Barcelona. The city where the lively streets let a soft sea breeze blow through your hair. The surprise where, in the blink of an eye, you exchange a maze of small, cosy streets for New York-like street blocks. The picturesque image of sunbeams shining between the swaying green leaves of the countless treetops.
The place where the south and the west and pretty much the rest of the world intertwined to form a very unique little sunny world.
After a day of strolling around in Spanish, lying on the beach for a bit, having an aperitif in the first bar, it can be a painful sensation; I’m in a city. I want to go to a restaurant. And that means I have to make an effort to find one. A popular restaurant in Barcelona usually works only on reservations, and of course there is nothing worse than feverishly scouring Tripadvisor at 7.45 p.m. looking for a restaurant of which you never know whether it is actually cosy. Because, let’s be honest, Tripadvisor isn’t everything.
Watching a restaurant is all about the experience. I search endlessly for that one place where I can give the atmosphere and cosiness a 10 out of 10. You don’t do me any favours with one of those living rooms lit by fluorescent lights where you are served hot meals. On top of that, restaurant visits comprise about my entire holiday experience. From brunch bar, to café, to restaurant, to bar, to bed. If that’s not a holiday… And if you come across a hidden gem, then you’ve hit the holiday jackpot.
This is why I like to make things a bit easier for – future – Barcelona lovers by providing a ready-made “Where To Eat: Barcelona Edition” list to put in your suitcase. One by one, hidden gems that you would not normally encounter as a tourist. New, hip places pop up like mushrooms, you’re never done eating.
Les Filles
Les filles is not only the oasis of calm in the heart of Barcelona, but also the place to be for influencers and locals. You eat there in a hidden garden between the Barcelona buildings, surrounded by greenery. Location 10/10. The ideal brunch/lunch spot, but you can also dine there. The simplicity of the place gives it the luxury feel. The offer varies from small sharing plates to chicken tikka masala, ceviches, noodle dishes, salads, burgers, pastas and vegan dishes, so something for everyone. My favourite? Without a doubt the ceviche.
El Japones escondido
Fresh off the press, I bring you: El Japones Escondido. Having only just opened in June, they are already one of my favourite restaurants in town. It is located near the harbour and you can sit outside in a rare quiet street. El Japones Escondido offers Japanese like you have rarely eaten before, and at a very reasonable price. You choose different small dishes to share, and they are all divine. Ask what the waiters recommend, because they are right. On top of that, the owners and staff are very friendly, it is like having dinner with friends from Barcelona you have known for years but never met. Don’t forget to try their unique dessert, the green tea and white chocolate moelleux.
– https://grupotragaluz.com/restaurante/el-japones-escondido/
Bar Alegria
The Spanish experience in Barcelona is not complete without… tapas of course. If you like to taste traditional Spanish cuisine with a little twist, you should drop by Bar Alegria. It is very popular by locals and the interior is really authentic. The fact that time seems to have stood still for 50 years is not reflected in the originality of the dishes. You get a sympathetic chalkboard presented where you can choose from all the classics. The dishes are all slightly pimped (for example, you get your tortilla with truffle). The classics, but then just a little better.
El Gallinero
“El Gallinero, where art and gastronomy come together” is the slogan of another new kid on the block in Barcelona. Although almost all restaurants in this list were recommended to me by locals, this is the only one I stumbled upon by chance. Set one foot inside this place and you are immediately engulfed by a unique atmosphere. The special mishmash of interior pieces somehow works perfectly, and makes it really cosy. The open kitchen you discover in the back also gives you a real homey feeling. With a very varied menu and the best brownies that I ever tasted, this place has earned a spot among the must eats.
– https://elgallinerobcn.com
Federal Cafe
A good breakfast/brunch spot should of course also not be missing from this list. My absolute favourite so far: the young and fresh Federal Café. Their two biggest assets are without a doubt the fantastic roof terrace and the tables on the “window sill”. On top of that, they have a great location. When you have breakfast at one of the fine windowsill tables, you look out on a pleasant car-free street, and the neighbours also run a fresh fruit and vegetable shop. So you have a tropical view of a wide array of colourful fruits in the sun. Besides, it is an ideal workplace for digital nomads. By offering both small tables and a large shared work table, all possible needs are met. The breakfast menu suits both health freaks and lovers of a greasy breakfast. And the grey areas in between, of course. Granola bowls, toasts, or bagels with bacon, to name but a few options.
– https://www.federalcafe.es
Honest Greens
With its three locations in Barcelona, Honest Greens is the best known restaurant in this list. But it’s a chain to be proud of. It is a very popular place in Barcelona. And rightly so. A hipster-healthy place with a totally green approach that offers fantastically delicious and healthy food. I would even dare to say that I ate the best salad I ever tasted here. Or at least top 3. And that is saying a lot, because normally I am not such a salad fan. You put your meal together yourself according to your taste.
I personally recommend the branch in El Born. They have nice tables outside, built in to the windows, in a nice walking street. If there is no room at these tables (and the chance is high), do a takeaway-and-picnic on Barceloneta beach with one of their healthy juices. Or a bottle of wine. You’re welcome for the tip.
– https://honestgreens.com
La Papa Barcelona
The ultimate Instagrammable spot in this list is without a doubt La Papa. Another young establishment that only just opened its doors in July. With a very aesthetic eye the interior of this place was composed, and with success. For the ideal Instagram photo combined with a healthy lunch, this is the place to be. The meals served are consciously green, healthy and vegetarian.
Each place in this list was tested and approved by a very strict atmosphere-and-fun critic. From local to ethnic, vegan to fish and hip to authentic, Barcelona has it all. So what are we all waiting for?
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