FROM BASQUE PINTXOS TO MEXICAN TACOS, HERE’S WHERE TO GET THE TASTIEST GRUB IN THE SPANISH CITY
When in Barcelona you have to explore the epic food scene. You’ll find every hidden corner is armed with fun flavours from all over Spain and the rest of the world. These humble, non-touristy eateries are scattered all over the city, just waiting to be explored. Offering all kinds of cuisine from deliciously dainty tapas to big fat, juicy burgers, we’ve pulled together our favourite food spots in Barcelona, allowing you to experience the 5 funky flavours you must try while you’re here…
CUISINE: BASQUE
Euskal Extea | in the El Born neighbourhood, Placeta de Montcada, 1
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Pintxos is a unique style of Tapas from the independent region of Pais Vasco (Basque Country) in the north of Spain. They come in a wide variety of different bite-sized dishes - often fish based - that are delicately prepared and served on sliced baguettes. The dining experience is a casual one; order a drink - perhaps a local cider poured at arm's length from an ornate goblet - and grab yourself a plate.
The Pintxos are placed on numerous plates on top and around the expansive bar area and patrons are encouraged to help themselves to as much or as little as they please. Keep the little wooden sticks that come with your food as payment is based on trust. Last orders around midnight.
CUISINE: CATALAN
Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria) | in the Barceloneta neighbourhood, Carrer de la Reina, Cristina, 7
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Never quiet, this hidden gem explodes to life around breakfast time and is full to the brim by midday. Standing room only, this truly Catalan experience is difficult to compare to any other dining experience. Simple and affordable sandwiches and snacks are available in Catalan only but can be guessed at by reading the bright-yellow boards hanging all over the cave-like bar. Meats, cheeses, sausages, pickled veggies and more, all come served with a homemade red Cava, which ensures a lively buzz from the get-go.
Throwing your serviettes onto the ground shows that you have enjoyed your meal and the floor of this place is coated in trash. The bodega in the back sells a variety of locally produced champagnes, wines and produce. Shuts early around 22.00.
CUISINE: MEXICAN
Tlaxcal | in the El Born neighbourhood, Carrer del Comerc, 27
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By no means your average food-truck street food, this is gourmet Mexican cuisine at its most original. From shredded cow tongue, ceviche twists, and even tamarind water, this is far from the Tex-Mex, mish-mash tacos you'll find elsewhere in the city.
Everything comes with an array of mind-boggling dips and sides that look wrong but are so right! And they even serve imported beers like Dos Equis, Modelo, and Pacifico. The staff are the real deal too, "bad hombres" through and through, and even their authentic laziness has its charm. Open for lunch, and then again for dinner until midnight
CUISINE: AMERICAN
Belushi's | on the fringe of Raval and L'Eixample, Carrer de Bergara, 3
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A lively, international crowd of locals, expats and backpackers keep this bar and restaurant heaving from breakfast through to last orders, and their late kitchen offers up bad-ass burgers, spicy wings, nachos to-die-for and plenty of other home comforts in portions that will make your jaw drop and wallet happy.
There are a range of food promos running around the clock, as well as Barcelona's longest happy hour, a killer playlist guaranteed, and daily events that might turn your lunch appointment into dinner, and then your dinner into one hell of a night out. Food served right through until 01.30am.
CUISINE: VENEZUELAN
La Taguara Areperia | in the El Born neighbourhood, Carrer del Rec, 10
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Eastern Spain has always had a back and forth relationship with Venezuela since the Catalans shipped out there during the oil boom of the 1920's. Generations later, fleeing political oppressions, Venezuelans headed off in the other direction, and now both groups descend in unprecedented numbers on this humble Venezuelan eatery near to the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Serving traditional Arepas (crepes) predominantly you'll find avocado and refried black beans are a main feature in many of these mainly-Vegetarian dishes. The place is always packed, which is probably why they got rid of all of the chairs, and plus they needed to make room for the mountains of old-school Venezuelan memorabilia, which is one sure way you'll be able to identity a native among the crowds. Open until 23.30.
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