It is no secret to anyone that Catalan cuisine is one of the most irresistible in Europe. Now, in Barcelona, not only do you eat well, but you can also do it in a unique and truly amazing environment. So you can check it out during your next weekend getaway, we invite you to visit one of these 12 original Barcelona restaurants.
From our rental apartments next to the beach, it will be very easy to reach any of them by public transport. Don’t miss them!
La Cua Curta
More than three decades this quaint family restaurant in El Born has been in business, located in the secluded lane of La Carassa, next to Montcada street. It is an old oil store, restored and decorated with beautiful mosaics of the nineteenth century, where you can taste one of the best fondues in Barcelona, as well as delicious homemade pâtés. Did you know: the unique name of the establishment comes from a shepherd dog that its owners adored and had a very short tail.
La Carassa
This bohemian restaurant, located at number 1 on Calle de Bresolí and founded in 1979, has many parallels with La Cua Curta. In addition to having the fondues as a flagship, it is also located in the Born and is named after the location of the aforementioned place, its emblem being a female face that can still be seen at that point (in the past, said face indicated the presence of a brothel). For its careful setting, it is perfect for a romantic dinner by candlelight.
El Pla de la Garsa
Located in the stables of the old Bona Sort hostel, in a building dating back to the 17th century, El Pla de la Garsa is another of El Born’s best kept gastronomic secrets. Since 1976, it offers delicious cheese platters, sausages and pâtés, to which typical dishes of Catalan market cuisine have been incorporated, such as the black sausage kettledrum with rossinyols or the cor de bou tomato salad with marinated mushrooms and courgettes. It also makes vegan recipes.
Arcano
Next to the Laietana road, and a few steps from the Santa Caterina market, this old 17th century stables houses an intimate and cozy restaurant, whose menu combines Argentine dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. Vegetables, imported meats and grilled fish Josper are the specialty of the house, to which we must add delicious artisan desserts. Located on Carrer de Mercaders, 10, it opens from Monday to Sunday, from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m
Els 4 Gats
The story of this iconic restaurant begins in Paris at the end of the 19th century, when Pere Romeu, waiter at the Cabaret Le Chat Noir, decided to promote something similar in Barcelona. He would do so with the financial support of two of the leading figures of Catalan modernism; Ramon Casas and Santiago Rusiño (hence his unmistakable decoration). Opened in 1897 in the street of Montsió, this charismatic “it” venue has seen parades on its tables to artists such as Antoni Gaudî, Isidre Nonell, Ricard Opisso, and a very young Pablo Picasso. Do you dare to imitate them?
Cachaca
If you are looking for a charming restaurant in the Gothic Quarter (or Gòtic), this romantic establishment is a sure bet. Specializing in Tuscan dishes – you will not find spaghetti cacio e pepe better in Barcelona – it also works as a cocktail bar and usually schedules live music performances. Cachaca opens its doors on Calle de Atülf, 5, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Il Mercante di Venezia
Who would not want to get lost in Venice and admire its inspiring canals or Piazza San Marco at dusk? Although the urban planning of Barcelona differs a lot from that of the Serenissima, the Ciudad Condal allows you to taste the best of the Italian cuisine of the Adriatic in a place that recreates an 18th century Venetian palace. With a magnificent setting in which there is no shortage of chandeliers, velvet curtains or alchemical signs painted on the wall, Il Mercante di Venezia is one of these Italian restaurants that you will want to return to. Pay attention to their rice dishes and pasta dishes suitable for coeliacs! Nor should we forget that it has an unbeatable location, since it is very close to Las Ramblas, in the street of Anselm Clavé, 11. Without a doubt, it is a great success for a romantic lunch or dinner.
Volta al Món
Opened in 2013, this restaurant in the Eixample offers an evocative gastronomic journey through the five continents. With an intimate and cozy atmosphere, decorated with objects from different cultures and with screenings of silent films, its menu offers proposals of Spanish, Italian, American, New Zealander, Arabic, Brazilian and Venezuelan cuisine, among others. You will find it in Muntaner, 51.
Out of China
Do you love Chinese and Japanese food, but do you bore the aesthetics of traditional Asian restaurants? If so, Out of China will excite you. Created in 2002 and located in Aribau Street, 112, it has a sober, elegant and minimalist decoration that will transport you to the Shanghai of the forties. Their proposals include exquisite dishes that go far beyond the rice three delights: for example, the noodles with the truffle perfume or their delicious vegan ice creams. It also has gluten-free menus, making it an ideal place for coeliacs.
Crama Dracula
Dare to travel to Transylvania without leaving Barcelona. The trick? Book your table in this unique Eastern cuisine restaurant, inspired by a typical 15th-century Romanian tavern. Its menu gathers some of the most typical recipes of the gastronomy of this Slavic country, such as aromatic soups of vegetables, the mămăligă (a kind of polenta), fish and grilled meats and transylvanian pastries. There is also a small selection of Romanian beers and wines and the tsuic (plum brandy). Located on Calle de Provença, 18 (near the Sants station), the place is open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, and on Sundays. , from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays).
Taberna Típica Es Bandoler
How would you like to eat or dine in an old house from the 1777s with an atmosphere typical of the time? This is one of the reasons why it is worth visiting this restaurant in the heart of the Horta district. You can choose between Iberian sausages, cheeses, patés, tortillas and homemade tapas, in a cozy and familiar atmosphere. Among its most successful specialties, Murcia-style potatoes stand out. You will find this attractive tavern in the Santes Creus square, next to the Horta metro exit (L-5) and the bus stop 19 and 45.
Dans le Noir
We close this little review with a restaurant that offers a unique sensory experience: that of dining in a completely dark room. This suggestion also has a clear desire to raise awareness, since all the waiters are blind. Dans le Noir is on the Paseo de Picasso, 10.
What do you think of our suggestions? If you also know a terrace or original restaurant in Barcelona that you think should be on the list, do not hesitate to send us a comment with your recommendations. We are looking forward to meeting you!
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