Tapas, paella and white wine – perfect summer food made in Spain. This summer, why not take a trip to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, and check out its famous La Boqueria Market? You can tuck into local delicacies right in the heart of the market at El Quim or Bar Pinotxo but it can be tricky to get seats, so here are some outstanding restaurants to try nearby.
My Way offers Mediterranean cuisine and some of the best cocktails the city has to offer. We recommend you keep it simple and tuck into tapas dishes like Galician-style octopus, ham croquettes, and sausage in cider. They also serve delicious meat and fish dishes that will satisfy your hunger after a few hours browsing the nearby market.
Irati Taverna Basca
If you’re up for trying authentic Basque cuisine in Barcelona, this restaurant located right next to the Ramblas and just a few metres from La Boqueria is the place for you. Over the years the restaurant has become a cult favourite amongst locals and tourists alike looking for Basque delicacies. Try the simply grilled hake or Donostia-style txangurro (baked stuffed crab).
Fans of history, rejoice! Can Culleretes has been charming guests with its Catalan home cooking since 1786, making it the second oldest restaurant in Spain and the oldest in Barcelona. We recommend you give one of their signature dishes a try – the Catalan fish stew, perhaps, or their excellent paella.
Los Caracoles
This popular restaurant is named after one its most famous dishes – caracoles (snails), so if you’ve ever wondered what these little creatures taste like, here’s your chance to try them. Established in 1835, the restaurant has been visited by numerous celebs, politicians and artists. If it’s good enough for the world’s elite, it’s good enough for us!
Looking for something cool and quirky? Then Raó, a restaurant and cocktail bar right next to La Boqueria, is the place for you. Perch at the bar or at one of the marble tables and enjoy tapas with a modern twist. Don’t miss the grilled octopus with paprika and kalamata olive emulsion.
Avinyó 10
A visit at Avinyó 10 is the perfect end to a day strolling through the market as you’ll only find the freshest local ingredients in the dishes served. Seasonal Spanish cuisine at its very best!
Bacaro – meaning wine bar in Venetian – serves Italian delicacies along with fantastic wines, as the name suggests. Situated right beside the market, it’s always brimming with locals enjoying a welcome change from tapas.
Beer’linale
As the name suggests, Beer’linale is famous for its extensive selection of beers – you’ll find 30 beers on tap and over 180 craft beers by the bottle to choose from. The restaurant’s very own beer sommelier will be happy to guide you through the menu and find the perfect drink for you. But fear not, next to a cold drink you can also tuck into excellent Spanish cuisine.
Bar Canete is a family-owned Spanish institution and a firm favourite in the neighbourhood. We recommend you give their seafood dishes a try – their fish comes fresh from the Catalan fish markets. You won’t be disappointed.
Restaurant El Pintor
Named after an old art workshop owned by a famous painter, El Pintor serves authentic Catalan cuisine. Its intimate setting takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the market straight away. Tuck into local specialties and enjoy some tranquillity in the heart of the city.
Dining elsewhere? Visit OpenTable to discover more restaurants in Barcelona.
This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
