Your comprehensive guide to the finest dining spots in Barcelona, Spain

If you're on the lookout for the best eateries in Barcelona, you're in the right place. We provide insights on the top restaurants in the city, considering factors like location, price, ambiance, and style.

The 11 top dining venues in Barcelona

Dos Palillos

Spain boasts a variety of exceptional Japanese restaurants across its major cities, and Barcelona is no exception. At Dos Palillos, you can experience a unique fusion of Spanish and Japanese cuisines that will tantalize your taste buds.

The restaurant is set in a cozy tapas-style Spanish bar, featuring 24 stools around a central kitchen, attracting a diverse crowd eager to sample chef Albert Raurich’s distinctive culinary creations.

This atmosphere is both intimate and lively. Be sure to try the adventurous tasting menu, which includes dishes like Szechuan-style jellyfish and Iberian-Cantonese pork jowl.

Address: Carrer d’Elisabets, 9, 08001 Barcelona, Spain.

Mr Porter

Mr Porter stands out as one of the trendiest dining spots in the city, perfect for a chic night out. Located in the Sir Victor Hotel, it’s renowned for its lively vibe, exquisite dishes, and exceptional cocktails—a fantastic choice for special celebrations.

Although primarily a steakhouse, the menu also features excellent fish and vegetarian options. The spicy jumbo shrimp salad is particularly popular, alongside the roasted whole leek and the velvety beef carpaccio.

Address: Carrer del Rossello, 265, 08008 Barcelona, Spain.

Bar Canete

When it comes to enjoying tapas in Barcelona, Bar Canete is a must-mention among food enthusiasts. This establishment represents the essence of tapas and is one of the top places to kick off your culinary journey in Barcelona. Despite being a staple in food guides for years, it has retained its charm as a ‘local’ favorite.

If you dine around 10 PM, you'll find yourself amidst locals, enhancing the authentic experience with the famously lively Catalan atmosphere. Menu favorites include oysters, razor clams, tuna tartare, and delightful Iberian pork loin. Be sure to reserve in advance to avoid a wait after a day of sightseeing.

Address: Carrer de la Unio, 17, 08001 Barcelona, Spain.

The Green Spot

For those in search of a vegetarian restaurant, The Green Spot is sure to satisfy both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The menu offers delightful alternatives for anyone seeking a break from the large seafood platters and hearty tapas enjoyed on previous nights.

Indulge in comforting favorites like the four-cheese pizza topped with courgette flowers and fried cauliflower, or opt for lighter selections such as grilled vegetable salads. A trendy dining destination in the city, you’ll quickly be drawn in by the vibrant atmosphere (and the cocktails).

Address: Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 12, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona’s top value-for-money dining spots

Besta

If you’re looking for harmonious food pairings in every bite, Besta is the place to be. This restaurant showcases a unique blend of Catalonian and Galician cuisines, brought to life by chefs Carles Ramon and Manu Nunez.

Both chefs embrace culinary risks, using the finest seasonal ingredients to create unconventional yet impressively harmonious dishes, like chicken with shrimp or squid paired with meatballs.

Besta elevates the ‘surf and turf’ concept with inventive offerings such as Galician oysters accompanied by thinly sliced dry-aged beef or suckling pig ear served with fresh octopus. This distinctive experience certainly earns a spot on our list of the best restaurants in Barcelona.

Address: Carrer d’Aribau, 106, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

Lluritu

Nestled in the Gracia neighborhood, you’ll find an affordable yet delightful seafood spot called Lluritu. The atmosphere is casual, resembling more of a bar than a traditional restaurant, but it serves some of the city’s finest seafood.

Quickly gaining popularity in the area, it far surpasses any dining experiences around Las Ramblas.

They focus on shared plates, featuring delectable options like grilled sardines, grilled squid, and steamed clams. If you’re uncertain about what to choose, the seafood platter is always a solid and reasonably priced option.

Address: Carrer del Torrent de les Flors, 71, 08024 Barcelona, Spain.

Benzina

Benzina features a unique concept, having transformed from a former mechanic’s garage into a venue for delightful cocktails. It’s also celebrated for its hearty Italian cuisine, offering starters like eggplant parmigiana and exquisite tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella.

For main courses, you can indulge in classic pasta dishes that will transport you straight to Italy. Another reason to visit Benzina is the vibrant music and lively atmosphere, where party-goers gather before heading out for the night; so sit back, enjoy your meal, and soak in the tunes.

Address: Passatge de Pere Calders, 6, 08015 Barcelona, Spain.

Hidden gems: Barcelona’s best-kept treasures

Alkimia

Even with its Michelin-star acclaim, Alkimia remains somewhat of a hidden treasure in Barcelona, especially when compared to other chic and contemporary dining spots.

One possible reason for this obscurity could be its location on a street filled with electronic shops. The journey to find the restaurant is an adventure in itself, but you’ll be glad you made the effort once you arrive.

Nestled up a flight of stairs in a sleek modern apartment, the beautifully balanced, Catalan-inspired tasting menu represents the pinnacle of modern contemporary cuisine.

La Cova Fumada

Another hidden treasure, La Cova Fumada, offers some of the finest affordable home-cooked dishes, providing a taste of a traditional Barcelona family meal. Highly favored by locals, especially for lunch, be prepared to wait a bit for a table due to its popularity and cozy space—but the wait is certainly rewarding.

You can savor a variety of local cured meats, fresh fish, and seafood while soaking in the lively atmosphere filled with happy, satisfied diners. Situated in the Barceloneta neighborhood, the restaurant has no sign or street number, but a line of eager locals will guide you to the right spot.

Address: Carrer del Baluard, 56, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

Passadis d’en Pep

If you're in the mood for excellent fish, look no further than Passadis d’en Pep. While it's one of the city's most sought-after dining spots, it's not exactly a secret, but it can be quite challenging to locate, making it a true hidden gem.

You won’t find a sign outside—just a street number that leads you through a dim corridor into a building. At the end of this passage, you'll discover a door; opening it reveals a spacious restaurant tucked away from view.

Welcome to Passadis d’en Pep, which means ‘Joe's corridor’, clarifying the unconventional entrance. There’s no formal menu, but you’ll be treated to a selection of delectable seafood tapas before your main dish, if you still have room to indulge.

Address: Pla de Palau, 2, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

Taverna Can Margarit

Located in the El Poble-sec neighborhood, Can Margarit offers a true taste of Catalan cuisine amidst the trendy tapas bars that attract many to the area. This hidden gem has been a favorite among locals for years, featuring homemade traditional dishes like grilled rabbit with botifarra (a local sausage) and beans, along with snails cooked in rich sauce.

You'll be enchanted by the interior, adorned with impressive old wine barrels, towering stone walls, and the classic ambiance of a traditional wine cellar. For a genuine experience, it doesn't get much better than this.

Address: Carrer de la Concordia, 21, 08004 Barcelona, Spain.