Barcelona is overflown with amazing restaurants. To narrow down the selection, we picked out a few of the noteworthiest Spanish restaurants in Barcelona.
Els quatre gats
Illustration 1 Els Quatre Gats | flickr
Els Quatre Gats is one of the most famous restaurants existing in Barcelona, which opened in 1897. Back in the days, it operated as a café, cabaret, and a general meeting point (with its artistic atmosphere) for all kinds of important people, such as Picasso, Gaudí, Isacc Albéniz, Enric Granados and Lluís Millet.
Picasso even debuted his very first art exhibition in Els Quatre Gats. Besides the tasty food, many visitors come to admire the Modernista architecture.
Address: Carrer de Montsió, 3 08002 Barcelona
Website: http://www.4gats.com/en/
Can Solé
Can Solé was founded in 1903, they started out cooking for the fishermen at the Barcelona port. With a history of 122 years, the restaurant was passed down four generations in the family.
Known for their rice and paella dishes, they concentrate on marine cuisine – their objective culinary excellence.
Address: Sant Carles 4, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Website: http://restaurantcansole.com/en/
Set Portes
Illustration 2 7 Portes Restaurant
Set Portes' history goes back to the 19th century, when a powerful Catalan businessman, Josef Xifré, commissioned the construction of Porxos d'en Xifré building. Back in 1836, Café de les 7 Portes was opened in said building. After changing managers over the years Morera took over in 1929, and changed the café to a restaurant, which is nowadays known as one of the classic places in Barcelona.
Keeping their history and experience, Set Portes both incorporates traditional Catalan dishes and new innovative options as well.
Known for their rice and paella dishes, you can choose from the typical paella made with rice, vegetables, meat and/or seafood. Other interesting variations are the noodles or soup-like rice-based paellas.
Address: Pg. Isabell II, 14, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Website: https://7portes.com/en/
Pla
Pla is a gastronomical gem, somewhere hidden in Barri Gotic's labyrinth streets. Opened in 1998 by a chef, who studied along renowned chef Arían (El Bulli), Pla has established itself in the gastronomical world of Barcelona. Its menu, always well-refined and inventive, does never disappoint. The interior design of Pla is intimate, romantic with its dimmed light. It is composed of well-chosen art pieces and other decorative items.
Address: Bellafila Street, 5 08002 Barcelona
Website: http://www.restaurantpla.cat/barcelona-restaurant/index.html
Tickets
Illustration 3 Tickets Barcelona
If you have missed out to experience the culinary gift of El Bulli, do not fret further. Albert Adría opened another restaurant in Barcelona, this time a tapas bar. As any creation of chef Adría, it is not a normal, regular tapas bar as one knows. With its inventive creations, you will go on a new adventure with your taste buds. If you want a table in the 90-seat restaurant, you have to book it online (no other way possible)!
Address: Av. del Paraŀlel, 164, 08015 Barcelona
Website: http://www.ticketsbar.es/en
Bar Pinotxo
Illustration 4 Bar pinotxo by clare_and_ben | flickr
Bar Pinotxo is located in the famous La Boqueria Mercat. It is a must visit, when you visit Boqueria. Existing now over 70 years, the tapas bar attracts a wide audience, among those Chef Ferran Adría as well. There is no menu to be found in the bar, one usually goes up to Juanito Bayen, the owner, and asks "what's best today". Bar Pinotxo never disappoints.
We recommend you to come early, before all the best dishes will be sold out before the end of lunch time.
Address: Mercat de la Boqueria, Carrer la Rambla, 89, locales 466- 470, 08002 Barcelona
Website: https://pinotxobar.com/
Café de l’Acadèmia
Illustration 5 Café de l'Acadèmia
Located in the Gothic quarter, Café de l'Acadèmia is a magnet for locals and tourists, often also Catalan politicians. Always packed to the rim, people can find traditional and modern Catalan dishes. Next to the incredible food, owner Jordi Casteldi has his own vineyard, and one can taste his wine selection at the restaurant. Make sure you book a table, if you are planning to taste test Café de l'Acadèmia's menu.
Address: C/Lledó 1, 08002 Barcelona
Contact: 00 34 93 319 82 53
Can Culleretes
Illustration 6 Can Culleretes
Can Culleretes, the oldest restaurant in Barcelona and second oldest in Spain, opened its doors in 1786. It has been run by the Agut Manubens family ever since. The walls of this restaurant is covered with pictures and autographs of dozens of prominent figures, that have visited and eaten at Can Culleretes. Come and enjoy real traditional Catalan dishes for a reasonable price. If you want to visit Can Culleretes, you have to book a table.
Address: Carrer d'en Quintana, 5, 08002 Barcelona
Website: http://www.culleretes.com/en/
