When we first moved to Barcelona nine years ago, we were excited to explore its culinary scene. We have to admit, it took us a moment, but we now feel like it is a never ending exploration journey, where we keep discovering new places—some are new, and some are just new to us. Barcelona is a vibrant city where tradition and innovation merge, creating a rich culinary landscape. With its coastal location, Barcelona enjoys access to fresh Mediterranean seafood, while its inland farms provide seasonal produce and world-renowned meats. From bustling food markets like La Boqueria to avant-garde Michelin-starred restaurants, the city offers a diverse array of dining experiences.
The cuisine in Barcelona celebrates its Catalan roots, with famos dishes like escalivada, botifarra, and calçots, while also embracing influences from Spain’s diverse regions and beyond. The city’s food culture is not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the experience, whether enjoying traditional tapas, savouring a fine dining tasting menu, or discovering the latest hotspot in up-and-coming neighbourhoods like Poblenou, home of Florentine Kitchen Knives.
Poblenou—A dynamic neighbourhood where innovation and creativity thrive. Once an industrial hub, it has transformed into a vibrant district blending cutting-edge technology, design, and gastronomy. The area is teeming with exciting new dining spots, from experimental bistros and stylish cafes to modern tapas bars and international fusion restaurants. Its culinary scene reflects a fresh and forward-thinking approach, attracting both locals and visitors eager to experience inventive flavours and contemporary dining concepts.
01 Frutas Selectas
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Frutas Selectas by Nomad Coffee stands as a testament to the city's dynamic coffee culture. Originally established as Nomad Coffee's first roasting site, this café has evolved into a haven for coffee enthusiasts seeking both quality brews and a serene atmosphere. In 2024, founders Jordi Mestre and the architectural duo Skye Maunsell and Jordi Veciana (all collaborators of ours) undertook a thoughtful redesign, transforming the space into a modern interpretation of a classic café. Beyond exceptional coffee, Frutas Selectas offers homemade pastries, artisanal bread from Pa de Kilo, and daily specials crafted with seasonal ingredients.
Carrer de Pujades, 151
02 METL
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METL combines traditional Mexican flavours with a contemporary Barcelona vibe, offering a unique take on tacos and mezcal cocktails.
METL, founded in late 2016 by Mexican chef Juan Pescador and Venezuelan Oriana Abzueta Unda, began as a nomadic pop-up venture bringing authentic Mexican flavours to cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Mexico City. In December 2024, they established their first permanent location in Poblenou. Known for innovative dishes such as smoked guacamole and fish tostadas with 'recado negro' sauce—a unique blend of ancho, guajillo, and habanero chilies—METL offers a fresh take on traditional Mexican cuisine.
Carrer de Llull 57
03 Masa Vins
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Masa Vins offers a cozy, living room-like atmosphere complemented by an extensive selection of natural wines. Co-founders Antonella Tignanelli and Dani Bajc have curated a diverse wine list featuring both well-known and obscure labels, ensuring a delightful experience for enthusiasts. The menu includes creative dishes like kimchi grilled cheese and crudités with fermented carrot and cashew dip, all crafted with seasonal, local ingredients. The intimate space fosters a sense of community, making it an ideal spot for gatherings.
Carrer de Pallars, 230
04 Achaar Bar
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Achaar Bar is a vibrant Indian canteen and natural wine bar that has quickly become a local favourite since its opening in early 2024. The term "Achaar" translates to "pickle" in several South Asian languages, reflecting the bar's emphasis on homemade spicy pickles that complement their diverse menu. Signature dishes include pani puri, a fried ball filled with potato, chickpeas, and cranberries served with a special sauce; shikh kabab naan, and mash dal.
Carrer de Roc Boronat, 69
05 Ultramarinos Marin
A time-honoured tapas bar offering classic Catalan dishes in a cozy, traditional setting, perfect for enjoying simple, yet delicious local flavours.
Carrer de Sant Pau, 126
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06 Bodega Bonay
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Located within the historic Casa Bonay hotel in Barcelona, Bodega Bonay has been a culinary destination since its opening in 2020. Under the guidance of Head Chef Giacomo Hassan, the restaurant offers a menu of pan-Mediterranean sharing plates crafted from high-quality, local produce. Signature dishes include sea-urchin royale, glazed eel with coleslaw, braised pork jowl on pan tumaca, and an artichoke tatin inspired by Hassan's Tunisian grandmother's recipe. Complementing the cuisine is an extensive wine list featuring over 250 natural and organic selections, curated to highlight innovative practices by emerging winemakers. The intimate setting, characterized by an open kitchen and street-facing windows, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700
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07 Suru Bar
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Suru Bar offers a unique fusion of Catalan and Japanese culinary traditions. Established in December 2022, this intimate venue is distinguished by its unmarked entrance and inviting raspberry-red interior. The menu features inventive dishes such as chicken skin yakitori topped with squid tartare, and grilled eel paired with dried turnip kimchi, all prepared on a traditional robata grill. Complementing the cuisine is an extensive selection of natural wines, curated to highlight small-scale Catalan producers.
Carrer de Viladomat, 141
08 Direkte Boqueria
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Direkte Boqueria is a unique culinary destination located beneath the arcades of Barcelona's renowned La Boqueria market. This intimate eatery offers a fusion of Catalan recipes, Mediterranean ingredients, and Chinese and Japanese culinary techniques. The establishment provides a choice between a short tasting menu, featuring seven dishes and two desserts, or a longer experience with nine dishes and two desserts, both highlighting local, seasonal produce. With seating for just nine guests, the restaurant ensures an exclusive and personalized dining experience.
09 Disfrutar
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Disfrutar, located in Barcelona's Eixample district, is a culinary masterpiece established in December 2014 by chefs Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas, and Eduard Xatruch, all alumni of the renowned El Bulli. The restaurant has garnered significant acclaim, achieving three Michelin stars and being honored as the world's best restaurant in 2024 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. Disfrutar offers two meticulously crafted tasting menus: the "Classic," featuring signature dishes like multi-spherical pesto with smoked eel and pistachios, and the "Festival," showcasing the latest seasonal creations. The establishment is celebrated for its avant-garde approach, introducing innovations such as "solid bubbles" and the interactive "living table" experience. Reservations are highly sought after, often requiring booking months in advance.
Carrer de Villarroel, 163
10 Lasarte
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Lasarte, located within Barcelona's Monument Hotel on the iconic Passeig de Gràcia, is a distinguished three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Established in 2006 by renowned Basque chef Martín Berasategui, Lasarte achieved its third Michelin star in 2017, becoming the first restaurant in Barcelona to receive this honour. The restaurant offers both tasting and à la carte menus, featuring signature creations such as "Gambero Rosso with liquid salad" and "Chargrilled pigeon with potato and truffle bites."
Carrer de Mallorca, 259