So you’ve just landed in Barcelona. You’re sleep-deprived, your internal clock’s doing somersaults and all you can think about is food. Good news: this city doesn’t mess around when it comes to eating well. Instead of defaulting to the usual comfort food from back home — yes, I’m talking about that tempting McSomething — eat what locals actually eat.
Discover the city’s best restaurants
Looking for a place to make your first Barcelona meal count? These restaurants blend local flavor with a touch of luxury, perfect for resetting after a long flight. Barcelona boasts restaurants that blend Catalan traditions with culinary innovation.
Mercer Restaurant
Tucked away in the charming Gothic Quarter, Mercer Restaurant offers a stylish setting paired with locally inspired Mediterranean cuisine, ideal for a memorable dining experience. It’s known for offering one of the most romantic dining experiences in Barcelona, with an elegant setting and a refined menu crafted by Chef Xavier Lahuerta. The dishes blend local, seasonal ingredients with French influences and modern culinary techniques, resulting in high-quality Mediterranean cuisine that respects tradition.
For small events and occasions, the restaurant also features a private dining room inside one of the ancient Roman defense towers of Barcino. With preserved 12th-century frescoes on the walls, it’s a historic space that adds something deeply personal and unique to the experience.
Caelis
Michelin-starred Caelis, led by renowned chef Romain Fornell, presents contemporary dishes influenced by French and Catalan flavors, perfect for travelers seeking refined dining. Fornell is known for his bold yet balanced approach to modern cuisine, blending tradition with innovation in every dish. Caelis offers multiple tasting menus, including a vegetarian option and a weekday lunch menu that rotates weekly.
Guests can dine in the main room, which fits up to 55 people, or at a sleek horseshoe-shaped bar that wraps around the open kitchen — an ideal spot to watch the chefs in action. The restaurant also has a private dining space, Caelis Privé, for special events, tucked below the main floor of Hotel Ohla Barcelona. Since opening in 2004, Caelis has kept its Michelin star and continues to evolve with a modern Mediterranean focus.
Oria
Oria, another Michelin-starred favorite, is located within the luxurious Monument Hotel and presents a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine with a strong Basque influence. Created by celebrated chef Martín Berasategui and head chef Xabier Goikoetchea, the dishes reflect a blend of Basque tradition and Mediterranean flair.
Oria offers two tasting menus — the Tradition Menu and the Itsasmendi Menu, plus an à la carte selection. The Tradition Menu celebrates classic Basque flavors and honors the chefs’ roots, while the Itsasmendi Menu, which means “sea and mountain” in Basque, highlights local ingredients from land and sea. For a shorter experience, the Oria Formula lunch menu is available on Thursdays and Fridays.
Local cafés and bakeries
Jet lag or not, mornings in Barcelona come with a whiff of chocolate and the hum of a café. Step inside and you’ll find locals chatting over coffee or dipping pastries into thick hot chocolate.
Granja Viader
Granja Viader has been serving Barcelonans since 1870 and gained fame for inventing Cacaolat, Spain’s beloved bottled chocolate milk, in 1933. This historic café is also known for its rich, velvety hot chocolate served with melindros, soft sponge biscuits perfect for dipping. The space feels timeless, filled with marble-topped tables, wooden counters and the quiet buzz of locals enjoying breakfast before work.
Baluard Barceloneta
Forn Baluard in Barceloneta is one of the city’s most beloved artisan bakeries, known for its crusty, stone-baked loaves and commitment to traditional methods. Their signature sourdough is the base for pan con tomate, a Catalan breakfast staple made with ripe tomatoes, olive oil and a touch of sea salt. Grab it with a café con leche and you’ve got the kind of simple, satisfying breakfast that fuels locals and travelers alike.
Pastelería Escribà
Pastelería Escribà is a historic bakery that blends sweet tradition with theatrical flair. Founded in 1906 and still run by the Escribà family, this spot is known for its imaginative pastry creations and beautifully decorated cakes. But even if you’re not in the mood for something extravagant, their ensaimadas, soft, coiled pastries with a dusting of sugar, and crispy churros dipped in thick chocolate are the kind of comfort food that hits just right after a long flight.
