Best restaurants to eat in Barcelona, our guide to the best places. Do you like japanese fusion? second will blow your socks of!
Are you not sure of where to eat in Barcelona? Are you looking for a recommendation? I am not anyhow biased no one paid me to do this. This article is simply where I like to eat and would recommend you to go as a chef. Perhaps you are a real foodie and need a place with good food, wine and atmosphere. I have found where many chefs and locals like to eat. Some might be Michelin-starred restaurants some not some more expensive some less but I guess like anywhere in the world nowadays for good you have to pay.
1 Alkimia
1 Michelin star
Atmosphere: you will feel really special, great for dates, anniversaries… unique experience
This restaurant has 6 tables, and an open kitchen in a very beautiful building. What is amazing is the dining room located in the living room of the Moritz family; the restaurant looks absolutely amazing.
I have been actually working here and I think it might be the best place so far. If you like a grill this is the place but please do not mistake this for any grill place this is not what you think It is a Michelin star place that uses grills in cooking their fish or meat.
They serve 2 types of tasting menus one shorter 8-course and one longer 10-course tasting menu. The price is higher but it is due to the fact that they use the best seasonal ingredients from ecologic farms, foragers, and fishmongers.
They specialize in seafood and fish so do not be surprised that you will eat loads of that. The place is run by owner and chef Jordi Villa one of the most recognized chefs in Barcelona. The cuisine is “New” Catalan cuisine. The menu is highly seasonal and changes according to the season and they put the best of the products on the plate. I remember seeing not just fresh but still alive prawns, and squid that are still changing colour…on a Monday (I have said on Monday because for chefs as we know you should not go to eat out on Monday because no supplier works on Monday so you will not be eating fresh food on Monday, that is why many places close down. However, not here I tell you go to eat on Monday evening because this is maybe the only place in Barcelona that receives the freshest fish and seafood from Galicia on Monday nights).
Restaurant with maybe the best produce in Barcelona. I remember seeing famous chefs eat in their Ferran Adria to name just one …
Alkimia is also part of a restaurant called UNPLUGGED, cooking simple Catalan and Spanish tapas cooked on the grill and also a bistro called AlKostat
Please do not be shy to ask for a tour of the kitchen you will see a roll Royce of the wood grill I used to work on it and on the pastry.
2 Directe Boqueria
Gourmet Tapas by Sensi
Website
BOK AHEAD
Creative? yes
Price per person 35-60€?
Gourmet Tapas by Sensi, a culinary gem located in the heart of Barcelona, is a gastronomic haven that elevates traditional Spanish tapas to an art form. This restaurant stands out with its innovative and creative approach to these beloved small plates. With a warm and inviting ambiance, Gourmet Tapas by Sensi provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience.
The menu at Gourmet Tapas by Sensi is a delightful blend of traditional Spanish ingredients and avant-garde culinary techniques. Dishes are meticulously crafted to deliver a harmonious explosion of flavors and textures, with an array of small plates that surprise and delight diners. From succulent Iberian ham to innovative seafood creations, the restaurant offers a tantalizing journey through Spanish cuisine.
The knowledgeable and friendly staff at Gourmet Tapas by Sensi provide excellent recommendations and wine pairings, ensuring that every visit is a memorable culinary adventure. Whether you’re a local seeking a new twist on classic flavors or a visitor eager to savor the essence of Spanish cuisine, Gourmet Tapas by Sensi promises a unique and delectable experience for all food enthusiasts.
3 Fat veggies
Price: 40€ per person
Creative: yes, food all prepared on wood fire
NOTE: Vegetarian and vegan
Great for special occasion but not expensive
“Fat Veggies” is an innovative restaurant that has taken the culinary world by storm. Located in the heart of a vibrant city, it’s a place where flavors and sustainability meet. The restaurant’s focus on plant-based, hearty dishes is a delightful departure from traditional fare. Fat Veggies’ inventive menu showcases how vegetables can be the stars of the show, with dishes that are both indulgent and health-conscious. From their crispy cauliflower steaks to rich, mushroom-based pastas, every bite is a celebration of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The inviting atmosphere and thoughtful design make it a destination for both foodies and those seeking a green, gastronomic adventure.
This place serves daily lunch menu, ala carte and tasting menu. I have tried tasting menu for like 35€ and couple of beautiful home made combuchas.
4 Restaurant gresca
price: medium
Offers a daily menu and tasting menu
Very creative food
“Gresca” is a culinary sanctuary in the heart of Barcelona, renowned for its impeccable blend of modern gastronomy and traditional Catalan influences. The restaurant, nestled in the city’s vibrant Eixample district, invites diners on a journey of flavors and innovation. Gresca’s ever-evolving menu showcases the freshest seasonal ingredients, each dish meticulously crafted to delight the senses. Whether it’s their artful seafood creations or perfectly grilled meats, Gresca offers a harmonious symphony of tastes. The intimate ambiance, complemented by impeccable service, sets the stage for memorable dining experiences. For those seeking a taste of Catalonia’s culinary excellence, Gresca is a destination that captures the essence of the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
5 Dos Pebrots
Price: medium
offers ala cart and tasting menu
Dos Pebrots, a gastronomic treasure nestled in the heart of Barcelona, is a culinary revelation that showcases the rich tapestry of Catalan cuisine. Located in the vibrant El Raval district, this restaurant is a testament to the region’s culinary heritage and contemporary flair. Dos Pebrots, which translates to “Two Peppers” in English, draws inspiration from local ingredients, infusing them with creativity and bold flavours. Diners are treated to a menu filled with tantalizing small plates and innovative dishes, each a harmonious marriage of tradition and modernity. The restaurant’s warm, welcoming ambience and attentive service make it a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Catalan culinary adventure.
Price medium
Creative place with great cuisine using top ingredients
“Restaurant Coure” is a culinary gem in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. Nestled in the elegant Eixample district, it has earned a well-deserved reputation as a dining destination that fuses contemporary gastronomy with Catalan traditions. Coure’s menu is a testament to the region’s culinary heritage, featuring dishes that showcase local ingredients prepared with creativity and finesse. Each plate is a work of art, marrying flavors and textures in a way that delights the senses. The restaurant’s modern and inviting ambiance creates the perfect backdrop for an exceptional dining experience. For those seeking an unforgettable journey through Catalan cuisine, Restaurant Coure is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.