Barcelona was the perfect place to start our Spain adventure. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the city’s vibrant energy, stunning architecture, and rich Catalan culture. But let’s be honest—what we were most excited about? The food.
Barcelona has an incredible culinary scene, from casual tapas bars to Michelin-starred fine dining. We ate a lot during our stay, so in this post, we’re highlighting our favorite spots, from late-night tapas to unforgettable tasting menus.
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Tapas & Small Plates: Classic Barcelona Bites
Tapa Tapa (Multiple Locations)
We had to kick off our tapas journey at Tapa Tapa, a casual chain with several locations in Barcelona and Madrid. It’s a great spot for quick bites, offering a wide variety of traditional tapas. Some of our favorites included:
- Acorn-fed Iberian Ham Croquettes – Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside.
- Padrón Peppers – Mild and salty with the occasional spicy surprise.
- Andalusian-Style Small Squid with Aioli from Its Ink – Tender, flavorful, and perfectly fried.
If you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss place to get classic tapas, Tapa Tapa is a solid choice.
Ciutat Comtal (Rambla de Catalunya) – Our Favorite Tapas Spot
This was hands-down our favorite tapas experience in Barcelona. Ciutat Comtal had the best patatas bravas we ate on the entire trip—crispy, spicy, and smothered in the perfect aioli.
Other must-try dishes:
- Al Ajillo Shrimp – Garlicky, buttery, and absolutely addictive.
- Crema Catalana Dessert – Imagine soft French toast soaked in sweet crema… it was divine.
The atmosphere was lively, the food was outstanding, and we’d come back in a heartbeat.
A Slightly Fancier Dinner Out: Cachitos
For a more upscale tapas experience, Cachitos was a fantastic choice. This place was huge, with multiple bars and a beautifully designed interior.
What stood out the most? Their monkfish croquettes—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. If you love seafood, this is a must-try. The drinks were also well-crafted, making it a great spot for a nice dinner with cocktails.
Local Hidden Gem: Hasta Los Andares
If you’re visiting La Sagrada Familia (which you absolutely should!), we found the perfect taverna to grab some meats, cheeses, and a cold beer.
Hasta Los Andares is a small, local spot where we were the only tourists—it felt like a true hidden gem. You sit on high chairs around old wine barrels that double as tables. The selection of local cheeses and Iberico ham was amazing, and everything was sliced fresh to order.
If you want an authentic Barcelona snack stop, this is it.
Breakfast & Brunch: Caravelle
We’re always on the lookout for great brunch spots, and Caravelle did not disappoint. It had a relaxed vibe, a mix of cultures and food, and the diners were a combo of locals and tourists. There was plenty of space to just chill, work, or catch up over coffee.
Our favorite dishes:
- Za’atar Poached Eggs – Served with roasted pumpkin, whipped feta, kale, and za’atar brown butter on sourdough.
- Creamy Baked Eggs – Baked with spinach, confit leeks, parmesan, nutmeg, and served with toasted sourdough.
A perfect place to escape the hustle of Las Ramblas and enjoy a slow morning.
Fine Dining at Enigma in Barcelona
For a truly special dining experience, we treated ourselves to a Michelin-starred dinner at Enigma. This was a dinner we were particularly excited about, and yet they still managed to exceed our expectations.
What made it so incredible?
- The service: Every detail was executed flawlessly, with the entire team working in perfect harmony.
- The food: One of the best tasting menus we’ve had in a long time—innovative, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
We have so much to say about this amazing 4-hour long meal that we dedicated this separate post just to Enigma.
Final Thoughts: Barcelona’s Food Scene is a Must-Experience
From casual tapas bars to fine dining, Barcelona truly delivers when it comes to food. Whether you’re in the mood for quick bites, a leisurely meal, or an extravagant tasting menu, this city has something for everyone.
Next up: Our food adventures in Madrid, Zaragoza, and Valencia!
Have you been to Barcelona? What were your favorite food spots? Drop a comment and let us know!