Barcelona offers some of the world's best and most diverse culinary experiences. Based on reviews, interviews with chefs, and our own dining experiences, we carefully curated this list of the top restaurants across categories like tapas, Catalan cuisine, seafood, trendy hotspots, and more.
Whether you're craving a paella, a steak, or a meal with a view, our guide has got you covered with vetted recommendations on the very best Barcelona restaurants to delight your tastebuds.
Before you decide on where to eat out, you have to find a place to stay. We’ve selected the most exclusive Barcelona hotels for the perfect city trip. Read on, choose your accommodation, and then reserve your table at some of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
How We Selected Those Best Restaurants In Barcelona
Barcelona is among the world’s leading metropolises in terms of culinary experiences and gastronomic offerings. It was not easy for our team to choose from the vast offer, nevertheless, we did our best to present our curated selection.
Based on the reviews from the diners, interviews with the chefs, the Michelin guide, and our own experiences, we selected the top-rated restaurants in terms of food quality, taste, service, design, and location. The guide provides a mixed list of the best restaurants in Barcelona, including different styles, flavours and food types, so that every reader can find the perfect spot. Check our editorial policy to learn more about our process.
OUR TOP RESTAURANT PICKS
- For special occasions: Amar
- Best for friends: Gala
- For romantic dinner: Jacqueline
- Best for vegetarians/vegans: Xavier Pellicer
- Local cuisine: Fismuler
- Best paella in town: Maná 75
- For a variety of tapas: El Nacional
- Best pizza: Sartoria Panatieri
TAPAS IN BARCELONA
A tapa is as Spanish as paella and sangría. These small bites traditionally served with a small beer or a glass of wine, formerly were just a piece of potato omelette, olives, or bread with Spanish ham. Now, they evolved into colourful, elaborate masterpieces that accompany every social event in Spain.
1. Mont Bar
Recently honoured with its first Michelin star, Mont Bar isn't just another place to dine in the Catalan capital. For the uninitiated, Mont Bar redefines the gastro-bar experience. Rather than offering the ordinary and familiar, it envelops its guests in an elegant ambience. The subtle decorative details exude an air of sophistication, challenging the conventions of the typical bar.
Against this exquisite backdrop, a symphony of traditional and contemporary dishes awaits. It's not just about the taste but also a visual feast. Each dish, curated with masterful technique, is presented with such elegance that capturing it with a photograph is almost obligatory.
Their Michelin-star tasting menu offers dishes such as ‘Beetroot Flower with Caviar', the tantalising ‘Ventresca Tuna Belly with Pine Nut Emulsion', or the sublime ‘Strawberry Piquillo Pepper and Vanilla'.
Address: C/ de la Diputació, 220, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 323 95 90
2. Teatro Kitchen
The Teatro Kitchen restaurant was formerly known as the legendary ‘Tickets’ (the restaurant of Albert Adrià and the Iglesias brothers, who launched Barcelona into world fame in the food scene). Open kitchens with low bars provide a fascinating spectacle: watching 30 high-end kitchen professionals at work.
Teatro Kitchen offers a curated selection of its house-made tapas and an elaborate mix of cocktails. Choose from their menu, or try a “Surprise Selection” based on your taste preferences and selected by the chef just for you!
Address: Av. del Paral·lel, 164, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 683 69 98
3. Cruix
If you are looking for creative tapas based on seasonal cuisine and an extensive wine list, Cruix is the perfect place for you. The chef Miquel Pardo studied in the kitchens of stars like Jordi Cruz or Albert Adrià and finally decided to open his spot in Barcelona’s Eixample.
Cruix offers three tasting menus, depending on your hunger state, with a total of six, eight or twelve dishes and two desserts, including the rice-based (paella) star dish, elaborated in a traditional way: a thin base of rice covered with your favourite ingredients, and socarrat (the burnt, tasty layer in the bottom).
Address: C/ d'Entença, 57, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 525 23 18
Relevant resource: Check out our handpicked best restaurants located in Madrid.
BEST SPANISH AND CATALAN RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA
While visiting Spain it’s impossible to leave without tasting the world-famous food. Iberian ham, paella and traditional cocido are, apart from delicious, easy to find anywhere you go.
