Everything about Barcelona will have you under its spell, from its culture and history to the parties and beaches, but perhaps above all the unbelievable food. This city is a place to truly indulge, so ahead of your 2021 trip be sure to prebook all the best restaurants in Barcelona and get ready to drool over each of the menus. Get the local experience and pull up a chair in one of the many humble tapas bars tucked away in the Gothic Quarter, or get incredible sea views with Michelin star food. Barcelona’s food scene is a feast for all tastes, budgets and diets, being home to some fantastic 100% vegan and halal restaurants. Check out the best places to eat in Barcelona for meals you'll never forget.
Looking for accommodation in the heart of Barcelona? is ideally located right by Las Ramblas.
Best tapas in Barcelona
1. El Xampanyet
18 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
It’s not a visit to Barcelona without a table full of local tapas dishes, and at El Xampanyet you can sample all you want without denting your wallet. This charming little tapas bar in the Gothic Quarter is one of the most popular spots in the city for good reason. The food is freshly prepared, tastes unbelievable, is incredibly affordable and is served up inside a historic restaurant packed full of character. Order the seafood tapas and Spanish tortilla with a bottle of their cava which they make in-house and sell at such a great price you might be tempted to order another. Make sure you show up in time for opening if you’re hungry or you could be waiting a while for another table to finish.
Check out the best affordable tapas in Barcelona
2. Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)
20 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
Get the real Catalan dining experience and visit La Xampanyeria, also known as Can Paixano, for some amazing local tapas. At this tapas bar, it’s buzzing from breakfast until dinner, with locals shouting for dishes and drinking the homemade pink cava from well before 11am. With no place to sit it’s standing room only, which only adds to the fun foodie experience. Get the attention of a barman, order a few dishes listed on the bright yellow wall boards (not forgetting the famous cava) and you’re ready to go. For delicious local tapas at local prices, squeeze into a spot at La Xampanyeria and soak up the wonderful cava-fuelled atmosphere.
3. Bodega Vasconia
15 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
Tucked away down a tiny alley in the Gothic Quarter is Bodega Vasconia - another top spot for mouthwatering tapas in Barcelona. The rustic decor, super friendly staff and affordable local food make it one of our favourite places to eat in between exploring the city sights. Make sure you follow the waiter’s advice and order the oxtail as it’s one of the most melt-in-the-mouth dishes you’ll ever eat. Then choose whichever classic Spanish tapas you fancy: patatas bravas, padron peppers, razor clams, fried squid, all washed down with a glass of sangria. For a cosy local meal in the Gothic Quarter, a booking at Bodega Vasconia won’t disappoint.
4. Lolita Taperia
20 minute walk from St Christopher’s Barcelona
Lolita Taperia is our local Barcelona expert Alex Deluca’s favourite tapas bar in the city. He said:
“It's in a very nice part of town called Sant Antoni and it's not the typical tapas bar. They are constantly changing the menu and always trying to add their personal touch to the traditional tapas we find everywhere. On top of all of this, the staff is super friendly and they always have nice music!”
Best Halal food in Barcelona
1. Habibi Restaurant
9 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
This deceptively huge halal restaurant in Barcelona city centre serves up some of the city’s best Middle Eastern cuisine. Habibi is a welcome respite from the busy Las Ramblas it’s located on and has some delicious dishes on the menu including some local options like paella, made halal. For a filling halal meal at a reasonable price in the heart of Barcelona, Habibi is a great place to indulge.
2. Restaurant Liban
18 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via Metro
Serving up authentic Lebanese food in a no-frills setting, Restaurant Liban is one of the best options for an affordable halal meal you know will hit the spot. Order a few dishes to share or get the classic chicken shawarma after a tour around Camp Nou nearby. You can tell that the family who run this restaurant really care about the food they serve and when the prices are as affordable as they are, it makes the taste even better.
3. Masala 73
20 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
Masala 73 started out as a food truck serving Indian street food and is now one of Barcelona’s best halal restaurants if you’re craving Indian cuisine. Located down the road from Casa Batllo, people visit to enjoy the authentic and comforting curries that cater to most dietary requirements inside a cool, quirky setting. The menu is only small but it changes with the season to ensure the ingredients are always fresh and their returning guests get to try something new.
