Home > Barcelona > What locals love >
Restaurants and bars
Here you’ll find our handpicked list of must-visit restaurants, bars and cafés in Barcelona, organized into sections like trendy spots, traditional eateries, and classic bodegas. Whether you’re in the mood for something modern or a local gem, you’ll have plenty of great options to choose from!
Local flavours
From traditional Catalan dishes to creative modern cuisine, these restaurants offer an authentic taste of the city, blending fresh, local ingredients with a unique cultural touch that reflects its culinary heritage.
Seafood - Tapas - €€€
Bar Cañete
EL RAVAL
This lively venue serves fresh seafood and fish sourced directly from the Catalan market, paired with good wine, creating a perfect blend of authentic flavors and a vibrant atmosphere.
See website
Tapas - Wine - €€
Bar del Pla
EL BORN
A cozy and authentic spot specializing in traditional tapas made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Pair your meal with a carefully curated selection of excellent wines.
See website
Catalan cuisine - €€
Ca l'Estevet
EL RAVAL
Serving traditional Catalan cuisine since 1890, this iconic and historic spot is now lovingly run by the family’s 4th and 5th generations.
See website
Traditional - Wine - €€
Colmado Wilmot
SANT GERVASI
Chef Eugeni de Diego envisioned this charming bodega as a cozy and welcoming spot for breakfast and lunch, focusing on fresh, high-quality local ingredients.
See website
Tradition-twist - Wine - €€€
Gresca Bar
EIXAMPLE
This vibrant restaurant reimagines Catalan flavors with high-quality, inventive small plates in a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. A sommelier is on hand to guide you through an exceptional wine selection.
See websiteTrendy
Discover Barcelona’s trendiest restaurants, carefully chosen for their great food and atmosphere. These spots are where locals gather, creating the perfect blend of delicious dining and the city’s vibrant social scene.
Tapas - Private area - €€
Bar Bocata
SANT GERVASI
Always buzzing, this spot has a modern vibe and a short, easy-to-navigate menu—perfect for those who find it hard to choose.
See website
Tradition-twist - Wine - €€€
Berbena
GRÀCIA
In this cozy 300ft² bistro, Carles Pérez de Rozas highlights bold, simple dishes centered on essentials: bread, wine, olive oil, cheese, and coffee.
See website
Seafood - Tapas - €€
Lluritu
GRÀCIA
Casual seafood spot, run by childhood friends Pol, Gerard, and Pau. A cozy, modern space with classic touches inspired by traditional Spanish coastal bars.
See website
Tapas - Cocktails - €€
Soma
EIXAMPLE
With over 100 years of history, Soma offers a cozy, Parisian-style terrace, inventive cocktails, and Italian-Mediterranean tapas
See website
Internationals
Sometimes, living in a city, you crave something beyond the local flavors. Barcelona’s international dining scene offers diverse cuisines, perfect for when you miss global tastes and want something different from the everyday.
Scandinavian - Natural wine - €€
Bandini's
SANT ANTONI
Enjoy good wines, shareable dishes, and a friendly vibe. With a seasonal menu featuring Scandinavian touches and natural wines, it’s a perfect spot to relax and savour.
See website
Vegetarian - Cocktails - €€
Green Spot
EL BORN
By Grupo Tragaluz, is a vegetarian restaurant in Port Vell, Barcelona, offering creative, seasonal dishes in a cozy, modern setting.
See website
Mexican - Cocktails- €€€
Jiribilla
SANT ANTONI
A lively taqueria blending Mexican and Catalan flavors with must-try dishes like amberjack tiradito and mushroom tacos. Great cocktails and friendly service make it a top spot!
See website
Japanese - €€
Mako
EIXAMPLE
A Japanese sushi tavern with a bar that lets you watch the chef in action, offering an authentic and relaxed dining experience.
See website
Asian cousine - Natural wine - €€
Mikan
EIXAMPLE
Asian cuisine inspired by Japanese, Chinese, and Korean foods, along with an eclectic variety of fun natural wines from Spain, France, and beyond.
See website
Fine dining
Barcelona is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, including Michelin-starred gems. This selection showcases tasting menus that highlight the city’s exceptional culinary talent and unforgettable dining experiences.
Catalan-Asian - Cocktails - €€€€
Direkte Boqueria
EL RAVAL
Tucked away in La Boqueria market, this spot offers a creative fusion of Catalan and Asian flavors, expertly crafted by chef Arnau Muñio in an intimate setting.
See website
Avant-garde - Wine - Cocktails - €€€€
Disfrutar
EIXAMPLE
With 3 Michelin stars and named the world’s best restaurant in 2024, this spot offers inventive Mediterranean cuisine with an avant-garde flair by chefs Casañas, Castro, and Xatruch.
Learn more
Historical flavors - Wine - €€€€
Dos Pebrots
EL RAVAL
A journey through Mediterranean history and gastronomy, using small tapas to bring old-world recipes to life. Enjoy timeless traditions with a creative, modern twist.
Learn more
Japanese- Omakase - €€€€
Suto
SANTS
Chef Yoshi Suto leads this intimate Michelin-starred Japanese spot, offering a refined Omakase menu with exquisite nigiri and seasonal dishes.
See website
Traditional - Wine - €€€€
Suculent
EIXAMPLE
Led by chef Toni Romero, this cozy spot in Barcelona’s Raval serves modern Mediterranean tasting menus featuring rich, flavorful broths.
See website
Vermouth bar
In Barcelona, weekends aren’t complete without a midday vermouth around 1 PM. Paired with vinegary bites and classic tapas, it’s a cherished tradition that brings friends together.
