An In-Depth Guide to the Finest Tasting Menus in Barcelona

Fine dining has faced significant challenges in recent years. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic restricted dining experiences, the world was shifting away from the elaborate, multi-fork setups typical of upscale meals. People increasingly sought inspiration from street food, casual bistros, and pubs. Netflix started showcasing dramatically presented street food in the same way it once celebrated high-end cuisine, prompting several publications to announce the 'death of fine dining' or predict its decline.

This shift is particularly evident in the travel sector, and rightly so. In many cities worldwide, stepping into a plush restaurant often means sacrificing local culinary traditions for a tablecloth and standard amuse-bouche. However, Barcelona stands apart. Here, in the city where the spherified olive was invented, a multi-course meal infused with modernist twists feels as integral to the culinary landscape as jamón and vermut.

Today, the city of 1.6 million boasts 22 Michelin-starred restaurants and an abundance of tasting menus. The elevation of Catalan cuisine began in the 1970s with the French nouvelle cuisine movement, emphasizing fresh ingredients and elegant presentations. A pivotal moment came in 1987 when Ferran Adrià took the helm at the esteemed nouvelle cuisine venue El Bulli, located on the Costa Brava north of Barcelona.

At El Bulli, Adrià crafted intricate tasting menus featuring 30 or more courses, utilizing cutting-edge culinary techniques. His innovative creations, such as the spherified olive, turned the restaurant into a legendary hub of molecular gastronomy and deconstruction. Although Adrià made the unexpected choice to close El Bulli in 2011, its influence continues through renowned alumni like Italian chef Massimo Bottura, Gaggan Anand of the now-closed Gaggan in Bangkok, René Redzepi of Noma, Grant Achatz of Alinea, and Barcelona's own Eduard Xatruch, Mateu Casañas, and Oriol Castro, who founded the 2019 fifth-best restaurant in the world, Disfrutar.

Despite some of the city’s high-end staples struggling during the pandemic—such as Albert Adrià’s announcement of the permanent closure of nearly all his acclaimed restaurants, including the iconic Tickets—Barcelona remains unparalleled when it comes to tasting menus. This dining style continues to hold significant relevance here. While COVID hygiene concerns may have briefly affected our affection for shared tapas, the concept of tasting menus, featuring small, individually served dishes, has never been more fitting.

Some may even contend that after a year largely spent in loungewear, there’s never been a better time to indulge in the elaborate experience of a leisurely tasting menu. In Barcelona, these culinary adventures are available in a wide range of venues, from cozy local spots to prestigious Michelin-rated establishments. To truly grasp Barcelona’s food culture, enjoying a comprehensive tasting menu is essential. While these experiences can certainly be pricey, prioritizing is key. Fortunately, there are options available to fit nearly every itinerary, palate, and, most importantly, budget. Here’s our guide to help you find the perfect one for you.

Price key: €€€€ 100-200 ($120-$240)€€€ 60-100 ($70-120)€€ 30-60 ($35-70)€ under 30 (under $35)

For a modern interpretation of foams and spheres complete with all the trimmings

Disfrutar holds its title as Barcelona’s premier fine dining spot for a reason. With two Michelin stars and a ranking as the fifth-best restaurant globally, it offers a warmer, more approachable service than many of its high-end counterparts. Here, imaginative bite-sized masterpieces from chefs Xatruch, Castro, and Casañas—like the whimsical multi-spherical foie gras and corn tatin—are crafted to astonish and enchant. Despite its elaborate molecular gastronomy, the atmosphere remains relaxed and inviting.

The ambiance: Affluent diners eagerly await each artistic presentation in a spacious, light-infused dining room that seamlessly connects with the outdoors.The cost: €€€€; “around” 20 dishes When to reserve: Ideally months ahead for security, but it’s also worthwhile to try for a last-minute midweek lunch.

Disfrutar, Carrer de Villarroel 163, 08036

For a cozy meal at the popular destination you're already planning to visit

Nestled within Barcelona’s iconic La Boqueria market, Direkte Boqueria stands out for its exceptional value and quality. Grab one of the few seats at the bar or enjoy a meal on the newly established outdoor patio, where chef Arnau Muñío (2018 Fòrum Gastronòmic chef of the year) presents creative, market-fresh local dishes infused with Korean, Japanese, and Chinese influences. Imagine wild red tartare paired with pickled fresh cherries, baby almonds, wasabi, and nori; a cold soup of apple, clams, and flowers; and an indulgent matcha-dusted brie cheesecake that begins to ooze before you even cut into it.

The atmosphere: A compact bar offers a relaxed escape from the bustling, tourist-heavy Boqueria market.The cost: €€; nine or twelve coursesWhen to book: A couple of weeks to a month in advance.

Direkte Boqueria, Carrer de les Cabres 13, 08001

For vibrant drinks and an equally lively crowd

Established by a dynamic chef-mixologist duo who previously collaborated at Gaggan, the Bangkok gastronomic sensation that was named Asia’s best restaurant for four straight years, The Alchemix is among Spain’s trendiest dining spots. Chef Sergi Palacín (shortlisted for Spain’s young cook of the year in 2020) teams up with barman and pastry chef Ignacio Ussía in this “gastro-cocktail bar,” where they artfully blend Palacín’s Mediterranean ingredients with Thai and Indian flavors alongside Ussía’s mixology expertise. Unlike other places where cocktail pairings can miss the mark, the drinks here enhance the dishes without overshadowing them.

