The 38 Must-Visit Restaurants in Barcelona

The team at Sartoria Panatieri is dedicated to seasonality, artisanal craftsmanship, and the sourcing of high-quality ingredients, elevating their pizzas to remarkable heights and establishing the pizzeria as one of the city's most sought-after destinations. This ‘farm to pizza’ establishment carefully curates every component that adorns its imaginative pizzas or contributes to its outstanding house-made salumi. The base features a delicate crust crafted from local, organic flour, topped with ingredients like sobrasada, Mahón cheese, wild fennel, honey, and mozzarella, or Cantabrian anchovy paired with escarole and Kalamata olive puree. For their classic pizza offerings, visit the Gràcia location on Carrer Encarnació. Starting in April 2024, the flagship spot on Carrer Provença will introduce a modern menu with a rotating selection of new, seasonal pizza creations.

Chef Ryuta Sato made his mark at the renowned Sato i Tanaka before launching this intimate sushi bar with just eight seats, dedicated to omakase offerings of ultra-premium sushi. Given its limited seating, securing a reservation well in advance is essential, but the experience is well worth the effort. You can select from either the long or short menu and enjoy each piece crafted by Chef Sato’s skilled hands.

Often hailed as the finest ramen in Barcelona, Ramen-Ya Hiro previously drew long queues of eager diners on Carrer Girona. In 2023, the restaurant thrilled loyal customers by finally accepting reservations after more than a decade. Now, guests can enjoy chef Hiroki Yoshiyuki’s richly flavored and complex broths without the hassle. The menu is straightforward, offering just three varieties of hot ramen—soy ramen with a blend of pork, chicken, and seafood broth, miso ramen with a pork and chicken base, and seafood ramen featuring baby clams, mackerel broth, and local seafood—along with two cold options: tsukemen (chilled noodles topped with dry mackerel powder and lime, served with soy yuzu dipping sauce) and hiyashi chuka (cold noodles with roast char siu pork, cucumber, bean sprouts, and egg, accompanied by a light vinaigrette). Be sure to reserve a table at least a week in advance, though the restaurant does keep some spots available for walk-ins each night.

Don’t let the traditional look and straightforward menu of Ultramarinos Marín fool you. Seats at chef Borja García’s open kitchen are among the most coveted in the city, and for good reason. This seemingly unpretentious asador (grill-focused restaurant), only serving breakfast and lunch, is a haven for product-driven Catalan cuisine, committed to upholding classic recipes to the highest standards. Drawing from his experience at renowned Etxebarri and Noma, García creates culinary magic with simple ingredients, a hot plancha, and a roaring wood-fire oven. Highlights include grilled langoustines, braised pork shanks, mackerel in escabeche, stewed snails, giant steaks, smoked beef tongue, unique garum, and briny sea urchin toast. Be sure to try the house-cured fish charcuterie and the wonderfully simple grilled smashed potatoes with garlic alioli.

Berbena is a noteworthy addition to the thriving scene of chef-driven modern Catalan cuisine in Barcelona. Secure one of the few tables, and start your experience with hearty pieces of house-made sourdough spread with rich, smoked butter. Next, explore a variety of seasonal small plates featuring the freshest ingredients of the day, from grilled sea bass collar with preserved lemon to a wild mushroom omelet with roasted onions. Shellfish and seafood are abundant, and vibrant vegetables often take center stage in the nightly specials. The cheese selection is impressive, along with small-production wines from local vineyards. Don’t rush dessert, as you savor excellent coffee from nearby SlowMov specialty roasters and espresso crafted on the sleek La Marzocco machine.

Rooq creates everything from its herb-seasoned breading to tangy marinades, fermented pickles, fluffy brioche buns, and all the elements of its renowned fried chicken sandwiches in-house. The menu is straightforward: chicken nuggets, vegan jackfruit nuggets, two salad options, and three types of sandwiches (regular, spicy, and grilled), all featuring juicy, corn-fed Catalan chicken breasts. Choose your main dish and complete your meal with twice-cooked fries seasoned with the house spice blend and a side of coleslaw (either vinegar or mayonnaise-based). They also offer a diverse range of craft beers, seven homemade dipping sauces, and a decadent chocolate brownie drizzled with stout caramel and served with a scoop of ice cream.

Seyma Ozkaya Erpul, originally from Turkey, has made Barcelona her home for over a decade. Transitioning from a career in engineering and marketing, she followed her passion for food and design by opening the first Funky Bakers in the heart of El Born. While this original spot remains a beloved takeaway coffee destination, the full Funky Bakers experience unfolds at the Dinogoy and Deli location in Eixample. One side features a carefully curated gourmet grocery, gift, and coffee shop, while the other is an all-day bistro offering vibrant and inventive dishes inspired by Northern European and Mediterranean cuisines, all complemented by natural wines.

