45 restaurants to go to eat in Barcelona and that will not disappoint you
We take advantage of the fact that we are at the local festival to make a list of establishments that deserve a visit
BarcelonaThese are major festival days in the city (with the permission of Santa Eulàlia). So, I am taking the opportunity to make a list of highly recommended restaurants in the city of Barcelona. A question I am asked very often is “what is your top 10 restaurants in Barcelona”. I am not a big fan of rankings. Besides, there are too many factors that make them impossible to compare. To go with a partner? To celebrate an anniversary? To go with children? What budget are we talking about? So, take this compilation as a handful of restaurants that I encourage you to visit.
If we start in the Raval, where ARA has its newsroom, Suculent is a must-visit. The eel allipebre deserves an award (whatever it may be, as long as they can show it off at the restaurant). Na Mindona is the place where I shake off my longing for Mallorca and El Magraner Boig, where I shake off the one for Greece. If we work late and want a burger, the place is Fast Eddie’s on Joaquim Costa street. For once, we have a place that doesn't charge for water (not even sparkling water). If we want a durum, the authentic establishment where we go with our newsroom colleagues is Bismillah Kebabish. It is worth remembering that they only accept cash.
Continuing with Middle Eastern food, my favorite of them all is Xix Kebab, on Còrsega street. Lately, I have also fallen in love with Jazminos, on Madrazo street. A place for good and healthy food. Not far away, a five-minute walk, we find one of my favorite Korean places, Hanki. If what we want is homemade Italian food, three proposals in three different areas of the city: Raffaelli, Gravin and Bellebuòn. If we are carnivorous, without a doubt the place is Bardeni Meatbar (the best steak tartare along with the one at Via Veneto). If I want rice, I will go to Casa Maians, in Barceloneta.
The one we never get tired of is Catalan cuisine, and although it may not seem like it, there are still very good places left. Some, with extraordinary success. From humble to fancy: Gelida, Bar Joan,Veracruz, Can Vilaró, Ca l’Estevet, Can Pineda, Ca l’Isidre, Windsor or Alkostat, which is the perfect place for a celebration. If I ever get lost, maybe you'll find me where Jordi Vilà cooks.
Although when it comes to celebrating, nothing makes me happier than the fried fish at the bar La Plata, in the Gothic Quarter. Nothing else is needed to have a good time. Other places that know how to party are the wine cellars (bodegas). We have Quimet, in Gràcia, as a traditional bodega, but also—and they shouldn't be confused because they are quite different—the Quimet & Quimet in Poble-sec with the best canned goods you can eat while standing up. It's very popular among tourists, I know, but we shouldn't stop going there. Opposite, you have La Chana, with all the flair of the gastronomy of San Lúcar de Barrameda. You will find mollete de pringada, fino sherry, and fried food. If you want Basque-style omelet and cider, go further up, to Blai street, to Koska Taverna.
Let's continue with the Basque Country. Taktika Berri never fails, nor does Maitea Taverna. It is a spacious restaurant to go to with a group and it has a wonderful wine list. In fact, lovers of a good bottle might also be drawn out of the house by Món Vínic, but also L’Ànima del vi, where you must let yourself be advised. If you go there, don't make plans for afterwards. You know when you go in, but never when you come out.
If we look at the youngest restaurants in the city, the ones you need to keep an eye on are Franca, Glugand Mineral. There are other not-so-young places that are always full, like everything Rafa Peña touches, whether it's Gresca or Bar Torpedo, which saves you when you're late after a concert. If I want fish, I will stop at Llurituin any of its establishments. Or at Kiosko Universal, in the Boqueria market. They make a good seafood platter and you will find local patrons there. If you don't believe me, go check it out.
If you are cheese fans, the place is Viblioteca. And if you want to eat Galician gastronomy in an absolutely informal way, I recommend the bar Alnorte, where the cod skin rinds are very addictive. Does Japanese food call to you? Shunka for sushi, Mikasa for other dishes, and Una mica de Japó for their bento. And I end with the most popular food: the sandwich. From meatballs with capipota or whatever is on offer, you will find them at Bodega Montferry, in the Sants neighborhood. They aren't all there, but all that are there, are good. Happy festival!