In Barcelona, the Catalan-Spanish cuisine is naturally at home and widely spread. People from all walks of life have found their home in Barcelona and have left their culinary marks. Often, you'll find excellent fusion cuisine here, stemming from the mix of various cuisines from around the world.
For seafood, the former fishing district of Barceloneta near Barcelona's beach is the go-to destination. In the Gothic Quarter (Barrí Gotic) in Barcelona's center, traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine predominates, with many tapas restaurants. In the Eixample district, you'll discover a colorful array of restaurants from around the world: from simple eateries to gourmet temples. Haute cuisine is particularly prevalent in the Gràcia district.
Eating out in Restaurants in Barcelona
Restaurant opening hours
Restaurant opening hours are tailored to the habits of the locals, who dine much later than visitors from Central Europe: for lunch, restaurants are open from 13:00 to 16:00, and for dinner, from 21:00 to 24:00. However, many restaurants have adjusted to cater to foreign guests and now open their kitchens earlier.
If you look around, especially in the city center, you should find something warm to eat from 12:00 onwards, even if it's just a few snacks.
Bars and cafes have longer opening hours, where you can also order smaller snacks, tapas, pintxos, and drinks. Fast food restaurants also offer their menus continuously from morning to late evening.
If you plan to visit a specific restaurant, it's advisable to check if it's open at your desired time and if reservations are recommended.
Seating in restaurants
Please wait at the entrance until the waiters guide you to an available table. Often, there's a waiting area at the entrance. The staff will accommodate your preferences whenever possible.
In bars and pubs, you can sit at any available table. It's not customary to sit at a table where someone else is already seated.
If you're unsure, feel free to ask the nearest server.
Prices in restaurants and bars
The prices for a menu are generally significantly lower than in a British, French or Norway restaurant. But the same principle applies here: move a few steps away from the main attractions, and prices become more affordable. However, prices at Michelin-starred restaurants are comparable.
Many restaurants offer an affordable lunch menu (menú del día), including salad, main course, dessert, and a drink. The price ranges between €10 and €15. In the evening, you can expect slightly higher prices. Barcelona has restaurants of all price ranges, from fast-food joints to Michelin-starred gourmet establishments.
Prices on menus often exclude the 10% Value Added Tax (IVA). Whether it's included or not is indicated on the menu.
Payment
Spanish-Catalan recipes
Bring a little flair of the Catalonian home with our delicious recipes. From the classic paella to tapas.
Only one person pays per table. The division of the bill is settled among yourselves afterward. Usually, the waiter will bring you a folder or plate with the bill. You then either put cash or a credit card inside. Only after the waiter has brought you the change, you leave the tip and can simply leave. If paying by card, the server will bring a card reader.
Almost all restaurants accept credit card payments, but cash is common for smaller amounts in bars or cafes.
Tipping
Locals in Spain generally leave modest tips in restaurants, around 5 percent or rounding up the bill to an even amount.
Identifying good restaurants
If a restaurant is busy during Spanish meal times, it's a good sign. However, don't judge too quickly; the empty tapas bar next door may just have guests arriving later.
Smoking ban in establishments
There is a strict nationwide smoking ban: smoking is generally not allowed in bars, restaurants, or nightclubs. Exceptions, such as separate smoking areas in restaurants or choice in bars, no longer exist. However, smoking is still permitted on terraces.
Restaurants in Barcelona's districts
