Best Authentic & Traditional Catalan Restaurants in Barcelona | 2022

One of the best things about traveling to another country or another city is to discover and enjoy one of the most delicious pleasures in life, food. Being able to eat typical dishes from everywhere should be a mandatory part of any trip!

There is no better way to learn about the history of a place than to learn about its culinary history and culture. That is why we want to share with you our list of typical Catalan restaurants in Barcelona.

 

Can Culleretes

lazy placeholderCAT CULLERETES

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is home to this charming restaurant which, according to Guinness World Records, is the oldest restaurant in Catalonia and the second oldest in Spain, dating back to 1786.  Its walls have memories and they’re already part of the rich history of Barcelona. 

Every day they open their doors to their customers for good, affordable Catalan food, and they succeed every day. The house tradition is meat cannelloni and a sweet and sour salad of semi-cooked foie gras. Here you can also enjoy an assortment of seafood like clams, lobster, shrimp and calamari, and their traditional homemade desserts are deliciously amazing. Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service. 

Carrer d’en Quintana, 5

@canculleretes

 

7 Portes

lazy placeholderCat 7 Portes

This is a Catalan restaurant that you cannot miss. Located in the Barceloneta region, it opened its doors in 1836 and specializes in rice and fish cuisine, it focuses above all in respecting Catalan cuisine. With its great reputation in the Barcelona gastronomic scene, you will be able to taste all kinds of dishes that will delight the whole family. It has a higher price point but is well worth it. 

They give a unique touch to Catalan dishes and always remain very traditional. It is an ideal place to taste typical fish and shellfish, as well as their famous smoked sausages such as the Catalan specialties like the butifarra. The Catalan sausage with 7 Portes white beans dish is perfect to order on a rainy day. On the dessert side, be sure to order the Pijama which is ice cream, fruit and caramel mixed together. It’s really amazing.

Note this is also one of the best places to enjoy paella in Barcelona.

Passeig d’Isabel II, 14

@7portes

 

Ca L’Isidre

lazy placeholderCat Isidre

Don Isidre and his wife Montserrat opened the restaurant in 1970 in the Raval neighborhood next to the Av. Del Paral-lel. They offer cuisine based on the local they buy at the famous Boquería Market. Nuria, the daughter of the founders, is also part of the team and is fond of sweets. The neighborhood and the restaurant are among the most authentic in Barcelona. The place is not very big and it is decorated like a bistro but with very good taste.

It’s a cozy and elegant place where you can enjoy traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine with touches of contemporary cuisine. In this restaurant they take care of every detail, that is why the products of each season stand out. Every season the restaurant menu is changed. Also, if you love art, you’re in luck, because on the walls there are paintings by very famous painters. This restaurant is also King Juan Carlos’ I favorite restaurant in Barcelona. You have to book in advance because it’s often full.

Carrer de les Flors, 12

@calisidre

 

Can Vallès

lazy placeholderCat Can Valles

Walking down Carrer d’ Aragó you will find yourself outside a restaurant called Can Vallès. You may think that it is just another bar in Barcelona but, in reality, this place hides a wonderful Catalan and Mediterranean food restaurant. Quality, detail and care of their dishes is a main priority in this restaurant.

Recipes are made with some of the best products on the market. Some dishes include garbanzos with lobster, pork cannelloni, fresh seafood, meat cooked over stone, fresh salads and some delicious appetizers. For dessert you can try the cheesecake or the chocolate cake with cinnamon ice cream. Not to mention a great selection of wines. Don’t forget to book in advance!

Carrer d’ Arago, 95

@canvalles

 

Petit Comité 

lazy placeholderCat Petite 1

Traditional Catalan cuisine, contemporary decor and great service is the concept of the Petit Comité restaurant. The idea here was to make the place a bit more about variety and affordability, this is the case even if the portions are quite small and therefore ordered a bit like tapas. 

It is a very interesting place to go and try their menu of old and new recipes such as duo de tartares, tortilla de bacalao and great classics such as their famous cochinillo crujiente or carpaccio de gambas. For a traditional dessert make sure to order the Catalan cream and almond and amaretto mousse. 

Passatge de la Concepció, 13

@petitcomitebarcelona/

 

Gaig

lazy placeholderCat Gaig 1

Located in the Eixample district, is a restaurant worthy of a Michelin star. This restaurant is run by Chef Carles Gaig, who buys his produce every day at the Boquería Market. In this way, he always makes sure to get new and high-quality products. This restaurant was founded in 1869 and was called Taberna Den Gaig. Generation after generation has made this restaurant its choice place to dine in Barcelona.

Carrer de la Nau Santa Maria, 5

@gaigbarcelona

 

Traditional Catalan cuisine is very contemporary and important in the city. So, if you have the chance visit Barcelona, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste some of these signature places. And remember to add a Barcelona Tapas Tour to try some traditional Spanish and Catalan cuisine in a unique way, while doing a bit of sightseeing too.

 

 

  • 1

    Share