Where Locals Actually Eat in Barcelona: A Food Tour Guide’s Picks by Neighborhood
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Barcelona’s best bites aren’t always on the tourist map. In this guest post by the Catalan culinary experts at The Barcelona Taste, discover the must-visit restaurants in each neighborhood and what they recommend you order for a true local experience.
Tourism is a hot topic in Barcelona. While it’s essential to the city’s economy, it has also driven up prices and left areas like the Gothic Quarter feeling overcrowded and disconnected from everyday local life.
One way you can make a more positive impact—and eat better—is by being intentional about where you dine.
Instead of lining up at the same restaurants every tourist flocks to, venture into neighborhoods beyond what’s hyped on social media or glossy travel pages. Supporting under-the-radar local businesses doesn’t just benefit the community—it leads to richer, more meaningful food experiences: bolder flavors, deeper stories, and meals that reflect how Barcelona is truly lived in today.
Rather than write this guide myself, I’ve invited the Barcelona locals and food experts at The Barcelona Taste, a Barcelona-based food tour company that spends every week taking visitors off the beaten food path in their city, to share their insight into where locals actually eat. Below, you’ll find neighborhood-by-neighborhood recommendations for quiet backstreet eateries, cozy bodegas, and tucked-away tapas bars—places where you may be the only non-Spaniard in the room.
Whether you explore on your own or join a guided food tour, these are the neighborhoods and eateries locals genuinely return to again and again.
Where Locals Still Eat in Barcelona
Barcelona is more than its famous landmarks and crowded tourist-filled streets. Its neighborhoods are alive with local food culture, from tucked-away tapas bars to intimate cafés where locals linger over their favorite dishes.
The most memorable culinary experiences are often found off the beaten path, in neighborhoods like Gràcia or Poble-sec, where menus showcase traditional flavors and time-honored favorites.
Below, you’ll find neighborhood-by-neighborhood recommendations for eateries that deliver a true taste of Barcelona—authentic flavors, cozy atmospheres, and a chance to dine like a local, far from the typical tourist crowds.
El Born: A Medieval Culinary Gem
Where to Eat: Bar Joanet
The rambling medieval streets of El Born feel like something out of a fairytale. You’ll rarely spot a car, and each bar along the way feels like a snapshot from another time. One standout is Bar Joanet, a local favorite.
With old stone walls and classic Catalan dishes, Joanet delivers a true taste of Barcelona’s authentic food culture. While it can get busy, it’s remained popular thanks to its informal, welcoming atmosphere.
Don’t miss the simple yet delicious dishes like baked sea bass or the incredible coffee flan, all at great prices. This spot is perfect for travelers looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-path dining in El Born.
Bar Joanet: Plaça de Sant Agustí Vell, 6 (see on map)
Food Tours to Try in El Born:
Self-Guided Culinary Audio Tour of El Born: Explore El Born at your own pace with a self-guided audio culinary tour. Discover the neighborhood’s best food shops, bars, and restaurants while learning the stories behind local dishes, all offline via your smartphone. Book Now.
Vegan & Vegetarian-Friendly Food Tour Through El Born: Experience El Born’s vibrant food scene on a guided small-group tour, tasting plant-based Mediterranean and innovative vegan dishes. Wander the neighborhood’s charming streets while your guide shares stories behind each hidden gem and recipe. Book Now.
Barcelona Side Streets Tapas & Wine Tour ft. El Born, Gothic Quarter, and Barceloneta: Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Barceloneta on a guided food and history tour with The Barcelona Taste, tasting Basque-style pintxos, Bomba de Barceloneta, and sipping vermut, cava, and wine while learning how centuries of history shaped Catalan cuisine. Book Now.
Gràcia: Bohemian Flavors & Hidden Squares
Where to Eat: Bar Roure
Often called “Barcelona’s coolest neighborhood,” Gràcia was once its own village—and in many ways, it still operates like one. This bohemian neighborhood caters primarily to locals, so having Google Translate handy can help, as many menus are in Catalan or Spanish.
Bar Roure is a perfect example of Gràcia’s local charm. While a bit of Spanish may be helpful for ordering, the tapas here are some of the best in the city, offering a true reflection of traditional Catalan cooking. For travelers seeking an authentic local dining experience, Bar Roure is a must-visit.