A thrilling new addition to Barcelona's dining scene, this wine bar launched in April 2023, offering what the team refers to as Northeast Asian cuisine. Founded by partners Woody Wang and Arthur Holland Michel, this venture is an evolution of several projects — private dinners, a lunchbox delivery service, and homemade chili crisp — that chef Dan Jin, known as Tan, initiated during the pandemic. Chef Tan is especially passionate about dishes from her home region of Northern China but also embraces the flavors of Japan and Korea. Mikan offers a fantastic value for lunch, featuring a fixed-price menu that includes a variety of dishes, soup, and dessert, with vegan and vegetarian options available. In the evenings, the enticing à la carte menu is ideal for sharing, with offerings like grilled koji-cured mackerel with green onion oil, daikon, and shiso; spicy beef salad with cilantro and chile; or Iberian pork loin katsu, all beautifully paired with an eclectic selection of natural wines from small European producers. On Saturdays, local DJs take over the bar starting at 11 p.m.

Inspired by a tiny island nearly 800 miles off the coast of India in the Bay of Bengal, Little Andaman offers light and vibrant cuisine featuring coconuts, fresh herbs, seafood, and vegetables as key ingredients. The restaurant boasts a chic and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for both casual lunches with friends and intimate date nights. While many dishes reflect the flavors of Little Andaman, the menu also includes a diverse selection of small plates from various coastal regions of India, such as mustard and five-spice shrimp skewers, tamarind fish stew, and Goa-style spiced lamb sorpotel served with poi bread. It's highly veggie and vegan-friendly, with numerous gluten-free options available. A weekly prix fixe lunch menu runs from Monday to Friday, alongside three distinct tasting menus in the evenings (short and long tapas menus, plus a vegetarian menu with vegan choices), allowing guests to experience a wide range of dishes.

Balabusta blends Barcelona’s brunch culture and design aesthetic with the aromatic streets of Tel Aviv, serving up freshly baked challah, bone-in braised beef ribs, fire-roasted beets with creamy labneh, chicken and cauliflower shawarma with fresh pita, eggplant bunyols (similar to beignets), and a plethora of bold, colorful, vegetable-forward dishes. Don’t miss the popular fixed-price lunch menu during the week, favored by the local workforce, or join the line for weekend brunch to savor a bubbling crock of hearty shakshuka.

Rafa Zafra, renowned as the former head chef at El Bulli, is celebrated for his refined and minimalist seafood creations at Estimar. In spring 2022, he unveiled Amar within the iconic Palace hotel, originally the Ritz Barcelona since 1919. The hotel’s stunning, opulent decor provides a fitting backdrop for Zafra’s tribute to classic fine dining. Amar features selections from the original Ritz restaurant menu alongside exceptional seafood offerings, nine caviar-infused dishes, a range of modern Catalan main courses, whole grilled fish, vegetable sides, and Mediterranean tapas.

Hailing from Uruguay and trained in the Basque region of Spain—both renowned for their meat traditions—chef Joaquín Ignacio Sánchez leads Carnal, a trendy Barcelona take on the classic Spanish steakhouse. At this vibrant Mytoury, generous portions of dry-aged beef are grilled over oak embers, served medium-rare, and then finished at the table on a sizzling stone slab, allowing guests to customize their preferred doneness. The steaks, sourced globally, are aged on-site for 45 to 150 days, with prices ranging from reasonable to extravagant. The menu’s standout item is the luxurious 120-day-aged, 2-pound ox chuletón (bone-in rib-eye) from the famed Bodega El Capricho in León, Spain. To start, enjoy American black angus beef cheek croquettes, flame-grilled maitake mushrooms, or A5 wagyu tartare, delicately seared with a blowtorch and served atop a dramatic length of roasted bone marrow. For those who prefer options beyond red meat, there’s a solid selection of seafood, poultry, and vegetable dishes, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.

Chef Rafa Peña embodies a love for food that rivals his indifference to formal dining and accolades. A beloved spot among local chefs, Gresca is essential for enthusiasts of nose-to-tail cuisine eager to savor seasonal Catalan dishes without the pretentious atmosphere and petite portions often found in Michelin-starred venues. The menu is dynamic, changing daily, but newcomers should definitely try the roasted chicken with fines herbes, calf’s brain with butter and lemon, pan-roasted sweetbreads, and grilled quail.

