Eat like a local: The top six places to eat in Barcelona

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From Italian bargains and luxury tapas to the best croissants in Barcelona, there’s something for everyone to savour. Here are my Barcelona food highlights:

Sensi Tapas

Where: Barri Gotic

What: Tapas with a high end twist. You have to order at least two tapas dishes but it’s worth it as they are tiny and delicious.

Pros: Tasty tapas with a dash of luxury. Romantic and stylish so a good choice for couples.

Cons: Expensive. The service was also quite rushed, I did wonder if they wanted my table for a couple instead of a solo traveller.

Verdict: Alone or with your beau make it your budget blow out and get the Instagram pics flowing!

Sol Soler

Where: Placa del Sol, Vila de Gracia

What: A relaxing lunch spot. For me food and dining is all about experience, and what could be better than leaning back in a sunny square and soaking up the relaxed vibe.

Pros: Delicious potatas bravas and the most generous portion of tapas I ate in Barcelona. Plus a great location.

Cons: None I could see!

Verdict: Stop off for lunch and enjoy!

La Plata

Where: Barri Gotic

What: A slice of authentic Barcelona. A standing experience unless you get there in time to nab one of the four tables. Who wants to sit and eat at a table anyway! It’s a great place to meet new people and make friends at the bar. The menu consists of four items (all in Catalan).

Pros: Authentic and traditional tapas. Fantastic atmosphere.

Cons: Not ideal for the unadventurous as there’s no English menu and the staff don’t speak English either. It helps if you make friends who can translate for you! It doesn’t offer a sit-down meal experience.

Verdict: Definitely worth checking out. Perfect for stopping by before going on somewhere else.

Picnic

Where: El Born/La Ribera

What: A great brunch menu that makes a change from tapas all day long.

Pros: Tasty food and a fresh, modern style.

Cons: Beware if you’re just having a drink as they won’t let you sit inside.

Verdict: Tasty brunch.

Tuttos Italian

Where: Barri Gotic

What: Bargain prices in Barcelona. If you’re on a budget this is a great option. Fun ‘build your own meal’ experience – pick your sauce, pasta and topping, desert and drink and pay for it all upfront. I had a main, desert and wine for 8 euros!

Pros: Fantastic value and a unique dining experience.

Cons: Cheap prices does naturally mean the quality is not always there. My main was tasty but the pudding was only basic.

Verdict: So worth it if you’re on a budget! Or it can also help to balance out more expensive meals, like Sensi Tapas!

Hofmann Patisseria

Where: El Born/La Ribera

What: The best croissants you’ve ever eaten (and I’ve eaten a lot of croissants!) Barcelona is stuffed full of patisseries but this is no ordinary bakery! Admire the fancy miniature deserts and select an unusual flavoured croissant (I recommend the marzipan).

Pros: Marzipan flavoured croissants.

Cons: Too delicious?

Verdict: Yum.

Top Tips

• If you really want to eat like a local you need to set your stomach a little later than you might be used to. Get into the relaxed Catalan groove and nibble on tapas late into the evening.
• Remember to keep cash to hand as well as card when dining out. I very nearly had a disaster at one bar where I had to empty out my change purse!
• If you want to eat well in Barcelona steer clear of the touristy restaurants on La Rambla. Now I don’t always avoid typical tourist spots – sometimes a prime location/view is worth the under-par, pricey food. However, there are really no redeeming features in this case. La Rambla is heaving with tourists, you’re a target for pickpockets and Barcelona is a huge city filled with a ludicrous number of delicious offerings! Venture deeper to truly satisfy your tastebuds!

Where are your favourite places to eat in Barcelona? Comment below and let me know!

Food sorted, now what to see and do in Barcelona? Barcelona in 3 Days has all the ideas you need to plan a short trip.