Bar Roure: Carretera de Ribes, 35 (see on map)
Food Tours to Try in Gracia:
Foodie-focused Tour Through Gracia’s Kitchens, Markets, and Street Vendors: On this Gràcia foodie tour, start with coffee and traditional pastries at a classic sweets shop, then explore local markets with your guide, tasting fresh Catalan specialties and immersing yourself in the neighborhood’s vibrant daily life. Book Now.
Tapas Tour Through Gracia: Discover Gràcia’s vibrant tapas scene on this guided tour, visiting hidden gems and traditional bodegas like Quimet and Neus. Taste fresh, high-quality tapas, sip local wines, and soak in the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere while learning about Catalan culinary traditions. Book Now.
Craft Beer, Tapas, & Castellers Experience: Explore Gràcia’s vibrant culture on this 3-hour walking tour, combining craft beer tastings at a local microbrewery with tapas and the thrilling tradition of Castellers (human towers). Stroll through lively squares, learn about the neighborhood’s history, and even participate in a basic human tower formation. Book Now.
Eixample: Elegant Eats Among Modernist Streets
Where to Eat: Cervecería Catalana
Eixample is where old Barcelona meets the new, and it’s home to Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia,, so traffic in the area can be busy. But the tapas at Cervecería Catalana are worth braving the crowds.
This local favorite doesn’t take reservations, so after 8 p.m. you’ll likely be queuing. To make the most of your visit, consider stopping by earlier in the evening. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the menu features standout dishes like fried octopus and fish frito—classic favorites that showcase the best of Catalan cuisine.
Cervecería Catalana: Carrer de Mallorca, 236 (see on map)
Food Tours to Try in Eixample:
Sant Antoni Market Tour with Catalan Fork Breakfast: Explore Sant Antoni Market on an authentic Catalan food tour, sampling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and traditional dishes like codfish, pork feet, and snails. Learn from local vendors and enjoy a classic Catalan fork breakfast in a neighborhood restaurant. Book Now.
Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: Discover the story of Estrella Damm at its historic Barcelona brewery. Tour the iconic building, see the boiler and scale rooms, and finish with a tasting of five signature beers, exploring their distinctive flavors, aromas, and textures. Book Now.
Bar Crawl at Gaixample: Discover Barcelona’s authentic LGBTQ scene in Gaixample on a small-group bar crawl. Sip cocktails, enjoy a lively drag show, and dance the night away in a disco-themed club, all while your guide helps you skip the tourist traps and experience the neighborhood like a local. Book Now.
El Raval: Everyday Local Life and Cozy Cafés
Where to Eat: Chelo Café
El Raval, one of Barcelona’s oldest neighborhoods, is full of character and local charm. While sometimes thought of as one of the city’s more dangerous areas, a visit to Chelo Café makes it easy to see the lighter side of El Raval.
This simple breakfast and lunch spot is located near a playground, making it ideal for travelers with kids. Chelo Café serves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches, and its quiet, well-priced atmosphere offers a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in everyday Barcelona life among locals.
Chelo Café: Plaça de Vicenç Martorell, 4 (see on map)
Food Tours to Try in El Raval:
Bodega Tour of El Raval, San Antoni, and Poble-sec: Start in El Raval with a carajillo at a local haunt before exploring the upscale bodegas of San Antoni and Poble-sec. Sample hard-to-find Spanish and Catalan wines, artisanal cheeses, pintxos, anchovies, octopus fritters, and enjoy a traditional afternoon vermut with perfectly paired tapas. Book Now.
Bike & Food Experience: See Barcelona like a local on a guided bike and food tour, pedaling to the city’s culinary hotspots hiding in everywhere from El Raval and El Born to Montjuic and Barceloneta. On this far-reaching tour, taste tapas, chorizo, sangria, and other local specialties, all while enjoying sightseeing, local insights, and a private group experience tailored for all fitness levels. Book Now.
Poblenou: Trendy Taverns & Seaside Flavors
Where to Eat: Bitácora PobleNou
Poblenou was once Barcelona’s industrial hub, with many old factories now transformed into artsy, modern spaces for a new age. Bitácora PobleNou captures a piece of the neighborhood’s history, featuring exposed brick walls and a relaxed, low-key atmosphere—a welcome respite after a day of exploring.
