Barcelona, Spain’s gem, is known for its culture, architecture, and stunning beaches. But the city’s culinary scene is a star in its own right. From seafood fresh off the boat to innovative tapas and traditional fare, it’s a food lover’s paradise. And guess what? Enjoying Barcelona’s gastronomy doesn’t need to be pricey.
In this article, we’re going on a tasty tour of the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona. Your palate (and wallet) will thank you.
Why Barcelona’s Culinary Scene Stands Out
Barcelona’s food culture is a feast for the senses. Imagine centuries-old Catalan cuisine meeting modern gastronomy. The city’s bounty of seafood and fresh produce gives it an edge. The city is a gourmet’s dream, from the buzzing Mercat de la Boqueria to tapas bars, bakeries, and food shops.
But what makes Barcelona’s culinary scene unique is its approachable vibe. Sure, you’ll find Michelin-starred joints, but the local, budget-friendly spots serving up a flavorsome tradition steal the show. Think cozy bodegas with home-cooked meals or lively tapas bars packed with locals. These gems serve authentic tastes of Barcelona’s vibrant food scene without emptying your pockets.
So, get ready to tuck into some unique food experiences with our guide to the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona. Trust us; it’s going to be delicious!
Die besten erschwinglichen Restaurants in Barcelona
1. Croq & Brötchen
Kicking off our list is my personal favorite, Croq & Roll, a restaurant that’s sure to rank high in your quest for the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona. Located in the vibrant Gràcia neighborhood, Croq & Roll takes the simple Spanish croqueta to a new level.
- Menü: You won’t just find traditional ham and cheese-filled croquetas here. This spot is all about variety, offering a plethora of fillings, from meat and fish to vegetarian options. It’s a croqueta paradise!
- Preise: With each hearty croqueta priced around €1.30, you can sample a wide range without splurging. A lunch of a few croquetas and some bravas to share could set you back as little as €6.
- Adresse: Travessera de Gràcia, 233, 08012
2. La Cova Fumada
La Cova Fumada, tucked away in the heart of Barcelona, is one of the city’s best affordable restaurants. This local favorite may not have the glitz of high-end dining, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on flavor or authenticity!
- Menü: Die Speisekarte ist überschaubar und wechselt täglich, mit Grundgerichten und Tagesgerichten, die alle auf einer Tafel angeschrieben sind, um ein authentisches Lokalgefühl zu vermitteln.
- Preise: Tapas begin at a wallet-friendly €3, allowing you to taste various dishes without worrying about the bill.
- Adresse: C/ del Baluard, 56, 08003
3. Sésamo
Think tasting menus are synonymous with hefty price tags? Sésamo, one of the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona, will make you think again. This chic vegetarian restaurant in Raval offers an indulgent experience without the usual costs.
- Menü: Es erwartet Sie ein wechselndes siebengängiges Degustationsmenü mit herausragenden Gerichten wie geschmolzenem Provolone-Käse mit grünen Tomaten und Blauschimmelkäse-Gnocchi, gepaart mit einer köstlichen Rote-Bete-Haselnuss-Sauce. Der Chefkoch liebt es, die Dinge interessant zu halten!
- Preise: At just €25 per person, including two drinks and water.
- Adresse: Carrer de Sant Antoni Abat, 52, 08001
Even the most die-hard carnivores have tried Sésamo, only to become regulars.
4. Moskito
Das Mosquito, versteckt im lebhaften Born-Viertel, gehört zu den preisgünstigsten Restaurants in Barcelona und serviert authentische asiatische Küche, gepaart mit einer großen Auswahl an Craft Beer.
- Menü: Ihre Geschmacksknospen werden sich auf eine geschmackvolle Reise mit Optionen wie gedämpften Brötchen, Gyoza, Fleischspezialitäten und traditionellen Beilagen wie Edamame und Kimchi begeben.
- Preise: You can enjoy a hearty meal for just €15 per person. While the craft beers may be a bit pricier than your average caña, they offer an impressive range of local and European artisan brews, making them well worth the cost.