The ambiance: A stylish hangout for the young and fashionable in Barcelona’s upscale Eixample district.The cost: €€; six coursesWhen to reserve: At least a week ahead

The Alchemix, Carrer de València 212, 08011

For a relaxed multicourse experience—hold the jamón

There was a time when vegetarians in Barcelona had limited options, settling for a few lettuce leaves and a slice of cucumber, or at best, some gazpacho and a tortilla española. However, the vegetarian scene is rapidly changing, showcased by an increasing number of vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly dining spots. Rasoterra has elevated this trend with a completely vegan six-course tasting menu crafted from local, organic ingredients, featuring highlights like refreshing ajoblanco (an Andalusian cold soup made with crushed almonds, garlic, salt, and olive oil), black rice with seaweed and asparagus, and maitake mushroom and black bean tacos. The tasting menu can also be customized to be gluten-free upon request.

The atmosphere: Simple wooden tables and an unpretentious design create a relaxed weeknight vibe.The cost: €; six coursesWhen to reserve: Same day or a few days in advance for safety.

Rasoterra, Carrer del Palau 5, 08002

For an unbeatable deal on top-notch tapas

It’s a mystery how chef Miquel Pardo manages to serve nine tapas, a rice dish, and two desserts for just €40 (or seven courses for under €30 at lunch) at Cruix, but diners aren’t complaining. Pardo honed his skills under renowned chefs, including a tenure with Albert Adrià at Heart Ibiza, before opening Cruix in November 2017. Expect a global flair in standout dishes like a unique take on nigiri featuring Catalan fuet sausage instead of raw fish, a ray and tequila taco, and green curry ice cream.

The atmosphere: A modern aesthetic, excellent service, and unbeatable prices draw in a diverse crowd of both locals and tourists.The cost: €-€€; seven to 12 courses When to reserve: A few days in advance, or a week ahead for weekend reservations.

Cruix, Carrer d’Entença 57, 08015

For a personalized menu tailored just for you

Experience a fully customized tasting menu that fits your budget at the one-starred Oria, situated in the luxurious Monument Hotel. Executive chef Martín Berasategui, renowned for being the most Michelin-starred chef in Spain, brings his Basque roots to life with dishes like creamy rice paired with Iberian ham and Idiazabal cheese, and wild hake complemented by clams and salsa verde. The highlight here is the personalized tasting menu, crafted to accommodate your group's budget and preferences. Opt for either six courses at €65 or seven courses at €85, with the menu adjusted based on seasonal ingredients and your specific likes.

The vibe: Affluent hotel guests and stylish diners enjoy outstanding yet unpretentious service in this cozy dining space within the hotel lobby.The cost: €€€; six or seven coursesWhen to book: Same day for lunch, a week in advance for dinner.

Oria, Passeig de Gràcia 75, 08008

For pure luxury, complete with a dress code

When the youngest French chef to ever earn a Michelin star opens a restaurant in a luxurious five-star hotel, you can expect nothing short of spectacular. Chef Romain Fornell redefines fine dining at Caelis, using extravagant ingredients like caviar, king crab, lobster, and artichoke in masterful creations that are both opulent and delicious. His foie gras royale paired with smoked eel and cherry is a dish best enjoyed in complete silence, allowing you to savor every bite.

The atmosphere: Formal yet welcoming, with attentive staff ready to fulfill your every request.The cost: €€€; 14 coursesWhen to book: At least a week in advance, or two weeks for weekend reservations.

Caelis, Hotel Ohla Barcelona, Via Laietana 49, 08003

For local Catalan cuisine with a unique twist

Raised in Canada to Catalan émigrés, chef Jordi Artal spent a decade in Silicon Valley before returning to his roots and teaching himself the art of cooking. Since opening Cinc Sentits in 2004 with the help of his mother and sister, he has earned two Michelin stars. A trailblazer in the Catalan slow food movement, Artal exclusively uses locally sourced meat and seafood along with organic, seasonal fruits and vegetables. His dishes celebrate high-quality produce, such as the 'sardinada,' featuring simple sardines and tomatoes in two presentations: a torched sardine on a bed of fermented, slow-braised tomatoes and bread, followed by a hollowed-out tomato filled with tartare and sorbet, garnished with garlic flowers. This is simplicity elevated to a two-Michelin-star level.

The atmosphere: Dress to match the serious ambiance of the bright-white, minimalist dining space. The cost: €€€€; approximately eight courses. When to book: A few days in advance is generally sufficient, but a week ahead is recommended during peak tourist seasons.

Cinc Sentits, Entença 60, 08015

For moments when wine takes center stage

One of the latest Michelin-starred gems in Barcelona offers a low-key vibe, helmed by a young chef passionate about natural wines. The atmosphere feels distinctly current, from the decor to the clientele, while the dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients are lighter and less overwhelming than typical Michelin fare. The wine pairings are just as enticing as the food, featuring natural, organic selections from small producers. The seasonal menu, which never disappoints, might showcase delights like creamy squid tartare and a rich yet refreshing salmorejo (a dense, breadcrumb-based gazpacho) with red shrimp.

The ambiance: An intimate dining area located in the lobby of the somewhat square Hilton Diagonal Mar, attracting a fashionable crowd. The cost: €€€; 12 courses. When to reserve: A few days in advance is advisable.

Aürt, Hilton Diagonal Mar, Passeig del Taulat 262-264, 08019

Isabelle Kliger is a freelance journalist of half-British, half-Swedish descent who relocated to Barcelona 11 years ago, focusing her writing on travel, food, and pop culture.