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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 slim streets, hidden courtyards, and, in fact, wonderful meals. I’ve spent loads of time right here looking down one of the best eating places within the Gothic District of Barcelona, and let me let you know, 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 listing has just a little little bit of every little 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 calm down:
- Finest for Catalan Classics: L’Antic Bocoi del Gòtic
- Finest Brunch within the Gothic District: Milk Bar & Bistro
- Finest Tapas with a Twist: Le Bistro Sensi
- Finest Hidden Treasure: L’Alcoba Azul
Now that you just’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 preserve 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 via 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 shortly 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 serious about weeks later. For the principle course, I attempted their tackle conventional Catalan pizza – loaded with roasted greens and native sausage.
The costs listed here are affordable, particularly contemplating the standard of the meals and the unimaginable setting. The homeowners are so pleasant too – they took the time to clarify completely different dishes and made nice suggestions.
Should you can, guide forward. I lucked out getting a desk once they opened for dinner, however I seen it stuffed up shortly with each vacationers and locals (all the time a very good signal!).
2. Milk Bar & Bistro
Should you’re after among the best brunches within the Gothic Quarter, Milk Bar & Bistro is your spot. I stumbled throughout it whereas desperately looking for a correct breakfast after one too many tiny Spanish coffees and pastries!
It’s a comfy 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, nevertheless it was their chorizo hash that stored me coming again. I extremely advocate the shakshuka, too. It’s acquired simply the correct amount of kick to it.
They do dinner too, however actually, 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 number 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 big, so that you might need to attend at peak brunch time, however belief me, it’s value it.
3. Le Bistro Sensi
Discovering one of the best tapas within the Gothic Quarter doesn’t all the time 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 unimaginable.
I fell in love with their pork cheeks. Significantly, should you solely order one factor, make it that. The patatas bravas had been additionally a few of the finest I had in Barcelona. What actually impressed me was their natural wine choice, They produce their very own, and the workers had been so educated about pairing recommendations.
The environment is strictly 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 – 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, one of the best locations are those you virtually stroll proper previous. L’Alcoba Azul is tucked deep within the Gothic Quarter, and its slim entrance won’t 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 maintaining to themselves.
The area itself is fascinating. Consider an alleyway become a restaurant, with simply sufficient room for tables alongside one facet. 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. Every little thing feels acquainted however thrilling on the identical time.
Honest warning, it’s fairly tiny inside. However actually, that simply provides to its allure. It’s the form of place that reminds you why you like exploring facet streets and taking possibilities on eating places you’ve by no means heard of.
5. A Vocados Ferran
While you’re craving one thing recent 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 shortly turned my go-to breakfast. It’s easy however by some means they get it good 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 identify!
What I liked most was the selection between sitting inside their beautiful, shiny 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.
Should you’re vegetarian, you’ll be spoiled for selection right here. Even should you’re not, the meals is so good you gained’t miss the meat. They swap up their menu between breakfast and lunch, so you possibly can really come twice in sooner or later. I’ll have carried out precisely that…
6. Viana Barcelona
Among the many tons of of locations to eat in Barcelona, Viana shortly turned certainly one of my favorites. The area is on the smaller facet, so positively 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 unimaginable. The squid ink pasta was additionally implausible.
Should you’re into cocktails, you completely should attempt their blueberry mojito. I’m nonetheless dreaming about it! The workers 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 affordable restaurant within the Gothic Quarter, the standard of each meals and expertise make it properly well worth the value. 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 likelihood, and it turned out to be one of the best 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 good. The starters had been so refreshing, however the actual star was this unimaginable beef dish that had me virtually licking the plate clear. The sommelier urged an Austrian orange wine to go along with it, which I wouldn’t usually choose, nevertheless it labored fantastically.
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 positively leaning in direction of fantastic eating, however in that comfy, fashionable method that makes you need to come again repeatedly.
Honest warning although, it’s fairly in style, so reserving forward is a good suggestion. Belief me, you don’t need to miss out on this one!
8. Gallo Nero
Gallo Nero is strictly the form of place which may not present up in vacationer guides, however locals completely adore it. I extremely advocate it should you’re on the lookout for relaxed, low-cost eats in Barcelona. The area has a heat, intimate really feel with mushy lighting that makes you need to linger over your meal.
They concentrate on Italian sandwiches, served on focaccia bread that’s completely crispy on the skin and mushy inside. Selecting what to order was genuinely troublesome as a result of every little thing seemed so good! I ended up getting a meat and cheese board to begin, which was completely scrumptious.
What I liked most was how unpretentious all of it felt. It’s simply actually good, easy meals carried out exceptionally properly. The desserts are value saving room for too – belief me on this one. It’s like getting just a little 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 workers are tremendous useful and can let you know upfront that 2 or 3 plates per particular person is the candy spot, which I actually appreciated.
Let me let you know concerning the meals – it’s merely beautiful. Should you solely order two issues, make them the tuna tartare and the octopus. I’m nonetheless serious about these dishes weeks later! They really change up their menu a pair occasions all year long, however all the time preserve the fan favorites. And vegetarians, don’t fear – they’ve acquired some nice meat-free choices that aren’t simply an afterthought.
Ensure to guide forward should you’re planning to go to throughout dinner hours whereas following your Barcelona itinerary. I confirmed up with out a 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 recent air among the many vacationer spots. Inside, they’ve acquired nice jazz music taking part in, however there’s additionally charming outside seating should you want 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 sizzling day. The entire place has a relaxed, artsy vibe that makes you need to hang around for hours.
Once I was placing collectively my listing of finest 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 type constructing, the decor is as refined because the menu is approachable. For just below €14 per particular person, you get a three-course meal that features a starter, important, dessert, and a drink. That’s a uncommon discover within the coronary heart of Barcelona!
Their seafood paella is a must-try, loaded with recent native elements and completely seasoned. The parts are beneficiant, which makes this an awesome place to refill 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 shortly. 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 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 may really feel the historical past in each nook.
The meals right here is implausible. I went for the bacalao (salted cod) and their signature canelones filled with spinach and salt cod. The workers had been pleasant and tremendous affected person, even once I stumbled via my Catalan attempting to order. Should 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 value it for an opportunity to expertise certainly one of Barcelona’s most original eating places.
Often requested questions (FAQs) about the place to eat within the Gothic Quarter
Every little thing you have to know earlier than exploring one of the 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 lovely locations in Barcelona, is value visiting! It’s identified for its winding medieval streets, hidden squares, and a historical past that dates again 2,000 years. This neighborhood is full of unimaginable eating places, cozy cafés, and genuine tapas bars that make it a high vacation spot for meals lovers if 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 all the time good to remain alert. Follow well-lit streets, keep away from remoted alleyways, and preserve 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 identified for?
Barcelona, one of many most wonderful European cities, is known for its vibrant Catalan delicacies, which incorporates every little thing from recent 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 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 road in Barcelona?
Probably 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, nevertheless it’s shut sufficient to make it an awesome cease for sampling native produce, recent seafood, and fast bites like Iberian ham or recent fruit juices. Should you’re visiting Spain, and on the lookout for one thing extra low-key within the Gothic Quarter, take a look at Carrer de Petritxol, identified for its cozy cafés and xocolaterias (chocolate retailers), excellent for having fun with Barcelona on a finances.