The terrace is perfect in warmer months, and despite its excellent tapas and inviting vibe, the restaurant has remained largely untouched by tourism. Stop by for a taste of local tradition, and don’t miss the tuna tartare with guacamole, a standout dish that embodies the spot’s culinary charm.
Bitácora PobleNou: Plaça de la Unió, 24 (see on map)
Food Tours to Try in Poblenou:
Tapas & Street Art Tour in Poblenou: Discover the creative side of Poblenou on a private guided tour, combining hidden street art, transformed factories, and specialty cafés with neighborhood tapas and a walk to Bogatell Beach. Immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s vibrant energy while enjoying food, conversation, and local life. Book Now.
Poble-sec: Tapas Trails Off the Tourist Map
Where to eat: La Chana
Despite Poble-sec’s reputation for being lively, it remains one of the few Barcelona neighborhoods largely untouched by tourism. Once a working-class area, the district has retained a sense of authentic, unpretentious charm—and La Chana is a perfect example.
Locals love this small, cozy neighborhood bistro, and by the end of your meal, you’ll likely feel like one too. The menu is limited but delicious, highlighting Andalusian specialties. The anemones and anchovies make for a mouth-watering starter, and you’re likely to get a great story from the owner if you ask about the fresh fish of the day.
La Chana: Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 8 (see on map)
Tours to Try in Poble-sec:
Poble-Sec Tapas & Wine Tour: Explore the rich flavors of traditional Barcelona tapas at independent restaurants and bars in Poble-sec well-known for their quality food. Learn about the dishes you are served and chat about local culture, art, history and cuisine with your friendly, knowledgeable guide from The Barcelona Taste. Book Now.
Food and Wine Small Group Tour with a Sommelier: Explore two vibrant neighborhoods—Sant Antoni and Poble-sec—and immerse yourself in Barcelona’s Mediterranean culinary heritage. A professional sommelier guides your group of up to eight through the countless flavors of wine and cava, perfectly paired with mouthwatering tapas and regional delicacies. Book Now.
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Three Bodegas That Define Barcelona’s Culinary Soul
While Barcelona is famous for its markets, and no visit is complete without stopping by Mercat De Sant Antoni or Mercat de Galvany, don’t overlook the city’s bodegas. Unlike their New York counterparts, Barcelona bodegas function primarily as wine shops, not convenience stores. Here, you can enjoy wine and classic vermouths by the glass, often accompanied by tapas and salty snacks like olives and dried tuna.
Bodegas are more intimate than bars and offer a smaller, focused menu than most restaurants. What makes them truly special is their deep connection to Catalan culinary traditions. The best bodegas have a vintage feel to them simply because they’ve existed for decades, serving locals and preserving cultural heritage.
As Barcelona navigates gentrification, visiting these bodegas helps support and preserve these iconic cultural spaces. Here are three must-visit bodegas in Barcelona that capture the heart and soul of Barcelona’s food culture:
Bar Bodega Gol in Eixample (see on map)
Bodega Vidrios y Cristales in El Born (see on map)
Bar Bodega Quimet in Gracia (see on map)
How to Explore Barcelona’s Food Scene Like a Local
To truly experience Barcelona like a local, start by embracing the city’s relaxed dining rhythm. Lunch is usually served between 2 and 4 p.m., and dinner often doesn’t start until 9 p.m. or later. Meals aren’t rushed here—they’re a chance to savor the moment and soak in the atmosphere.
Spend your time in cozy bodegas and neighborhood restaurants, lingering over small plates, glasses of vermouth, and lively conversation. Service is unhurried, and that’s part of the charm: it gives you a moment to enjoy the bustle and energy of the city. In Barcelona, the ambience of a place—its chatter, laughter, and local rhythm—is often as memorable as the food itself.
So take your time, sip slowly, and let the city’s pace guide you. Exploring Barcelona like a local isn’t just about seeing hidden gems—it’s about experiencing the city through its food, its people, and its unmistakable vibe.
This post was written with the help of The Barcelona Taste, Catalan food experts and Barcelona locals offering daily guided food tours through Barcelona’s off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, bodegas, and local eateries.
Tours by The Barcelona Taste:
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