Grilling at Carnal. | flesh
From Barcelona’s towering churches and bustling streets to its sunny beaches and idyllic squares, it’s clear why this city captivates visitors. Barcelona loves its tasting menus, and last year Disfrutar topped our list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, but here you can eat incredibly delicious food, and it often doesn’t cost that much. Despite Barcelona’s famous cuisine, it’s also easy to have a thoroughly disappointing meal if you settle for the old paella sling bars at Les Rambles (known in Spanish as La Rambla) or La Barceloneta. (Tip: If a restaurant has to pay someone to stand outside and harass pedestrians, the food isn’t worth it.)
Start with some classic tapas and paella (both good, but not entirely Catalan) and be sure to seek out local gems like bittersweet vermouth, seasonal seafood and home-cooked Catalan cuisine. But after nearly a decade of writing and revising this list, I want to emphasize that you shouldn’t overlook this city’s burgeoning international cuisine. Save room for Calabrese paninis, Northeast Asian sharing plates with natural wines, towering fried chicken sandwiches, South Indian fish stews and nose-to-tail yakitori.
We update this list quarterly to reflect Barcelona’s ever-changing dining scene. Our articles include approximate prices for each destination, as well as insider tips from experienced writers and editors. $ If you want a quick and cheap meal with dishes under $10 (or Euro equivalent) $$$$ For places where entrees exceed $30.
Newly added to the map in April 2026. Parking Pita is a little-known spot for falafel and shawarma sandwiches served on wood-fired pita. Excellent, homely Catalan specialties at La Fonda de Pirencaicas; There’s also Taberna Nardi, a charming seafood-centric tavern from a renowned local restaurant group.
sam sugar Freelance writer, photographer, filmmaker, travel Instagrammer and gastronomic travel guide in Barcelona. He contributed to: monocle, National Geographic’s ’48 Hours’ Guide, cultural tripand vise travelespecially.
