Yes, we know that when you’re in Barcelona you’d like to try some local Catalan dishes. Quite right too, as Catalan cuisine is truly delicious. You’ll find Mediterranean cuisine at its finest, combining ingredients from the nearby mountains, sea and countryside. However, after a week of experimenting with Barcelona tapas, deciding which paella is your favourite and tucking into countless crema catalana desserts it might be time to try something else. Barcelona is the most international city in Spain, and there are plenty of flavours from around the world that you can enjoy right here. Transport your taste buds with a holiday within a holiday to one of these faraway lands.
1. Cuban traditions at Habana Vieja
This Cuban owned restaurant in the Born neighbourhood has been serving traditional dishes since 1992. Specialities include black beans, fried yucca, chicken, pork and minced meat. The flavours aren’t spicy, although if you like it hot just ask for one of their special sauces. Wash it all down with imported Cuban beers or wine.
Carrer Banys Vells 2, +34 93 268 2504
2. Santa Ceviche
The Peruvian cuisine dished up at Santa Ceviche is a refreshing and healthy surprise. Peruvian food is a must-try and there’s no better place to taste it than Santa Ceviche, situated near Plaça d’Espanya. A rustic interior with original stone walls set a perfect atmosphere for good quality home cooked Peruvian food such as marinated meats, rice, and of course, fresh ceviche. The drinks will also surprise you, we recommend the passion fruit Pisco sour with lots of fresh lime juice! This is a perfect place for a fun and delicious dinner with friends.
Carrer d’Hostafrancs de Sió, 11, +34 932 69 61 48
3. Mexican flavours at Cantina Machito
We love this Mexican restaurant! It’s just on the corner from El Chatelet cocktail bar, which makes a great stop for an aperitif or continuing the night afterwards. You could start with a selection to share, with guacamole, tortilla chips and melted cheeses. Their quesadillas, mole dishes and tamales are exquisite, and their menu goes far beyond typical Tex-Mex diner fare.
Torrijos 47, +34 93 217 3414
4. Kibuka says hello Japan
This sushi restaurant is the real deal, and we should know, we’ve tried them all and just keep coming here back, hoping there’s a free table! You’ll find classic maki and sushi rolls, fresh sashimi, tempuras and some excellent vegetarian options too. The special sushi list is packed with creative masterpieces.
Goya 9, +34 93 237 8994 and Verdi 64, +34 415 9237
5. Phenomenal Vientamese cuisine at Pho
Its Vietnam born chef prepares family recipes and classic favourites. The house specialty is of course Pho, a tasty concoction of rice noodles served with tenderloin beef, herbs and beansprouts. Their extensive menu includes vegetarian curries, spring rolls and spicy fish.
Sepulveda 158, +34 93 451 91 87
6. Thai Barcelona in the city centre
Located just off the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, this is a treat of a restaurant. Its décor is splendid, evoking both the regality of the ancient kingdom of Siam and the vibrant nature that surrounds its cities. If you’re feeling hungry, their 9 course Festival Menu will surely be one of the highlights of your Barcelona holiday. There is a great selection of starters to share, soups, salads, rice and noodle dishes, curries, meat dishes… and they’re all delicious!
Diputació, 273, +34 93 487 98 98
7. Discover Maharaja’s Indian cuisine in the Raval
If you fancy an Indian meal, there are several good restaurants in the Raval neighbourhood, which is home to a thriving Indian community. Maharaja is a lively spot, with a Bollywood soundtrack, occasional belly dancers, and an impressive menu. Don’t be afraid to ask for the spicy option, or at least check in with your waiter.
Rambla del Raval 14, +34 93 442 5777
8. Abissinia, Barcelona’s first Ethiopian restaurant
This authentic Ethiopian restaurant offers some of the most ancient cuisine in the world. Meat dishes, lentils, beans and vegetables are carefully prepared with fresh and dried spices, and served with typical flatbread called injera, which is made from the “super cereal” teff.
Torrent de les Flors 55, +34 932 130 785
9. Out of China is out of this world
If you’d like a top quality meal in an elegant venue then head straight here and step back into 1940s Shanghai. Delicate flavours combine fresh ingredients and take you on a journey through China’s rich culinary traditions. You’ll find a variety of dim sum on the menu, as well as e-fu noodles with black truffle oil, steamed seabass with ginger and soy sauce, and fresh tofu with vegetables in curry sauce.
Muntaner 100, +34 934 51 55 55
10. Mamma mia! Piazze d’Italia is as good as it gets
Probably one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, renowned for its innovation. The pizzas here are spectacular. Freshly made pasta and ravioli are combined with home made sauces using only the freshest ingredients and Italian imported products. Signature dishes include black linguini with lobster and ox carpaccio with parmesan and truffle.
Casanova 94, +34 93 323 5977
11. Hungarian dishes at the Futbol Bar
This was opened last year by Hungarian friends who wanted to offer a pre-match drink or meal to those visiting the Barça stadium for a game or tour. It is decorated with over 250 football scarves! The cuisine is about as authentic as it gets; specials of the day are prepared with seasonal ingredients and traditional family recipes.
Benavent 7, +34 93 348 8412
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