Housed in a century-old bar located on a prime corner in one of Eixample's trendiest districts, Soma debuted in 2021 and quickly won over Barcelona's food enthusiasts. With cozy decor and a charming Parisian-style terrace, the restaurant offers a menu of Catalan tapas infused with strong Italian influences and a touch of French flair. Look out for duck à l’orange, galetes de socarrat de risotto (crispy risotto similar to the bottom of a classic paella), marinated mackerel with strawberries, and ragu-stuffed rigatoni.

At Besta, chefs Carles Ramon and Manu Núñez take pride in showcasing remarkable ingredients from their native Catalunya and Galicia. Their beautifully presented dishes include pickled mussels with pumpkin, a fresh tomato salad featuring cured blue fish, and Galician seaweed pancakes paired with wine-braised wild boar. Despite the elegant descriptions, dining at Besta offers a relaxed atmosphere. While there are always a few meat options available, the emphasis is on seafood; be sure to try the grilled zamburiña scallops and the unique gin tonics infused with oysters and seaweed.

Founded by Priscilla Alfaro, a Mexican American who spent her early years in Los Angeles, along with her partner Gaston Gabrielli and chef Nick Hosea, Gringa All Day is a fantastic modern American diner. The appeal here is straightforward: exceptionally tasty food and unlimited filter coffee from the renowned Three Marks Coffee. The pancakes are airy, the bacon is perfectly crispy, the breakfast burrito is filling, and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich packs a spicy punch. While many brunch spots in Barcelona prioritize Instagram-worthy aesthetics over quality, Gringa All Day delivers authentic flavors. Be prepared for a line on weekends, but it's definitely worth the wait.

Finding a traditional trompo slowly roasting pork in Barcelona is a rarity, but Xuba Tacos takes its tacos al pastor seriously. The restaurant meticulously layers seasoned pork on the spit, slices it thin, and serves it on freshly made blue corn tortillas. Along with the classics like al pastor and carne asada, you’ll also find innovative options, such as black beer-battered sea bass tacos with crispy leeks and lobster tail tacos with cilantro emulsion. Keep an eye out for seasonal specials like wild mushroom and roasted chestnut tacos, and make sure to try the micheladas.

Don’t be deceived by its prime location; Batea focuses on delivering high-quality seafood without the steep prices often found near Passeig de Gràcia. The menu highlights the best from both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, with a commitment to classic flavors that avoid stale traditions. Start with a mini seafood tower from the raw bar, then savor the tender fried monkfish tails, cockles in dashi broth, and the Betanzos-style omelet (a Galician classic) topped with red prawn tartare or sautéed baby squid.

A tribute to the beloved Spanish omelet, Los Tortillez exudes a nostalgic 1980s vibe with its red banquettes, popcorn stucco walls, retro dishes, and a tiled bar reminiscent of Pedro Almodóvar’s cult classics. Opened in late 2022, this restaurant has quickly established itself as a go-to spot in the newly pedestrianized Consell de Cent for exceptional al momento Spanish omelets. The menu features 16 unique, personal-sized tortilla options, blending classic ingredients like chorizo and manchego with innovative flavors like truffles, pesto, Thai curry, cilantro, bacon, and jalapeños. Complete your meal with tapas such as tender sautéed cod cheek pil pil, vermouth-braised pork ribs, and shrimp al ajillo in sizzling hot olive oil and garlic.

Concealed without any signage, the small Suru Bar offers a delightful surprise for diners in its cozy setting. A row of counter seats provides a view into the open kitchen, where chefs whip up standout dishes like skewers of grilled chicken skin paired with chilled shrimp tartar, vibrant spring peas enhanced by smoked chorizo and cured egg yolks, and crunchy pig ear brochettes served with charred chicken gizzards and tender squid. The menu is seasonal, benefiting from its prime location across from the renowned Ninot market, featuring dishes from yakitori grilled traditionally to creative uses of offal. An extensive selection of local and international wines complements the meals.

Flax and Kale's location just off the Pasaje de las Manufacturas is undoubtedly its finest. Open all day and perfect for weekend brunch, this spot features a unique menu that highlights the brand's exceptional wood-fired vegan pizzas, which are also gluten-free. Chef Teresa Carles has been at the forefront of “flexitarian” cuisine in Barcelona since 2014. Notable dishes include bao filled with jackfruit “pulled pork,” house-made cilantro jalapeno kombucha, and vegan scrambles crafted with ackee. For those seeking additional omega-3s, there are also fish options like miso-glazed Spanish mackerel with hibiscus dashi and yellowfin tuna bibimbap.

