Barcelona Food Alternatives: Where to Eat If the Famous Places Are Full, Closed, or Overrated
Planning where to eat in Barcelona can quickly become overwhelming. The same restaurants and bars come up again and again in searches, guidebooks, and social media, and this means you’ll find long lines, fully booked tables, or expectations that don’t always match reality.
The good news is that Barcelona has far more great places to eat than the handful of names everyone knows. In this guide, I’ve grouped together some of the most searched-for restaurants and bars in the city and shared my favorite alternatives for each: places that offer a similar experience, style, or atmosphere, but are often easier to enjoy and, in many cases, just as memorable.
Enoteca Paco Perez, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Disfrutar
Disfrutar is one of the hardest tables to get in Barcelona, and while the experience can be extraordinary, it’s far from the only place in the city offering creative, high-level cooking. For high-end meals, I’ve listed all the current Michelin star holders in my list here, and I’ve also mentioned how far in advance you need to book a table. Many of them have tables even for the following day! Two of my favorite Michelin-star restaurants are Enoteca Paco Perez for a more classic experience with views (read my review here) and Fishology for a very surprising meal unlike any other (find my review here).
La Cova Fumada, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Cal Pep
Cal Pep is famous for its lively bar and top-quality tapas, but the long queues mean many visitors end up wondering where they could enjoy the same vibes without the wait. Not far away, in La Barceloneta, you can find La Cova Fumada (read my review here): a classic tapas bar dating back to 1944, and where not much has changed since then. They don’t take reservations, but if you go early (way before local lunch time), you’ll get a table fairly quick. Close by is also Bar Bodega l’Electricitat; another classic tapas bar worth visiting.
Hermos Bar de Peix, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
La Boqueria
La Boqueria is Barcelona’s most famous market, but if you’re mainly looking for a good place to eat, there are far better (and calmer) options nearby. My favorite is the much smaller market in the Gràcia neighborhood called Mercat de la Llibertat. There you’ll find a very charming little bar called Hermòs Bar de Peix which is a favorite among locals. AND you can (and should) book seats ahead! Read my review here. If you just want the strolling around a market experience but without the crowds, swing by Mercat de la Concepció or Mercat de l’Abaceria Central.
FoCo, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Paradiso
Paradiso’s reputation as one of the world’s best cocktail bars has made it incredibly popular, which is why many people start searching for equally good bars without the queue. I have made a list of the cocktail bars I consider the best in Barcelona here, and I’f I’m pressed to pick favorites from the list I’d say Henry’s Bar for the laid-back vibes and their fun cocktail innovations, close-by Dreamboat for similar atmosphere and with DJs on the regular, and FoCo that locals keep close to their heart. Close by to Paradiso you can also check out Collage, and if you want a truly memorable experience in one of the 50 best bars in the world you can book a table at Sips, and not having to worry about queues.
Can Paixano, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)
Can Paixano is a fun, iconic stop for cava and sandwiches, but the crowds often overshadow the experience, especially when there are many similar bars locals prefer. El Xampanyet that’s not too far away is a bit smaller but has a similar atmosphere, and is perfect for sipping on cava and tapas. Quimet & Quimet can get touristy and busy, but is worth the visit.
La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Bar Cañete
Bar Cañete is a favorite among visitors for classic Catalan tapas, yet its popularity means reservations aren’t always easy to secure. Similar restaurants for good Catalan dishes and a good atmosphere are La Xarxa with excellent seasonal dishes and great tapas staples, Lluritu for something fun (perfect if you love seafood) and local, and Malparit that’s great for any occasion, and with a convenient location. Bodega La Puntual is also a reliable classic. Per Feina Per Plaer is a vibey favorite among locals, as is Casa Amalia.
Casa Amalia, Time Out Market, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
El Nacional
El Nacional attracts many visitors thanks to its central location and impressive space, but it’s not the only place in Barcelona where you can sample several styles of food in one stop. The fairly new Time Out Market Barcelona is a fun option, and it has an added bonus: you’re right by the sea. The options to eat here are great, and if you want a proper sit-down meal with views you can visit the above mentioned Casa Amalia’s sister restaurant here.
Tickets
Even years after its closure, Tickets is still searched by travelers hoping to recreate that playful, creative dining experience in Barcelona. Chef Albert Adrià’s newest concept (also Michelin-star approved) is Enigma: conceptual dining at its finest. Reservations are usually fairly easy to get, with only a few days in advance.
Varmuteo, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Bodega 1900
Bodega 1900 helped spark renewed interest in vermouth culture, and although it has now closed, Barcelona has no shortage of excellent vermouth bars that offer the same spirit. The closest option is Varmuteo, and they even pay homage to Bodega 1900 with their olive sphere. If you’d like to do your own little vermouth tour, head to the Gràcia neighborhood and make use of my Gràcia Vermouth Guide here, for some truly authentic experiences.
Can Fisher, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
7 Portes
7 Portes is one of Barcelona’s most historic restaurants, often associated with classic dishes like paella, yet there are other traditional spots that feel less formal and more local. I have made a list of the best paella restaurants in Barcelona here. A similar, classic paella restaurant is Can Solé: a family affair that is more than 120 years old. Can Fisher is perfect if you’d like a view of the sea while you’re enjoying your paella (and they have other good options if someone in your party is not a fan of paella).
