5 Great and Authentic Spanish Restaurants in Barcelona

As Catalan cuisine enjoys a new vogue, foodies from across the world are hopping flights to Barcelona to sample some of the delights of this delicious style of cooking.
The city of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, enjoys a fine reputation for food – with restaurants in the area holding an impressive nine Michelin stars between them. The region is also home to two out of the world’s five top rated restaurants and in recent years has received food related accolades from organisations across the world, including US television network MSNBC who in 2009 named Barcelona as the best gastronomical city in the world.
The local cuisine, which draws from the fine selection of Mediterranean ingredients on offer in the area, features a feast of meat and fish based dishes as well as some interesting and exciting vegetarian options.
Specialities that should not be missed on a break in Barcelona include Catalan Cod prepared with raisins and pine nuts, Arros Negre squid cooked in its own ink served with a selection of Mediterranean vegetables and the famous Coca – a Catalan version of the pizza which is not to be missed.
Top sweets include the world renowned Crème Catalan – believed to be the inspiration for the better known French dish of Crème Brulee.

Five Fab Places to Try Catalan Cuisine

• La Dama: Situated on the Avinguda Diagonal this Michelin starred establishment offers a selection of Catalan dishes using the finest local and seasonal ingredients. The menu includes some great seafood specialities as well as finessed versions of local peasant dishes. Reservations are usually required.
• Agut: A favourite with the local movers and shakers, Agut, on Gignas, attracts an eclectic mix of influential clientele offering a wide array of Catalan cuisine including stuffed pork or aubergine terrine. Reservations recommended.
• Alkimia: On Carrer de la Industria, behind the city’s famous Sagrada Familia, Alkimia (translation: Alchemy) offers a modern twist on Catalan classics in a contemporary setting. Stunning seafood offerings include sea bass and cuttlefish ink. Reservations are a must.
• Café de l’Academia: Found on Lledo, this establishment offers an insight into the more authentic side of Catalan cooking, with hearty paellas served in a more casual setting. Its popularity means that reservations are a wise idea.
• Cal Pep: If you want Catalan Tapas then Cal Pep is the place to eat and be seen in Barcelona. With no menus at some sittings diners are treated to a selection of Catalan inspired tapas dishes in a lively and authentic Catalan city atmosphere. Booking essential.

With so many great spots to eat there is no excuse for any visitor to the city of Barcelona to miss out on sampling the delights that are Catalan cooking and while these are some of the top recommendations it is worth bearing in mind that the area offers a wide range of inexpensive and truly authentic Catalan eating experiences for those who are willing to seek them out. Indeed for many the fun of gastro-travel lies in the journey of discovery.