Barcelona Food Guide for Food Lovers

Barcelona is a city that feeds you in every sense of the word. That’s what I’ve learned. I sometimes have trips where I plan my days around meals and I feel my Barca trip was definitely one of those. I ate my way from shared tapas to slow lunches than stretch into afternoon with litres and litres of sangria to pair. I ate with intention and pleasure.

Food in Barcelona is not rushed and rarely eaten alone. Even if you’re a solo traveller, you’ll find yourself pulled into conversations at the bar or lingering longer than planned over jamon ibericos and manchego cheese.

I wrote a Barcelona food guide that offers an experience beyond tourist menus and Instagram hype.

Classic Tapas and Catalan Favourites

El Xampanyet

A beloved cava bar near the Picasso Museum where glasses of sparkling wine are poured generously and plates of anchovies jamon and cheese keep arriving. Perfect for an early evening stop.

Bodega La Puntual

A relaxed neighbourhood spot serving traditional Catalan tapas done properly. Think patatas bravas grilled vegetables and vermouth served the local way.

Markets

Mercat de Sant Antoni

A local favourite for lunch counters and everyday shopping. It feels lived in and relaxed and is ideal if you want to eat without crowds.

Mercat de la Boqueria

La Boqueria is Barcelona’s most famous market and while it can be busy and now somewhat touristy, it’s still worth including in any Barcelona food guide when approached thoughtfully. Head to the inner counters where locals sit down for simple plates like tortilla grilled seafood or chickpeas with spinach.

Sweets and Desserts

99 Cheesecake

A surprising treat. The place looks underwhelming from the outside, but 99 Cheesecake is known for its rich creamy slices with a perfectly baked base and a rotating menu of flavours. It’s casual, affordable, and easy to pop into while exploring the city. I personally recommend the raspberry topping!

Churrería Laietana

For a classic local dessert experience, Churrería Laietana is the place to go. Crispy freshly fried churros served with thick hot chocolate are especially comforting in the evening or during cooler months.

Casual and Comfort Food

Fast Eddies

Fast Eddie’s is a relaxed favourite that feels familiar in the best way. It’s also singer Rosalia’s favourite burget joint in Barcelona and rightly so! The smash burgers don’t disappoint, paired with their shoestring fries, you can’t go wrong. When I went, their daily special was chicken popcorn coated in buffalo sauce. Orgasmic.

TKO Tacos

Perhaps my favourite comfort food whilst I traversed Barcelona. The flavours are packed and the tacos are cheap. While small, it offers a lively atmosphere that make it feel almost homely. Spicy margs are definitely recommended!

Macchina Pasta Bar

Macchina Pasta Bar is a go to for fresh handmade pasta served quickly and without fuss. You choose your pasta shape, sauce and toppings, making it perfect for travellers who want a comforting meal without committing to a long dinner. It’s simple, welcoming and ideal for solo diners who want great food in a relaxed setting.

Paella

Colom Restaurant

Let’s talk about Colom. This is not just a restaurant; it is a Barcelona institution. The moment I walked in, I was hit with the intoxicating aroma of saffron and sizzling garlic. It’s a cornerstone of any Barcelona food guide, and stepping inside felt like entering a world where every dish demanded attention and devotion.

I started with a Catalan salad, followed by two litres of sangria, and a parade of tapas including gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), calamares (fried squid rings), albondigas (meatballs), croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes), patatas con allioli (potatoes with garlic mayonnaise), and pimientos del padrón (padron peppers).

And then the mixed paella arrived. Oh my gosh. A glorious symphony of seafood, tender meat, and vibrant vegetables, every grain kissed with saffron and rich slow cooked stock, crowned by that legendary socarrat, the golden crispy crust that turns paella into pure magic. Honestly, it might be the best paella I have ever had, and believe me, I have eaten my fair share

Every bite was theatre, every sip of sangria was a celebration, leaving me full, tipsy, and utterly in love with Barcelona.

Eating With Intention in Barcelona

This Barcelona food guide is not about chasing every famous restaurant. In fact, it’s a list of mostly where locals go. It’s about choosing places that reflect how the city actually eats. My best advice is to leave room for spontaneity. Say yes when a place feels inviting. Trust that some of your best meals will be unplanned.

Rachel

Rachel is an intrepid world traveller, lifestyle connoisseuse, and the resident beauty advisor at Girls Who Travel. A true ocean lover with a soft spot for flowers, films, and storytelling, she also has a growing collection of medium-sized tattoos. When she’s not immersed in her next adventure, Rachel shares stories from her travels along with practical tips and insights to help other women make the most of their journeys.