Barcelona Food Tour: A Primer on Catalan Cuisine and Retreats

With its world-class spin on age-old recipes, Barcelona proves that innovation is the new tradition. Find out what to eat, where to eat it, and where to stay for the perfect food trip!

Spain by the Spoon

If there’s one place in Spain where a food tour can lead to a love affair with the Catalonian palate, it’s Barcelona. This city is a culinary playground, where each bite becomes a gateway to a gastronomic journey that lingers in memory long after the first visit. 

Of course, we wouldn’t just say that about any city! Barcelona alone holds the most number of Michelin stars in all of Spain, and there’s no better testament to the region’s incredible food scene.

We’ve always known that the heart of Catalonia is a center of art and architecture, but in this guide, we’ll treat it like a foodie mecca. With their traditional yet inventive dishes, you’ll want to prime your taste buds and your culinary knowledge. Here’s everything you need to know to set out on the most memorable food tour in Barcelona.

What to Eat: Barcelona Cuisine

Before we hop into where to eat, you first have to know what to eat. Here are some of the different dishes you must absolutely try to develop a palate for amazing Catalonian Cuisine.

PA AMB TOMAQUET

This is the quintessential Catalan dish that graces every local meal. Crispy bread is slathered with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with aromatic olive oil, and sprinkled with sea salt — a simple, yet satisfying starter.

BOMBAS

Perfectly named, these potato “bombs” explode with flavor. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft within, filled with spiced minced meat, and served with bravas and alioli sauces.

ESQUEIXADA

This refreshing salad showcases the beautiful simplicity of Catalan cuisine. Made with shredded salted cod, ripe tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, it’s a burst of freshness in every bite.

TURRÓN or TORRONE

These nougat candies range from hard almond varieties to soft, chocolate-covered ones. Though it is typically enjoyed during Christmas, you can still get a taste of Catalan holiday traditions at any time of the year.

CANELONS

Traditionally served on Boxing Day, these pasta rolls are filled with the previous day’s roast leftovers and baked in a béchamel sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest and is guaranteed to be a hit among young children.

CALÇOTS WITH ROMESCO SAUCE

If you’re planning to have your Barcelona food tour around winter, then you’re in for a treat — literally! This dish features sweet green onions barbecued to charred perfection, then slathered in nutty romesco sauce. It’s an unforgettable, messy feast, traditionally and better enjoyed outdoors.

FIDEUÀ

Paella’s less famous but equally delicious cousin, Fideuà features vermicelli noodles cooked in a rich seafood broth. Often topped with aioli, it’s a hearty coastal treat that will make you feel right at home.

CREMA CATALANA

This delightful dessert is often compared to crème brûlée, but it has its own unique twist. Infused with citrus peel and cinnamon, it offers a sweet finish to the milk center and is great for topping off a savory meal.

Where to Eat: Barcelona’s Top Restaurants

Now that you’ve been acquainted with the culinary highlights, it’s time to gear up for a full-on Barcelona food tour. Here are the top five restaurants that have made their mark in the city’s gastronomic scene:

MONT BAR

Carrer de la Diputació, 220, 08011 | +34 933 23 95 90

Once a rowdy space, now a Michelin-starred standout, Mont Bar is renowned for its contributions to Barcelona’s gastro-tapas-bar movement. The tasting menu consists of 15 seasonal dishes, but à la carte options are available, featuring delights like the chicken skin and squid canapé and the oyster with truffle and pancetta. Mont Bar has successfully transitioned into a smarter version of its old self, maintaining the charm of a tapas bar that we know and love.

ALAPAR

Carrer de Lleida, 5, 08004 | +34 938 87 20 96

Hidden away in a quiet street, Alapar is a Mediterranean-Japanese Izakaya, serving dishes that blend both cultures. It’s almost always fully booked, so plan ahead. Try the ‘montadito’ of squid tartare and Iberian pancetta, the gyoza with Catalan butifarra sausage and fava beans, and the ‘suquet’ of red mullet and foie gras. This small, unassuming space belies its fusion of flavors.

ENOTECA PACO PÉREZ

Carrer de la Marina, 19, 21, 08005 | +34 932 21 10 00

Enoteca Paco Pérez boasts two Michelin stars and one of the most extensive wine collections in Barcelona. The menu centers on Mediterranean cuisine with creative twists, guaranteeing a true gourmet experience that elevates fresh seafood as well as delectable desserts. The space itself exudes understated elegance, making for a sophisticated dining environment.