Visit a local market
Markets in Barcelona are more than places to shop; they’re a way to plug into everyday life. You’ll hear the chatter, see locals picking out produce and maybe even sample a few bites right from the stall. These spots offer a colorful, delicious crash course in Catalan food culture.
La Boqueria Market
Located just off bustling La Rambla, La Boqueria Market blends tourist-friendly charm with authentic local tastes. Fresh fruit juices, cones of jamón ibérico and grilled squid tapas make delightful snacks as you explore this vibrant market that dates back to the 13th century.
The market prides itself on offering high-quality food and fresh produce from all over the world. Traders here are known for their expertise and will gladly help you find exactly what you need — or source it for you if they don’t have it. La Boqueria has become more than a market; it’s a symbol of Barcelona, drawing both locals and visitors into its lively, flavorful world every day.
Mercat de Santa Caterina
From the steps of Barcelona Cathedral, the wave-shaped, colorful roof of Mercat de Santa Caterina catches the eye and draws visitors like bees to a flower. What lies beneath is a working food market with a rich history and a modern twist. Built in 1845 to serve the working-class community, it remains a neighborhood favorite today.
The current building, redesigned in 2005 by architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, features a bold ceramic mosaic roof meant to be seen from above, with each tile representing fruit and vegetables in vivid colors. Inside, the spacious halls house food stalls and restaurants that showcase the market’s ongoing dedication to high-quality produce and culinary heritage.
Mercat de Sant Antoni
Mercat de Sant Antoni, located in the Eixample Esquerra neighborhood, is a local favorite with something happening nearly every day of the week. Weekdays bring stalls selling clothes, shoes and household goods on the outer ring, while inside you’ll find colorful displays of fresh vegetables, meats and fish.
On Sundays, the market transforms into a collector’s paradise, with secondhand books, stamps, comics and vintage finds filling the outdoor space. It’s as much a part of the neighborhood’s identity as the people who shop there.
Pro tip: Head into neighborhoods like Gràcia, Poble-sec and El Born. Asking locals for dining suggestions often leads to memorable meals.
Savor authentic paella
Paella in Barcelona is a dish served steaming hot, meant to be shared and savored over good conversation. If you’re going to eat one big meal in the city, make it this one. Locals take their midday meals seriously, and these places deliver authenticity and flavor.
Can Ros
Located in seaside Barceloneta and family-run since 1908, Can Ros delivers a wide range of rice dishes that reflect both sea and mountain flavors. The proximity to the local fish market means the seafood — like tuna tartare or the wild fish casserole with potatoes and prawns — is as fresh as it gets.
But the menu doesn’t stop there. From pork panceta with calamari and white beans to rice with cap-i-pota and langostines, Can Ros offers bold combinations that capture the essence of coastal and inland Catalonia. Don’t skip the arroz seco de gambas; this crispy, dry-style paella is a house favorite and definitely worth the hype, especially when paired with traditional small bites like spicy potatoes or fried fish.
Mana 75
Located near the waterfront, Mana 75 adds a fun, modern twist to the traditional paella experience. The space is open, bright and stylish, inspired by Feng Shui and Mediterranean warmth. Diners sit around large round tables while watching live cooking action in the open kitchen, where giant paella pans bubble away with rich, savory aromas.
It might not serve the city’s most traditional paella, but it’s definitely one of the most entertaining meals you’ll have in Barcelona. Huge windows bring in natural light, and there’s a tranquil garden and terrace for a relaxed vibe. After your meal, take a leisurely walk by the sea. It’s the kind of peaceful stroll that makes a good meal feel even better.
