Table of Contents
Cal Pep
Squeeze into a stool at the counter and let the masters of the kitchen feed you. The fried artichokes are legendary, and the gambas al ajillo sizzle straight from the pan. Come early or wait — it's worth either option.
Quimet & Quimet
A standing-room-only montadito bar in Poble Sec where the walls are lined with bottles. The smoked salmon with honey and cheese is a revelation, and the vermouth is poured generously. Perfection in a tiny space.
Cañete
A buzzy tapas spot on the Raval-El Parallel border with shimmering tiles and superb cooking. The tortilla is custardy and perfect, and the razor clams are pristine. The late-night crowd is local and lively.
Pinotxo Bar
The heartbeat of La Boqueria market, where Juanito serves legendary chickpeas with blood sausage. Sit at the counter, order the baby squid, and soak in the controlled chaos. Breakfast here is a rite of passage.
Paradiso
Walk through the pastrami shop fridge door to find one of the world's best cocktail bars. The drinks are theatrical, inventive, and absolutely delicious. Book ahead — the secret is very much out.
Two Schmucks
A raucous, irreverent cocktail bar in Raval with punk rock energy and serious drinks. The bartenders are having fun, and it's infectious. Come late, stay later, and expect to make friends.
Sips
The newer, more refined sibling of Two Schmucks, with a calmer vibe and immaculate craft. The menu reads like poetry, and every drink is a small masterpiece. Reservations are essential and worth the effort.
Bar del Pla
A cozy wine bar in El Born with natural wines and elevated tapas. The cured meats are excellent, and the vibe is intimate and smart. Perfect for a long evening of grazing and drinking.
Sartoria Panatieri
Naples-worthy pizza in Gràcia with leopard-spotted crusts and quality toppings. The margherita is perfect, and the burrata starter is creamy heaven. A neighborhood gem with lines out the door.
L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
The legendary Naples pizzeria's Barcelona outpost, serving just two types of pizza perfectly. The Margherita is elemental and sublime, and the simplicity is the whole point. Accept no substitutes.
Compartir
From the El Bulli team, a sharing-plates spot with creative Mediterranean cuisine that still feels warm. The dishes are inventive but never gimmicky, and the space is bright and welcoming. Gastronomy without the pretense.
La Pepita
A Gràcia tapas spot where locals outnumber tourists and the patatas bravas are some of the city's best. The vibe is lively and unpretentious, and the sangria flows freely. Order plenty and share everything.
Parking Pizza
A Gràcia institution serving excellent pizza and falafel pitas side by side. The vibe is ultra-casual, the outdoor terrace is perfect, and everything is affordable. Come hungry.
Bormuth
Vermouth paradise in the Gothic Quarter with old-school vibes and tin-can tapas. The atmosphere is electric at aperitivo hour, and the anchovy-stuffed olives are dangerous. A perfect start to any evening.
La Balmesina
A classic Catalan bodega with vermut on tap and bocadillos that hit the spot. The neighborhood regulars prop up the bar, and the energy is effortlessly convivial. Old Barcelona at its finest.
Elisabets
A Raval classic serving hearty Catalan home cooking at communal tables. The daily menu is chalked on the board, and you eat what grandmother made that day. Unpretentious, filling, and soul-warming.
Paco Meralgo
Upscale seafood tapas in the Eixample with pristine product and old-world service. The razor clams are exceptional, and the prawn carpaccio melts on the tongue. A splurge that delivers.
Viblioteca
A Gràcia wine bar with natural bottles and market-driven small plates. The vibe is intellectual and friendly, and the cheese selection is stellar. Perfect for oenophiles seeking something special.
Garage Beer Co
Craft beer haven in Poblenou with excellent IPAs brewed in-house. The industrial space is cool and casual, and the beer nerds are friendly. Come for a flight and stay for several pints.
Restaurant Joanet
A family-run spot in El Born serving traditional Catalan dishes with love. The cannelloni is the signature, and every dish tastes like it's been perfected over generations. Warm, welcoming, and genuine.
Fat Schmuck
The Schmucks crew's burger joint, serving excellent smash burgers with creative flair. The patties are juicy, the buns are soft, and the pickles are house-made. Late-night perfection.
Billy Brunch
Beloved brunch spot with fluffy pancakes and proper eggs Benedict. The space is bright and cheerful, and the coffee is strong. Weekend lines are real, so arrive with patience.
Syra Coffee
Third-wave specialty coffee in the heart of El Born with excellent single-origins. The baristas know their craft, and the croissants are buttery perfection. A caffeinated oasis.
Ekubo
A tiny ramen joint in Sant Antoni serving rich, porky bowls done right. The noodles are springy, the chashu is meltingly tender, and the vibe is authentically casual. Slurp loudly.
El Nacional
A spectacular food hall on Passeig de Gràcia with multiple bars and restaurants under one gorgeous roof. The oyster bar is excellent, and the cocktail spot is art deco perfection. Come to graze and gawk.
Sala Apolo
Legendary nightclub in an old theatre with live music and wild late nights. The Nasty Mondays party is iconic, and the sound system pounds. Dress down, drink up, dance until sunrise.