Catalonia, the north-east region of Spain, has its own culinary traditions. It has mountains and sea, so it’s easy to find good quality produce from local suppliers for every kind of dish. Don’t miss out on the famous calçots if you’re in Barcelona in winter!
4. Fismuler
Three former elBulli chefs have combined their gastronomic knowledge in their new great eating house, which offers a market cuisine with absolute respect for products sourced from small quality local suppliers. They are proud to create “dishes that require no explanation once you have read the menu”.
The famous schnitzel, razor clams and cheesecake are exquisite. And don’t forget to finish with a spectacular infused coffee. Even after you are done, there’s live music, encouraging people to have some more drinks at the bar and dance after their lunch or dinner.
Address: Carrer del Rec Comtal, 17, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 514 00 50
5. Raó
Raó – which means ‘reason’ in Catalan – is a restaurant in the heart of Barcelona that insists on modern Catalan cuisine presented in creative, locally sourced dishes. It received a Travellers’ Choice award in 2020.
The quality of the product, the preparation, and the presentation are exquisite. All tapas are worth trying, and be not afraid to taste different flavours during your visit: the paella, the Iberian pork cheek, or even a simple tortilla, all will leave a persistent memory and will make you come back for more.
Address: Carrer de les Sitges, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
Phone: +34 655 597 021
6. Teòric Taverna Gastronòmica
As they say on their website, the restaurant is called “tavern” as the atmosphere there is relaxed and pleasant, and the meals are consumed in a back laid, friendly mood. Located in the Eixample district, it’s a perfect stop during your cultural visit to Barcelona.
The degustation menu is based on a traditional Catalan cuisine concept, ‘Mar i Muntanya’ (‘Sea and Mountain’), a culinary concept based on their mix of local land-based and sea-based products. The elaborate quality of its 10- or 13-dish tasting menu is emblematic. Excellent value for money.
Address: C/ de Bailèn, 117, L'Eixample, 08009 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 000 25 52
7. Casa Amàlia
Since 1950, this rustic-style restaurant has offered traditional Catalan dishes, recently with an innovative twist, based on local ingredients. The produce comes from the local food markets, sourced carefully from the regional providers.
The menu is extensive and delicious. One part of it consists of traditional tastes (like the Granny Pepi cannelloni), while another part is formed by more innovative plates (Grilled octopus with kimchi), but still with Spanish flavours. Casa Amàlia is the type of restaurant that you will remember and recommend to your friends.
Address: Ptge. del Mercat, 14, L'Eixample, 08009 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 458 94 58
8. JOK
JOK is a modern restaurant that offers a stylish dining experience in the heart of the city. Their two objectives are “to eat well and have fun”, so they invite the diners to a spacious dining area with contemporary decor to eat, chat and have a great time.
The menu features a range of innovative Mediterranean dishes that vary depending on the season, so when you visit Barcelona in winter, don't miss their calçots!
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 275, Entresol, 08008 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 764 89 52
BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA
Spain is one of the few privileged countries that have access to the Mediterranean Sea with warm waters and the cold Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to this situation, the seafood in Spain is so varied, reasonably priced and just delicious.
9. Estimar
Estimar defines its cuisine as the pure love for raw ingredients from the Mediterranean Sea. Directed by a chef from the El Bulli school, Rafa Zafra, it has already gained two soles Repsol and a place in the Michelin Guide.
Estimar is proud of its over 120-year family tradition of seafood dishes elaboration, which started five generations ago. In the centre of this very discreet place, without pretensions, are the fresh fish and shellfish displayed in the kitchen window. They just know what and how to do, so if you’re fond of seafood, this place is not to be missed!
Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni dels Sombrerers, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 268 91 97
10. Botafumeiro
The restaurant’s very name reveals a Galician cuisine (‘Botafumeiro’), based on products sourced from the Bay of Biscay. It offers generous seafood dishes in private dining rooms. The quality of the food follows the restaurant’s great fame in the city.
Botafumeiro is locally known for having arguably ‘the best seafood soup in the world’ and is one of the most famous restaurants in Barcelona, visited by stars and celebrities from all over the world.
Address: C/ Gran de Gràcia, 81, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 218 42 30
11. Besta
Besta amalgamates the best both seas can offer: the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. It makes sense, knowing it’s directed by a duo of Catalan and Galician chefs, escaping the haute cuisine in which they once worked, yet to which they do not intend to return.
