4
My favourite spots for brunch, tapas, and hidden gems that make eating within the Gothic Quarter unforgettable!
The Gothic Quarter is a maze of slender streets, hidden courtyards, and, in fact, superb meals. I’ve spent loads of time right here looking down the very best eating places within the Gothic District of Barcelona, and let me inform you, it’s not straightforward narrowing it down. There are simply so many good choices!
That can assist you out, I’ve pulled collectively my absolute favorites, from cozy brunch spots to eating places that really feel like a step again in time. Whether or not you’re after conventional Catalan flavors or one thing with a contemporary twist, this checklist has a bit of little bit of every thing. Let’s get began!
At a Look: The place to eat within the Gothic Quarter
Let’s kick issues off with a number of favorites to get you began, whether or not you’re within the temper for a hearty meal or simply desire a cozy spot to loosen up:
- Greatest for Catalan Classics: L’Antic Bocoi del Gòtic
- Greatest Brunch within the Gothic District: Milk Bar & Bistro
- Greatest Tapas with a Twist: Le Bistro Sensi
- Greatest Hidden Treasure: L’Alcoba Azul
Now that you just’ve obtained the highlights, let’s dive into what makes every of those locations so particular. From hidden gems to native favorites, these are the eating places I hold coming again to. I feel you’ll love them too!
1. L’Antic Bocoi del Gòtic
Strolling into L’Antic Bocoi del Gòtic looks like stepping again in time, and in the easiest way attainable. You enter by means of this medieval stone arch and find yourself sitting subsequent to a Roman wall that’s been there for two,000 years. How cool is that?
This husband-and-wife-run spot rapidly turned certainly one of my favourite eating places within the Gothic Quarter. I began with a goat’s cheese and honey salad that I’m nonetheless fascinated with weeks later. For the principle course, I attempted their tackle conventional Catalan pizza – loaded with roasted greens and native sausage.
The costs listed below are cheap, particularly contemplating the standard of the meals and the unimaginable setting. The house owners are so pleasant too – they took the time to elucidate completely different dishes and made nice suggestions.
For those who can, e book forward. I lucked out getting a desk once they opened for dinner, however I seen it crammed up rapidly with each vacationers and locals (at all times signal!).
2. Milk Bar & Bistro
For those who’re after among the finest brunches within the Gothic Quarter, Milk Bar & Bistro is your spot. I stumbled throughout it whereas desperately trying to find a correct breakfast after one too many tiny Spanish coffees and pastries!
It’s a comfortable place that feels prefer it was plucked straight out of Brooklyn, however with a particular Barcelona twist. The eggs benedict was precisely what I wanted, however it was their chorizo hash that saved me coming again. I extremely advocate the shakshuka, too. It’s obtained simply the correct quantity of kick to it.
They do dinner too, however actually, brunch is the place they shine. That mentioned, if you find yourself there within the night, don’t miss their pan con tomate. It’s easy however someway tastes higher right here than anyplace else I attempted. And I attempted quite a lot of pan con tomate throughout my journey!
What I actually appreciated was how they cater to everybody. There are many vegetarian and vegan choices with out feeling like they’re attempting too exhausting. The place isn’t large, so that you may need to attend at peak brunch time, however belief me, it’s value it.
3. Le Bistro Sensi
Discovering the very best tapas within the Gothic Quarter doesn’t at all times imply going to probably the most well-known spots. Le Bistro Sensi is a hidden gem in Barcelona that completely balances conventional tapas with trendy twists, and the worth for cash is unimaginable.
I fell in love with their pork cheeks. Critically, if you happen to solely order one factor, make it that. The patatas bravas have been additionally among the greatest I had in Barcelona. What actually impressed me was their natural wine choice, They produce their very own, and the employees have been so educated about pairing options.
The environment is precisely what you need for a dinner in Barcelona, with low lighting, good music, and tables organized so you possibly can even have a dialog. It feels intimate with out being stuffy.
One tip although – e book forward if you happen to’re planning to go after 8 pm. I made the error of simply exhibiting up one evening and needed to wait fairly some time!
4. L’Alcoba Azul
Generally, the very best locations are those you virtually stroll proper previous. L’Alcoba Azul is tucked deep within the Gothic Quarter, and its slender entrance may not catch your eye at first. However step inside this uniquely charming spot, and also you’ll really feel such as you’ve found a secret that locals have been retaining to themselves.
The area itself is fascinating. Consider an alleyway became a restaurant, with simply sufficient room for tables alongside one facet. It sounds cramped, however someway it really works completely, including to the intimate really feel.
Don’t anticipate fully conventional Spanish dishes right here. I attempted their octopus, which got here with an surprising twist that made it unforgettable. The feta dip had me asking for additional bread, and even their fattouch salad had its personal distinctive spin. Every little thing feels acquainted however thrilling on the similar time.
