OROKO City Guide | Where to eat and drink in Barcelona
Barcelona is an easy city to love. Whether you come for a weekend, a week, or longer, you’ll never be disappointed. From Gaudí’s distinctive buildings, to the incredible restaurants and bars, there’s plenty to savour that goes beyond the ordinary. Knowing where to eat and drink in Barcelona is key. From cool bars to the best tapas in Barcelona, we’ve got you covered. The city is known for its foodie culture and lively nightlife, essential for reviving tired travellers after days spent exploring the abundant museums, beaches and cultural landmarks. We have been to Barcelona many times, so we are sharing the best spots to eat and drink in the Catalonian capital.
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Sensi
Sensi Tapas, located in the gothic quarter of Barcelona, offers a wide variety of authentic Spanish and internationally inspired tapas. There is also a good selection of vegetarian dishes including a decadent truffle ravioli. A large portion of the menu consists of oriental style tapas and of course, there are the classics such as croquettes and patatas bravas. The cosy eatery manages to feel cool and modern, with exposed beams and handcrafted lighting, while maintaining the intimacy of a classic tapas bar. This place can get busy very quickly, so booking ahead is a good idea.
1881 per SAGARDI
1881 per Sagardi, located within The History Museum of Catalonia, boasts an exceptional rooftop terrace overlooking the harbour. The restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean food as well as classic pinchos, typical snacks eaten in Spain, perfect with a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail. Fresh seafood is sourced from the fish market of Barceloneta each day and is a speciality of the restaurant. Try out some of their cocktails and enjoy a light meal as the sun sets on the Barcelona skyline. Later on, enjoy listening to the city’s best DJs for a true taste of Barcelona’s buzzing nightlife.
Pastrami Bar / Paradiso
A popular venue among locals, Paradiso is a chic bar that is accessed behind a secret fridge door in an artisanal pastrami shop. The perfect combination of quirky and stylish, guests can enjoy a delicious pastrami sandwich, before escaping to the tiny cave-like bar to try some award-winning cocktails. The hidden entrance and cool décor make this speakeasy a magnet for hipsters and foodies alike. A great place for people watching and dancing the night away with friends.
Restaurante Arume
For authentic Galician cuisine, Restaurante Arume is the best in the city. The fine-dining spot sources Galicia’s best produce, including the famous aged Galician beef. We recommend trying the crunchy octopus dish with potato foam, a contemporary take on the classic Pulpo a la Gallega. Galician tradition meets globetrotting sensibilities on the modernist menu. Other must-try dishes include warm artichokes with a cream cheese crémeux and confit cod with yuzu and hazelnut risotto. The drinks menu has an extensive list of Galician wines and the cocktail menu is creative and fun. Try the blackberry mojito; laden with fresh fruit and mint leaves, it is a delicious take on the classic tipple.
Cal Pep
For something a little different, sample delicious seafood dishes at Cal Pep, a restaurant that thrives on producing tapas-style Mediterranean dishes. Using only the freshest produce, chefs redesign the menu each day using the ingredients they have available. Although the menu changes daily, it is always extensive and creative. The perfect place for a meal of fine dining in a casual setting, Cal Pep uses simple ingredient combinations for fresh and elegant dishes that aim to please. Seafood is a particular speciality here; we recommend trying the fried squid for the perfect crunchy sharing dish.
Boca Grande
Describing itself as a sophistication magnet, it’s no surprise that Boca Grande is a favourite among the elite and famous of Barcelona. An elegant restaurant specialising in seafood, the atmospheric dining room has glamourous décor designed by Lázaro Rosa Violán. The stylish bar houses a glass-covered fish counter over which house cocktails are prepared and served. Dishes revolve around favourites like scallops, prawns and octopus. We recommend ordering a rice dish, the perfect example of how flavoursome Spanish rice can be. Choose from classics like seafood paella or black rice with cuttlefish. Don’t forget to sample some of their cocktails, created by Boca Chica, one of the finest cocktail bars in the city.
Boca Chica
The aforementioned Boca Chica is situated within Boca Grande and is one of the hottest cocktail bars in Barcelona. Every detail, down to the bathroom mirrors, has been carefully selected, adding to the exclusive, speakeasy vibe. Signature cocktails are served in silver tankards and gold jugs with clouds of dry ice steaming out of many of their creations. Each drink is topped with a myriad of fresh herbs and fruits such as chargrilled pineapple and sprigs of rosemary, each drink as deliciously memorable as the last. The Gatsby inspired décor makes Boca Chica a stunning location for a glamourous evening out and makes for even better Instagram pictures.
Soho House Barcelona
Soho House Barcelona is housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion overlooking the marina. The menu focuses on plant-based foods, though there is a small number of meat dishes on the menu including a flavourful salt-cod brandade. Vegetables like pumpkin, artichoke and wild mushrooms champion the menu, and the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients are showcased in every dish. The menu is described as European with local influences allowing each dish to shine with interesting twists on local classics. The bright and airy dining room is the perfect location for groups of friends and family gatherings.
CruiX
CruiX is a trendy and modern eatery founded by two friends with a passion for modern cuisine and classic hospitality. Specialising in rice, CruiX serves just five rice dishes and does them perfectly. Choose from pork and aubergine rice, black rice with squid, prawn and garlic rice or vegan rice. For starters or as sides, enjoy Asian influenced tapas like Peking duck croquettes and Thai-style oysters. The casual restaurant serves creative and colourful dishes against a cool backdrop of exposed brick, wooden furnishings and modern light fixtures. For a gourmet experience at an affordable price, Cruix is the perfect spot for the cost-savvy foodie.