They bring seafood from Galicia and source the best Mediterranean fish they find in the nearest fish market. The name of the restaurant, ‘Besta’, means beast, drawing a connection with its origin, the Galician countryside.
Address: Carrer d'Aribau, 106, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 019 82 94
BEST RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA FOR DINNER
We know how important dinner is for the Spanish, and even more in summer. They start late, when the heat begins to lower, and take their time with the three-course menu with wine. It’s more than food, it’s a social event that lets them be surrounded by people they appreciate and slowly appreciate the tastes of their land.
12. La Dama
Located in an apartment in the main part of a beautiful modernist building, Casa Sayrach in Barcelona, on the Avenida Diagonal, is considered by some as the city’s most beautiful restaurant. Known for its superb lighting and decoration, and often described as magical, classic and modern at the same time, La Dama is the ideal place to have a romantic dinner.
It offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a French, Italian and Spanish touch. For lunch, try one of their 3-course menus, and for dinner choose a la carte. And don’t hesitate to taste the pastries, we heard that they are just spectacular!
Address: Av. Diagonal, 423, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 209 63 28
13. Inquiet
The fame of this small restaurant with a large repertoire of dishes and wines is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to word of mouth from its more-than-satisfied clients.
The menu has the hallmarks to be expected of Alejandro Goñi, an Argentine chef with more than 20 years of experience: cuisine without additives, with seasonal products as the protagonist, and Latin, Mediterranean and Asian influences.
Address: C/ d'Aragó, 209, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
Phone: +34 611 417 783
14. Amar
Located in the oldest luxury hotel in the city, The Palace Barcelona (Old ‘Ritz’), Amar restaurant is inspired by the Barcelona of the 20s, with navy-blue walls and blue velvet on the seats. The chef, Rafa Zafra (Estimar Restaurant), is known for his passion for the sea and its fruits.
Renowned local fish suppliers provide the seafood. Its dishes are defined as a casual luxury that makes the customer happy. The chef joins the traditional and elegant interiors of the hotel with sophisticated meals that he has created during his career.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668, L'Eixample, 08010 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 103 99 88
15. Rima
Stepping into Rima, you are immediately enveloped in a warm ambience that feels more like visiting the home of a close friend than a typical restaurant. Run by the welcoming trio of Karl, Soraya, and Oliver, it’s a celebration of Lebanese culinary heritage blended with the vibrant spirit of Barcelona.
Located near Plaça Espanya, Rima pays homage to the rich traditions of diverse and deep Lebanese cuisine, yet each plate carries a unique touch, infused with the passion and creativity of its creators.
From the creamy hummus, the refreshing Labneh infused with mint olive oil, and the delightful combination of roasted eggplants, garlic yoghurt sauce, and crispy pita squares, to the Halloumi Salad, each dish is a symphony of flavours and textures. And for a hearty and satisfying meal, the Moudarara, lentils cooked with rice and topped with burnt onions and Lebanese chimichurri, is a must-try.
Rima is a culinary journey that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. With its heartfelt hospitality, exceptional value, and exquisite flavours, the restaurant invites you to experience the best of Lebanese cuisine in the heart of Barcelona.
Address: C. de Vilamarí, 3, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
Phone: +34 682 776 127
TRENDY RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA
If you are looking for the most trendy restaurants in Barcelona, here you can find the ones that are now on the wave. The guests there enjoy tasty food and stylish interiors and, we are sure, that they will be considered for the next edition of the Michelin star prizes!
16. Gala
Good service and even better food made by Barcelona-native chefs are the trademarks of this fun and original restaurant. It offers a Mediterranean menu with a special section of high-quality sushi in its five large and different rooms with different environments, each a dreamlike interior terrace.
The originally designed entrance even has a merry-go-round. A perfect place to go with your friends, enjoy your meal and create great memories.
Address: C/ de Provença, 286, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 607 37 70
17. Jacqueline
At the core of Enric Granados, Jacqueline presents itself over three tiers, each providing a distinct experience. Gastronomy enthusiasts will find sophisticated dining spots, music aficionados will enjoy live performances and cocktail enthusiasts, an unmatched bar experience.
