Where to Eat and Drink in Barcelona

For somewhere I have visited at least 7 times, I don’t think I’ve ever really shared much here about Barcelona! I really do love it there as there’s just so much history and culture to immerse yourself into.

Over the years, it had been become more and more filled with tourist traps which is expected with somewhere as popular as Barca, but I’m going to let you into a few secrets of where I like to eat and drink off on the beaten track. I apologise now for some of the lower quality images, I wanted to use my own from previous visits and some date back to 2012! Should these restaurants tempt you, there are always great deals for Barcelona on the Voyage Privé website.

El Xampanyet

Visiting here takes me back to the first time I remember having proper tapas in Spain; I was around 11 years old and we were visiting friends that lived there. They told us they were going to take us out for proper tapas and from them on I’ve been hooked.  El Xampenyet is always busy, but I’ve rarely seen any tourists in there, it’s always filled with Spanish speaking locals that really adds to the experience, but it means you need to turn up early to get your bum on a seat.

The Cava is also something I remember so vividly, don’t worry, I wasn’t drinking it at 11 years old, as it’s served in those reusable pop top bottle you usually get your table water served in. Don’t let that put you off, you just HAVE to try it… yes, I have been back as over legal drinking age and sunk a bottle or two.

The food is highly authentic and you won’t find any dishes pandering to English taste buds, which is why I love it there so much!

Carrer de Montcada, 22, 08003, Barcelona

Tapeo

Tapeo is near enough directly opposite El Xampanyet, but it’s just so very different; it’s modern and minimalistic. The food is just so good that’s it’s well worth looking past the slightly overwhelming white clinical feel of the venue!

I would highly recommend the pan con tomato, the honey ribs and my personal favourite, patatas bravas! It’s a very popular venue with those that know about it, so book well before you want to visit and expect to wait for a little, even with a booking.

Carrer de Montcada, 29, 08003, Barcelona

Cervesería Catalana

During my 2012 visit, this was the first place we stopped for food after having recommended by a friend and we were far from disappointed. I would highly recommend trying the Sangria as it’s one of the most authentic I’ve had and food wise, I’d recommend the calamari, tortilla Espanola and the anchovies.

If you want to ensure a seat, you will need to arrive by 6pm, any later and you will have to queue as this place is growing in popularity each day!

Carrer de Mallorca, 236, 08008, Barcelona

Restaurante Rosa Negra

If for some reason you want a break from tapas, as this is sometimes the case, then Rosa Negra is a great Latin American stop! We only had a light snack here which was all very fresh and flavoursome but I can certainly say that this is a great place to drink!

The drinks are really great value for money and they also stock gluten-free beer which I have found to be quite a rare thing to find! The house wine is around £10 a bottle and even the highly recommended wines and Cava come in at under £15 a bottle. There’s a hell of a lot of Tequila and Mezcal to try too, but, as ever, I highly recommend the Sangría Mexicana.

Via Laietana, 46, 08003, Barcelona

Barcelona obviously has a good few hundred more restaurants that would be well worth eating and drinking in, but there are my favourites from over my many visits.

This is a collaborative post.