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Eat & Drink
Welcome to the land of tapas. Ok, it is true tapas were not invented in Barcelona but they are a rather typical way of savoring snacks paired with drinks in all of Spain. Yet, Barcelona did show Tapas to its many visitors and the vogue became internationally trendy. Today, you see tapas bars mushrooming everywhere. The famous pata negra jamón (traditional cured ham), potato tortillas, calamares (squid) or bacalao (salted cod), patatas bravas (rustic potato with alioli) or gambas al ajillo (prawns in oil and garlic) are to be found in most of the bars you go to. Also not to be missed are traditional and delicious Catalan and Spanish dishes to be savored at old-style or modern restaurants, such as fideua (seafood with noodles), the Suquet de Peix (seafood stew), paellas. For dessert, the crema Catalana is very similar to the French crème brulée. The Barcelona culinary scene will likely satisfy the most discerning gourmand, be the meal of choice at a tapas bar, a street market or in traditional or trendy restaurants.
For many years, hordes of tourists have invaded Barcelona and to cater for this demand there has been a surge of restaurants and tapas bars, making it quite difficult to keep up with the latest hot spots and best food. So, if you want to make sure to have best tapas in a place that is not just the “tapas bar of the moment”, we… Read more »
Food in Barcelona is simply amazing and the amount of excellent restaurants leaves you spoiled for choice. At some stage, you may want to diversify from tapas and paellas and try some Italian. If so, this is the one. Located in Poble Sec, Xemei is a hidden gem, not far from some areas of Montjuic. Considered the best Italian in town, the owners (twin brothers)… Read more »
In Barceloneta and near the sea (no sea views though), the Can Solé is as traditional and Catalan as you can get. It has been around for decades and the food is delicious. The area used to be a fisherman’s village, before the tidal wave of tourism, and has maintained a local flair and the quality of its food. Can Solé is very laid back,… Read more »
This 3-starred Michelin restaurant is located in the upscale Sarriá-Sant Gervasi region in the ABaC Hotel (see our Where to Stay), a perfect location to escape from busy old town and seaside Barcelona. The experience is quite unique, sophisticated and certainly memorable. You will be greeted at entrance and taken to a lounge to savor amuses-bouches and cocktails. You will then be invited to choose the… Read more »
There are hundreds of tapas bars in Barcelona so our mission to suggest ones we liked the most is not an easy one. We highly recommend Bar Mut in Eixample, a mix of tapas place and full restaurant. Actually, don’t miss it! There is no fixed menu since the staff likes to take advantage of the best and freshest produce available (how delightful!) and specials… Read more »
Do you want to try famous Adriá without booking a table months in advance at any of his starred restaurants? Disappointingly, El Bulli has permanently closed and, rumor has it, it was because Adriá could not stand the restaurant’s fame anymore. Do not despair, however, as you can now enjoy the more reasonably priced Tickets, but not without making a reservation, since it is as… Read more »
We were intrigued and drawn to this restaurant named “five senses” and went with high expectations of having ours tantalized. We can report our expectations were duly met, if not exceeded! The large dining area is elegant and minimalist, ensuring all attention is given to food and drink. The tasting menu was perfectly paired with wine, so let us suggest you go for the full… Read more »
Nice weather seasons see an upsurge of rooftop bars in most trendy towns, and Barcelona is certainly no exception. The nicest are at the rooftop of boutique hotels, and we recommend here some of our favorites. The Eclipse Bar at the W Hotel is a modern and design sensitive rooftop bar, with locals and stylish travelers enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and stunning sea views out of the ceiling… Read more »