Barcelona is a haven for food lovers, blending traditional Catalan flavors with Mediterranean influences. From bustling tapas bars to market-fresh seafood, the city offers something to satisfy every craving. If you’re looking to experience the best of Barcelona’s culinary scene, here’s your ultimate guide to the must-try dishes and where to find them.
Paella
Though paella originates from Valencia, it’s a must-try in Barcelona as well. This classic Spanish rice dish is typically prepared with fresh seafood, saffron, and vegetables, creating a flavorful experience. Many restaurants along the coast serve authentic paella, and some offer variations like arroz negro, a unique black rice dish cooked with squid ink.
No trip to Barcelona would be complete without sampling an array of tapas. These small dishes are perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors. In Barcelona, you’ll find everything from patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy sauce and aioli) to gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and croquetas (creamy croquettes). For a different take, try pintxos, small tapas skewered on toothpicks, popular in Basque-style bars.
Escudella i Carn d’Olla is Catalonia’s traditional winter stew, usually made with a mix of meat, vegetables, and pasta or rice. The rich broth is comforting and perfect for a chilly day. This two-part meal often begins with a soup course, followed by the meat and vegetable components served separately.
A fresh, light dish often enjoyed in the warmer months, esqueixada is a traditional Catalan salad made with salted cod, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, topped with olives and drizzled with olive oil. Known as the “Catalan ceviche,” esqueixada offers a refreshing burst of flavors and showcases Barcelona’s love for fresh seafood.
Botifarra is a classic Catalan sausage, typically served with mongetes (white beans) that are sautéed together for a simple but flavorful meal. The dish is seasoned with garlic and herbs, and it’s a staple in Catalan households, reflecting the region’s rustic, farm-to-table culinary roots.
One of the simplest yet most beloved dishes in Catalonia, pa amb tomàquet is toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Often served with cured meats and cheeses, this staple of Catalan cuisine is a must-try snack or starter, and it’s incredibly satisfying in its simplicity.
If you’re visiting Barcelona between January and March, don’t miss the chance to try calçots — a type of green onion that’s grilled and served with a rich, smoky romesco sauce made from almonds, red peppers, and tomatoes. During calçot season, many restaurants host calçotadas, traditional feasts where you can enjoy this seasonal dish to your heart’s content.
Similar to French crème brûlée but with a lighter, citrus-infused twist, crema catalana is a custard dessert flavored with lemon zest and cinnamon, with a caramelized sugar topping. It’s the perfect way to end a meal in Barcelona, and its smooth texture and rich flavor are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
While churros may not be native to Barcelona, the city’s take on churros con chocolate is legendary. This Spanish dessert consists of fried dough sticks served with a cup of thick, rich chocolate sauce for dipping. It’s a delightful treat that’s especially popular in the winter, though you can enjoy it any time of year.
A cousin of paella, fideuà is a Catalan noodle dish made with seafood, but instead of rice, short noodles are used. Cooked in a similar way to paella, fideuà is typically topped with aioli for a burst of garlic flavor. This dish has its roots in the coastal regions and is a unique alternative to the more common paella.