Savouring the typical food in Barcelona

Barcelona is the culinary gem of Catalonia and it is no wonder that it is an ideal destination for all food lovers looking for a unique gastronomic experience. This bustling city is not only famous for its stunning architecture and sunny beaches, but also for a culinary tradition that has conquered the palates of travellers from all over the world. From the iconic pa amb tomàquet to creative tapas and exquisite desserts, Barcelona offers a feast of authentic flavours. To discover traditional Catalan food is to immerse yourself in a symphony of aromas and textures that tell the exciting story of this region through every bite. Take note of the best typical food in Barcelona we have to recommend you.

Why does the food in Barcelona have so much quality?

The exceptional quality of typical Barcelona food is rooted in a gastronomic legacy that dates to medieval times and is still sustained by the intrinsic value of Catalan products and territory. The richness of the ingredients, from the sea, the mountains, the orchards and the forests, has given life to recipes rooted in tradition, which today enjoy great popularity. 

Barcelona's locals, great lovers of good food, have made it an ingrained custom to celebrate special moments around a table. In addition, the sustainable vision of the future has permeated Barcelona's food scene, reflected in initiatives such as the Biomarket and the promotion of local and sustainable products. Overall, it is a city that stands out for its commitment to sustainability and quality food.

Are you wondering what to eat in Barcelona?

If you are thinking about trying typical food, you should know that Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Spain and that it is synonymous with exquisite food. Pay attention to the guide we have prepared for you so you can enjoy an exciting trip, not only culturally, but also gastronomically. 

Black rice 

Arròs negre is a delicious Catalan creation that stands out for its distinctive black colour. Prepared in a paella pan, in this black rice squid ink is used to give flavour and colour to the dish. The main ingredient is squid, which is mixed with the rice to create a unique texture and flavour. 

In addition, this dish is traditionally served with allioli, a homemade garlic mayonnaise that perfectly complements the black rice. This dish is a visual and culinary feast, offering a unique experience for all those looking to explore the delicious Catalan gastronomic tradition. 

Pa amb tomaquet 

Pa amb tomaquet is one of the most famous typical foods in Barcelona and is a very simple and delicious recipe. Starting with the coca bread, the secret of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. 

By rubbing fresh tomato on the bread and adding a pinch of salt, a perfect base is created and enhanced with a generous drizzle of olive oil. This dish has become an essential accompaniment to many meals in Barcelona, capturing the essence of the region in every bite. We recommend that in order to add a touch of extra flavor, add a little garlic. 

Esqueixada de bacallà 

If you are thinking about what to eat in Barcelona, esqueixada de bacallà has to be one of your first choices. The salted cod is flaked to achieve the right consistency and mixed with chopped tomatoes, red peppers, onions and black olives. 

A generous drizzle of olive oil completes this summer dish, creating a refreshing combination full of Mediterranean flavours. With its juicy texture and delicious flavours, esqueixada de bacallà is a popular choice during summer days in Barcelona, offering a light but satisfying dining experience. 

Butifarra with mongetes 

The butifarra con mongetes, a Catalan sausage is a delicious dish features grilled butifarra sausage, highlighting its unique flavour and juicy texture. 

It is served alongside cooked white beans (tender), which are sautéed with garlic to add an extra touch of flavour. The combination of grilled butifarra with mongetes creates a comforting and flavorful dish that has endured as a beloved culinary tradition in the region. Its popularity lies in the simplicity of the local ingredients, highlighting the quality of the butifarra and its unique combination with the white beans. 

Escudella and Carn d'Olla 

Escudella i carn d'olla, typical in winter, is a comforting Catalan dish that fuses different cooked meats to create a tasty broth. This is served as a soup, incorporating pasta or noodles, while the meats are presented on an oval platter as the main course. 

During the Christmas holidays, a variant known as sopa de galets is made, where large snail-shaped pasta shells replace the traditional pasta. This dish embodies the tradition and warmth of Catalan cuisine during the winter season. So, if you are thinking about what to eat in Barcelona at Christmas, you know what you can surprise your guests with! 

Faves a la Catalana 

Faves a la catalana is a hearty and nutritious dish that stands out for its combination of fresh fava beans, broth and a touch of Catalan black butifarra sausage, which would be like a local blood sausage. 

Of course, it has to be cooked in an earthenware casserole. This gives it an incomparable presentation to become one of the best dishes for the Catalan winter, which is when broad beans are at their best. Its preparation is simple and its flavours are comforting, which makes it essential in Barcelona during the cold season. 

Calçots 

The calçots are the typical food in Barcelona par excellence. They are tender green onions that star in a unique culinary ritual from February to March. Roasted over a wood fire, they are carefully wrapped in newspaper to keep them warm.

When the charred outer layer is peeled off, they reveal a tender texture and a subtle smoky flavour. This dish is usually accompanied with the irresistible romesco sauce that is made with tomato, bread, hazelnuts, and garlic. This makes calçots an exquisite gastronomic experience that highlights the tradition, camaraderie and exquisiteness of Catalan cuisine. 

