The Top 20 Restaurants in Barcelona – Apartment Barcelona Staff Picks

Last updated: November 2017

As we all know, Barcelona is considered one of the top foodie cities in Europe. The likes of Ferran Adrià have put the Catalan capital firmly on the gastronomic map.  But with so many incredible restaurants to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start when looking to eat out. What you need are some tips from the locals. So, here to lend a hand are the trusty staff of Apartment Barcelona. Take a look at some of our favourite restaurants in Barcelona and make sure that you make the right dining choices during your stay! As they say in Catalan, bon profit!

1.  La Taverna del Born –  Tapas – Passeig del Born, 27

With a good range of delicious tapas and a great central location, this is the perfect place to stop off for a nibble mid-sightseeing! I recommend the atún semicrudo con cebolla (tuna with onion) and mini hamburguesitas (you guessed it – mini hamburgers).

Mònica

2.  La Piemontesa – Italian – Enric Granados, 60

For pasta lovers this is the place to be! With an endless range of fresh pasta on the menu and the option to combine with just about any sauce you can think of, make sure you come here hungry! Try the Papparedele Peperoncino with ‘rabiosa’ sauce for a spicy experience.

Hollie

3.   La Rueda – Uruguayan – Rosselló, 266

This wonderfully rustic restaurant in Barcelona is full of authenticity and ideal for a feast with friends. The ‘parillada’ meat platter for two is definitely a winning choice. Their varied menu truly offers something for everybody, from pasta to salad to fish – here you’ll find your new favourite dish for sure.

Laura J

4.  La Fonda del Port Olímpic – Traditional Spanish – Moll de Gregal, 7-10

From tapas and fresh fish to paellas and traditional meats, this port-side restaurant is great for sampling local cuisine. Situated right by the sea, it has a truly Mediterranean feel. You should try the Gamba Fresca de Costa (fresh shrimp) if you are an aficionado of seafood!

Jane

5.  Que Bueno Que Viniste – Argentinian – Carrer de la Ciutat, 10

For delicious, hearty food with a creative twist, this smart taverna is ideal. Discover and experience true Argentinian cuisine right in the heart of Barcelona. With salmon adobado con chimichurri, puré de patatas líquido y polvo de olivas you’ll enjoy the full flavour of South America. 

 Cristina

6.  Habaluc – Mediterranean – Enric Granados, 41

Specialising in healthy, local cuisine this is a great Barcelona restaurant for guilt-free pleasures. For a delicious meal you should try crema suave de calabaza con coulis de brocoli. In the evening you can catch some live music or films at this place, too.

 Eva

7.  Mosquito – Asian Tapas – Carders, 46

From dim sum to fired smoked duck and oodles of noodles on the side, this is a top choice for lovers of Asian cuisine. They specialise in dumplings: little pies filled with different ingredients – definitely worth a try.

Antonello

8.  Ikra – Russian-Mediterranean fusion – Roger de Llúria, 50

This cool, trendy restaurant has a really interesting menu and a great ambiance at night. They offer a stylish interior, delicious food and really good Gin & Tonics. Be sure to try esqueixada de bacalao con helado de tomate y albahaca – a unique gastronomic experience.

Elena

9.  Govinda – Vegetarian Indian – Plaça Villa Madrid, 4

With so many delicious options on the menu, it’s a tricky choice! Why not try the Thali patter which offers a variety of different dishes. Don’t  miss their curry of peas, mushrooms and cream cheese – yum.

Marina

10.  Jin Da Le – Japanese/Korean – Av. Diagonal, 3

From classic makis and nigiris to the range of tempting house specialities, this is a great place to eat out in Barcelona if you’re in the mood for some eastern flavours. Try their delicious sushi or one of the really exotic soups.

Laura DS

11.  Il Mercante di Venezia – Italian – Josep Anselm Clavé, 11

Boasting a top-notch selection of pizzas as well as plenty of other Italian favourites, this Venetian-themed restaurant in Barcelona is just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Ramblas. I recommend pizza San Daniele: really delicious with tomato, mozzarella and ricotta.

 Malakay

12.  Amaltea – Vegetarian, Biological – Diputació, 164

For you veggies out there this is a winning choice with lots of delicious homemade dishes on the menu. The restaurant also runs occasional vegetarian cooking classes too. They offer a meal for 8,70 Euro with a drink and dessert included, as well as a salad bar.

 Esther

13.  MarisCo – Seafood – Plaça Reial, 8

Located on one of the swankiest squares in Barcelona, this wonderful restaurant is great for tucking into some great local cuisine and watching the world go by. Sit on the terrace and eat some delicious seafood, whilst drinking wine and watching the street performers presenting their show at the famous Plaça Reial.

Francesca

14.  Blai Tonight – Pintxos – Blai, 23

This lively local hangout is known for its tip-top tapas and great prices! Its delicious range of ‘pintxos’ (bread with a tapa on top, pinned with a toothpick) are always a winner amongst the crowds. If you’re heading to Barcelona on a budget, they offer various pintxos for just 1 Euro! Get yourself a plate and grab what you can eat, while meeting new people and enjoying the atmosphere of the vibrant, trendy neighborhood of Poble Sec.

Josephine

15.  Ziryab – Catalan-Middle Eastern fusion – Grunyi, 4

Fancy something a little different? This Barcelona restaruant offers a creative menu combining the delicious flavours of the Middle East with local favourites. The restaurant offers Spanish tapas but with an Arabian twist, and its totally worth trying their hummus or tasting the wine.

 Marina

16.  Boga – Italian – Ample, 20

For good, classic, no fuss Italian food, this gem in the Gothic quarter is perfect! Be sure to try their own Tiramisu or delicious rocket salad.

Ilaria

17.  Barnabier – Traditional Spanish – C/ Marina, 16-18

This wonderful seafront restaurant in Barcelona is perfect for sampling typical Spanish food. From tapas and fish dishes to the timeless paella and sangria, this popular place is ideal for visitors to the city. Their tapas are truly delicious. Try the fried squid and prawns with sweet chilli sauce or choricito (mini sausage) a la Diabla.

Roberto

18.  Green Shots – Vegeterian, Eco Friendly – París, 201

Perfect for the health-gurus among you, this cute café has a great range of freshly squeezed smoothies and homemade dishes such as quiches and salads, all organic and locally sourced.  Get your meal or dinner for 7,50 Euro with one dish and one tasty juice.

Yolanda

19.  Bardot – Mediterranean – Enric Granados, 147

This trendy restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and a lovely menu focusing on seasonal dishes and local products. Be sure to go there with your friends and share one of their dishes such as the Tartar de Salmón con Cerezas, Piñones y Aceite de Sésamo.

 Ana

20.  Gustos – Paella – Comtal, 11

Fancy watching a paella cooking show? Then this is the place for you. Watch your feast being prepared before your very eyes at this fantastic Barcelona restaurant. Try arroz negro Gourmet or paella Valenciana and you will know what Spain tastes like.

 Kristin

So there you have it!  Some of our top picks from the multitude of amazing restaurants in Barcelona.

Have any to add? Leave us a comment below!