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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 slender streets, hidden courtyards, and, in fact, wonderful meals. I’ve spent loads of time right here searching 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 record has slightly 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 a couple 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 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 obtained 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 maintain 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 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 shortly grew to become one in all my favourite eating places within the Gothic Quarter. I began with a goat’s cheese and honey salad that I’m nonetheless fascinated by weeks later. For the primary course, I attempted their tackle conventional Catalan pizza – loaded with roasted greens and native sausage.
The costs listed below are affordable, particularly contemplating the standard of the meals and the unimaginable setting. The house owners are so pleasant too – they took the time to clarify completely different dishes and made nice suggestions.
In the event you can, e-book forward. I lucked out getting a desk after they opened for dinner, however I observed it crammed up shortly with each vacationers and locals (at all times an excellent signal!).
2. Milk Bar & Bistro
In the event you’re after among the finest 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 advocate the shakshuka, too. It’s obtained 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 wherever else I attempted. And I attempted lots 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 laborious. 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. Critically, when you solely order one factor, make it that. The patatas bravas had been additionally among 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 ideas.
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 – e-book forward when you’re planning to go after 8 pm. I made the error of simply exhibiting 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 slender 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 became 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 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. Every part feels acquainted however thrilling on the identical time.
Truthful 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
If you’re craving one thing contemporary 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 grew to become my go-to breakfast. It’s easy however one way or the other 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 pretty, vivid 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 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.
In the event you’re vegetarian, you’ll be spoiled for selection right here. Even when you’re not, the meals is so good you received’t miss the meat. They change up their menu between breakfast and lunch, so you possibly can really come twice in in the future. I could have achieved precisely that…
6. Viana Barcelona
Among the many tons of of locations to eat in Barcelona, Viana shortly grew to become one in all my favorites. The house is on the smaller facet, so positively 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 incredible.
In the event 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 affordable restaurant within the Gothic Quarter, the standard of each meals and expertise make it effectively well 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 superb meal, Viana delivers each time.
7. Capet Restaurant
Capet Restaurant is well 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 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 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 urged an Austrian orange wine to go together with it, which I wouldn’t usually choose, but it surely labored superbly.
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 the direction of effective eating, however in that comfy, trendy means that makes you wish to come again many times.
Truthful warning although, it’s fairly well-liked, 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 strictly the form of place which may not present up in vacationer guides, however locals completely adore it. I extremely advocate it when you’re in search of relaxed, low-cost eats in Barcelona. The house has a heat, intimate really feel with gentle 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 skin and gentle inside. Selecting what to order was genuinely troublesome 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 achieved exceptionally effectively. The desserts are value saving room for too – belief me on this one. It’s like getting slightly 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. In the event you solely order two issues, make them the tuna tartare and the octopus. I’m nonetheless fascinated by these dishes weeks later! They really change up their menu a pair instances all year long, however at all times maintain the fan favorites. And vegetarians, don’t fear – they’ve obtained some nice meat-free choices that aren’t simply an afterthought.
Be certain that to e-book forward when you’re planning to go to throughout dinner hours whereas following your Barcelona itinerary. I confirmed up with no 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 contemporary air among the many vacationer spots. Inside, they’ve obtained nice jazz music enjoying, however there’s additionally charming out of doors seating when you want people-watching together with your meal.
The menu is completely vegetarian and vegan. Don’t let that scare you away when 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 greatest 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 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 slightly 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 contemporary native substances 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 right solution to finish your meal on a candy observe.y
Due to its affordability, La Fonda can get packed shortly. Attempt to come early or make a reservation when 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 incredible. 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 once I stumbled by my Catalan attempting to order. In the event you’re up for an actual deal with, end with their crema catalana — simply among the finest 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 one in all Barcelona’s most unusual eating places.
Regularly requested questions (FAQs) about the place to eat within the Gothic Quarter
Every part that you must 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 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 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 protected to stroll across the Gothic Quarter at night time?
Sure, for probably the most half, the Gothic Quarter is protected 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 maintain your belongings shut, particularly round tourist-heavy spots. You’ll discover loads of locals and vacationers strolling round after darkish, so it has a energetic, welcoming environment.
What meals is Barcelona identified for?
Barcelona, one of many most wonderful 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 tomà quet (bread rubbed with tomato), escalivada (roasted greens), and, in fact, paella. And when 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 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 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 positioned simply off La Rambla. It’s not technically within the Gothic Quarter, but it surely’s shut sufficient to make it an incredible cease for sampling native produce, contemporary seafood, and fast bites like Iberian ham or contemporary fruit juices. In the event you’re visiting Spain, and in search of 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 price range.
