Eat & Drink Like a Local - Barcelona Edition

Bar El Pollo is a revitalized "bar de toda la vida" in the Raval district that has gained cult status among foodies. Originally opened in 1987, it was taken over in 2021 by Basque owner Aimar Córdoba, who preserved its gritty, nostalgic 1980s aesthetic while transforming it into a top-tier destination for Basque-inspired tapas and creative market cuisine. It is famous for serving what many—including global pop star Rosalía—call the best tortilla in Barcelona.

Bar Bodega Quimet is a quintessential neighborhood tavern in Barcelona’s Gràcia district. Unlike its famous namesake in Poble Sec (Quimet & Quimet), this is a seated traditional winery that was revitalized in 2010 by the Montero brothers. It preserves its historic soul—complete with original hydraulic floor tiles, massive wooden wine barrels, and marble tables—while serving high-quality tapas and award-winning house vermouth.

Bar Roma is a trendy, modern "neo-tavern" located in the Esquerra de l’Eixample neighborhood. It has quickly become one of the most Instagrammed spots in the city since its opening in 2023. Run by a young, energetic team, it successfully bridges the gap between a classic 1970s Spanish bar and a contemporary culinary destination, focusing on high-quality ingredients and "comfort food" with a creative twist.

Located in the heart of El Born, Bar del Pla is a modern tavern that strikes a perfect balance between a traditional neighborhood bar and a high-end tapas restaurant. It is celebrated for its commitment to "market cuisine," using fresh, seasonal ingredients to reinvent classic Catalan dishes. Despite its proximity to the Picasso Museum, it has successfully maintained its local soul and high culinary standards.

Elsa y Fred is a stylish "gastrobar" that blends the feel of a 1950s New York bistro with a chic European touch. For over a decade, it has been a favorite for its creative takes on classic tapas and its highly-regarded brunch. The kitchen focuses on "honest food" using high-quality market ingredients to create visually beautiful and flavor-packed small plates.

Location 2 of Lluritu.

La Vivi has quickly established itself as a neighborhood bar in the heart of Gràcia. It’s the kind of place that feels like a cozy extension of your own living room, greeting regulars and newcomers alike with a warm, familiar "What can I get you, darling?" Designed for any time of day, it offers a short but high-quality menu of tapas, sandwiches, and traditional snacks in a bright, corner location.

La Pubilla del Taulat is a historic treasure located in the heart of Poblenou. For over five generations, this family-run tavern has remained one of the most authentic examples of a traditional Catalan "bodega." It originally started as a wine shop selling in bulk—a tradition it still maintains today—while serving world-class tapas to locals and workers. It is a place where time seems to have stood still, offering a genuine taste of old-world Barcelona.

Casa Lolea is a charming, high-energy gourmet shop and restaurant located in the historic Ciutat Vella. While it is the flagship venue for the world-famous "Lolea" artisanal sangria brand, it has evolved into a serious culinary destination. The kitchen focuses on a "gastro-tapas" concept, offering a refined and contemporary take on traditional Spanish recipes using premium seasonal ingredients.

Lluritu is a self-proclaimed "casual seafood bar" located in the heart of Gràcia. It breaks away from the stiff, formal stereotypes of traditional seafood restaurants, offering a fresh, youthful, and unpretentious approach to fish. The concept is centered on the "generosity of the sea," focusing on high-quality products prepared simply mostly grilled or boiled to let the natural flavors shine.

Unlike formal restaurants, it specializes in the art of el picoteo high-quality tapas and small plates served in a lively, upscale bar environment. It is widely considered one of the best places in the city to experience traditional Spanish tapas elevated by top-tier seasonal ingredients.

Located right on the Barceloneta seafront near the iconic W Hotel, Julieta's is a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant from the Isabella's Group. It blends a "beach club" aesthetic—inspired by the relaxed vibes of Ibiza, Greece, and Tulum—with a high-quality menu centered on rice dishes, pasta, and grilled specialties.

El Glop is a legendary Barcelona institution dedicated to authentic Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine. Known for their rustic charm, "honest" market cooking, and use of high-quality local products. It is one of the most reliable places in the city to find traditional dishes like grilled meats, calçots (in season), and hearty rice dishes at fair prices.

Xiringuito Escribà is one of Barcelona's most iconic coastal culinary landmarks. Founded in 1992 by Joan Escribà—of the world-famous Escribà pastry family—this restaurant transformed the traditional "beach shack" (xiringuito) concept into a high-level gastronomic experience. It is specialized in Mediterranean cuisine, specifically famous for its open-fire rice dishes and fresh seafood.