Tapas - Cava - €
Can Paixano
EL BORN
A lively, no-frills spot offering affordable tapas, sandwiches, and cava, where you eat standing up. Can Paixano captures an authentic, old-school tavern vibe.
See website
Tapas - Standing eat- €€
El Vaso de Oro
BARCELONETA
Quality tapas served in a bustling, narrow bar where you might eat standing. Exceptional market-fresh ingredients, well-poured beer, and friendly staff.
Learn more
Tapas - Cava - €€
El Xampanyet
EL BORN
A traditional bar in El Born, Barcelona, known for its classic tapas and house-made cava. With a lively, authentic atmosphere, it’s an iconic spot for Catalan cuisine.
See website
Creative tapas - Evening spot- €€
Fino Bar
GRÀCIA
A cozy spot in Gràcia, serving up modern twists on Spanish classics with a great selection of wines, charcuterie, and creative tapas. Perfect for a laid-back evening of good food and vibes.
See website
Montaditos - Wine - Vermouth €€
Quimet & Quimet
POBLE-SEC
A cozy, standing-room-only bar renowned for its inventive montaditos and selection of wines and vermouths—a must-visit for an authentic Barcelona tapas experience.
Learn moreWine bar
A bodega in Spain is a cozy spot where you can enjoy an extensive wine list paired with small plates or traditional tapas, perfect for a relaxed and authentic experience.
Trendy - Tapas - Natural wines - €€
Canvis Nous
EL BORN
Offering an extensive selection of natural wines curated by The Natural Wine Company. With its cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, it's an ideal spot for wine enthusiasts seeking a unique tasting experience.
Learn more
Creative tapas - Natural wine - €€€
Contracorrent Bar
EIXAMPLE
Serving creative tapas crafted with seasonal ingredients and paired with natural wines, offering a delightful blend of tradition and modern culinary innovation.
See website
Italian inspired - Natural wines - €€
Glug
EIXAMPLE
A vibrant spot with natural wines and inventive Italian-inspired bites—perfect for wine lovers craving something unique and stylish.
Learn more
Trendy - Evening spot- €€
Masa Vins
POBLENOU
A trendy wine bar with a wide selection of natural wines and creative small plates—perfect for a laid-back yet stylish evening.
See website
Creative tapas - Wine - €€
Pepa Bar a Vins
EIXAMPLE
A cozy, laid-back wine bar with a fantastic selection of natural wines and creative tapas—perfect for a relaxed evening with great flavors.
Learn moreCocktail bar
Barcelona is home to a growing cocktail scene, where you can enjoy everything from classic drinks to creative mixes. These are the perfect spots to unwind and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Trendy - Romantic
14 de la Rosa
GRÀCIA
A cozy cocktail bar, perfect for a date night or pre-dinner drink. Known for its creative drinks, it’s a special spot loved by locals
See website
Jazz club - Jam sessions
Casa Figari
GRÀCIA
If you’re a jazz lover, Casa Figari is the spot for you—enjoy a lively atmosphere, jam sessions, and crafted cocktails.
See website
Audiophile Cafe - Live music
Curtis
EIXAMPLE
If you love music, vinyl, and cocktails, Curtis Audiophile Cafe is a must-visit in Barcelona with DJ sets and great vibes.
See website
Speakeasy - Creative cocktails
Paradiso
EL BORN
Hidden inside a pastrami smokehouse, this speakeasy is ranked as the world’s best bar for its creative drinks and cool vibe.
See website
DJ set - Vinyl - Sake
Oblicuo Hi-Fi Bar
GRÀCIA
This "listening bar" offers high-fidelity sound, natural wines, sake, and creative cocktails. It's the perfect spot for music lovers to enjoy rare vinyl, DJ sets, and an incredible acoustic experience.
See websiteCoffee & Breakfast
In Barcelona, breakfast and coffee are more than just a meal. Locals often linger over their café con leche and pastries, turning mornings into a moment of connection and relaxation.
Breakfast - Pet-friendly
Raw Studio
SANT GERVASI
Serving specialty coffee from Cafés El Magnífico and healthy breakfast options in a cozy, pet-friendly space, ideal for relaxing or meeting friends.
See website
Coffee roasters
Slowmov
GRÀCIA
A cozy Gràcia specialty café focused on slow, sustainable coffee with single-origin brews and local treats.
See website
Bakery-brunch - Work Friendly
Taulat 44
POBLENOU
Taulat 44 is a Nordic-style café near the beach in Poblenou, known for its specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and cozy brunch vibes.
Learn more
Specialty Coffee - Small bites
The Coffee
EIXAMPLE
The Coffee blends the best of Brazilian coffee with Japanese design. We’ve partnered with them so you can enjoy this amazing brew right at home!
See website
Family roasters - Breakfast
Vitrina Café
EIXAMPLE
Located within the Magatzem 128 boutique hotel in Barcelona, offers quality coffee roasted locally by Familia Osorio.
Learn moreYour map to live like a local
This map has all our recommended spots to make exploring Barcelona effortless. No more worrying about where to go for dinner—we’ve got you covered!
Download your calendar to be stay up to date with local culture
Arriving in Barcelona by train from other European cities is a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to flying. High-speed rail connections offers comfortable seats, scenic views, and spacious luggage allowances.
Trains often arrive directly in the city center (Barcelona Sants), making it faster and easier to reach your destination.
Traveling by train is both efficient and enjoyable!
Key contacts
We’re always happy to help! Feel free to reach out to our Guest Experience team anytime.
Email: guests@ukio.com
Contact us through your Guest Portal