From Cafés to Restaurants: The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Barcelona

Although it’s not the capital of Spain, Barcelona is one of the country’s best cities, with so much to do, see and, particularly, eat. With thousands of cafes and restaurants, you’re spoiled for choice in this great city. But if you’re only going for a few days, it can be impossible to visit every place recommended online. This is where planning and choosing the right spots before you go to Barcelona becomes essential. It means you can try the different cuisines and coffee that Barcelona has to offer while still making the most of your time in the city. After all, one of the best ways to get to know somewhere is through your taste buds.

So, if you’re going to Barcelona soon and want to see, eat and taste all that this magnificent city has to offer between visiting the Sagrada Familia and the Gaudí museum, here are some of the top restaurants, cafes and dining spots in Barcelona, what to order and what makes each one special.

Cafes and Bakeries

Starting with morning coffees and afternoon pastries, Barcelona is well known for its cafe culture, with plenty of bakeries and coffee shops spread across the city. With so many to choose from and a finite amount of coffee that one person can drink in a day, it’s hard to narrow it down to only a few places. So, we decided to help you. Here are a few of our favourites:

Origo Bakery – Born in 2018, Origo Bakery aims to provide healthy food while respecting the environment. With an abundance of artisan pastries and breads that pair perfectly with specialty coffee, this cafe is a must-visit, especially if you want to support local suppliers and care about the environment. Some of the standouts include their signature cinnamon twist and ham and cheese napolitana.

Nomad Coffee Bar – One of the trendier places on this list is Nomad Coffee Bar, which is perfect for coffee connoisseurs looking for a specialty coffee house. With different coffee varieties and roasts, it’s an excellent place for a morning coffee. If you’re unsure about which roast to choose, the knowledgeable baristas can help you out. If you’re looking for specialty coffee and aesthetics in one place, Nomad Coffee is well worth adding to your Barcelona food itinerary.

Funky Bakers – Their original shop is based in the heart of Barcelona, and Funky Bakers offers a huge selection of unique bakes, including babkas and melt-in-your-mouth Basque cheesecakes. Known for its cheesecake, this funky little bakery tucked down a side street is a must-go if you’re in the area and love a good slice of cake.

Restaurants

Bar Canete – A small tapas restaurant near the Gothic Quarter, this lively spot is a great place to try local delicacies in a truly Spanish setting. The highlights include the squid sandwich and lobster croquettes. If you want to understand Barcelona’s tapas culture before deciding where to eat, our complete guide to tapas in Barcelona is worth reading before your trip.

Disfrutar – For those looking for a fine dining experience, Disfrutar is one of Barcelona’s standout restaurants and has earned three Michelin stars. The restaurant offers an adventurous take on Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired cuisine through a creative tasting-menu experience. If you’re planning a special night out, check the official Disfrutar website for the latest menu, pricing and reservation information before you go.

So if you’re off to Barcelona soon. Once you get out of your airport Mens Tracksuit and head to one of these locations, eat and drink your way around Barcelona.

What Should You Eat in Barcelona?

One of the biggest mistakes I see travelers make is focusing only on famous restaurants. Barcelona is about the food culture as much as individual restaurants, so leave some room in your itinerary for smaller cafés, neighborhood bars, bakeries, and markets.

For a first visit, I would make time for classics such as patatas bravas, pan con tomate, croquetas, tortilla española, jamón, and seafood. You should also try Catalan specialties such as escalivada, esqueixada, and botifarra if you find them on a menu.

And do not forget dessert. A fresh pastry with coffee in the afternoon can be the perfect break after several hours of sightseeing. Barcelona is the sort of city where eating does not have to be a separate activity from exploring. Sometimes the best meals happen when you simply stop somewhere that looks inviting.

Make Time for Food on Your Barcelona Trip

Barcelona is the kind of city where it’s easy to fill every hour with sightseeing. But I’ve found that some of the best memories can come from slowing down for a coffee, sitting down for tapas or finding a small bakery while walking through the city. Don’t make the mistake of planning every attraction and leaving food as an afterthought.

If you’re off to Barcelona soon, plan a few food stops around your sightseeing rather than trying to squeeze everything in at the end of the day. And if you still need to sort out where to stay, our guide to unique places to stay in Barcelona can help you choose an area that puts you close to the restaurants, cafes and attractions you want to experience.

So, once you get out of your airport and head into the city, eat and drink your way around Barcelona. From an early morning coffee and pastry to an evening of tapas or an unforgettable fine-dining experience, Barcelona gives you plenty of reasons to explore the city one bite at a time.

Planning your Barcelona trip? Save this guide before you go so you can keep these cafes, bakeries and restaurants handy while exploring the city.