Biercab boasts an impressive rotation of draft beers from 30 taps and an international bottle selection so vast it can be a bit daunting, making it a top destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Beyond the remarkable variety, the bar features a full kitchen serving tapas, sandwiches, burgers, lighter fare, and main dishes—a rarity among Barcelona's craft beer venues, which often offer only basic snacks. Don’t miss the extra-spicy potatoes or the grilled wagyu steak paired with a house-made, hop-infused chimichurri.

At the front, you’ll find a shop and wine bar named Can Cisa, while the back houses this full-service, wine-focused restaurant run by twin Venetian chefs Max and Stefano Colombo. The menu harmoniously blends Italian and Catalan flavors, offering an enticing array of small plates that range from grilled octopus with pickles and beet puree to smoked sardines accompanied by apple relish. These are not your typical tapas. The wine selection is entirely natural, with many bottles being biodynamic and organic. The knowledgeable waitstaff are adept at helping any diner—from the casual drinker to the seasoned expert—discover perfect pairings to elevate their meal.

Established in the 1920s and full of charm, El Xampanyet captivates both locals and visitors alike with its tiled walls, vintage wine bottles, lively atmosphere, and reserved bartenders. It’s a fantastic spot for enjoying an aperitivo, where you can sip on a glass of cava while indulging in house-cured salted anchovies, a selection of conservas, and daily hot dishes. Just be prepared to squeeze through the door and embrace a standing-room-only vibe.

While Asturias and Catalunya boast contrasting cultures and landscapes, El Chigre 1769 beautifully blends their cuisines. Set in a historic stone building from 1769, this spot serves as both a vermouth bar and a cider house. Here, you can savor fresh Atlantic shellfish, cave-aged cabrales blue cheese, and Catalan delights like esqueixada (chilled bacalao salad) and charcoal-roasted Pyrenees pork knuckle meant for sharing. And if your cider spills (which often happens), no worries—the floor is covered in sawdust, a traditional touch that absorbs every stray drop.

Located just a block from Barcelona's old port, this quaint corner bar has been serving its signature four dishes since 1945. While the salted anchovies, fried sausage, and tomato salad are all delightful, the highlight is undoubtedly the floured and fried boquerones (anchovies). Now operated by the original founder's grandson, Bar La Plata sells over 85 pounds of these small fish each week. The bar is almost always bustling, with limited seating, so join the crowds by enjoying your meal standing at the bar or even outside if seats are scarce.

Succulent pork meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, creamy stracciatella, grilled zucchini, and a sprinkle of grated ricotta salata come together in one of the latest offerings at Compà, a panini shop that celebrates Calabrian flavors. Besides the original location near Barceloneta beach, owner Vittorio Cicero has recently opened a new spot in Gràcia, providing two opportunities to enjoy tempting creations like mortadella with burrata and pistachio pesto or Calabrese lardo with spicy ‘nduja, smoked provolone, and roasted potatoes. With nearly a dozen sandwich options including rotating specials, all made with 48-hour slow-fermented focaccia, each is pressed and served piping hot. For an added kick, request the bomba Calabrese chile relish. While there are a few tables, these sandwiches are perfect for street food—grab one to-go and enjoy at the beach or in a nearby plaza. Just remember the napkins!

As one of the oldest establishments in the seaside area of La Barceloneta, Cova Fumada is renowned as the birthplace of the iconic 'bomba de la Barceloneta.' This delectable fried potato croquette, filled with savory ground beef and drizzled with aioli and hot sauce, can now be found on menus across the city. Beyond the bombas, don’t miss the calamars a la planxa (grilled squid) and the grilled sardines, especially in the summer. For those adventurous with their palate, try the cap i pota, a traditional Catalan stew featuring tripe, veal trotters, and veal head in a rich tomato sauce.

A beloved spot for a delightful blend of modern and traditional tapas, Bar Cañete embodies the essence of dining in Barcelona. While tables in the lively dining area can be booked for groups of four or more, seating is otherwise available on a first-come, first-served basis. The prime spots are along the bar, right by the open kitchen, where patrons can watch chefs in action and servers in white jackets scurry by with bottles of cava and beautifully arranged plates of hand-cut jamón. The menu, featuring both tapas and larger dishes, evolves with the seasons, but be sure to try their signature offerings like giant red prawns delivered fresh from the docks, sea anemones paired with cured Iberian pork belly, and indulgent runny potato omelets.