A renowned design atelier designed stylish interiors with art nouveau elements in its Catalan introduction. Its imposing entrance showcases a contemporary wood and glass design, and the winding staircases and bars are adorned with palm-esque structures – it's a homage to the opulence of the 20th century.
With a global menu, the chef introduces plates that dance on the palate. Jacqueline ensures a gastronomic adventure that's hard to forget, be it the oysters, caviar, or seared scallops. The etiquette at Jacqueline is chic, with casual sportswear reserved for other venues. For those keen on their weekly happenings, the website details a list of live performances at ‘The Dinner Club' and ‘El Comedor' festivities.
Address: C. d'Enric Granados, 66, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 046 75 11
18. Xavier Pellicer
Healthy cooking based on local eco products is a mantra of the World’s Best Veggie Restaurant in 2018, granted by the ‘We’re Smart Green Guide’, the world guide to green restaurants. It has also obtained two soles Repsol.
The renowned chef Xavier Pellicer proves that it is possible to eat healthily without giving up the pleasure of flavour. The vegetarian menu includes one appetizer, seven main courses, and one dessert. It’s described as spectacular in every way: the presentation, the textures, the freshness of the vegetables and the careful mix of flavours.
Address: C/ de Provença, 310, L'Eixample, 08037 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 525 90 02
19. El Nacional
The very name of this large venue with high ceilings indicates what it is all about: Spanish grilled meats, Spanish fish and seafood and of course, exquisite Spanish tapas.
It’s divided into four independent gastronomic spaces with different prices and four specialized bars, all of them integrated into the single space of an old market. The mirrors in the bathroom are famous for their ornamentation and history.
Address: Pg. de Gràcia, 24 Bis, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 518 50 53
20. Salvaje
Salvaje is a trendy place in the Catalan capital, which fuses Japanese and Mediterranean food and boasts unique signature cocktails. It’s ideal for lovers of haute cuisine.
The decor lives up to the restaurant’s name (‘Savage’). To dine here is a wholesome experience because Salvaje surrounds you in its world, both in terms of atmosphere and food. Live performances are the icing on the cake.
Address: C. d'Enric Granados, 86, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 237 69 53
21. La Balabusta
Ronit Stern, the chef of Israeli origin of this Michelin Guide restaurant, enjoys creating Middle Eastern fusion cuisine dishes that combine Sephardic and North African flavours with local Mediterranean ones.
The name of the restaurant is a word that evokes in Hebrew the figure of the Jewish ‘mamma’, and indeed, La Balabusta is a kept promise of homely food made by a caring mother. Its gastronomy is focused on seasonality, proximity, vegetables, animal welfare and crops without pesticides.
The interior is laid out as if you were inside a kitchen, and you can enjoy the smells, see the preparations and feel the hustle and bustle of the place. A true explosion of the senses.
Address: C/ del Rosselló, 180, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
Phone: +34 648 124 179
PAELLA RESTAURANTS BARCELONA
When you hear ‘restaurante de arroces’ (rice restaurant) in Spain, you know this describes a specialized venue for Spanish paella-type rice dishes. With seafood, meat, mixed or vegetables, all of them are special and always a good fit for lunch!
22. Maná 75
Maná 75 is one of the best paella spots in Barcelona, located on the wonderful beach of Barceloneta, just perfect to eat and enjoy the views.
The connoisseurs know the most important ingredient for an exquisite paella is the stock. The perfect paella is cooked at just 75 °C – thus the restaurant’s name. Its large bar with 19 stoves is the largest paella-rice cooking show in Europe.
Address: Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 101, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 832 64 15
23. Can Solé
The cosy story of Can Solé started in 1903, by providing lunch to the fishermen of the port of Barceloneta. Today it’s an emblematic rice restaurant on the Barceloneta beach promenade, famous for making some of the best rice dishes in in town.
Secondary dishes, such as baby squid and tomato bread, are exquisitely prepared and have an excellent flavour. It is owned by Josep Maria García, the holder of the National Gastronomy Award. It has loyal customers, from families to famous Barcelona citizens.
Address: C. de Sant Carles, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 221 50 12
24. Maris&CO
This family-owned restaurant serves (probably) the best seafood and paella near the Sagrada Familia. The products come directly from the fish market and, we assure you, they know how to prepare them!
The paella is divine, and don't worry if you are going to eat on your own – they also serve paella for one, which is very unusual in most restaurants. So, while planning your tourist visits across Barcelona, don't forget to include Maris&CO on your route.
