small, busy and mostly standing room.
Where should I eat paella in Barcelona?
Restaurante Arrosseria Gaudi on Av. de Gaudí serves freshly made paella plated at your table.
Que Vagi de Gust!
You are now ready to explore Barcelona, stopping at fantastic local bars and restaurants and trying all the tasty food. Catalans are famous for their hospitality and varied cuisine, and you are bound to experience both in the streets and cafés of Barcelona. Keep your eyes open, too, because art and architecture will amaze you around every corner of this magical city.
Author’s Bio
Roxana is a Sydney-based travel enthusiast with a passion for writing. She loves fashion and has an eye for anything visually appealing. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs, and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. You can find her articles on HighStyleLife.
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