A must read food guide for Barcelona
Barcelona is full of traditional and non-traditional food throughout the city. When first travelling to a new place, typically a tourist’s first goal is to get as local as possible and taste the food of the region. In Barcelona there is definitely no shortage of amazing spots for brunches, tapas, or cava filled dinners ahead of you. Some of the best meals of your life are waiting for you in this wonderful city, so here is your foodie guide! While travelling and figuring out plans can be overwhelming, we can tell you some of the best spots in town to go to so you don’t have to spend hours trying to find them yourself.
Traditional food: tapas
The full history of tapas is unclear and often debated by the natives of Spain. One common tale is that tapas were originally a chunk of bread used to cover a glass of alcohol to keep the flies out. This explains their name because ‘tapa’ means ‘cover’ or ‘lid’. As time went on, competition between restaurants drove the small snack to be more and more ornate, and eventually, they became a dish of their own! This interesting history makes tapas the perfect way to taste some local food. Order tapas such as padron peppers, patatas bravas, croquettes, and of course; pa amb tomate. You can find these dishes on almost any menu in Barcelona, although I would recommend Casa Almirall. This restaurant has a cool art nouveau decor accompanied by a spectacular menu. This restaurant’s menu is the best for a dinner filled with tapas along with some of the best vermouth you can find in the area.
A popular dish for brunch is pancakes: Photo by Lina Kivaka on Pexels
Time for brunch
While Barcelona is traditionally known for tapas, I was happily surprised when I found out that the city has an amazing brunch scene. When first travelling here from the United States, I have found new brunch dishes that I have never known about, one being Chakchouka. This brunch dish is a baked skillet with red peppers, tomatoes, and eggs usually served with fresh bread on the side. Barcelona is full of amazing brunch restaurants, but I would recommend Billy Brunch & Park for their impeccable service. The menu includes many of the brunch dishes I have seen across the city and all the dishes are incredibly prepared (and they have the best mimosas I have ever had).
Have a drink at one of the many bars in Barcelona: Photo by Life-Of-Pix on Pixabay
Best bars of Barcelona
Traditional Spanish drinks are sangria and cava, and these drinks can be ordered on every terrace in Barcelona. If you are looking for other drinks I recommend Paradiso. While this spot doesn’t have the transitional Barcelona drinks, it does have the feel and vibe of the big, upcoming, and bustling city. This bar has a chill yet energetic feel and it is rated as one of the top 50 bars in the world. For a guaranteed special experience, ask your waiter about the secret room. You will venture through a secret door through the bathroom into another speakeasy room with more special drinks and no phones allowed. Reservations are not allowed so I would recommend going earlier in the night so you don’t have to wait in line.
One place that Spanish Trails tour guide, Craig Markarian, highly recommends is El Bitxo. This small spot is highly recommended by Barcelona locals. There are only a few tables at this amazing restaurant as well as a few favourite tapas to taste. This small spot has the most welcoming vibes as well as service and is a must when visiting the beautiful city of Barcelona.
Check out our food and wine tours throughout the region of Catalonia. Spanish Trails will show you all the best little spots that were carefully selected by our expert guides!