44 Best Restaurants in Barcelona, Spain

There's no need for complicated sauces here—the superfresh grilled fish and seafood speaks for itself, simply drizzled with olive oil or served with a lemon slice. The diminutive dining space is equally unadorned, with plain white walls and bright, somewhat industrial-style lighting; an illuminated panel above the bar lists what’s available that day, which might include razor clams, octopus, sardines, and the restaurant’s namesake fish. A same-concept sibling, Lluritu 2, is a 10-minute walk away.

Inside the ultrasleek Mandarin Oriental hotel, this restaurant, with food by Raül Balam and his mother—the legendary Carme Ruscalleda—lives up to its stellar pedigree, with original preparations that draw on deep wells of Catalan culinary traditions. Dishes on the tasting menus display a masterful lightness of touch and come to the table so exquisitely presented that putting a fork into them feels almost like wanton vandalism; the reward, however, is sublime, with treasures of taste revealed in every astonishing bite.

The quality of Barcelona’s baked goods has risen dramatically in recent years (our snug-but-happy waistbands are looking at you, Coush Armó and Oz Bakery), and Gràcia’s Origo remains the reference point in that revolution: queues block the slither-thin street to stock up on its famous sourdough bread that’s made without additives, sugar, fat, or chemical yeast.

The late Mey Hofmann, a constellation in Barcelona's gourmet galaxy for the last three decades through her restaurant and cooking courses, established this sideline dedicated exclusively to pastry. Everything from the lightest, flakiest croissants to the cakes, tarts, and ice creams are about as good they get in this legendary sweets emporium. 

Easily one of the hottest tickets in town for lovers of eclectic, avant-garde cuisine, Slow & Low is run by an energetic multicultural young team who have translated their culinary genius into two tasting menus, which combine Mediterranean, Mexican, Peruvian, and even some Southeast Asian influences. The three tasting menus (11 courses for €115, 13 courses for €140, or 14 courses for €170) are all equally worthy of your time and hard-earned cash.

This is a strong contender for the crown of Barcelona’s best bistro, where chef Toni Romero turns out Catalan tapas and dishes that have roots in rustic classics but reach high modern standards of execution. The name is a twist on the Catalan sucar lent (to dip slowly), and excellent bread is duly provided to soak up the sauces, which you won't want to let go to waste.

Inspired by her Catalan roots, Teresa Carles Borrás has been creating inventive vegetarian fare for 40 years and counting but this namesake was her first restaurant. Both the space and the food are more sophisticated than the typical vegetarian restaurant.

This lively brunch spot is a breath of fresh air in a neighborhood perhaps best described as "up and coming." The name "trópico" (or tropical) refers to both the bright decor and the menu that takes inspiration from the tastes of the tropics—from Colombian arepas to Brazilian chicken coxinhas, Thai dragon fruit smoothies, Peruvian ají, and Indian-style curries. Founders Leonardo Tristancho from Colombia and Rodrigo Marco from Brazil have created a space that reflects their love of vibrant, unapologetic flavors, blended with all the warmth of Latin hospitality.

Open since 1967, this elegant, family-owned temple of fine Catalan dining was a favorite of Salvador Dalí and now attracts local sports stars and politicians. The menu is a mix of contemporary offerings punctuated by old-school classics, and you can trust the expert sommelier to guide you through the daunting 10,000-bottle-strong wine list. The starter of squid stew with Iberian ham and piparra chilis threatens to be a showstopper, but the theatrical presentation of roast baby duck, deboned and pressed at the table, provides a memorable second act. Looking for a romantic venue for a special occasion? This is it.

This chic, neutral-tone wine and cheese bar—with over 150 bottles and 60 slabs of creamy joy—also serves up unexpectedly stunning fromage-free options, such as Vietnamese rolls and tartares. You’ll have your table or counter spot for two hours (typical in Barcelona, where dining generally has “shifts” at 8 pm and 10 pm); how much cheese you can fit into that window is on you.

The brainchild of two Venetian brothers, this Italian spot specializes in the cuisine of the Veneto region with exquisitely prepared dishes that lean heavily toward seafood and pasta.

Much of Xerta's menu is the expected swanky fine-dining fare, but stand-out options use unique produce from the deltas and rivers of the Terres de l'Ebre region, such as sweet miniature canyuts (razor clams), oysters, and fresh eel. The superb weekday four-course lunch menu includes two glasses of wine per person and is a steal at €45.