Suquet de peix 

Suquet de peix is a fish stew that reflects the humble history of the local fishermen of Barcelona. It is a dish that has evolved over time and features a harmonious blend of several varieties of fish, cooked together with vegetables and thin slices of potato. 

The sofrito, key to enhancing the flavours, adds complexity to the dish. The fumet used in this stew is also a recurring element in paellas, demonstrating the connection between these two renowned dishes. 

Espinacs amb panses i pinyons (spinach with raisins and pine nuts) 

Espinacs amb panses i pinyons is a Catalan dish that has been recorded since the Middle Ages. It consists of fresh spinach sautéed in olive oil with raisins and pine nuts, creating a fabulous combination. Although in some versions the spinach is steamed beforehand, the sautéed version is the one that brings out its authentic flavour the most. 

Catalan Cokes 

Cocas catalanas are versatile creations that can resemble bread, empanadas or pizzas, and offer a wide variety of sweet and savoury options. The dough base, composed of flour, water, salt and yeast, serves as a canvas for various combinations of ingredients. 

From sweet versions with candied fruit to savoury variants with local ingredients, Catalan cocas are an expression of Catalan culinary creativity. Their versatility ensures that there is a coca to suit all tastes, making them a popular dish during all kinds of celebrations and everyday meals. 

These dishes not only satisfy the palate, but also tell stories rooted in Catalan culture, highlighting the importance of local ingredients and cooking techniques passed down from generation to generation. Moreover, the diversity of flavours and attention to the original traditional recipe make each bite a unique and revealing experience of Catalonia's rich gastronomic heritage.

The best restaurants to eat typical food in Barcelona

All these dishes that we have mentioned will whet your appetite, but you have nothing to worry about because we have prepared a list of the best restaurants in Barcelona where you can enjoy traditional gastronomy. 

Amàlia House 

Casa Amàlia, a classic restaurant since 1950 in front of the Concepció market, offers Catalan cuisine with a menu that combines traditional and innovative dishes. Highlights include options such as grilled monkfish, as well as playful creations such as "panalena mallorquina", a grilled eggplant stuffed with “sobrasada” and eggplant tempura. 

Batea 

Batea, a place specialized in seafood, stands as a gastronomic oasis in the heart of Barcelona. Its commitment to freshness and quality ingredients at affordable prices makes it an unmissable choice for lovers of good food. 

From the exquisite white prawn tartar to the tempting Betanzos omelette, each dish highlights the freshness of the products and the creativity of the cuisine without being pretentious. Fresh and authentic flavours merge into a culinary experience that reflects the essence of the city, attracting diners in search of a delicious and authentic seafood experience in the heart of the city centre. 

Lluritu 

Lluritu stands out among the best seafood restaurants in Barcelona by offering exceptional seafood in a casual way. Its specialty is “lorito”, a seasonal fish that is usually fried with vegetables, although it is only available from September to March. 

Ca l'Estevet 

Going back to 1890, Ca l'Estevet overcomes longevity and remains in the memory of diners with excellent typical food in Barcelona. The Ros Cabot family acquired the restaurant in 2010, offering outstanding dishes such as capipota with samfaina, proving that their cuisine remains outstanding even after the pandemic and the economic crisis. 

Entrepanes Diaz 

Inspired by the beer halls of Madrid in the 1950s, Entrepanes Díaz stands out for its gourmet sandwiches and traditional tapas. Its star sandwich, the Antxón, with chistorra sausage, poached egg and crispy potatoes, leads the menu along with other creative options such as the marinated Andalusian dogfish. 

Fonda Pepa 

Fonda Pepa, opened in 2021 in Gracia, offers generous dishes such as pig's trotters with mole and amazing lamb cheeks. As a recommendation, the most outstanding dish of this restaurant is the lorito, a tender fried fish with seasonal vegetables. 

Portes 

Portes, with seven elegant 19th-century-style dining rooms, offer regional dishes in generous portions. From fish casserole with lobster to fresh seafood and stews such as black bean stew with sausage. However, we recommend you arrive very early because reservations are only available at certain tables. 

Aleia 

If you are planning to go to some of the art museums in Barcelona and you don't know if it is better to plan for lunch or dinner, Aleia is the best option. This restaurant offers a unique tasting menu for lunch and dinner. It offers exquisitely presented and very well prepared dishes, from the cuttlefish brioche to the flourless hake croquette and the chawanmushi, a Japanese flan with Iberian pork consommé and squid tartar. Even the desserts are surprisingly refreshing, leaving you fully satisfied after your main course, offering a variety of 15 dishes. 

As you can see, exploring typical food in Barcelona is a culinary delight that goes beyond mere nourishment. Each dish, from the iconic arròs negre to the versatile Catalan cocas, tells a story rooted in the rich tradition of the region. The exceptional quality of the food comes from the combination of local ingredients and the tradition of celebrating special moments around the table, a custom deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of Barcelona. 

In addition, the city embraces a sustainable approach to the future, evidenced by initiatives such as the Biomarket and the promotion of local products, highlighting Barcelona's commitment to sustainability and quality food. Discover these flavors in the best restaurants, from the classic Casa Amàlia to the modern Aleia and immerse yourself in a unique culinary experience that encapsulates the essence and excellence of Catalan cuisine.