Best paella in Barcelona
1. Xiringuito Escriba
30 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via bus
Located right on the edge of Bogatell beach, this paella with a view is hands down one of the most authentic versions of the dish in Barcelona. Enjoy a few tapas dishes while you wait for your paella to be made fresh from the Xiringuito Escriba kitchen, and soak up the buzzing beach-side atmosphere with a jug of sangria. There are a number of options when it comes to the paella part of the menu from surf ‘n’ turf to seafood black rice, but with rice as their chef’s speciality you know it will taste incredible. The price of paella at Xiringuito Escriba starts at €19,50.
2. La Perla
16 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
The paella, the service, the setting… La Perla in the Poble Sec neighbourhood is one of the greatest hidden gems in Barcelona. While your paella is being freshly prepared, sit back and enjoy a glass of cava amongst the fun, friendly atmosphere the staff provide when you eat at La Perla. There’s a reason even the locals come to this charming restaurant to enjoy the classic Spanish dish.
3. El Racó de l'Agüir
19 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
When you order the paella here, you know it’s going to be cooked fresh using an authentic recipe handed down through generations. El Racó de l'Agüir is run by the Aguir family in a spot that’s tucked away from the tourist track in Sant Antoni and if you want to eat here then you definitely must book in advance. With the open kitchen, super friendly service and exquisite local flavours, for an authentic taste paella in Barcelona we highly recommend this much-loved, family-run spot.
Best Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona
1. The Enoteca
30 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via bus
Tasting menus, wine pairings, a beautiful location by the marina - The Enoteca at Port Olimpic is one of Barcelona’s fine dining restaurants with not just one, but two Michelin stars. Being in a prime location with a double starred menu means this place is definitely one for a special occasion but absolutely worth the extra spend if you do. Every dish is a work of art based on Mediterranean cuisine, offering a fantastic Catalan dining experience near the ocean.
2. Koy Shunka
9 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
Tucked away down a small street near the Gothic Quarter is the only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Barcelona. Book a seat at the wraparound bar surrounding the open kitchen to watch the chefs do what they do best, preparing the freshest sushi and sashimi amongst other Japanese delicacies. Order one of the tasting menus for the opportunity to try all the restaurants’ signature dishes and enjoy a Michelin star meal in the heart of Barcelona.
3. Disfrutar
20 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
Disfrutar is described by many as one of the best restaurants in the world. Combining contemporary fine dining with intricate gastronomic techniques that will blow any foodie away. The double Michelin star restaurant is located away from the tourist track, but attracts people from across the globe to eat and experience the incredible food. The classic tasting menu is 30 courses of heaven, so a great option for a long lunch inside an elegant Barcelona restaurant.
Best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Barcelona
1. Tulsi Vegan Restaurant
10 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
This 100% plant-based restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants for vegans in Barcelona. The range of food on the menu at Tulsi is enough to satisfy anyone’s food craving, whether it’s Mexican, Nepalese, Spanish or even Japanese, and all for really affordable prices. Think Beyond Meat burgers, veggie-packed wraps, vegan thali and more healthy but satisfying dishes in the Eixample district.
Check out the best vegan restaurants in Barcelona
2. Teresa Carles
2 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
Offering great value set menus, fresh juices and healthy dishes near Las Ramblas, Teresa Carles vegetarian restaurant is another top spot for totally meat-free dining in Barcelona. The vibrant interior decor combined with light yet tasty meals are what draw in the crowds of vegan and vegetarian diners looking for fresh food, plus all the ingredients are sourced sustainably. The opening hours are only between 12pm and 5pm, so bear in mind it’s lunchtime service only.
3. Cat Bar CAT
14 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
It’s no surprise from the name that this vegan restaurant is covered in cat-themed decorations, yet somehow the vibe is still cool and quirky (with just a hint of kitsch). Cat Bar CAT has vegans returning to eat there time and time again, as the food is just so good. Tofu fish and chips, amazing vegan burgers, totally plant-based patatas bravas and more is on the menu, along with nine different beers on tap. If you’re after a great vegan menu in the heart of Barcelona, Cat Bar CAT is purr-fect.
