Grasping the Spanish Dining Schedule

Visitors have long arrived in Barcelona with high hopes. As they return to the city, they aim to explore every landmark, soak in the culture, and savor the renowned cuisine, effortlessly hopping from vermouth bar to paella spot. However, many travelers miss out on Barcelona's culinary gems due to the unique Spanish dining timetable, where mealtimes differ significantly from what many foreigners, especially Americans, expect. If you try to have lunch too early—like at noon—you might only find a simple bocadillo, just a slice of jamón on baguette. And if you get hungry before dinner, which usually starts around 9, you may end up splurging on snacks and sacrificing your appetite for a proper meal. The dining customs here are distinct—there are traditionally six meals a day—so adapting quickly will enhance your experience. Eating like a local requires some finesse, so here’s a handy guide to ensure you don’t skip a meal.

The Meal Schedule

7 - 9 a.m.

Desdejuni / Desayuno (Breakfast)

In Spain, the workday typically starts at 9 a.m., meaning breakfast is usually enjoyed beforehand. Many Spaniards, anticipating the 10 a.m. almuerzo, may skip this meal, but those who do eat at home often treat themselves to a slice of bread drizzled with olive oil and topped with tomato, a few slices of jamón, or some fresh fruit.

10 - 11 a.m.

l’Esmorzar / Almuerzo (Mid-Morning Snack)

Almuerzo is a vital component of the local eating habits. It’s incorporated into school routines, and for many adults, it serves as their first meal of the day. Primarily, it helps curb hunger until the typically hearty three-course lunch, so most people opt for a light sandwich, a slice of tortilla made with eggs and potatoes or other vegetables, or simply a croissant paired with coffee.

12 - 2 p.m.

La Hora del Vermut (Vermut Hour)

On weekends, bars fill up by noon as friends and families gather for a drink—often vermouth, though not always—while enjoying small snacks like canned cockles, ensaladilla rusa (potato salad), and olives stuffed with anchovies. This ritual is essential, offering a perfect opportunity for an early meal if you can’t hold out for the traditional lunch hour. And if a midday fortified wine seems excessive, you can always enjoy it later in the evening.

2 - 3:30 p.m.

El Dinar/La Comida (Lunch)

La comida is the highlight of the day and shouldn’t be overlooked. It usually consists of three hearty courses: a starter, a main dish, and either dessert or coffee. Many places offer a menú del día during the week, a fixed-price lunch special with several options for each course. With more foreign companies setting up in the city and the drive to align with Northern European productivity, this meal is becoming less central. However, old traditions persist, and while some opt for a quick bite near the office, many still enjoy a leisurely menú at lunchtime.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

El Berenar/La Merienda (Mid-Afternoon Snack)

Merienda is the time when children return home from school, often clutching a croissant in one hand and a foil-wrapped entrepà (sandwich) in the other, along with a Cacaolat (Barcelona’s beloved chocolate milk) to hold them over until dinner, which is still hours away. While kids typically have a portable merienda, you can sit down and savor yours with a relaxing afternoon coffee, even if it's decaf. Just remember to avoid ordering a café con leche this late in the day.

8:30 - 10 p.m.

La Hora del Aperitiu/La Hora del Aperitivo (Pre-Dinner Drinks)

As the workday ends, aperitivo hour kicks off. In Barcelona, this tradition is more casual than in Madrid, serving as a chance to catch up with a friend over a beer and light snacks like pimientos de padrón, small Catalan arbequina olives, and marinated sardines while deciding on dinner plans.

9 - 11 p.m.

El Sopar/La Cena (Dinner)

When enjoyed at home, this meal is often quite light, sometimes consisting of just steamed vegetables drizzled with olive oil or a bowl of yogurt paired with fruit. However, Barcelona’s restaurants are bustling again, especially during the summer, offering everything from traditional Catalan dishes to ramen and chicken wings.

Made a Mistake?

Here are eight fantastic all-day dining options for when your timing is off 

As Barcelona became a sought-after travel spot, cafes and restaurants adapted to the tourist’s challenge by serving food all day. If you’re having trouble adjusting to the local schedule, here’s a list of reliable options. 

Robot House Barcelona

Promoted as a creative hub for social impact, Robot House specializes in artisan coffee and farm-to-table bowls, alongside craft beer and natural wine. They also feature a cozy bookshop and regularly host talks. Carrer de Provença 316, 08037; Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on weekends.

Bar But

This quaint, no-frills tapas bar serves unique dishes like octopus bao and confit leeks with papada and hollandaise. If you can secure a spot, the menú del día offers excellent value. Carrer de Bonavista 8, 08012; Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight; closed on Sunday.

El Nacional

Despite its rising popularity and occasional crowds since opening, this transformed factory is a must-see for its breathtaking renovation alone. Inside, you'll find four well-crafted restaurants that are favorites among both locals and visitors. Diners can select from a seafood venue, a tapas bar, a steakhouse, and a Spanish delicatessen offering lighter fare. Passeig de Gràcia 24 Bis, 08007; open daily from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Bar Central

This tucked-away gem within La Central bookshop is definitely worth the hunt. The café opens onto a beautiful garden terrace filled with plants, perfect for enjoying a light lunch alongside a vermouth or a refreshing scoop of ice cream on warm days. Carrer d’Elisabets 6, 08001; no website; Sundays 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Bar Veraz

Located within the upscale Barcelona Edition hotel, Bar Veraz offers a delightful menu featuring a mix of tapas, brunch dishes like shakshuka, and pizzas topped with burrata and black truffles. Notably, they serve a rare all-day brunch on weekends. Avinguda Francesc Cambó 14, 08003; open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Ancestral Bar

This intimate bar boasts a carefully selected wine list, organic sangria, craft beers, and vermouths, alongside classic tapas like moixama (cured tuna with marcona almonds), croquettes filled with sobrasada and honey, and bunyols (salt cod fritters). Carrer de Provença 340, 08037; Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; closed on weekends.

Flax & Kale

This predominantly vegetarian Mytoury specializes in innovative dishes such as squash blossoms with cashew cream, pico de gallo, and goji berries. Their house-made juices are exceptional, and the Raval location features a rooftop terrace open during the summer. Carrer dels Tallers 74b, 08001; Monday - Friday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Babula Bar 1937

Babula Bar features a menu that blends international cuisines, offering dishes like grilled octopus with chimichurri and Japanese-inspired steak tartare. The ambiance exudes a cozy cocktail bar feel, providing a tranquil escape from the lively atmosphere of Barcelona. Carrer de Pau Claris 139, 08009; Monday - Tuesday 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Wednesday - Sunday 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Originally from Florida,Melissa Leighty is a freelance writer and photographer now residing in Barcelona, Spain, and she owns Salut Wine Studio. Gerard Moral is a Barcelona native and photographer who specializes in portrait, travel, and lifestyle photography.