Come to Barcelona for the tapas, but stay for everything else this culinary paradise has to offer. This year has blessed us with a bunch of fantastic new restaurants, including our new favorites, Assault and Oníric. They bring a range of contemporary Catalan cuisine, fine dining, and more to the table. Talk about a feast for the senses!
In our roundup of the best restaurants in Barcelona, you’ll find an eclectic mix of dining experiences. From tapas and tasting menus to Japanese, Mediterranean, and even Mexican cuisine, we’ve got your cravings covered. Trust TraveliciousBites—every spot on this list has been thoroughly vetted and taste-tested (tough job, but someone’s got to do it).
Why take our word for it? Because when we say these are the best restaurants in Barcelona right now, we mean it. So, loosen that belt a notch and get ready to dive into the best culinary delights that Barcelona has to offer. Bon appétit!
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Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Alapar
What is it? Alapar, located in the spot formerly occupied by Albert Adrià’s Michelin-starred Pakta, is a Mediterranean izakaya (or a traditional bodega with an Asian flair, depending on your perspective). It’s masterfully run by the talented Jaume Marambio and Vicky Maccarone, who brilliantly blend Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines.
Why go? These two culinary traditions might sound like an odd couple, but Marambio and Maccarone pull it off with finesse and originality, making Alapar one of the best restaurants in Barcelona. Imagine savoring a squid and Iberian bacon montadito, or indulging in three-sausage gyoza with fava beans. The pea stew with squid and katsuobushi is a revelation, and don’t even get us started on the soy and caramel ice-cream sandwich for dessert. The real showstoppers here are the dishes that combine slow-cooked Catalan flavors with delicate Japanese influences. If you’re craving something chilled, their fantastic nigiri is not to be missed.
In a city brimming with culinary delights, Alapar stands out as one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, proving that Mediterranean and Japanese flavors can indeed be a match made in heaven. So, add Alapar to your must-visit list and prepare for a dining experience that’s as unique as it is delicious.
Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Gresca
What is it? Gresca has made a name for itself as the pioneer of the ‘bistronomic’ movement, where top-notch ingredients and boundless creativity come together in perfect harmony. This place masterfully balances offering a fantastic set lunch menu while pushing culinary boundaries, making it one of the best restaurants in Barcelona for those who crave good food with a twist.
Why go? Rafa Penya, the culinary genius behind Gresca, has earned his spot as a leading figure in gastronomy. His daring creativity doesn’t compromise the deliciousness or recognizability of his dishes.
Take, for instance, the octopus paired with ‘butifarra negra’ (black sausage) – it’s a match made in foodie heaven. Then there’s the ginger squab, a dish that packs a punch. And don’t miss the herb-infused omelette, elegantly wrapped in a whisper-thin slice of Catalan bacon. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
When talking about the best restaurants in Barcelona, Gresca is a standout. It’s where culinary artistry meets hearty, soul-satisfying food.
Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Disfrutar
What is it? With El Bulli’s legendary doors now closed, former chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas bring you Disfrutar, a haven of techno-emotional cooking that pays homage to their iconic mentor. It’s like El Bulli’s genius reincarnated in one of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
Why go? Disfrutar serves up dishes that are as imaginative as they are precise. Take the macaroni à la carbonara made with ham jelly – it’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. The tasting menu at Disfrutar is an exhilarating journey for your senses, each dish arriving at just the right moment, making your dining experience perfectly paced.
In a city brimming with culinary talent, Disfrutar stands tall among the best restaurants in Barcelona. Whether you’re a hardcore foodie or just someone who appreciates an extraordinary meal, Disfrutar promises an adventure that’s worth every bite. So, loosen your belt, prepare for some culinary wizardry, and enjoy the ride!
Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Enigma
What is it? Reopened in August 2022, Albert Adrià has once again reinvented his most personal project, Enigma. Moving away from its original ‘fun dining’ concept of creative small plates, cocktails, and dancing, Enigma now offers a 25-course tasting menu priced just over €200, changing with the seasons. It’s a nod to the legendary ElBulli, making it one of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
Why go? Expect extreme culinary creativity with a playful twist, a hallmark of the ElBulli legacy. Imagine indulging in a wagyu steak tartare that transforms into an instant sobrasada thanks to a sprinkle of Mallorcan Tap de Cortí pepper, right before your eyes. It’s not just a meal; it’s a performance.
Enigma is not just one of the best restaurants in Barcelona; it’s an experience that defies expectations and tantalizes your taste buds. So, if you’re ready for a culinary journey that combines avant-garde artistry with humor and deliciousness, Enigma is your go-to destination. Buckle up and enjoy the gastronomic rollercoaster!
Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Xemei
What is it? Let’s get one thing straight: an Italian restaurant and a Venetian restaurant are worlds apart. The Colombo twins (with ‘xemei’ meaning ‘twins’ in Venetian) have introduced Barcelona to Transalpine cuisine that goes far beyond the typical pasta and pizzas, making Xemei one of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
Why go? At Xemei, you’ll savor fish dishes prepared just like they are in Venice. This is your chance to discover why ‘sarde in saor’ and ‘baccalà mantecato’ will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about Italian cuisine. Plus, the place has a certain glamorous vibe, and rumor has it that a famous ex-Barça player frequents the joint. Yes, that one.
Xemei is a standout among the best restaurants in Barcelona, offering a unique Venetian twist that sets it apart from the usual Italian fare.
Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Alkimia
What is it? Alkimia is a culinary gem split into two experiences: a sleek, modern gastro restaurant and a kitchen that proudly continues Alkimia’s legacy of Catalan cuisine. It’s the perfect blend of exclusivity and comfort, solidifying its place among the best restaurants in Barcelona.
Why go? Alkimia’s signature Catalan cuisine comes with a modern, urban twist. Fancy something unique? Try the caramelized cabbage with cheese and horseradish. For the meat lovers, the baby squab with chard, carrot, and walnut ‘toffee’ is an absolute must.
Alkimia is undeniably one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, offering a dining experience that marries traditional flavors with contemporary flair. If you’re ready for a Catalan feast with a chic twist, Alkimia should be on your radar. Dive in and delight your taste buds!
Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Quirat
What is it? Quirat stands out as a captivating hotel restaurant, led by the talented chef Víctor Torres. Known for becoming Spain’s youngest Michelin-starred chef at Las Magnòlies in 2018, Torres brings his expertise to Quirat with a focus on signature Catalan cuisine. Similar to his acclaimed dishes at Las Magnòlies, Quirat emphasizes exceptional ingredients sourced primarily from the lush gardens and wildlife of Maresme and Baix Llobregat.
Why go? Quirat offers two tantalizing tasting menus that showcase culinary marvels like rice with espardenyes (sea cucumbers) and chicken wings, or a luxurious free-range egg paired with black sausage and cod tripe. These dishes are a seasonal delight, crafted with ingredients rooted in Barcelona’s agricultural landscape.
Quirat is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, promising a dining experience that combines pure flavors with the bounty of Catalonia’s countryside. If you’re seeking a taste of Michelin-starred excellence in a refined setting, Quirat is where you want to be. Treat yourself and indulge in culinary brilliance at Quirat!
Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Lasarte
What is it? Lasarte, located in the Monument hotel and helmed by Martín Berasategui, has become a culinary icon not just in Barcelona, but throughout Catalonia and Spain. Diners flock here to witness the head chef’s unparalleled creativity in action.
Why go? As the first restaurant in Barcelona to earn three Michelin stars, Lasarte is in a league of its own. Chef Paolo Casagrande, hailing from Italy, infuses dishes like apple millefeuille with foie gras and European eel with his own touch of elegance and creativity. The stunning presentation perfectly complements the extraordinary flavors.
Lasarte is indisputably one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, offering an experience that blends gastronomic excellence with artistic flair.
Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Mae
What is it? Mae is a soaring culinary destination led by Catalan chef Germán Espinosa, Colombian chef Diego Mondragón, and Costa Rican restaurateur Mariella Rodríguez. Together, they champion ‘gastronomic glocalism,’ blending global influences with local ingredients to create innovative dishes. Mae straddles two worlds, showcasing flavors from Latin America alongside Catalan traditions, featuring exotic ingredients like guava, lulo, tree tomato, and ají amarillo.
Why go? Mae’s cuisine is a masterclass in technical prowess and innovation, offering two tasting menus and an executive menu at surprisingly reasonable prices. Picture dishes crafted with infusions, slow cooking, curing, soufflé stews, foams, and cryofiltration techniques. Just take a look at their Maresme tomato with almonds and ají amarillo, cauliflower foam, spider crab and mussel gelée, or their corvina cured in kombu seaweed with lulo and radish infusion. Simply stunning.
Mae stands out among the best restaurants in Barcelona, where every dish is a work of art that pushes culinary boundaries. If you’re ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that marries creativity with precision, Mae promises an unforgettable dining experience. Get ready to be wowed!
Best Restaurants in Barcelona: Enoteca Paco Pérez
What is it? Enoteca Paco Pérez isn’t just another restaurant at Hotel Arts—it’s a culinary powerhouse in Barcelona, led by the acclaimed Chef Paco Pérez, boasting two Michelin stars.
Why go? Pérez’s mastery in translating the essence of the sea into haute cuisine is unparalleled. His dishes evoke the sea’s essence, tantalizing the senses with each bite. From exquisite rice dishes to Catalan classics, Enoteca Paco Pérez caters to both discerning food enthusiasts and staunch supporters of Catalan gastronomy.
Enoteca Paco Pérez is a must-visit among the best restaurants in Barcelona, promising a dining experience that celebrates the sea’s bounty with every meticulously crafted dish. Dive into a world of culinary excellence and let your taste buds sail away!
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