Honest warning, it’s fairly tiny inside. However actually, that simply provides to its attraction. It’s the form of place that reminds you why you’re keen on exploring facet streets and taking probabilities on eating places you’ve by no means heard of.
5. A Vocados Ferran
Whenever you’re craving one thing contemporary within the Gothic Quarter, I extremely advocate visiting A Vocados Ferran. I do know what you’re considering: an avocado-focused restaurant in Barcelona? Belief me, it really works.
Their feta avocado toast rapidly turned my go-to breakfast. It’s easy however someway they get it excellent each time. Plus, their guacamole gave me a brand new normal for what good guac ought to style like. They’ve actually earned having ‘avocado’ of their identify!
What I liked most was the selection between sitting inside their beautiful, brilliant inside or out within the adjoining plaza. On sunny days (which, let’s face it, is most days in Barcelona), the plaza was excellent for individuals watching whereas having fun with breakfast. The entire place has this relaxed, wholesome vibe that’s a pleasant break from all of the heavy tapas meals.
For those who’re vegetarian, you’ll be spoiled for alternative right here. Even if you happen to’re not, the meals is so good you received’t miss the meat. They swap up their menu between breakfast and lunch, so you possibly can truly come twice in in the future. I’ll have completed precisely that…
6. Viana Barcelona
Among the many tons of of locations to eat in Barcelona, Viana rapidly turned certainly one of my favorites. The area is on the smaller facet, so undoubtedly make a reservation to keep away from disappointment.
I liked their trendy tackle Spanish fusion delicacies, particularly the meat spare rib which was completely fall-off-the-bone tender and tasted unimaginable. The squid ink pasta was additionally improbable.
For those who’re into cocktails, you completely should strive their blueberry mojito. I’m nonetheless dreaming about it! The employees right here actually know their stuff too. They’re nice at making suggestions and appear genuinely excited that can assist you discover the menu.
Whereas not the most cost effective restaurant within the Gothic Quarter, the standard of each meals and expertise make it properly definitely worth the worth. The environment strikes that excellent stability between upscale and welcoming. Whether or not you’re celebrating one thing particular or simply need a superb meal, Viana delivers each time.
7. Capet Restaurant
Capet Restaurant is definitely one of many coolest eating places in Spain. I ended up on the bar right here by probability, and it turned out to be the very best seat in the home! You get this superb view of the kitchen whereas nonetheless having sufficient privateness for good dialog. There’s one thing actually particular about watching the cooks work their magic,
I went for the quick tasting menu and it was excellent. The starters have been so refreshing, however the actual star was this unimaginable beef dish that had me virtually licking the plate clear. The sommelier prompt an Austrian orange wine to go together with it, which I wouldn’t usually decide, however it labored superbly.
The entire expertise feels high-end with out being stuffy. Simply watching the care they put into plating every dish makes you understand why so many locals advocate this place. It’s undoubtedly leaning in the direction of superb eating, however in that snug, trendy manner that makes you wish to come again many times.
Honest warning although, it’s fairly standard, so reserving forward is a good suggestion. Belief me, you don’t wish to miss out on this one!
8. Gallo Nero
Gallo Nero is precisely the form of place that may not present up in vacationer guides, however locals completely find it irresistible. I extremely advocate it if you happen to’re on the lookout for relaxed, low-cost eats in Barcelona. The area has a heat, intimate really feel with gentle lighting that makes you wish to linger over your meal.
They concentrate on Italian sandwiches, served on focaccia bread that’s completely crispy on the skin and gentle inside. Selecting what to order was genuinely troublesome as a result of every thing appeared so good! I ended up getting a meat and cheese board to start out, which was completely scrumptious.
What I liked most was how unpretentious all of it felt. It’s simply actually good, easy meals completed exceptionally properly. The desserts are value saving room for too – belief me on this one. It’s like getting a bit of style of Italy proper within the coronary heart of Barcelona.
9. Sensi Tapas
Sensi Tapas is the form of tapas place you dream about discovering in Barcelona. The employees are tremendous useful and can inform you upfront that 2 or 3 plates per individual is the candy spot, which I actually appreciated.
Let me inform you concerning the meals – it’s merely beautiful. For those who solely order two issues, make them the tuna tartare and the octopus. I’m nonetheless fascinated with these dishes weeks later! They really change up their menu a pair occasions all year long, however at all times hold the fan favorites. And vegetarians, don’t fear – they’ve obtained some nice meat-free choices that aren’t simply an afterthought.
Be certain to e book forward if you happen to’re planning to go to throughout dinner hours whereas following your Barcelona itinerary. I confirmed up with no reservation as soon as and ended up sipping wine on the bar whereas ready, which actually wasn’t a nasty expertise!
