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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, after all, wonderful meals. I’ve spent loads of time right here looking down the most effective eating places within the Gothic District of Barcelona, and let me inform you, it’s not simple 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 record has slightly little bit of every part. 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 need a cozy spot to chill out:
- 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 simply’ve acquired 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 maintain coming again to. I believe 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 one of the best ways doable. You enter by way 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 one in every of my favourite eating places within the Gothic Quarter. I began with a goat’s cheese and honey salad that I’m nonetheless fascinated about 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 unbelievable setting. The homeowners are so pleasant too – they took the time to elucidate totally different dishes and made nice suggestions.
When you can, guide 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 a very good signal!).
2. Milk Bar & Bistro
When you’re after among the best 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 stored me coming again. I extremely suggest the shakshuka, too. It’s acquired simply the correct quantity of kick to it.
They do dinner too, however truthfully, brunch is the place they shine. That stated, if you find yourself there within the night, don’t miss their pan con tomate. It’s easy however by some means tastes higher right here than anyplace else I attempted. And I attempted a whole 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 laborious. The place isn’t big, so that you might need to attend at peak brunch time, however belief me, it’s price it.
3. Le Bistro Sensi
Discovering the most effective 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 fashionable twists, and the worth for cash is unbelievable.
I fell in love with their pork cheeks. Significantly, should you 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 recommendations.
The ambiance is strictly what you need for a dinner in Barcelona, with low lighting, good music, and tables organized so you may even have a dialog. It feels intimate with out being stuffy.
One tip although – guide forward should you’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
Typically, the most effective locations are those you nearly 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 house itself is fascinating. Consider an alleyway became a restaurant, with simply sufficient room for tables alongside one aspect. It sounds cramped, however by some means it really works completely, including to the intimate really feel.
Don’t count on fully conventional Spanish dishes right here. I attempted their octopus, which got here with an sudden twist that made it unforgettable. The feta dip had me asking for additional bread, and even their fattouch salad had its personal distinctive spin. All the pieces feels acquainted however thrilling on the identical time.
Honest warning, it’s fairly tiny inside. However truthfully, that simply provides to its attraction. It’s the sort of place that reminds you why you like exploring aspect streets and taking probabilities on eating places you’ve by no means heard of.
5. A Vocados Ferran
If you’re craving one thing contemporary within the Gothic Quarter, I extremely suggest visiting A Vocados Ferran. I do know what you’re pondering: 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 by some means they get it excellent each time. Plus, their guacamole gave me a brand new customary for what good guac ought to style like. They’ve actually earned having ‘avocado’ of their title!
What I liked most was the selection between sitting inside their beautiful, vivid 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 folks 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.
When you’re vegetarian, you’ll be spoiled for selection right here. Even should you’re not, the meals is so good you received’t miss the meat. They change up their menu between breakfast and lunch, so you may really come twice in in the future. I’ll have accomplished precisely that…
6. Viana Barcelona
Among the many lots of of locations to eat in Barcelona, Viana rapidly turned one in every of my favorites. The house is on the smaller aspect, so undoubtedly make a reservation to keep away from disappointment.
I liked their fashionable tackle Spanish fusion delicacies, particularly the meat spare rib which was completely fall-off-the-bone tender and tasted unbelievable. The squid ink pasta was additionally incredible.
When you’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 will help you discover the menu.
Whereas not the most cost effective restaurant within the Gothic Quarter, the standard of each meals and expertise make it nicely definitely worth the value. The ambiance strikes that excellent steadiness 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 well 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 most effective seat in the home! You get this wonderful 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 brief tasting menu and it was excellent. The starters have been so refreshing, however the true star was this unbelievable beef dish that had me virtually licking the plate clear. The sommelier prompt an Austrian orange wine to go along 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 suggest this place. It’s undoubtedly leaning in the direction of high quality eating, however in that snug, fashionable means that makes you wish to come again many times.
Honest warning although, it’s fairly in style, 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 strictly the sort of place which may not present up in vacationer guides, however locals completely find it irresistible. I extremely suggest it should you’re in search of relaxed, low cost eats in Barcelona. The house has a heat, intimate really feel with mushy lighting that makes you wish to linger over your meal.
