To travel is to eat, and definitely the best thing about taking a self-guided vacation in Barcelona, Spain is that you get to choose where to eat. While it’s widely agreed upon that gastronomic greatness is what Spain is famous for and fabulous food can be found anywhere, we think there are a handful of restaurants that you simply must go to when you’re in Spain. One of the advantages of traveling with Pure Adventures is that with our local guide Bo working and living in Spain, you know that this list has been personally vetted (no need to rely on restaurant reviews by strangers!). Here are Bo’s picks for Barcelona’s best dining experiences.
Carles Abellan
- Technically, Carles Abellan is not a restaurant but a number of restaurants run by the same management. Every single restaurant brand is amazing, but our guides recommend tapas Bar “Tapas 24” if you must choose from the 8 offered.
BCN50
- With 3 restaurants (and another two opening in 2014), BCN50 is another family of Spanish restaurants known for their service and food. Can’t decide? We recommend “Tickets” run by prestigious Chef Ferran Adrià. Of course this is not a traditional one tapas bar – at Tickets tapas are innovative and creative like all avant-garde culinary ideas of Adrià (formerly “El Bulli” – best restaurant in the world) run by his brother. Another tip – reserve your dining time online at the same time you book your vacation because seats at Tickets fill up months in advance.
Restaurant Barraca
- If you like to try new rice dishes and seaside dining, this new restaurant run by former Michelin star chef but with a less exclusive approach needs to be on your dining to-do list.
Xativa Group
- With two restaurants, a gastro-social club and a catering business to their name, Xativa Group is a good place to try typical Spanish rice dishes.
Dos Palillos
- What do chopsticks have to do with tapas? 1 Michelin star restaurant Dos Palillos thinks the two have more in common than you’d think, and prove it with their unique Spanish-Asian fusion Cuisine.
Moments
- Another Michelin star restaurant in the Mandarin hotel, this chic venue even has an exclusive chefs table that guarantees a memorable behind the scenes look at Catalan cuisine at its finest.
Arola
- Pop design and creative cuisine by one of Ferran Adria’s disciples. Located in the 2nd floor of the luxurious Hotel Arts next to the Olympic Port.
El Passadis del Pep
- How exactly do you eat at a restaurant that doesn’t have a menu? It’s how this tiny tucked away restaurant in Barceloneta has operated for 30 years, and trust us, this works! Rely on the exceptional service of the staff to help you choose your meal.
Restaurant Fonda Gaig
- Craving typical Catalan cuisine? Restaurant Fonda Graig, with a history dating back to the 1800s, will satisfy and astound. Owner Carles watches over the delivery of all ingredients to the restaurant, morning and afternoon, so when he says the fish is fresh, it’s truly fresh.
Petit Comite
- Traditional cooking in a contemporary design space is what this Catalonan restaurant is famous for. Before making your reservation, check out their website for specials and discounts.
El Quim
- The markets are a great place for a snack and there are some excellent food stalls like this one is the best known of all Barcelona markets. Also try the markets santa Caterina, Sant Antoni and in Barceloneta. If you don’t get a place here, try Pinotxo next door. And if you completely strike out, visit their website for recipes shared by their chefs.
Did we miss one? Tell us about your favorite fine dining spots in Barcelona, Spain!