6 Must-Try Restaurants in Barcelona

Considered one of the most favored cuisines in the world, Spanish food is all about high-intensity bold flavors brought about by using a myriad of fresh ingredients. In Barcelona, though, gourmands get the exciting opportunity to explore distinct tastes that highlight the rustic nature of Catalan cooking, in addition to classic Spanish dishes. For the adventurous eaters, Barcelona is also home to some of the world's most secretive bars and restaurants. El Armario, Papillon, and Chi-ton are legendary places in the city, best explored with the help of knowing locals.

Tickets

Although it's no longer possible to savor a meal at the legendary El Bulli anymore, culinary enthusiasts can still experience the magic of Both Ferran and Albert Adria at Tickets. A casual tapas bar that personalizes your meal based on preferences, Tickets promises an excellent dining encounter that lasts more than two hours and involves novel food and drink creations. A typical meal at Tickets is divided into four parts, seafood, grill, sweet and inventions. It sometimes features El Bulli classics such as the air-baguette and olive spheres; however, the menu here is more casual and toned down than what was once served at the iconic restaurant. Eating at Tickets is still a mind-blowing journey into the very essence of food through exclusive offerings that highlight assorted tastes, textures, and flavors.

Tickets is a one Michelin starred restaurant and undoubtedly the hottest ticket in town. Walk-ins are almost impossible as you must book a table online a good two months in advance but it's well worth it for the incredible culinary experience.

A Tu Bola

Laidback and casual, A Tu Bola captures the simplicity of comfort food with its limited menu comprising mainly of delicious meaty, vegetarian and vegan balls. The concept of A Tu Bola puts the customer in charge of the food as they go about choosing a type of ball, followed by choice between having them on a plate or inside pita bread. Beef, chicken, chickpeas, and sweet potato balls are popular savory options in the restaurant, whereas the chocolate ball with nuts is the ideal dessert to end a hearty meal. The restaurant itself has a friendly neighborhood atmosphere with an open kitchen where customers can easily view the food being prepared from scratch.

A Tu Bola is closed on Tuesdays. On all other days, it makes for an excellent place to have a quick bite after a night of drinking and fun.

Hare Krishna

Spend a little time in Europe, and you'll come across the disciples of Hare Krishna chanting melodiously on the streets somewhere. At their ISKON temple in Barcelona is a little cafeteria-style restaurant that serves the most amazing vegetarian food. Considered as one of the lesser-known gems of the city the restaurant is open to the public, but its entrance isn't like your typical restaurant. Press a buzzer, and you're let into the complex from where you can head on to the cafe. The food is served buffet style and comprises of Indian and continental dishes. The ambiance is serene with minimalistic decor and an idol of Lord Krishna on the side, taking the spotlight.

Hare Krishna is mainly known for its no-fuss but delicious servings. An €8 all-you-can-eat meal here will typically include a combination of 5-6 main dishes, an equal number of salads, and a soup of the day.

Suculent

Situated in Barcelona's fashionable Rambla del Raval district, Suculent is where head chef Toni Romero unleashes his genius in the form of traditional Mediterranean and Catalonian dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and awe, even when presented in its slightly contemporary style. The chef is particularly proud of his broths and sauces and believes in the importance of slow-cooked meals. Having worked previously in three Michelin three-started restaurants, El Bulli, Arzak and Maison Pic, he brings both passion and experience to the scene in a way you won't find anywhere else. While the food is sophisticated, the interiors of the restaurant pay homage to a bygone era. Restored furniture and simple designs keep the focus on the menu while giving the restaurant a cosy and intimate feel that adds to the experience of dining there.

Although Suculent now has an a la carte menu, first-time visitors are better off picking one of their tasting menus. The plates of food in the tasting and regular menu typically change based on what's current and in-season. However, don't leave the restaurant without trying their phenomenal ceviche.

Taverna Can Margarit

Wine lovers will be thrilled to dine at Can Margarit, an ex-wine store that still uses wine barrels as tables in the waiting and bar area. Customers can begin by indulging in some wine tasting before their meal. The restaurant dishes out classic Catalonian preparations and is a favorite with the locals. The service can be slow occasionally, but the food makes all the waiting worth its while. The interiors are barn-like with wooden chairs and tables, oddities, mirrors, and display cupboards taking most of the open and wall space.

Meat lovers visiting Barcelona should make sure to try the Catalonian specialty of rabbit. The fried rabbit with oregano, garlic, onion, and various other herbs is a must-try while dining at Can Margarit. Black rice is another house masterpiece not to be missed.

Maitea Taberna

A somewhat local take on Spanish tapas is Basque pintxo, tiny bite-sized eats that go rather well with beer and wine. To relish this quintessential Basque cookery in all its glory, Maitea Taberna is one of the best places to eat. Named after the chef's mother, there's a homely feel to the restaurant that aims to make the dining event as modest as possible. This includes serving dishes based on recipes passed down from one generation to another. The restaurant serves a healthy mix of both cold and hot tapas and recommends that customers try a few of each.

Maitea is one of the places in Barcelona where you can enjoy Basque specialties such as cod omelet, squid with onions, and goats cheese with apple purée.

Conclusion

Eating in Barcelona is every food lover's dream come true. You'll find that the local cuisine in the city is often greatly influenced by the magic of Ferran Adria. Additionally, there is an omnipresent conventional approach towards cooking that is both charming and distinct. Lastly, restaurants in Barcelona display an undying passion for gastronomy that forms an integral part of Catalonian and Spanish culture and lifestyle.

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