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7 Essential Barcelona Restaurants to Try on Your Next Trip to Spain

Barcelona Restaurants + Bars
by Matador Creators Mar 10, 2023

When it comes to food Italy and France tend to hog the spotlight, but Spain deserves serious accolades for its culinary scene – and Barcelona in particular. The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is famous for Mediterranean-inspired dishes that incorporate seafood and salty meats. This city does not fly under the radar when it comes to gastronomy either: 30 Barcelona restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars.

If you’re visiting Barcelona, you will probably want to try paella and jamon Iberico, and experience the city’s legendary tapas bars. With its cathedrals, passionate football culture, and iconic architecture, there’s so much to explore in Barcelona. Even the parks in Barcelona are some of the best in Spain. But tasting as much delicious Catalonian food should be at the top of your list. Here are the essential Barcelona restaurants to try on your next trip.

Disfrutar

Mediterranean seafood focused Disfrutar has two Michelin stars. The restaurant is known for its playful and inventive way of transforming food – experimenting with shape and texture in each of its dishes. There are two tasting menus: Classic, comprised of the restaurant’s signature dishes, and festival, which highlights seasonal ingredients.

Disfrutar: Villarroel 163, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
Price: $$$$

Con Gracia

At Con Gracia, the Mediterranean fare typical of Barcelona gets an Asian twist. The winter tasting menu included a salmon roll and suckling pig as mains. However, there is also a mystery tasting menu which surprises guests with a chef’s choice of dishes.

Con Gracia: C. de Martínez de la Rosa, 8, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
Price: $$$

Lasarte

One of Barcelona’s three Michelin star restaurants is Lasarte. The most coveted seats in the restaurant are in the loft-like space called the Chef’s Table, which overlooks the kitchen, allowing guests to witness the preparation and plating process. Inspired by the cuisine of the Basque region, the restaurant highlights ingredients like wagyu, eel, caviar, adn black truffle.

Lasarte: C/ de Mallorca, 259, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Price: $$$$

La Forquilla

With minimal seating – there are around six tables total in the dining room – this restaurant is all about personal attention. Chef and owner Vidal Gravalosa is the restaurant’s central employee. He doesn’t just cook the food, he brings it to your table, explains each dish in detail, and rings you up at the end of the night. He’s even the sommelier. The eight course tasting menu includes several desserts.

La Forquilla: C/ d’Aragó, 152, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Price: $$$$

Bar Cañete

Always crowded, Bar Cañete is the best place to eat tapas in Barcelona. The energetic restaurant is best enjoyed with a group of friends – you won’t find a subdued fine dining atmosphere here, but rather lively conversation and a long wine list. Bar Cañete is known for the freshness of its ingredients. Guests can enjoy Iberian pork, oysters, scallops, and squid here.

Bar Cañete: Carrer de la Unió, 17, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Price: $$$

Besta

Influenced by the cuisines of ​​the Galicia and Catalunya regions of Spain, Besta’s menu focuses on seasonal produce and fresh seafood. Because the restaurant is so reliant on fresh, in-season food, the menu changes constantly. Shrimp and calamari have both appeared on the menu in the past, and even the gin has an ocean-theme: it’s distilled with algae and oysters.

Besta: C/ d’Aribau, 106, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Price: $$

Berbena

Though Berbena enjoys Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin guide, this restaurant doesn’t have a stuffy or pretentious atmosphere. The menu focuses on Asia and South America flavors. Loaves of bread are freshly baked every day, and most of the produce that comes through the kitchen is organic. Not well known among tourists, come here if you want to mingle with Barcelona locals.

Berbena: Carrer de Minerva, 6, 08006 Barcelona, Spain
Price: $$

Where to stay in Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia from above

Photo: Vunav/Shutterstock

Barcelona is the ideal place to spend your days exploring museums and galleries and relaxing at a cafe sipping a glass of Spanish wine. At the end of the day, one of these highly rated Barcelona Airbnbs will be a comfortable place to unwind. For even more options for where to stay in the city, check out these Barcelona hotels.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Penthouse in Ramblas

spacious patio area of the amazing penthouse airbnb in las ramblas

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This penthouse in the Ramblas neighborhood is located near both the Plaza Universidad and the Contemporary Art Museum. What makes it stand out is the expansive terrace, with its dining table, lounge area, and lush green plants. The perfect place to hang out with friends in the summer, the penthouse sleeps five people.

Price: $367 per night

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Cozy apartment in Ciutat Vella

living room of the stylish apartment in the ciutat vella district

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Great for a long term stay in Barcelona, this apartment is close to the city’s public transportation system. The minimalist design and cozy living room allow guests to enjoy the simple life. Outfitted with all the amenities guests will need for a long vacation, business trip, or study abroad program, this one bedroom flat is best suited for a solo traveler or a couple.

Price: $46 per night

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Colorful flat in Eixample Derecha

living room of the vintage concept flat in eixample derecha

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Colorful decor and art hanging all over the walls gives this apartment a cheerful atmosphere. The expansive living room and large kitchen give guests plenty of space to host friends and cook lavish meals. Though there is just one bedroom, the apartment technically sleeps five people – if they don’t mind sleeping in communal spaces. Located in the Eixample Derecha, it’s actually just a short walk from two of Barcelona’s most exciting neighborhoods – Passeig de Gracia and Sagrada Famila – which are known for shopping and restaurants.

Price: $178 per night

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