Best Indian restaurants in Barcelona
1. Tandoori Nights
16 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
Tucked away down a small street in the Gothic Quarter is a hidden gem of an Indian restaurant. Barcelona isn’t known for its Indian cuisine, but this place seriously deserves a spot on the foodie map for it’s flavour-packed dishes at reasonable prices. It doesn't look like much from the outside, however if it’s a curry you’re craving then take our word for it, this place will hit the spot.
2. Swad
25 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via bus
Book a table at Swad for an authentic Indian meal in the heart of Barcelona with flavours that will blow you away. Whether you’re a big fan of spice or would rather steer clear altogether, the staff will make sure your food will be just to your taste. The butter chicken, lamb biryani, paneer masala and side dishes are all absolutely delicious and served amongst a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. Order their tasting menu to sample a bit of everything and avoid inevitable food envy from the diners around you…
3. Swagatam
12 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via Metro
From booking a meal at Swagatam you know you’ll be getting great service, affordable prices and top quality food. This Indian restaurant serves some of the most flavoursome curries in Barcelona with some amazing vegetarian options. Order a few curries to share with the highly recommended palak paneer and naan bread. The restaurant may look small, but this could just take a top spot of the best curries you’ve ever eaten.
Best brunch and breakfast in Barcelona
1. Eat My Trip
19 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
You could argue that Barcelona’s brunch scene is one of the best in Europe, with five star spots for pancake stacks and avocado toast all over the city. Make sure you book a table at Eat My Trip in advance, as this place has a big reputation for being the best brunch spot in Barcelona. Here you’re served an Instagrammable brunch that also tastes so good you’ll want to come back every morning. Plus the options are like none you’ve ever seen on any brunch menu before - think Thai-style Eggs Benedict, a truffly ‘Alps brunch’ and hummus and kimchi toast amongst loads more twists on classic breakfast dishes. They even do a bottomless brunch.
2. Can Dende
18 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via Metro
Visit this great brunch spot in the Poble Nou neighbourhood for a delicious morning meal before you tour the city sights. When you sit down to eat at Can Dende, make sure you’re hungry as you simply have to order the pork Eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes on the side (a must). If it’s something sweet you’re after, the French toast is another winning dish you won’t regret ordering. It’s only a small, intimate place so get there early if you’re visiting on a weekend to avoid a big queue and major food envy as you wait.
3. Billy Brunch
24 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
With their bright, quirky interior decor, great coffee and ‘retox’ cocktail sharers, it’s no wonder Billy Brunch is another top Barcelona brunch spot. You’ll find this cafe right in the heart of the city, with a menu full of classic brunch dishes like avocado toast, superfood omelette and shakshuka, all cooked to perfection and looking too good not to put on your Instagram story. Serving up breakfast all day, every day, there will always be this central city cafe to whip you up some breakfast pancakes if the cravings kick in.
Best restaurants with a view in Barcelona
1. Restaurant Mirabé
35 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via Metro
Looking out over central Barcelona, the stunning views from Restaurant Mirabé are what make this place so special. Book a table in advance at this restaurant in the Sant Gervasi neighbourhood, and indulge in a beautifully cooked Mediterranean meal while taking in the breathtaking views of Barcelona city and the ocean beyond. Try and get a table on their outdoor terrace if you can, so you can marvel at just how grand the Sagrada Familia is in comparison to the rest of the city’s architecture with an unobstructed view and a wonderful meal.
2. Jefferson
30 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via Metro
When you’re by the coast, you don’t need a rooftop bar to get amazing views. Jefferson is one of the best beach bars in Barcelona , in prime location on Bogatell Beach with beach and sea views to die for. Sink your toes into the golden sand and sip on one of their freshly made cocktails amongst the buzzing beach atmosphere that Barcelona’s ‘chiringuitos’ are so famous for. Beach views, sangria by the jug and delicious tapas, Barcelona’s Jefferson beach bar is the place to be for a relaxing lunch in the sun.
3. El Xalet de Montjuïc
25 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via Metro
Serving up incredible food and incredible views, book El Xalet de Monjuic for a touch of luxury during your stay in Barcelona. This hillside restaurant has a charming outdoor terrace and Spain’s one and only revolving indoor dining area. Here you’ll find a menu full of exquisite Mediterranean dishes, including some traditional Catalan dishes such as paella with a modern twist. The unique style of this beautiful restaurant with its unrivalled views and top quality food should really put this place on your Barcelona food bucket list.
