Barcelona: Dine

Food culture defines Catalan society. Tapas bars run wild in Barcelona, and my mind is literally going through hundreds of adjectives to describe the flavors you can find in this city. From colorful markets to top 20 restaurants, here as just a tiny few of the thousands of places you can dine in Barcelona.

Restaurant La Flauta II

This has the distinction of being literally right underneath our apartment, so we were there once a week, even though it isn’t necessarily cheap. It’s tapas style, so the price depends on what you get. It’s almost entirely Spanish speaking, which is great, but also can be a bit of a challenge. Our favorites were the egg and potato mash (yes, for dinner), the Foie Gras steak sandwich, calamari, and the cutest little sliders

La Bocqueria

Technically, this isn’t a restaurant, but rather a market with a collection of great little food stalls on the perimeter, and they are all next level. Located right of the famous Las Ramblas street, you can’t miss this place. It may be touristy, but at the end of the day, the food is seriously awesome, and strolling through the market allows you to see the flavors of Catalonia, Spain and the world.

Santa Maria Market

Less touristy, a bit higher end, and as a result, slightly more expensive than La Bocqueria. The restaurants in this area are also great, especially those at the front of the market. Take your pick depending on what you’re feeling.

Disfrutar

This is the 15th best restaurant in the world. I’ll let the photos do the talking. Next.

That area in Poble Sec with all the tapas bars

I forgot the name of the specific place, but if you go to Poble Sec, you’ll find rows and rows of fantastic, cheap tapas bars where you pay by how many sticks you pile (and which color the stick is, according to its quality). 

El Asador de Aranda

For when you need your meat. Located way up in the Sant Gervasi area of Barcelona, this place serves some of the best sausages, pork and beef in the city, in a unique architectural setting. A bit pricey, but totally worth it.

Bacoa

For when you need a good, meaty, juicy burger, head to Bacoa. There are several around Barcelona, so take your pick.

La Caravana

For when you want your fix of Middle Eastern grub at a low price. Owned by a cute old man, this place is the definition of family-run with great flavors, large portions and a nice location, tucked away in Gracia.

Casa Varela

For solid, modern Spanish cuisine in a low key neighborhood near Gracia. Get the octopus, or the steak. Frankly, as I write this, I keep remembering how great everything was so screw it and get everything, like our group of 15 did.

Macchina Pasta Bar

For when you want a customized, decently priced pasta served up in a Chipotle-esque fashion in a trendy environment. There are a few around the city, so take your pic.

Brunch and Cake

For when you want a solid brunch that is as aesthetically pleasing as possible. To you Instagram feed, I say, you’re welcome.