10. La Cereria
La Cereria caught my consideration as a result of it’s so completely different out of your typical Barcelona restaurant. It’s cooperatively-owned advert looks like a breath of contemporary air among the many vacationer spots. Inside, they’ve obtained nice jazz music enjoying, however there’s additionally charming outside seating if you happen to want people-watching along with your meal.
The menu is completely vegetarian and vegan. Don’t let that scare you away if you happen to’re a meat-eater! Their firinata was so good I didn’t even miss the meat, and the ginger lime juice was extremely refreshing on a scorching day. The entire place has a relaxed, artsy vibe that makes you wish to hang around for hours.
Once I was placing collectively my checklist of greatest eating places within the Gothic District of Barcelona, I knew this place needed to make the reduce. It’s not attempting to be fancy or conventional – it’s simply doing its personal factor, and doing it very well.
11. La Fonda
La Fonda is proof that nice meals doesn’t have to return with a hefty price ticket. Tucked inside a grand, old-world model constructing, the decor is as refined because the menu is approachable. For slightly below €14 per individual, you get a three-course meal that features a starter, principal, dessert, and a drink. That’s a uncommon discover within the coronary heart of Barcelona!
Their seafood paella is a must-try, loaded with contemporary native substances and completely seasoned. The parts are beneficiant, which makes this an excellent place to replenish earlier than an evening of exploring. For dessert, their signature crema catalana is the proper method to finish your meal on a candy be aware.y
Due to its affordability, La Fonda can get packed rapidly. Attempt to come early or make a reservation if you happen to can.
12. Restaurant Can Culleretes
Strolling into Can Culleretes is like stepping again in time, and I imply that in the easiest way. This place has been serving traditional Catalan dishes since 1786! That makes it one of many oldest eating places in Barcelona, and you’ll really feel the historical past in each nook.
The meals right here is improbable. I went for the bacalao (salted cod) and their signature canelones filled with spinach and salt cod. The employees have been pleasant and tremendous affected person, even once I stumbled by means of my Catalan attempting to order. For those who’re up for an actual deal with, end with their crema catalana — simply among the finest I’ve had in Spain.
Reservations are a should right here, particularly on weekends. It’s a well-liked spot for each locals and guests, so plan forward if you wish to snag a desk. Belief me, it’s value it for an opportunity to expertise certainly one of Barcelona’s most original eating places.
Regularly requested questions (FAQs) about the place to eat within the Gothic Quarter
Every little thing you might want to know earlier than exploring the very best eating places within the coronary heart of Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood.
Is the Gothic Quarter value visiting?
Sure, The Gothic Quarter, one of many most stunning locations in Barcelona, is value visiting! It’s recognized for its winding medieval streets, hidden squares, and a historical past that dates again 2,000 years. This neighborhood is filled with unimaginable eating places, cozy cafés, and genuine tapas bars that make it a prime vacation spot for meals lovers whenever you fly to Barcelona.
Is it secure to stroll across the Gothic Quarter at evening?
Sure, for probably the most half, the Gothic Quarter is secure to discover at evening. Like every busy metropolis space, it’s at all times good to remain alert. Persist with well-lit streets, keep away from remoted alleyways, and hold your belongings shut, particularly round tourist-heavy spots. You’ll discover loads of locals and vacationers strolling round after darkish, so it has a vigorous, welcoming environment.
What meals is Barcelona recognized for?
Barcelona, one of many most superb European cities, is known for its vibrant Catalan delicacies, which incorporates every thing from contemporary seafood to hearty stews. When eating right here, don’t miss out on iconic dishes like pa amb tomàquet (bread rubbed with tomato), escalivada (roasted greens), and, in fact, paella. And if you happen to’re feeling adventurous, butifarra (Catalan sausage) and crema catalana (a neighborhood model of crème brûlée) are must-tries.
The place do the locals eat in Barcelona?
For a real style of Barcelona, head to the neighborhood bodegas, tiny bars, and family-run eating places tucked away from the principle vacationer paths. Within the Gothic Quarter, spots like Can Culleretes and La Cereria are favorites amongst locals. You’ll discover them mingling with guests over hearty Catalan dishes or sipping vermut at conventional bars, in one of many most stunning locations to go to in Spain.
What’s the well-known meals road in Barcelona?
Essentially the most well-known meals road in Barcelona is La Boqueria, a bustling market positioned simply off La Rambla. It’s not technically within the Gothic Quarter, however it’s shut sufficient to make it an excellent cease for sampling native produce, contemporary seafood, and fast bites like Iberian ham or contemporary fruit juices. For those who’re visiting Spain, and on the lookout for one thing extra low-key within the Gothic Quarter, try Carrer de Petritxol, recognized for its cozy cafés and xocolaterias (chocolate outlets), excellent for having fun with Barcelona on a funds.