At the helm of two-Michelin-starred Cinc Sentits (Five Senses), Chef Jordi Artal and his team craft seasonal tasting menus that showcase innovative takes on Catalan cuisine. In spring, you might savor dishes featuring artichokes or venison, adorned with molecular gastronomy touches like spherification and powdering. While Artal's creations are undeniably intricate and artistically arranged, they are also packed with robust flavors and substantial portions. At a restaurant of this caliber, you can expect to leave satisfied, and Cinc Sentits certainly delivers.

Suculent defies a single culinary style, offering a diverse array of delightful dishes on both its tasting and à la carte menus. This restaurant is beloved by chefs for its commitment to nose-to-tail cooking and its sophisticated twists on traditional Catalan comfort food, infused with influences from Asia and Latin America. While the menu evolves with the seasons, signature dishes like beets with beurre blanc and smoked eel, royal custard of porcini mushrooms with sea urchin, and braised hare cannelloni with foie gras and Codium seaweed are not to be missed.

Situated on the restaurant-packed Carrer del Parlament, this charming bodega blends classic and modern elements, making it a standout in the Sant Antoni area. Sip wine from the shop’s vintage barrels, available for sale by the liter, alongside vermouth and a selection of craft beers. Enjoy tapas and Catalan specialties, or explore the gourmet shop—there’s a delightful offering for everyone here.

Founded by chef Victor Ródenas alongside brothers Ignasi and Marc García, Maleducat presents a fresh twist on the classic Catalan casa de menjars (house of food). It seamlessly blends the lively spirit of a traditional vermouth bar with the seasonal sophistication typical of fine dining. The relaxed yet energetic ambiance makes it an ideal spot for savoring diverse dishes, such as confit artichokes with spring peas and romesco, escabeche oyster shooters enriched with chicken jus, beef tendon stew paired with fried hake and pickled chiles, and a mini paella featuring shrimp tartare and pig trotter carpaccio. Above all, this place serves as a beloved hub for local regulars.

Inspired by the vibrant Italian dining scene in New York, owner Badr Bennis and head chef Nicola Valle have created Benzina (“Gasoline” in Italian), an upscale yet laid-back Mytoury located in a repurposed auto repair shop. Their menu features a contemporary twist on classic Italian dishes, blending global influences, unconventional ingredients, and striking presentations. The ambiance resembles a rock and roll venue more than a traditional trattoria. The menu is updated every few months, showcasing items like cacio e pepe risotto with fried squid and mandarin reduction, Roman-style gnocchi with slow-cooked rabbit and kale, balsamic-roasted pork loin with maitake mushrooms, and eggplant parmesan finished with basil sorbet.

Once the hottest ticket in Barcelona, Tickets offered a glimpse into the vibrant old dining scene of the city. Following its closure, Teatro Kitchen Bar emerged, offering a fresh take on the same concept. Dining here costs about a third of what it did at Tickets, making it a more affordable yet still creative tapas experience, crafted by a team with Michelin-star backgrounds. Teatro Kitchen is the star attraction, but don’t miss Backstage, the adjoining cocktail bar that’s ideal for ending your evening.

Alapar is a Japanese Mediterranean izakaya that has taken over the former Michelin-starred Pakta, once helmed by chef Jaume Marambio. Since Pakta's closure, Marambio has partnered with Vicky Maccarone to breathe new life into the space, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated approach to Japanese cuisine. Utilizing the finest seasonal Mediterranean ingredients, Marambio's dishes highlight the delicate balance between Japanese and Catalan flavors, presented in raw, pickled, grilled, and stewed forms.

Emerging from the Tiberi Club, renowned for its innovative events and pop-ups blending food and art, Tiberi Bar is nestled on a tranquil street in Poble Sec. The space features a minimalist, airy design with high ceilings and ample windows, creating an inviting atmosphere for its ever-changing array of vibrant sharing plates inspired by Catalan heritage and Mediterranean flavors. These dishes are thoughtfully paired with distinctive natural wines sourced from small local producers. Highlights include duck terrine with pistachios, crispy polenta infused with sage, smoked sardines with sour cream and whole grain mustard, and a pork confit sandwich topped with red cabbage, each adding a twist to beloved local favorites.

Barcelona offers numerous spots to savor paella, but Martínez stands out. Nestled on the Montjuïc hillside, it boasts sweeping views of the city and the port, far from the hustle of the beach area. To make your trip worthwhile, indulge in signature rice dishes like the señorito paella—topped with peeled seafood to keep your hands clean—and the luxurious lobster rice, along with classic tapas and a delightful oyster bar.