Barcelona is famous for it’s food and I’m here to tell you from first hand experience that’s the truth. I shoot for a food blog, My Foodie Friend Barcelona, and we have been lucky to sample some of the cities finest! Katie (the women behind My Foodie Friend) is a real treat so do check out her site ya? There are tons more delish places reviewed on her blog!

Europe takes pride in their love of food and there is a plethora of restaurants in Barcelona to choose from. The decision process can be a bit overwhelming so I’ve whittled it down to my top 8!

Acontraluz

Located in Sarria, its a hidden gem that takes you from the unsuspecting street in a secret garden. The menu is created with seasonal fresh ingredients in mind. It’s a modern Mediterranean menu and I am still drooling over the Pear Tortellini. The garden atmosphere coupled with the old art hanging on the walls, invited me to stay for as long as I pleased. We came to discover that the art is indeed the owners own work!

Check out the full review here for more details!

Restaurant Acontraluz
Carrer del Milanesat, 19
00 34 932 03 06 58
wwww.acontraluz.com

La Pepita 

Located in Gracia, this is a hip and happening spot in town. Always full of locals and tourists alike both gathered to enjoy its famous tapas! The walls are covered in scribbled messages from travelers passing through and the atmosphere is electric! If you arrive after 7:30 pm and there is wait, La Pepita also owns La Cava (two doors down) where you can enjoy a few drinks while waiting for your table!

Check out the full review here for more details!

La Pepita
Carrer Còrsega, 343
+34 932 38 48 93
www.lapepitabcn.com

Casa Lolea 

Sometimes the tapas can be a little bit repetitive in Barcelona and one girl can only eat so many of the same things but Casa Lolea is an exception to the rule and a must visit for a good Spanish experience. Typical Spanish tapas without the “heavy fried” feeling after you eat and the decor is adorable! I’m a sucker for anything designed using natural wood! The place is popular so be sure to set a reservation for your lunch or dinner!

Check out the full review here for more details!

Casa Lolea
Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 49
+34 936 24 10 16
hola@casalolea.com

Robata

Located in the Eixample neighborhood you’ll find some seriously delicious sushi. The menu offers a variety of rolls, maki, sashimi, and a plethora of warm dishes. It’s a great fit for all taste buds (even the pickiest of eaters) and don’t leave without getting desert! Try the carrot cake or a slice of lemon pie!

Check out the full review here for more details!

Robata Sushi & Grill
Enric Granados, 55
+34 937 826 000
www.robata.es

Martinez

Paella is one famous dish you can’t leave Barcelona without eating! They are ALL OVER the city but if you want the best, head to Martinez. Located on the mountain side of Montjuic, you get a coastal view of the city and even live music on occasion! The Paella is huge so go hungry and ready to share! The menu also contains classic Spanish tapas and drinks!

Martinez
Carretera De Miramar, 38
08038 Barcelona
+34 931 06 60 52
info@martinezbarcelona.com

Lolita Taperia

Located in the Sant Antoni neighborhood this is fun little tapas spot that will please everyone! The chicken strips fried in chips is my personal fave but the entire menu is full of small plates to share. It’s a fish driven menu sprinkled with classic dishes like croquettes and Iberian ham! Perfect for a late night dinner with friends!

Lolita Taperia
C / Tamarit, 104
08015 Barcelona
+34 93 424 52 31
lolitataperia.com

Pikio Taco

Not your average taco joint and here you can find gourmet tacos on the menu. Interesting combinations like mozzarella, veal, and chorizo, or the Mozzarella, pumpkin flower, fried yucca and toasted rolled almond! Don’t skip out of the nachos because in my opinion, they are the best part! We have visited our share of taco joints in BCN and this is one of our go-to’s! Nothing gets as close as the tacos in Mexico, but these are a good substitute!

Check out the full review here for more details!

Pikio Taco
Carrer de Còrsega, 376
08037 Barcelona
+34 934 57 32 52

Isabellas

Also located in Sarria, this family owned/run Italian restaurant is anything but classic. The menu is a fusion of Mediterranean/Italian, and the ingredients are all locally sourced. The decor feels like an old Paris film and its full of families and couples alike. The starers menu had me drooling so remember to save room for the main course and dessert! I promise it won’t disappoint!

Isabellas
Carrer de Ganduxer,
50 – 08021 Barcelona
+34 93 414 57 69
info@isabellas-restaurant.com

The food is really fantastic in Barcelona and the locals sure know how to eat and enjoy a meal. Slow down, sip on your drink and pick at your tapas, and you will realize why a meal deserves more than 20 mins. Supporting local restaurants helps boost the local economy so branch out from The Hard Rock Cafe and surprise your taste buds!  What are your favorite spots to eat in Barcelona? I’m always on the look out for new spots so comment below with your go-tos!

xoxo