Barcelona is recognised as one of the great food cities of the world. Mediterranean cuisine is famous the world over; and with good reason. Fresh ingredients served up tapas style is a tradition that has been leaked out and enjoyed by people the world over. When travelling abroad, it can be difficult to know where to dine out. Unless you’re familiar with an area, eating out is generally potluck (this is not necessarily a bad thing on holidays in Spain!). That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide to Barcelona’s top eateries.
Cal Pep
The reputation of Cal Pep reaches far beyond the city walls and you’ll see why if you’re lucky enough to eat here. Here you’ll fid an up-tempo, traditional tapas restaurant with a fun and fresh tapas menu to choose from. The fish is famously good, fresh from the market, and there is an extensive list of local wines. Remember to book. Cal Pep can be extremely busy, but if you don’t mind waiting you can queue for a seat at the bar and do tapas the traditional way.
Moo
Moo is one of Barcelona’s more contemporary restaurants located on the ground floor of the Omm Hotel. Head Chef Felip Llufriu applies a fresh approach to Spanish cuisine. Taking traditional recipes and adding a modern twist, Moo has become renowned as one of the better up-market restaurants. Prices are reasonable considering the luxurious décor and first class service. The extensive list of cocktails comes highly recommended.
Vinya Roel
For a traditional taste of Catalan cuisine, recommend Vinya Roel. The traditionally Mediterranean décor sets the perfect ambience to enjoy a diverse range of Spanish culinary excellence. Popular dishes include the liver stuffed cannelonis and the black rice fideus. Book early as the diary does tend to fill quickly.
El Quim
This family run restaurant is located on La Rambla and offers guests a traditional tapas dining experience. Take your seat at the bar and choose from the exciting tapas menu. For a more relaxed experience, tables are available, but we recommend a seat at the bar to chat to local regulars to find out more about the food. There is a great atmosphere at El Quim due to its location in the heart of the Boqueria market.
This is but a handful of the many excellent restaurants to be found in and around Barcelona. Sampling the food is one of a range of fantastic things to do in Barcelona If in doubt, talk to the locals and find out where’s good to eat. If you want to get the most out of Spanish cuisine, Barcelona is certainly the place to be.