- Adresse: C/ dels Carders, 46, 08003
5. Der gute Burger
The Good Burger ist eine beliebte spanische Kette mit sieben Filialen in ganz Barcelona, die einige der besten und günstigsten Burger der Stadt anbietet. Die Burger und Pommes frites sind zwar erschwinglich, aber ihre Geschmacksrichtungen sind einzigartig und köstlich.
- Menü: Spezialisiert auf Burger und Pommes frites, sind die Kreationen einfach köstlich. Die Vielfalt der Optionen zur individuellen Gestaltung der Mahlzeit sorgt für Abwechslung.
- Preise: Each burger is priced at about €4. You can pair your burger with fries and a drink for a little extra – it’s fantastic value for your money. Plus, they run a 2-for-1 offer on burgers every Thursday, making your meal even more affordable.
6. 100 Montaditos
Sie sind auf der Suche nach dem ultimativen, preisgünstigen kulinarischen Erlebnis in Barcelona? Dann sind Sie bei 100 Montaditos an der richtigen Adresse. Diese beliebte spanische Kette mit über 350 Filialen in ganz Spanien und sieben in Barcelona ist eines der besten erschwinglichen Restaurants in der Stadt.
- Menü: As the name suggests, 100 Montaditos specializes in small sandwiches, or “montaditos,” offering 100 different filling combinations. Additionally, they serve various side dishes like fries, nachos, and cheesy bites, adding even more diversity to your meal options.
- Preise: While their prices are already wallet-friendly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, the restaurant runs an irresistible €1 deal for nearly everything on the menu. You can sample a variety of sandwiches and still likely spend under €10.
7. Pai Mei
Tucked in the corner of the Glòries shopping center in Barcelona’s northeast, you’ll find a hidden gem – an exciting noodle bar revered as one of the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona. This spot embraces a unique “build your own” system that will have you returning for more.
- Menü: Beginnen Sie mit einer Basis aus Reis oder Nudeln und einer Sauce Ihrer Wahl. Jede Basis enthält Eier und Gemüse, so dass Sie nur ein paar Extras hinzufügen müssen. Dann können Sie so viele Zutaten hinzufügen, wie Sie möchten.
- Preise: The beauty of this place lies in its pricing. The strong bases start at a mere €4.50. Feel like adding more flavor? Extras only cost between €0.50 and €1.50 each.
- Adresse: Av. Diagonal, 208 Les Glóries Mall, 08018
8. Elisabets
Elisabets, standing strong amidst the city’s culinary evolution, is a classic tapas bar and one of the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona. It’s your go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner from dawn to dusk.
- Menü: Saddle up at the bar for a snack or enjoy a sit-down meal in the ‘restaurant’ section, where you’ll find a menu brimming with traditional Catalan dishes and Spanish tapas.
- Preise: Many dishes start at just a few euros, allowing you to sample various flavors without stretching your budget. A well-rounded meal here can comfortably come at around €10 per person.
- Adresse: Carrer de les Ramelleres, 3, 08001
9. Gat Blau
This gem among the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona presents a creative, traditional, and organic set lunch menu for under €12. With six of the eight options being vegetarian, the daily variety is impressive.
- Menü: Feast on unique dishes such as veal cannelloni wrapped in courgette or the traditional Catalan delight, ‘patata emmascarada.’
- Preise: While the lunch menu is a steal, dinner offers a taste of haute cuisine for around €25. A true gastronomic treat without the steep price tag.
- Adresse: C/ del Comte Borrell, 122, 08015
10. Bar Casi
Tucked away in a quieter part of Gràcia, up a steep road, you’ll find Bar Casi – a bustling hub that easily ranks among the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona. This neighborhood gem might not stun you with elaborate décor, and the six-table setting might strike you as clean. But don’t be fooled; there’s more than meets the eye.
- Menü: Sie bieten ein komplettes Mittagessen und ein großartiges, hausgemachtes Mittagsmenü an, das regelmäßig wechselt und so für Abwechslung bei häufigen Besuchern sorgt.
- Preise: A hearty, homemade set lunch can be enjoyed for approximately €12, a price that belies the quality of the fare.