DIREKTE BOQUERIA

Mercat de la Boqueria, Carrer de les Cabres, 13, 08001 | +34 931 14 69 39

A former market food stall turned gastronomic marvel, Direkte Boqueria is a must-visit destination in Barcelona. With only two tasting menus on offer, booking a seat here is competitive. Chef Arnau Muñío, named Chef of the Year 2018, delights with his Catalan-Asian fusion creations like the oyster gyoza dumpling with ‘capipota’ sauce and the irresistibly gooey matcha cheesecake.

CA L’ESTEVET

Carrer de Valldonzella, 46, 08001 | +34 933 01 29 39

Established in the 19th century, Ca L’Estevet was once a popular haunt for Barcelona’s artists & historical icons. The decor maintains a bohemian charm, featuring dark wood, white tablecloths, and walls adorned with old portraits. Serving honest, delicious Catalan dishes like cod fritters and meatballs with cuttlefish and prawns, it continues to be a local favorite. Enjoy these classic recipes with a refreshing beer for an authentic taste of Barcelona’s culinary past.

Where to Find the Best Accommodations For Your Barcelona Food Tour

Finding the perfect home base during your Barcelona food tour is essential. Here are five districts conveniently located near our top restaurant picks, and each is bursting with charm and activities that go beyond the dining table.

• EIXAMPLE: This neighborhood is a gem, best known for its modernist architecture, including Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Eixample serves as a bustling hub of cafés, boutiques, and some of the best wine bars in Barcelona, such as Monvinic. We recommend stopping by La Gastronómica Platillos and La Gambeta for seafood, Spanish, and Mediterranean bites, or  Cremat Lounge for amazing brunches and dinners with live music.

• POBLE-SEC: A lively and authentic neighborhood located at the foot of Montjuic, Poble-sec is bursting with theaters, tapas bars, and green spaces. It’s also home to popular attractions like the Magic Fountain. Cap off a colorful evening with a dinner at Mano Rota, Xemei, Malamén, or La Platilleria.

• EL RAVAL: The multicultural and dynamic El Raval houses the Sant Antoni Market, just a few steps away from La Taverna del Clínic, a contemporary restaurant with a refined atmosphere. Elevate your Barcelona food tour with a visit to El Raval’s many unique shops, creative street art, and hip cafés.

• BARRI GÒTIC: Historically enchanting, the Gothic Quarter is not just home to Can Solé, but also to iconic landmarks such as the Barcelona Cathedral and the Picasso Museum. The area’s narrow medieval streets are perfect for strolling and discovering quaint boutiques, cozy cafes, and bookstores. While here, you can score the best Catalan tapas at Arcano, inventive, Michelin-rated dishes at Caelis, or rich wines at La Plata.

• SARRIÀ-SANT GERVASI: Sarria-Sant Gervasi is a quieter, upscale district where the contemporary Catalan eatery Hisop resides. It’s a wonderful place to experience a more relaxed pace of life, with parks such as the beautiful Turo Park, specialty food shops, and chic boutiques. Don’t miss the Bar Brutal for a diverse selection of Barcelona wine.

Relish the Barcelona Food Scene With Rent By Owner

The Catalonia food scene is a gastronomic treasure trove waiting to be explored — and at its heart rests an endless array of fares to satisfy every palate and craving. As you embark on your Barcelona food tour, remember to keep an open mind, experiment, and tip well. 

Of course, a great trip requires careful planning. With Rent By Owner, you’ll not only find informative and inspiring travel guides, but also thousands of vacation rental listings in Barcelona and anywhere in the world. Turn your travel goals into reality — all in one place — with Rent By Owner!

TLDR

Explore Barcelona’s culinary scene with this guide, which highlights dishes like Pa amb Tomaquet, Bombas, Esqueixada, and more. Visit top restaurants like Mont Bar, Alapar, Enoteca Paco Pérez, Direkte Boqueria, and Ca L’Estevet for a genuine taste of Catalan cuisine. Stay in vibrant neighborhoods such as Eixample, Poble-Sec, El Raval, Barri Gòtic, and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, all within proximity of these dining spots and filled with cultural attractions. Plan your gastronomic adventure with Rent By Owner and find global vacation rentals as well as comprehensive travel guides.

Feature Image Photo Credit: CHUTTERSNAP