Address: C/ de Sardenya, 207, L'Eixample, 08013 Barcelona
Phone: +34 695 920 712
25. 7 Portes
We are contemplating one of the most emblematic and historic restaurants in Barcelona, which was founded back in 1836 by the then-famous Catalan merchant Josep Cuyás. Nowadays, it’s a real temple of rice dishes, with traditional Catalan cuisine as a co-protagonist.
Its classic decor gives you an idea of what restaurants were like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Great value for the price.
Address: Pg. d'Isabel II, 14, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 319 30 33
STEAKHOUSE RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA
We also have something for meat lovers: the best steakhouses in the city. We know how important it is to have your steak just as you love it: and those spots know exactly how to make you happy!
26. MR PORTER
A high-end restaurant and lounge placed in the renovated Sir Victor hotel, MR PORTER is a modern steakhouse with Amsterdam origins that lives up to its slogan: ‘Exploring the borders between dinner and sinner’.
MR PORTER completely transforms the traditional brasserie, raising it to a new level of elegance and style. The absolute star of its varied grilled meat offer is the exquisite Japanese wagyu, cut to a full 1,100 grams.
The tables are spacious and there are areas surrounded by comfortable leather sofas.
Address: C/ del Rosselló, 265, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 271 12 45
27. Solomillo
The Solomillo restaurant, a true meat lover’s paradise, offers selected high-quality meats available by weight that you personalize to taste with different sauces and delicious accompaniments.
We recommend a generous sirloin steak (‘Solomillo’ – the very restaurant’s name) or an amazing beef Stroganoff. All of that is paired with excellent accompaniments and rich starters.
Located on the terrace of the central Alexandra Hotel, this restaurant is not to be confused with the delicatessen of the same name on the ground floor next to the hotel.
Address: C/ de Mallorca, 251, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 467 77 55
ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA
We know that Spanish cuisine has to be tasted in Barcelona, but a good pizza during a long tourist visit day or shopping is always a good option. That’s why we also selected the best pizzerias in Barcelona, and believe us, they’re really worth a try!
28. Spaccanapoli
If you want to taste true Neapolitan gastronomy in Barcelona, Spaccanapoli is probably the best place to do it. It offers one of the best pizzas in the Catalan capital and an exclusive and varied menu of delicious Neapolitan dishes crafted by a true Neapolitan chef.
A traditional kitchen that widely respects the techniques of the Naples of yesteryear. Their tiramisu is out of this world. This exquisite Neapolitan restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from the famous Arc de Triomf.
Address: Carrer del Rec Comtal, 6, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 268 99 38
29. Sartoria Panatieri
A sustainable kitchen based on locally sourced produce respecting its seasonality is the essence of this artisanal pizzeria and delicatessen, one of the 50 best World Pizza restaurants (as rated by the Top 50 Pizza Guide).
Everything revolves around Sartoria Panatieri’s motto: ‘From farm to pizza’. The care for local products and the commitment to their quality as the main protagonist is evident, from the starters to the main pizza dishes.
Their tasty homemade tomato sauce, an often ignored key ingredient, gives personality to the pizzas prepared and cooked in a wood oven.
Address: C/ de Provença, 330, L'Eixample, 08037 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 105 57 95
30. GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA IN BARCELONA Grosso Napoletano (Senza Glutine)
One of the best artisanal pizzeria chains in the world, Grosso Napoletano, offers authentic Neapolitan pizza with thick edges and very thin dough, with ingredients brought from Naples and made in two stone and wood ovens whose fires don’t stop burning.
The original twist of its restaurant placed in Carrer de Valencia is that its pizzas are completely gluten-free. The chain also has another pizzeria in Barcelona located on Avenida Diagonal that serves pizzas with traditional dough.
Its design is inspired by the industrial aesthetics of New York, with a Neapolitan touch. The pizzas are big, so when you go there, make sure you get hungry. The pure Neapolitan ‘essenza’ (essence).
Address: C/ de València, 234, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 179 03 78
The Bottom Line
We hope you've now decided on the right restaurant for your next Barcelona dining adventure. However, if you have any other restaurant suggestions or want to include your restaurant in this list, contact our editorial team.
Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Editorial Team