- Adresse: Carrer de Massens, 74, 08024
11. Granja Mabel
If you’re looking for a family-owned gem that has evolved into one of the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona, look no further than this Marina hotspot. The restaurant received a modern makeover when passed down to the next generation, but it kept its heart in the kitchen, delivering lunch menus that are hard to beat.
- Menü: The selection may seem simple, with four starters and four main dishes, but expect each dish to be a testament to culinary creativity and skill. Think along the lines of macaroni turned on its head, stuffed with chicken and bechamel – a delight!
- Preise: A sumptuous meal here won’t set you back more than €12 per person
- Adresse: Carrer de la Marina, 114, 08018
12. Mà de Morter
In Barcelona’s Les Corts neighborhood, Mà de Morter is a charming restaurant featuring beautiful brick and wood elements. It has easily earned its spot on our list of the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona.
- Menü: The menu highlights the best of Catalan cuisine. Expect dishes like ‘trinxat’ (a hearty mix of potatoes, cabbage, and pork), glazed rabbit, chickpeas with calamari, ‘botifarra’ sausage with ‘piste’ vegetable tomato sauce, caramelized apple salad, and grilled sea bream with vegetables. All are cooked slowly and precisely using fresh ingredients.
- Preise: The value for money here is astounding, with satisfying, flavorful meals at around €11.
- Adresse: Travessera de les Corts, 118-120, Local 2, 08028
13. Wok zu Fuß auf den Ramblas
Their claim to fame? Sizzling stir-frys, cooked to perfection with fresh ingredients right before your eyes in an open kitchen. Here, the wizards of the wok dance with fire to whip up your custom order, delivering a crunchy, flavor-packed meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
- Wie man bestellt: Wählen Sie Ihre Basis, z. B. traditionelle Nudeln oder Reis oder neuere Zutaten wie Quinoa, Buchweizen und Zucchini der Saison. Anschließend können Sie aus bis zu 15 Beilagen und einer speziellen Soße wählen, um das Gericht zu Ihrem ganz persönlichen Geschmack zu machen.
- Preis: With an average dish cost of around €8, it’s clear why this spot ranks among the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona.
- Adresse: La Rambla, 95, 08002
14. Der schnelle Geek
The Quick Greek in Gràcia is another stellar pick when scouting for the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona. True to its name, this eatery dishes fast and flavorful Greek takeaway food, perfect for on-the-go explorers.
- What’s on the menu? Freuen Sie sich auf großzügig gefüllte Pitas, leckere Pommes frites und erfrischende Getränke. Belegt mit frischem Salat und würziger Soße können Sie aus verschiedenen Füllungen wählen, darunter verschiedene Fleischsorten, Käse und Falafel.
- Preisgestaltung: A pita meal with fries and a drink costs less than €7 – a genuine bargain for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Adresse: Calle Asturies 67, Plaza del Diamante, 08012
15. La Fábrica del Taco
Thinking about a picnic at Ciutadella Park? Head over to La Fábrica del Taco, just a few minutes from the park’s north end.
- Menü: This spot is a haven for Mexican food lovers, boasting a menu filled with delectable tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Don’t let the size of their tacos and quesadillas fool you; they’re small but packed with flavors. It’s recommended to order multiple items for a complete meal.
- Preis: You’re in luck – their dishes are pretty affordable. Each item costs just a few euros, and you can often snag their flavorful tacos for as low as €1. So, grab your Mexican feast from La Fábrica del Taco and make your day at the park even more delightful!
- Adresse: Carrer de Sardenya, 86, 08018
Verwandt: Die besten Dachterrassen-Restaurants in Barcelona, Feines Essen in Barcelona, Das beste Street Food in Barcelona
Author’s Note
In Barcelona, delicious dining doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The city offers a rich food scene with many affordable restaurants. From Asian to vegetarian to traditional Catalan cuisine, there’s something for everyone. These eateries prove that enjoying tasty meals can be simple, authentic, and well-priced. So, next time you’re in Barcelona, explore these spots. Your taste buds and wallet will be happy. Remember, to truly enjoy Barcelona’s food scene, eat like the locals do. Bon profit!