4. La Terraza de las Indianas
14 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via Metro
Our Barcelona expert, Alex, says this Mediterranean rooftop restaurant is great for sipping an Aperol Spritz under the sun. He said:
“La Terraza de las Indianas is located on the rooftop of the Museu d'Història de Catalunya, and is a great cocktail-restaurant for food and drinks with a view. With the marina at your feet, Montjuic at the back, the south border of the gotic on the other side, the views are just beautiful. Plus if you look closely you might even be able to spot the Columbus statue too!”
Best Italian restaurants in Barcelona
1. Restaurant Bellebuon
23 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via Metro
Restaurant Bellebuon delivers on all the things you’d want and expect from a great Italian restaurant: wonderfully friendly service, fresh pasta handmade daily, big portions, divine desserts and a shot of limoncello to top off the meal. This traditional Italian restaurant in Barcelona near the Sagrada Familia is a hidden gem for tourists, attracting mainly a local crowd who are after some of the best Italian food in the city. When the pasta cravings kick in, head over to Restaurant Bellebuon for their notorious truffle and mushroom tagliatelle - we are drooling at the thought.
2. Nap Antic
14 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
If you’re after a fresh, authentic Italian pizza in the heart of Barcelona, this is it. NAP Antic stands for Neapolitan Authentic Pizza, so you know you’ll get a deliciously doughy crust and only the freshest toppings served straight from a wood-fired oven. Don’t be fooled by the nondescript exterior, because not only are the pizzas some of the best in Barcelona, but the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
3. Bacaro
9 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
This charming Italian eatery is located right next door to Mercat de la Boqueria, serving a Venetian fare of delicious dishes that change with the seasons. Think freshly made pasta and gnocchi, the creamiest Puglian burrata, Italian style meat dishes and an extensive wine list. Sit inside amongst the quaint, rustic decor and enjoy the food, wine and atmosphere right beside Boqueria Market at surprisingly great value for such a tourist location.
4. Orac
14 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
Orac is the Italian restaurant Alex always recommends to guests when they stay at St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona as he says the pizza is to die for. He said:
“The Italian community has a massive presence in the city and, like in many other places, it means we've been spoiled with a constantly rising bar that keeps all the piaziolos on their feet, always looking to improve their offer and to come up with new and interesting ways of cooking. The most common type of slice you will find in Barcelona is the Napolitan, but you’ll easily find places following the Roman and the Sicilian ways (there is pizza for everyone here!). Good pizza is all over Barcelona, but if you fancy trying something new then I recommend visiting Orac who were the first to bring something called ‘pizzadillo’ to the city., This is something like a sandwich made with pizza dough which has been fermented for 48 hours before being baked… It's just mouthwatering!”
Best steakhouses in Barcelona
1. The Venue Steakhouse
19 minute journey from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona via Metro
Around the corner from the Sagrada Familia is a steakhouse in Barcelona that takes real pride in the quality of its dishes. The Venue Steakhouse is a favourite spot for celebrities when they visit Barcelona, so you know you’re in for an incredible meal. Your chosen steak will be cooked to your preference and served on a hot iron block along with three sauces and a mouthwatering side dish of your choice (and don’t miss out on the whisky gravy).
2. 9 Reinas
17 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
9 Reinas is an Argentinian restaurant serving up cuts of meat from around the world including Nebraska ribeye and Wagyu. You can even opt for the ‘Best Meats in the World’ taster between a group of you, for a unique beef tasting experience inside an intimate Barcelona steakhouse. Tender, juicy, melt in the mouth meat will arrive at your table with your choice of sides, and even if steak isn’t what you really fancy, the grilled fish and Milanese options are also delicious.
3. Patagonia Beef & Wine
11 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Barcelona
Located in the Eixample district, Patagonia Beef & Wine is another Argentinian spot in Barcelona where you can get a taste of some of the most mouthwatering steak in the city. Flavour-packed Picana, juicy ribeye, the most tender sirloin… Take your pick from their steak menu, choose one of their four delicious side dishes and indulge in a luxurious South American steak cooked to perfection.
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