Tapas and pintxos exploration
Small bites offer big flavors and a fun way to explore Barcelona’s diverse food culture. Nearly every restaurant in the more touristy parts of the city offers some version of tapas. These are often advertised with a picture-heavy menu displayed by the door, a sign that you’re in a spot designed for visitors. For a more authentic experience, try wandering a few blocks away and finding a bar where the menu is written in chalk and the locals are lingering over their wine.
La Cova Fumada
La Cova Fumada has no signage, but locals know it well. This tucked-away favorite in Barceloneta is beloved for its authentic tapas and easygoing vibe. Customers rave about the bombas, baby clams, sardines, grilled artichokes and salted cod. Everything is prepared with a home-cooked touch, and the chalkboard menu changes based on what’s freshest that day. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick bite or stay a while, soaking in the friendly vibe and classic flavors that keep people coming back.
El Pintxo de Petritxol
El Pintxo de Petritxol is one of those hidden-away spots that rewards those who seek it out. Tucked into a corner of the Gothic Quarter, it serves up authentic pintxos or the bite-sized snacks more commonly found in the Basque region. It may take a bit of effort to find, but it’s well worth it for an experience that feels far from the usual tourist track.
Enjoy cava and sangria
As the sun sets, Barcelona loosens up with glasses of cava and pitchers of sangria. These drinks are less about the alcohol and more about the mood — sparkling, social and distinctly Mediterranean. Don’t be surprised if one drink turns into two in these locations, and the evening may turn into a story worth retelling.
Tapeo del Born
Tapeo del Born is a cozy and stylish spot tucked in the El Born neighborhood, known for its elevated take on traditional tapas. The menu features bold, flavorful dishes like grilled octopus, slow-cooked pork ribs and artichokes with ham, all crafted with a modern touch. It’s a favorite among locals and savvy visitors alike for its intimate setting, open kitchen and friendly service. While it’s not the cheapest in town, the quality of ingredients and creative execution make it a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to explore the next level of Barcelona tapas.
Tapeo is all about honest, quality market cuisine. With a menu created by chef Daniel Rueda, the focus is on imaginative tapas made with top-notch ingredients that really deliver. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with cava and sangria flowing alongside shareable plates that are as flavorful as they are memorable.
La Plata
La Plata keeps it simple and authentic, serving just four tapas since 1945, including fried anchovies and sausage. Time Out, ABC and Diario Qué have all named it the best tapas bar in Barcelona. Taste Atlas ranked it as the best traditional restaurant in the city, fourth in Spain, and second in the world for fried anchovies. Even The Guardian has praised it as the best tiny bar in Europe, especially for its seafood.
Here, cava and sangria are poured generously alongside each dish, adding to the laid-back, social vibe. Glasses clink between bites, and it’s not unusual to strike up a conversation with a stranger at the next table. The casual energy makes it feel more like a neighborhood hangout than a restaurant, one where the drinks flow easily and the stories last longer than the meal.
Dine like a local
One of the best ways to truly dine like a local is by taking a guided food tour — something like The Tour Guy offers. These tours help visitors navigate the maze of food options with insider knowledge and authentic stops that might otherwise go unnoticed. You’ll get more than just a meal; you’ll gain context, stories and a taste of what makes Barcelona’s food culture so compelling.
Equally rewarding is seeking out small, independently owned restaurants like Bistro Mistral. Tucked away from the main tourist zones, this charming spot focuses on seasonal ingredients, honest cooking and warm hospitality. It’s the kind of place where the menu reflects what’s fresh that week, the wine is local and unpretentious and every dish feels connected to daily life in Barcelona.
From airport haze to culinary craze
For Americans arriving jet lagged and craving comfort, the city answers with warm bread, sizzling seafood and the kind of food that’s best shared around a small table. It’s a place where even a quick bite can turn into a memory, and every flavor tells a story. Skip the fast food and lean into the local rhythm, because Barcelona’s way of eating might just be the best welcome you didn’t know you needed.
Jennifer Allen, retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and writer, shares her adventures and travel tips at All The Best Spots. Living at home with her family — and the cats that rule them all — her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.