Must-see restaurants in Catalonia

  • Onofre

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Famed for its (good, affordable) Spanish wines, this snug modern restaurant, wine shop and deli has a strong local following. Beer-barrel tables and…

  • Bar Seco

    Barcelona

    Local, sustainably sourced produce and a Slow Food ethos infuse the original tapas at this sunny, peach-pink corner spot, where you can dig into organic…

  • Las Delicias

    Barcelona

    This welcoming hillside restaurant in El Carmel makes a fine add-on to an afternoon exploring the nearby Park Güell or Bunkers del Carmel. There's a…

  • Els Quatre Gats

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Once the lair of Barcelona's Modernista artists, Els Quatre Gats is a stunning example of the movement, inside and out, with its colourful patterned tiles…

  • Can Dendê

    Barcelona

    An eclectic crowd gathers at bohemian Brazilian-run Can Dendê in El Poblenou. All-day brunch is the culinary star here: you can tuck into eggs Benedict…

  • A Tu Bola

    El Raval

    A snug brick-walled space with just a few benches overlooking an open kitchen, ATB delivers punchy street-food flair with its seasonal, local-produce menu…

  • El Colectivo

    El Raval

    A relaxed little cafe on a quiet Raval street, El Colectivo makes excellent cake (carrot, pineapple and many more), creative bocadillos (filled rolls) and…

  • Els Pescadors

    Barcelona

    On a picturesque square lined with low houses and long-established South American bella ombre trees, this quaint family restaurant continues to serve some…

  • Paco Meralgo

    L'Eixample

    Patates braves, cod fritters, courgette flowers with mozzarella, grilled Palamós prawns, sautéed squid with Santa Pau beans and, just sometimes, lunchtime…

  • Cal Cuc

    Barcelona

    At this sleek spot, Asian street-food-inspired tapas such as Chinese-inspired bang bang aubergine (in spicy sauce), gyoza (Japanese pan-fried dumplings),…

  • Can Cortada

    Barcelona

    The setting and hearty welcome make this 11th-century Horta estate (still graced by the remains of a defensive tower) worth the excursion to northern…

  • Aguaribay

    Barcelona

    Polished Aguaribay serves a small, well-executed à la carte menu by night: stir-fried rice noodles with crispy tofu and peanut sauce, green lasagne with…

  • La Fermata de Sarrià

    Barcelona

    Pizza slices are sold by weight at this little industrial-style Sarrià pizzeria run by a Rome-trained chef. They're made with organic flour and come with…

  • El Filferro

    Barcelona

    One of the few Barceloneta restaurants where the focus isn't on seafood, cheerful Filferro has a loyal following for its good-value tapas, entrepans …

  • Bar Torpedo

    L'Eixample

    Elegant natural wines and cardboard-box plates stuffed with gourmet entrepans (filled rolls, perhaps with meatballs and mozzarella or soft-shell crab) and…

  • Lluritu

    Barcelona

    From salted sardines to king prawns and razor clams, perfectly grilled, unadorned bites fresh from the ocean are the order of the day at this self-styled…

  • Escribà

    Barcelona

    The Escribà family carries forward a tradition (since 1906) of melting barcelonins’ hearts with remarkable pastries and chocolate creations. Seasonal…

  • Bon Estar

    Sitges

    A calming cream-coloured dining room sets the tone for thoughtful, elegant modern-Catalan cooking at family-owned Bon Estar. Delectable spinach-and-goat's…

  • Copasetic

    L'Eixample

    Styled with 1920s vintage inspiration, Catalan-Greek-owned cafe Copasetic has a fun, friendly vibe and a seasonal menu that holds plenty for everyone,…

  • Bar But

    Barcelona

    Upcycled furniture blends with sprinkled plants and whitewashed-brick walls at this enticing neighbourhood cafe-restaurant, with its distinctive open…

  • Martínez

    Barcelona

    With a fabulous panorama over the port, stylish Martínez is a standout among Montjuïc's lacklustre dining options. The terrace is ideal for warm-day…

  • Café Godot

    Barcelona

    Godot is a tasteful, relaxing bistro-style space of exposed stone, timber, mirrors and tiles, with arched windows overlooking the street. It has an…

  • Can Maño

    Barcelona

    It may look like a dive, but you’ll need to wait before being squeezed in at a packed table for a raucous night of raciones (full-plate-size tapas…

  • Cantina Machito

    Barcelona

    On a leafy street, colourful Machito – adorned with Frida Kahlo images – gets busy with locals, and the outside tables are a great place to eat and drink…

  • Chivuo's

    Barcelona

    Burgers and craft beers make a fine pair at this buzzing den. A mostly local crowd comes for huge burgers (including a mushroom veggie and a Philly cheese…

  • Cafè Camèlia

    Barcelona

    A peaceful spot for set lunches, cakes and El Magnífico coffee, this pastel-pink, check-floor vegetarian cafe has a world-wandering menu of well-executed…

  • Ajoblanco

    Barcelona

    This beautifully designed, dimly lit bar and restaurant serves a mix of classic and creative tapas plates that go nicely with the imaginative cocktails…

  • Bar Tomàs de Sarrià

    Barcelona

    Many barcelonins swear Bar Tomàs is the best place in the city for patates braves, served with its house-speciality garlic aioli or spicy tomato sauce…

  • NAP Mar

    Barcelona

    Though NAP (Neapolitan Authentic Pizza) has a couple of branches around town, this location footsteps from Platja de Sant Miquel makes elegant NAP Mar…

  • La Font del Gat

    Barcelona

    Set on the edge of the Jardins de Laribal, La Font del Gat's lovely, spacious terrace is dotted with orange trees and surrounded by greenery. It has a…

  • Cremeria Toscana

    L'Eixample

    At the most authentic gelato outlet in town, all flavours are natural (and most gluten-free) and fruit arrives fresh every day. Along with classic Italian…

  • Acontraluz

    Barcelona

    The most magical place to dine at this romantic restaurant is in the bougainvillea-draped, tree-filled garden, reached by an arbour. Outstanding,…

  • Bar Restaurant Cap de Creus

    Costa Brava

    Perched atop the cape, this all-day restaurant caters to exhausted hikers and beach-goers with an unexpected combination of Catalan and Indian food. The…

  • La Fresca

    Barcelona

    This little neighbourhood joint is simple but intimate, with red banquettes, mismatched chairs and wine bottles adorning bare walls. A TV pumps out footie…

  • El Ben Plantat

    Barcelona

    A welcome find in seafood-centric Barceloneta, El Ben Plantat serves a varied menu of small plates, with excellent vegetarian choices (hummus, guacamole…

  • Zanpanzar

    Girona

    The piled-high bar glistens with tempting pintxos (Basque tapas) at this bubbly Basque tavern in the heart of Girona's old town. Just help yourself and…

  • Nu

    Girona

    Sleek and confident, this beautiful, contemporary old-town spot has innovative, top-notch plates prepared in view by a friendly team. Catalan-Asian…

  • L’Alqueria

    Girona

    This smart, minimalist arroseria serves some of the city's finest arròs negre (rice cooked in cuttlefish ink), as well as around 20 other superbly…

  • Van Van Var

    Barcelona

    The vibing, shoebox-sized permanent outpost of hit street-food market Van Van rustles up regularly changing themed menus devised by Barcelona's favourite…

  • Veggie Garden

    El Raval

    Sit amid bright murals while charming staff serve a ridiculously good-value South Asian- and Mediterranean-influenced menu of plant-based thalis, curries,…