Located in the Fort Pienc neighborhood near the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, Cabo Bar is a vibrant, modern tapas bar that aims to bring a "summer afternoon" feel to the city. Part of the Grupo Cabo family, it focuses on the Mediterranean ritual of "vermuteo," offering a wide variety of tapas, small plates (platillos), and rice dishes designed for sharing with friends and neighbors.

Colmado Carpanta is a modern "takeaway shop with a soul." It brands itself as a "viejuno" rotisserie and deli, serving traditional Catalan comfort food with a cheeky, contemporary attitude. While primarily a shop for prepared meals, it features a small, informal bar where you can enjoy a vermouth and a quick bite on the spot.

Mantis is a "gastronomic sanctuary" led by chefs Toni Solans and David Romero. The restaurant is a bold exercise in eclectic cuisine, where high-level technique meets top-tier products without creative boundaries.

It is a restaurant that champions "austere gastronomy." This means a radical focus on the quality of ingredients, simplicity in presentation, and a daily-changing menu based on what’s fresh at the market. The space is vast, industrial-chic, and strikingly minimalist.

Traditional Catalan cuisine with top notch ingredients.

Located in a historic 18th-century building in the El Born neighborhood, El Chigre 1769 is a unique "Catarian" tavern—a fusion of Catalan and Asturian cultures. It brands itself as a sidrería and vermutería, focusing on high-quality, seasonal, and Km0 (locally sourced) products from both regions. It is a slow-food accredited establishment that honors traditional recipes with a modern, professional touch.

Founded in 1929 and still run by the same family, El Xampanyet is perhaps the most iconic and beloved "classic" tapas bar in Barcelona. Located in the El Born district, it is named after its signature sparkling wine. It is a temple to traditional Catalan hospitality, known for its preserved history, high-quality artisanal products, and an energy that hasn't changed in nearly a century.

Bar Bocata is a recently opened "neo-tavern" in Barcelona’s upper district that has quickly become a viral sensation. Despite its modern opening, it is designed to feel like a "bar de toda la vida", combining retro 70s aesthetics with high-quality market cuisine.

Bodega Picarol is a charming, authentic "neighborhood bodega" located on one of Barcelona's most beautiful streets, Carrer d'Enric Granados. It avoids the flashiness of its trendier neighbors, instead focusing on the roots of Catalan tavern culture. It is a place where tradition is preserved through simple, high-quality tapas, artisanal preserves, and an exceptional house vermouth.

Located in the heart of Eixample, Galileo is a "cocktail bistro" that masterfully blends high-end mixology with Italian-inspired gastronomy. It is a collaborative project between top-tier industry figures. The concept is inspired by the scientific and rebellious spirit of Galileo Galilei, translated into a modern, minimalist space where drinks and food are treated with equal artistic weight.

Bar Torpedo is a late-night "sandwich bar" and neo-tavern located in the Eixample district. It is the brainchild of Chef Rafa Peña (of the renowned Gresca), who created this spot to offer high-quality "junk food" for chefs and foodies alike. It focuses on gourmet sandwiches, small plates, and an impressive selection of natural wines, staying open later than most high-end kitchens in the city.

The name "Balabusta" is a Yiddish term for a woman who is a "superpower" in the home—someone who runs the household and the kitchen with skill and soul. The menu is a celebration of Middle Eastern flavors (Tel Aviv style) fused with local Mediterranean ingredients, focusing heavily on charcoal-grilling, fresh vegetables, and bold spices.

This restaurant is a modern revival of the traditional Catalan "carne a la brasa" (grilled meat) spot. Located in the heart of Gràcia, right next to its sister restaurant Fonda de Pirenaicas, it focuses on high-quality local meats cooked in a Josper wood-fired oven. It aims to offer a rustic, informal, and affordable dining experience centered around the authentic flavors of the Catalan countryside.

Alba Granados is a family-run establishment (now in its third generation) that blends traditional Catalan recipes with modern market cuisine. The restaurant spans two floors and features an open kitchen, a large wine cellar, and a specialized gourmet area called "El Colmado." Its philosophy centers on high-quality, local ingredients and authentic Mediterranean flavors.

Catacroquet is a specialized "croquetería" that elevates Spain’s most beloved snack to a gourmet level. Their philosophy is "less is more," focusing on high-quality ingredients and creative fillings. While the star is undoubtedly the croquette, the menu also features a variety of shared plates and seasonal dishes.

Can Recasens is a legendary institution in the Poblenou neighborhood. Originally a neighborhood butcher shop and grocery, it evolved into a restaurant and wine cellar ("Celler de l'Art") famous for its charcuterie, cheeses, and artistic interior. It is deeply rooted in local history and remains one of the most beloved dining spots in the city for traditional feasts.