Barcelona : wine and dine
There is no shortage of places to eat in Barcelona, who have everything from Michelin starred fine dining and Natural Wine spots to authentic tapas joints that are loved by locals and tourist alike so we thought we would share our current favourite restaurants to wine and dine across city. Our list of Barcelona’s best restaurants spans style, vibe, and of course cuisine, so no matter how long your trip or where you are in the city, you're covered. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
A French cuisine that is by far the most romantic restaurant in Barcelona. This cosy, dimly lit space is divine; decorated with grand-yet-homely lounges, seductive mirrors and rich velvet touches. This is the kind of place you could stay until closing hours: thus filled with loved-up couples, friendship groups and people who just want to romanticise life. Their contemporary Mediterranean menu is delicious and the Mugs Rosado rose really fits the mood. A place perfect for special occasions or just to soak up the sultry yet homely surroundings.
Av. Diagonal, 423, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
A vintage tapas bar, complete with a cool and classic design made up of a chic red bar, vintage stools and brass tones - the interiors definitely add points to the experience. They serve elevated classic tapas dishes from an open kitchen which really emphasises the whole ‘bar atmosphere’ they’ve created. Oh and it’s in an unbeatable location in neighbourhood Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.
C/ de Ganduxer, 16, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08021 Barcelona, Spain
Perikete Tapas
Head here for authentic Spanish tapas and a cool design concept. Found in the ideal location of Barceloneta, this small local is decorated with wooden barrels and hams (jamones) hanging from the ceiling to really give you a full authentic Spanish experience, accompanied by traditional Spanish sharing dishes and Spanish wines exposed in the walls for you to sample during your meal. Drink every time we say Spanish… but you get the picture.
Carrer de Llauder, 6, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Our go to whenever there’s a Cecconi’s in town. Its a fail safe option for style and substance - you’re basically guaranteed delicious modern day Italian classics and the decor and aesthetics are always on point. This Barcelona location did not disappoint, complete with brass chandeliers draped from a glass conservatory style ceiling, marble worktops and an Art Deco design - it is decorated in true Soho House style.
Spuistraat 210, 3HG, 1012 VT Amsterdam, Netherlands
The place to see and be seen. Located on the 23rd floor of Nobu Hotel and graced with panoramic views of the ocean and the city, find elevated Japanese-style interiors and signature Nobu dishes with a strong seafood focus (the Tuna Tempura rolls are 10/10). This is definitely a hotspot for stylish locals so expect a cool and sociable crowd and fyi the window seats are best for views of the city at night or you can sit at the sushi counter to watch the chefs at work if you prefer. It’s not in a super central location, but worth the hype.
Av. de Roma, 4, Distrito de Sants-Montjuïc, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
In this cool multi-space restaurant located in the middle of Passeig de Gràcia, find 4 restaurants and 4 bars serving different cuisines for whatever you fancy - it’s kind of like a smaller, less intimidating version of The Ned in London. Choose from a selection of grilled meats, Spanish seafood or tapas in dedicated spaces throughout the restaurant. So.. hear us out.. the tapas restaurant ‘La Taperia’ was not so good. If you’re looking for authentic tapas, go to one of our other suggestions on this list but if you stick to the La Braseria steak house though, that’s a winner.
Pg. de Gràcia, 24 Bis, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
If you love steak, Mr Porter never misses. The OG Mr Porter, located on L’Exiample serves up some of the best steak we’ve ever eaten (alongside their sister restaurant, Mr Porter in Amsterdam). This is a super chic steakhouse with dim lighting, social vibes, stylish interiors and a cool crowd. Linger late into the night to watch talented mixologists and DJs make some magic in the lounge.
C/ del Rosselló, 265, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
A little more of a casual vibe, serving Tapas at the beach in a vibrant, stylish, Ibiza-style restaurant. Head here to find Mediterranean inspired interiors, with natural and organic materials and cosy sixties furniture at the foot of the W Barcelona hotel with unbeatable views. Try their paellas to be blown away alongside a wide and varied selection of classic and signature cocktails, to be enjoyed on Saturdays and Sundays alongside musical sessions by cool DJs. The idea seems to be that people come to eat and lounge here all afternoon.
Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Tapas with a modern twist. Located next to Francesc Macià, Clara sports simple décor which is modern yet unfussy, complete with a long corner bar and an outdoor terrace. We recommend eating in their garden terrace in the evenings when the globe lights are switched for a cosier ambience. Serving delicious traditional Mediterranean dishes (the steak tartare was delicious), you can’t go wrong.
C/ de Buenos Aires, 42, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Tapas meets fine dining at Bar Mut. This is definitely a high-end gastronomic bar but still manages to keep an authentic and cosy vibe. The interiors feature high, wooden stools around the marble-top bar and the food blurs the line between tapas and fine dining - think elevated tapas dishes such as their egg carpaccio and lobster dishes (they still serve the traditional plates too).
C/ de Pau Claris, 192, L'Eixample, 08037 Barcelona, Spain
Go here for the aesthetic alone - the colonial and safari-chic decor is sheer panache. The menu is mainly fresh seafood and rice dishes and our favourites are the seafood paella and the Salmon Teriyaki style. You'll want to linger for a postprandial cocktail on the roof terrace or head to the uni sex toilets where you’ll find a DJ (yes you read that correctly) spinning some funky tunes in the loos.
Passatge de la Concepció, 12, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Set in the centre of the city in the Gothic Quarter, with a charming and relaxed feel, this cute tapas restaurant has cool open brick interiors decorated with hanging vines and sources local ingredients for its extensive tapas menu filled with delicious small plates for sharing. We love how this place stayed true to all the original features and charm of its location.
Carrer Ample, 26, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
If you’re looking for a memorable and show stopping evening - head here. This 1920’s-inspired bar is a sensory explosion. Dine on fusion contemporary cuisine with Spanish classics whilst enjoying a live show - think jazz, burlesque and saxophone solos. You can find many nights like this in London but this place is definitely unique to Barcelona. A cool venue and fun night out.
Carrer de Tuset, 19, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08006 Barcelona, Spain
Our favourite place for authentic Barcelona cuisine, aka Paella. A timeless place with a classic, unfussy menu featuring premium produce and traditional cooking. This experience is solely about the food and not the aesthetics. Try the Seafood Paella and Amelia’s cheesecake to be blown away.
Ptge. del Mercat, 14, L'Eixample, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
A cool tapas and wine bar, famous not only among tourists, but also among the locals. It has a cosy yet lively and welcoming vibe where you should go to chat with friends, for a casual date night or for family occasions - if you prefer a more calm and relaxing atmosphere, visit Vinitus during lunch hours or early evening. The food here is so fresh, you can pick the items from the fresh produce displayed in front of the bar before it goes to the kitchen. Try the codfish with honey aioli or beef tenderloin to be blown away and the sangria here was sweeter and smoother than many others in the city, so order a glass or five.
Only for the true meat lovers in Barcelona, this spot is on par with Mr Porters. Solomillo is a sophisticated steak restaurant specialising in the finest cuts of meat from Spain - a meat-lover's paradise housed in the elegant Alexandra Hotel. Downstairs at street level you’ll find the bar and charcuterie; a slick casual space, with slate-grey marble countertops, iron and dark wood where you can stop by for an aperitif and a cheese board. The whole interior was timeless, but with a modern feel - seemingly an ode to the Spanish design scene. Upstairs is the star attraction, with Solomillo’s elegant Parisian style brasserie complete with a jazz cafe soundtrack to complete the French ambience.
C/ de Mallorca, 251, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
El vaso de oro
We stumbled upon this hot spot unexpectedly and wow this is up there with one of the best yet. A classic tapas bar, complete with a long, narrow cruise ship style bar, serving every classic dish from patatas bravas' to Padrón peppers. We found that this is a super popular spot, so be prepared to fight for a spot at the bar on busy nights.
C/ de Balboa, 6, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain