This El Raval restaurant has been celebrated for over a century by locals and visitors. The Estevat family welcomes patrons into their warm restaurant with open arms and a big smile. The decor is simple and clean with dark mahogany wood and white table cloths. The generous portions, classic Catalan dishes and the ambiance make Ca l'Estevet a great choice for lunch or dinner. Lunch service is a big hit with the surrounding businesses and locals so be sure to get in early or prepare to wait.
Right from the cat-themed memorabilia strewn (and drawn) all over the premises to its all-vegan nature, everything about Cat Bar grabs your attention. This strictly-vegan theme is not limited to the food, but also extends to the libations. The all-day breakfasts are a hit, as are other menu items like vegan quiches, cakes, tortillas, burgers and more. The free W-Fi is yet another drawing card. Reservations are not accepted.
Bustling with Chinese expats, Chen Ji is among the best place for a taste of authentic Chinese in the area. A no-frills eatery, their generously delicious portions and cheap prices have made a hit among locals. If you get confused by their extensive menu, just asked their servers for some help. You can be sure that everything is fresh and tastes good. Some of their popular items include the noodles, xiao long bao (pan dumplings), fried rice and Peking duck. Complement your meal with some Chinese beer.
Nestled down in one of Barcelona's medieval and winding streets you will find Bodega la Plata. The bodega is popular among the locals and has yet to become a tourist trap for travelers looking to eat like Spaniards. The menu offers tapas dishes and are most famous for their fried sardines and tomato salad. The restaurant is cozy with over-crowded seating but is a perfect stop for a mid-day bite or post-dinner drink. The wine is cheap and always flowing.
Bar Ramon is one of the best places to enjoy quintessential tapas while soaking in good rock music. A lively spot explored by locals and tourists alike, this tapas restaurant is a perfect representation of the city's culture. Bustling with energy till late in the night, the dining room is filled with tempting aromas of dishes like the garlic-flavored prawns, foie gras-infused steak, meat balls, rabbit ribs, plates of Jamón ibérico, cheeses and more. Complete with a glass or two of their popular wine, this tapas paradise gives you a slice out of every local's life. This one place that should feature on every gourmand's itinerary while touring Barcelona.
After tapas and paella, churro represent Spain's food culture in a nutshell. A delicious, deep-fried pastry that has become a part of people's everyday life, churro are sold across the city, but Xurreria J. Argiles stands as a local favorite. Open around the clock on weekends, this is the place to devour this traditional sweet snack with a hot cup of gooey chocolate while soaking in the city's beauty. Explored by tired travelers for a sweet detour during the day and by party goers for a mid-night binge, Xurreria J. Argiles is the city's sweet spot that one must not miss.
If you need to have the best focaccia in town, walk into Buenas Migas. Focaccia is traditionally enjoyed by fishermen with wine, but now it is a local specialty in Spain. This place doles out just that with an Italian touch to it. They also serve up delicious homemade breads along with cappuccinos, pastries and other Italian dishes. The place is very warm and inviting with a woody decor. The quality is as high as everything cooked at home. Come by and be part of tradition!
In a humble setting, La Llar de Foc serves delicious local food that has earned quite a repute among diverse patrons. The place has a welcoming interior and its furnished to accommodate groups thus presenting itself as a great spot for family dinners and group outings. The food menu is creative with a number of seafood, meat as well as poultry and vegetarian dishes waiting to delight your palate. Everything on the menu is scrumptious but regulars opt for the anchovies and cheese laden toast as appetizers then move on to the famous lasagna or try the steak. Lastly, the flan completes your meal on a sweet note.