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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, after all, superb 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 straightforward narrowing it down. There are simply so many good choices!
That will help 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 all the things. Let’s get began!
At a Look: The place to eat within the Gothic Quarter
Let’s kick issues off with a couple 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 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 one of the simplest ways potential. You enter by 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 eager 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 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.
Should you can, e-book forward. I lucked out getting a desk once they opened for dinner, however I seen it crammed up shortly with each vacationers and locals (all the time 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, however it was their chorizo hash that stored me coming again. I extremely advocate the shakshuka, too. It’s acquired simply the correct quantity 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 wherever else I attempted. And I attempted numerous 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 arduous. The place isn’t big, so that you may 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 all the time imply going to essentially 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. Severely, in the event you solely order one factor, make it that. The patatas bravas had been additionally a number of the greatest I had in Barcelona. What actually impressed me was their natural wine choice, They produce their very own, and the employees had been so educated about pairing options.
The ambiance 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 in the event you’re planning to go after 8 pm. I made the error of simply displaying up one night time and needed to wait fairly some time!
4. L’Alcoba Azul
Typically, the most effective locations are those you virtually stroll proper previous. L’Alcoba Azul is tucked deep within the Gothic Quarter, and its slim 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 conserving to themselves.
The house itself is fascinating. Consider an alleyway become 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 surprising twist that made it unforgettable. The feta dip had me asking for further bread, and even their fattouch salad had its personal distinctive spin. All the things feels acquainted however thrilling on the identical 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 aspect streets and taking possibilities on eating places you’ve by no means heard of.
5. A Vocados Ferran
If you’re craving one thing recent within the Gothic Quarter, I extremely advocate 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 shortly 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 identify!
What I beloved most was the selection between sitting inside their beautiful, vibrant inside or out within the adjoining plaza. On sunny days (which, let’s face it, is most days in Barcelona), the plaza was good 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.
Should you’re vegetarian, you’ll be spoiled for alternative right here. Even in the event you’re not, the meals is so good you gained’t miss the meat. They change up their menu between breakfast and lunch, so you possibly can truly come twice in sooner or later. I could 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 house is on the smaller aspect, so positively make a reservation to keep away from disappointment.
I beloved 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 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 effectively definitely worth the worth. The ambiance strikes that good 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 the most effective 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 had been so refreshing, however the true star was this unimaginable 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 notice why so many locals advocate this place. It’s positively leaning in direction of fantastic eating, however in that comfy, fashionable manner that makes you need to come again repeatedly.
Honest warning although, it’s fairly well-liked, 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 precisely the form of place that may not present up in vacationer guides, however locals completely adore it. I extremely advocate it in the event you’re searching for relaxed, low cost eats in Barcelona. The house has a heat, intimate really feel with gentle lighting that makes you need to linger over your meal.
They specialise in Italian sandwiches, served on focaccia bread that’s completely crispy on the surface and gentle inside. Selecting what to order was genuinely tough as a result of all the things regarded so good! I ended up getting a meat and cheese board to begin, which was completely scrumptious.
What I beloved most was how unpretentious all of it felt. It’s simply actually good, easy meals carried out exceptionally effectively. The desserts are price 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 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. Should you solely order two issues, make them the tuna tartare and the octopus. I’m nonetheless eager about these dishes weeks later! They really change up their menu a pair instances all year long, however all the time hold the fan favorites. And vegetarians, don’t fear – they’ve acquired some nice meat-free choices that aren’t simply an afterthought.
Ensure that to e-book forward in the event 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 foul 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 enjoying, however there’s additionally charming out of doors seating in the event you desire people-watching along with your meal.
The menu is fully vegetarian and vegan. Don’t let that scare you away in the event 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 need to hang around for hours.
After I was placing collectively my listing 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 come back with a hefty price ticket. Tucked inside a grand, old-world model constructing, the decor is as refined because the menu is approachable. For just below €14 per individual, you get a three-course meal that features a starter, predominant, 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 components and completely seasoned. The parts are beneficiant, which makes this an incredible 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 notice.y
Due to its affordability, La Fonda can get packed shortly. Attempt to come early or make a reservation in the event you can.
12. Restaurant Can Culleretes
Strolling into Can Culleretes is like stepping again in time, and I imply that in one of the simplest 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 implausible. I went for the bacalao (salted cod) and their signature canelones filled with spinach and salt cod. The employees had been pleasant and tremendous affected person, even after I stumbled by 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 price 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
All the things you might want 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 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 once you fly to Barcelona.
Is it secure to stroll across the Gothic Quarter at night time?
Sure, for essentially the most half, the Gothic Quarter is secure to discover at night time. Like every busy metropolis space, it’s all the time 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 ambiance.
What meals is Barcelona recognized for?
Barcelona, one of many most superb European cities, is legendary for its vibrant Catalan delicacies, which incorporates all the things from recent 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 in the event you’re feeling adventurous, butifarra (Catalan sausage) and crema catalana (an area 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 situated simply off La Rambla. It’s not technically within the Gothic Quarter, however it’s shut sufficient to make it an incredible cease for sampling native produce, recent seafood, and fast bites like Iberian ham or recent fruit juices. Should you’re visiting Spain, and searching for one thing extra low-key within the Gothic Quarter, try Carrer de Petritxol, recognized for its cozy cafés and xocolaterias (chocolate retailers), good for having fun with Barcelona on a funds.
