Must-see restaurants in Catalonia

  • Con Gracia

    Barcelona

    This teeny hideaway (seating about 20 in total) is a hive of originality, producing delicately balanced, seasonally inspired Mediterranean cuisine with…

  • Restaurant el Cafetí

    El Raval

    This diminutive and atmospheric little place is filled with antique furniture and offers traditional local cooking, with one or two unorthodox variations…

  • Tantarantana

    La Ribera

    All patterned tiled floors, marble-top tables and wooden beams, shoebox-sized Tantarantana attracts a lively crowd who make the most of the terrace tables…

  • Taco Alto

    El Raval

    This relaxed joint offers on-point tacos and quesadillas, plus five homemade salsas numbered according to spiciness. Wash it all down with a fresh…

  • Gats

    El Raval

    A relatively recent addition to the barri, Gats has been an instant hit, and its terrace is constantly full. A deliciously fresh spread of dishes ranges…

  • Casa Xica

    Barcelona

    On the parlour floor of an old house, Casa Xica is a casual, artfully designed space where elements of various Asian cuisines are fused with fresh Catalan…

  • Més de Vi

    Barcelona

    At this buzzing wine bar, Catalan drops are accompanied by tapas dishes both inventive and delicious: courgette-pesto and burrata salad, pickled tuna…

  • Can Travi Nou

    Barcelona

    A romantic 17th-century farmhouse-mansion wrapped in bougainvillea, with scattered dining areas, is the setting at Can Travi Nou, 4km north of Gràcia in…

  • Cerveseria Catalana

    L'Eixample

    The ‘Catalan Brewery’ is perfect for a morning coffee and croissant, or tapas and montaditos (bread with toppings) at lunch or dinner. Sit at the bar, on…

  • Entrepanes Díaz

    L'Eixample

    Gourmet sandwiches, from roast beef to suckling pig or the favourite crispy squid with squid-ink aioli, are the highlight at this sparkling old-style bar,…

  • Barquet

    Tarragona

    This popular neighbourhood restaurant is a short downhill stroll south from Tarragona centre. It's deservedly famous for its expertly concocted rice…

  • Rocambolesc

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Step into the fantastical, candy-striped world of the multi-award-winning Roca brothers for Spain's most daringly divine ice cream, from rhubarb confit…

  • Sensi Bistro

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Tucked away in the Barri Gòtic is this lively spot where red walls are adorned with bright illustrations. Sure, it's a bit touristy, but Sensi serves up…

  • Les Voltes

    Costa Brava

    As pleasant for a tinto de verano (red wine and soda) as for a full-blown feast of grilled entrecôte, Les Voltes spreads from a cavernous stone-walled…

  • B12

    Girona

    Poised under stone arches, low-key B12 throws organic vegan and vegetarian produce together into light, fresh and totally delicious plant-fuelled cooking…

  • Bitácora

    Barcelona

    Bitácora is a neighbourhood favourite for its congenial ambience and simple, well-priced tapas plates, which come in ample portions and have a splash of…

  • La Nansa

    Sitges

    Just back from the seafront, up a little lane in a fine old house, this smart seafood specialist does a great line in paella and other rice dishes, such…

  • Taktika Berri

    L'Eixample

    Reservations are essential at Taktika Berri, which teems with smartly dressed local diners who come for some of the best pintxos (Basque tapas) in town…

  • Nakashita

    La Ribera

    Brazil's particular immigration story means it has a tradition of superb Japanese food, and the Brazilian chef at Nakashita is no slouch, turning out…

  • Zarautz

    Barcelona

    A short hop from Barcelona Sants train station, you can take in some quality pintxos (Basque tapas) at Zarautz' polished-wood bar any time of the day, or…

  • La Burg

    Barcelona

    Catalan wines by the glass or bottle accompany sleek La Burg's gourmet burgers made from organic, farm-to-table ingredients. Cheese lovers should try La…

  • Casa Portuguesa

    Barcelona

    Overlooking Plaça del Diamant, Casa Portuguesa is a delightful bakery and purveyor of delicacies. The pasteis de belém (Portuguese-style custard tarts)…

  • La Platilleria

    Barcelona

    Lovingly prepared tapas that change depending on the day's seasonal produce are the draw at this tucked-away spot in upper Poble Sec. Classic crowd…

  • Cafè & Bistro È Bo

    The Catalan Pyrenees

    With tables dotting the pavement, this laid-back cafe-restaurant is a buzzy spot to fuel up on tasty, uncomplicated Catalan-French food. Lively staff…

  • Kasparo

    El Raval

    This friendly terrace cafe, overlooking a traffic-free square and playground from beneath the arches, is a favourite with the neighbourhood parents and…

  • Venus Delicatessen

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    This sweet little deli charms you from the minute you step down from the street into its bohemian interior. Artworks line the walls, plants overhang the…

  • Era Móla

    Val d'Aran

    One of the top restaurants in town, Era Móla is known for its carefully prepared local cooking with a heavy French hand, plated up inside a handsome stone…

  • De Tapa Madre

    L'Eixample

    A lively atmosphere greets you from the moment you swing open the door. A few tiny tables line the window (there's also terrace seating out front), but…

  • Bar del Pla

    La Ribera

    A bright and buzzy favourite, with glorious Catalan tiling, a vaulted ceiling and bottles of wine lining the walls. At first glance, the tapas at informal…

  • L’estel de la Mercè

    Catalonia

    About 1km southwest of central Lleida, this sleek fine-dining place creates fusion dishes using fresh seasonal produce. Feast on the likes of rabbit with…

  • Suculent

    El Raval

    Part of celebrity chef Carles Abellán's culinary empire, this old-style bistro showcases the best of contemporary Catalan cuisine courtesy of El Bulli…

  • El Caliu del Poblenou

    Barcelona

    Right on the Rambla del Poblenou, this narrow-fronted restaurant opens to a rustic, elongated interior with exposed stone walls and dark timber tables…

  • Jai-Ca

    Barcelona

    In business since 1955, much-loved Jai-Ca serves up juicy grilled prawns, flavour-rich anchovies, tender octopus, decadent razor clams and other seafood…

  • PKtus

    The Catalan Pyrenees

    Modern, minuscule and friendly, PKtus concentrates on a limited menu of delicious deli produce, with regional cheeses, creative salads, Iberian ham and…

  • Pinhan

    Barcelona

    Like a secret little garden in leafy Parc del Turó, this stylish food-truck-inspired cafe serves light Mediterranean meals (hummus, creative salads,…

  • Bangkok Cafe

    Barcelona

    If you're craving Thai cuisine, it's well worth making the trip out to Les Corts for this small, buzzing place with an open kitchen, photos of the Thai…

  • El Cangrejo Loco

    Barcelona

    Of the hive of eating activity along the docks of Port Olímpic, the ‘Mad Crab’ is among the best. Fish standards, such as sea bass and monkfish, are…

  • Foix de Sarrià

    Barcelona

    Since 1886 this swish pastry shop has been selling the most exquisite cakes, sweets, chocolates, wines and cheeses. You can stock up for later or grab a…

  • Embat

    L'Eixample

    Enthusiastic young chefs turn out beautifully presented, market-fuelled dishes in this light-filled, Scandi-chic setting. Menus change weekly: indulge…

  • Occi

    Girona

    With elegant contemporary styling and fine service, Occi has many elements of a pricier place but remains accessible and welcoming. The menu incorporates…