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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 let you know, 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 a little bit little bit of the whole lot. Let’s get began!
At a Look: The place to eat within the Gothic Quarter
Let’s kick issues off with just a few favorites to get you began, whether or not you’re within the temper for a hearty meal or simply desire a cozy spot to loosen up:
- 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 received 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 seems like stepping again in time, and in one of the simplest ways attainable. 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 rapidly grew to become 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 excited about weeks later. For the primary 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 homeowners are so pleasant too – they took the time to clarify completely different dishes and made nice suggestions.
In case you can, e-book 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 great signal!).
2. Milk Bar & Bistro
In case you’re after top-of-the-line 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 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, but it surely was their chorizo hash that saved me coming again. I extremely suggest the shakshuka, too. It’s received 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 one way or the other tastes higher right here than anyplace else I attempted. And I attempted plenty 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 enormous, so that you might need to attend at peak brunch time, however belief me, it’s value 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 trendy 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 solutions.
The environment is precisely 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 – e-book forward should 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 preserving to themselves.
The house itself is fascinating. Consider an alleyway become a restaurant, with simply sufficient room for tables alongside one facet. It sounds cramped, however one way or the other it really works completely, including to the intimate really feel.
Don’t count on utterly 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 additional bread, and even their fattouch salad had its personal distinctive spin. Every thing feels acquainted however thrilling on the identical time.
Truthful warning, it’s fairly tiny inside. However actually, that simply provides to its appeal. It’s the sort of place that reminds you why you’re keen on exploring facet streets and taking probabilities on eating places you’ve by no means heard of.
5. A Vocados Ferran
Once you’re craving one thing contemporary within the Gothic Quarter, I extremely suggest 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 rapidly grew to become my go-to breakfast. It’s easy however one way or the other they get it good each time. Plus, their guacamole gave me a brand new normal 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 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.
In case 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 change up their menu between breakfast and lunch, so you may really come twice in in the future. I’ll have performed precisely that…
6. Viana Barcelona
Among the many tons of of locations to eat in Barcelona, Viana rapidly grew to become one in every of my favorites. The house is on the smaller facet, so undoubtedly make a reservation to keep away from disappointment.
I beloved their trendy 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 unbelievable.
In case you’re into cocktails, you completely should strive 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 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 nicely definitely worth the value. The environment strikes that excellent steadiness between upscale and welcoming. Whether or not you’re celebrating one thing particular or simply need a wonderful 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 probability, 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 brief tasting menu and it was good. 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 urged an Austrian orange wine to go together with it, which I wouldn’t usually decide, but it surely 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 suggest this place. It’s undoubtedly leaning in direction of fantastic eating, however in that snug, trendy method that makes you wish to come again repeatedly.
Truthful 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 precisely the sort of place that may not present up in vacationer guides, however locals completely adore it. I extremely suggest it should you’re searching for relaxed, low-cost eats in Barcelona. The house has a heat, intimate really feel with tender lighting that makes you wish to linger over your meal.
They specialise in Italian sandwiches, served on focaccia bread that’s completely crispy on the surface and tender inside. Selecting what to order was genuinely tough as a result of the whole lot 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 performed exceptionally nicely. The desserts are value saving room for too – belief me on this one. It’s like getting a little bit 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 workers are tremendous useful and can let you know upfront that 2 or 3 plates per individual is the candy spot, which I actually appreciated.
Let me let you know in regards to the meals – it’s merely beautiful. In case you solely order two issues, make them the tuna tartare and the octopus. I’m nonetheless excited about these dishes weeks later! They really change up their menu a pair instances all year long, however at all times preserve the fan favorites. And vegetarians, don’t fear – they’ve received some nice meat-free choices that aren’t simply an afterthought.
Ensure that to e-book 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 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 seems like a breath of contemporary air among the many vacationer spots. Inside, they’ve received nice jazz music enjoying, however there’s additionally charming out of doors seating should you favor people-watching together with your meal.
The menu is totally 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 wish to hang around for hours.
Once I was placing collectively my record of finest eating places within the Gothic District of Barcelona, I knew this place needed to make the minimize. 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 come back 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 individual, you get a three-course meal that features a starter, principal, 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 an excellent place to replenish earlier than an evening of exploring. For dessert, their signature crema catalana is the right method to finish your meal on a candy word.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 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 may really feel the historical past in each nook.
The meals right here is unbelievable. I went for the bacalao (salted cod) and their signature canelones full of spinach and salt cod. The workers had been pleasant and tremendous affected person, even once I stumbled by my Catalan attempting to order. In case you’re up for an actual deal with, end with their crema catalana — simply top-of-the-line I’ve had in Spain.
Reservations are a should right here, particularly on weekends. It’s a preferred 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 one in every of Barcelona’s most unusual eating places.
Steadily requested questions (FAQs) about the place to eat within the Gothic Quarter
Every thing you want to know earlier than exploring the most effective 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 stunning locations in Barcelona, is value 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 while you fly to Barcelona.
Is it secure to stroll across the Gothic Quarter at night time?
Sure, for probably the most half, the Gothic Quarter is secure to discover at night time. Like every busy metropolis space, it’s at all times 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 full of life, welcoming environment.
What meals is Barcelona recognized for?
Barcelona, one of many most superb European cities, is legendary for its vibrant Catalan delicacies, which incorporates the whole lot from contemporary 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, 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 primary 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 stunning locations to go to in Spain.
What’s the well-known meals road in Barcelona?
Essentially 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, but it surely’s shut sufficient to make it an excellent cease for sampling native produce, contemporary seafood, and fast bites like Iberian ham or contemporary fruit juices. In case you’re visiting Spain, and searching for one thing extra low-key within the Gothic Quarter, take a look at Carrer de Petritxol, recognized for its cozy cafés and xocolaterias (chocolate outlets), excellent for having fun with Barcelona on a finances.