They focus on Italian sandwiches, served on focaccia bread that’s completely crispy on the skin and mushy inside. Selecting what to order was genuinely tough as a result of every part 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 accomplished exceptionally nicely. The desserts are price saving room for too – belief me on this one. It’s like getting slightly style of Italy proper within the coronary heart of Barcelona.
9. Sensi Tapas
Sensi Tapas is the sort 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 particular person is the candy spot, which I actually appreciated.
Let me inform you in regards to the meals – it’s merely beautiful. When you solely order two issues, make them the tuna tartare and the octopus. I’m nonetheless fascinated about these dishes weeks later! They really change up their menu a pair instances all year long, however at all times maintain the fan favorites. And vegetarians, don’t fear – they’ve acquired some nice meat-free choices that aren’t simply an afterthought.
Make certain to guide forward should you’re planning to go to throughout dinner hours whereas following your Barcelona itinerary. I confirmed up and not using a reservation as soon as and ended up sipping wine on the bar whereas ready, which truthfully wasn’t a nasty expertise!
10. La Cereria
La Cereria caught my consideration as a result of it’s so totally 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 acquired nice jazz music enjoying, however there’s additionally charming out of doors seating should you desire people-watching along with your meal.
The menu is solely vegetarian and vegan. Don’t let that scare you away should you’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 record of greatest eating places within the Gothic District of Barcelona, I knew this place needed to make the lower. It’s not attempting to be fancy or conventional – it’s simply doing its personal factor, and doing it rather 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 type constructing, the decor is as refined because the menu is approachable. For slightly below €14 per particular person, you get a three-course meal that features a starter, major, 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 a terrific place to refill earlier than an evening of exploring. For dessert, their signature crema catalana is the right method to finish your meal on a candy notice.y
Due to its affordability, La Fonda can get packed rapidly. Attempt to come early or make a reservation should you can.
12. Restaurant Can Culleretes
Strolling into Can Culleretes is like stepping again in time, and I imply that in one of the best ways. 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 incredible. I went for the bacalao (salted cod) and their signature canelones full of spinach and salt cod. The employees have been pleasant and tremendous affected person, even after I stumbled by way of my Catalan attempting to order. When you’re up for an actual deal with, end with their crema catalana — simply among the best 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 price it for an opportunity to expertise one in every of Barcelona’s most unusual eating places.
Regularly requested questions (FAQs) about the place to eat within the Gothic Quarter
All the pieces it is advisable to know earlier than exploring the most effective eating places within the coronary heart of Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood.
Is the Gothic Quarter price visiting?
Sure, The Gothic Quarter, one of many most lovely locations in Barcelona, is price visiting! It’s identified for its winding medieval streets, hidden squares, and a historical past that dates again 2,000 years. This neighborhood is filled with unbelievable eating places, cozy cafés, and genuine tapas bars that make it a prime vacation spot for meals lovers once you fly to Barcelona.
Is it protected to stroll across the Gothic Quarter at evening?
Sure, for probably the most half, the Gothic Quarter is protected to discover at evening. Like several busy metropolis space, it’s at all times good to remain alert. Persist with well-lit streets, keep away from remoted alleyways, and maintain your belongings shut, particularly round tourist-heavy spots. You’ll discover loads of locals and vacationers strolling round after darkish, so it has a energetic, welcoming ambiance.
What meals is Barcelona identified for?
Barcelona, one of many most wonderful European cities, is known for its vibrant Catalan delicacies, which incorporates every part from contemporary seafood to hearty stews. When eating right here, don’t miss out on iconic dishes like pa amb tomà quet (bread rubbed with tomato), escalivada (roasted greens), and, after all, paella. And should you’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 lovely locations to go to in Spain.
What’s the well-known meals avenue in Barcelona?
Essentially the most well-known meals avenue 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 a terrific cease for sampling native produce, contemporary seafood, and fast bites like Iberian ham or contemporary fruit juices. When you’re visiting Spain, and in search of one thing extra low-key within the Gothic Quarter, try Carrer de Petritxol, identified for its cozy cafés and xocolaterias (chocolate outlets), excellent for having fun with Barcelona on a funds.
