If you plan a trip to Barcelona and want to experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene, you’re in luck. The Catalan capital is home to some of the world’s most exciting and innovative restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to trendy eateries serving delicious, contemporary cuisine.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the trendy restaurants Barcelona, highlighting some of the hottest spots to dine at.
Unmissable Types of Cuisine
Regarding trendy restaurants in Barcelona, you can expect various cuisines catering to every palate. From traditional Catalan dishes to seafood delights, Asian influences to Italian indulgences, and American and Mexican twists, the city has it all. Here are some of the unmissable types of cuisine you must try when visiting trendy restaurants in Barcelona:
1. Catalan Cuisine
Catalan cuisine is a must-try when visiting trendy restaurants in Barcelona. This cuisine is known for using fresh, local ingredients, such as seafood, vegetables, and meats. Tapas are a staple of Catalan cuisine, and you can find them in almost every restaurant in the city. Some of the popular dishes to try include pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), escalivada (grilled vegetables), and botifarra (Catalan sausage).
2. Seafood Delights
Barcelona is located on the coast, meaning seafood is a big part of the city’s cuisine. Octopus is a popular seafood dish in Barcelona, and it is often served grilled or in a salad. Paella is another must-try seafood dish; you can find it in many trendy restaurants in Barcelona. The dish is made with rice, saffron, and various seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, and clams.
3. Asian Influences
Asian cuisine has become increasingly popular in Barcelona, and many trendy restaurants serve dishes with Asian influences. Some popular dishes to try include sushi, ramen, and dumplings. These dishes are often filled with a modern twist, making them a must-try for anyone looking for something different.
4. Italian Indulgences
Pizza and pasta are two of the most famous Italian dishes; you can find them in many trendy restaurants in Barcelona. Truffle is a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine, and you can find it in many dishes, such as truffle pasta and truffle pizza. These dishes are often served with a modern twist, making them a must-try for anyone seeking something indulgent.
5. American and Mexican Twists
American and Mexican cuisine has also become increasingly popular in Barcelona, and many trendy restaurants serve dishes with American and Mexican twists. Some popular dishes to try include burgers, tacos, and nachos. These dishes are often filled with a modern twist, making them a must-try for anyone looking for something different.
10 Trendy Restaurants in Barcelona
1. Frankie Gallo Cha Cha Cha
In the El Raval area, close to the busy La Rambla, you’ll find Frankie Gallo Cha Cha Cha. This trendy restaurant in Barcelona is a popular pizza place. It has an excellent style and relaxed atmosphere, much like some places in London’s Shoreditch. The restaurant is bigger than most in Barcelona and serves classic and special pizzas made in a wood-fired oven. They also offer local beers and wine. Forbes even named it one of the ’10 Coolest Places to Eat in 2018′, a must-visit spot among Barcelona’s trendy restaurants.
2. Bistrot Levante
Bistrot Levante is one of the trendy restaurants in Barcelona that offers Middle-Eastern food. They have menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Try their homemade flatbreads with hummus and zaatar, a mix of special herbs and spices. Their baked egg dish, shakshuka, is a big hit for brunch. Along with places like La Cometa del Pla, Bistrot Levante is helping to make the Old Town exciting again. It’s a great reason to walk around the Gothic Quarter and try out the trendy food spots like Bistrot Levante in Barcelona.
3. Gresca
Gresca, a well-known spot in Barcelona’s trendy restaurant scene, has become even more popular with a new casual wine-bar area. Locals who love food enjoy its unique menus, including offal dishes, like grilled sweetbreads and chunky pâtés. You can also find local fish and vegetable dishes. All served in a simple but stylish way on vintage plates. Among Barcelona’s trendy restaurants, Gresca is also famous for its wine selection, which features natural and low-intervention wines from all over Europe.
4. FAN-Shoronpo Japonés Ramen
Barcelona’s trendy restaurants have a special place for Asian cuisine. FAN-Shoronpo has sparked a new trend with its special shoronpo dumplings. These tasty dumplings are filled with meat and broth and should be eaten in a single bite to avoid spillage. Enjoy various ramen options here, with broths like miso, tantanmen, and shoyu. The love for Asian flavors is deep-seated among Barcelona’s food lovers.
5. Gala Barcelona
Gala is a trendy restaurant in Barcelona. It has five unique parts. The entrance has a picture-perfect carousel that people often share on Instagram.
The main area is lively. You can enjoy drinks and meals like sushi, pasta, and tapas there. A bright sign there is well-known to locals.
There’s also an outdoor patio for sunny meals. The decoration is charming.
For a private meal, book the library. It’s cozy and mysterious, perfect for a quiet dining experience.
6. Belbo Dos Besos
If you’re an Italian food lover, Belbo Dos Besos is a must-visit among the trendy restaurants in Barcelona. You may already recognize it’s famous “Shut up and kiss me” neon sign from your favorite foodie’s Instagram story.
This trendy Barcelona restaurant mixes fun, music, and tasty food perfectly. You’ll get to enjoy a live show with your meal.
Belbo Dos Besos is a hot spot among Barcelona’s youth. Its festive ambiance makes it a top choice among trendy restaurants.
Planning a birthday bash? Look no further. This trendy Barcelona restaurant guarantees fun and memorable celebrations.
7. Patron
Join the crew at Patrón, a standout among trendy restaurants Barcelona offers. It masterfully blends dining and entertainment for a balanced experience.
What sets Patrón apart is its unique decor, designed to mimic a ship’s ambiance. This restaurant transports you to a nautical adventure, enhancing your dining experience.
While Patrón’s seafood offerings are vast, they also cater to those who prefer land-based fare. But it’s not just about food – Patrón transitions into a lively club from Thursday to Saturday post-midnight. You’ll be treated to live music over dinner, with a DJ adding rhythm, but without interrupting your culinary journey.
Celebrated Chefs and Their Restaurants
If you are looking for trendy restaurants in Barcelona, you must take advantage of the chance to visit the establishments of some of the most celebrated chefs in the city. From Michelin-starred restaurants to more casual eateries, these chefs have something unique to offer.
8. Jordi Artal and Cinc Sentits
Head chef and owner Jordi Artal brings his culinary expertise to Cinc Sentits, one of the trendy restaurants Barcelona offers in the heart of the Eixample district. The restaurant sports modern, elegant decor while serving Catalan cuisine with a contemporary twist. With its Michelin star recognition, Cinc Sentits promises a unique dining experience and is a must-visit destination for foodies.
9. Albert Raurich and Dos Palillos
Albert Raurich is the chef and owner of Dos Palillos, a trendy El Raval neighborhood restaurant. The restaurant is a fusion of Japanese and Spanish cuisine and has been awarded one Michelin star. The menu features a wide selection of tapas, sushi, and other dishes, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and presented creatively and innovatively.
10. Romain Fornell and Caelis
Chef and owner Romain Fornell guides the culinary journey at Caelis, a Michelin-starred gem among trendy restaurants Barcelona has in the posh Hotel Ohla Barcelona. The elegant ambiance complements the
restaurant’s menu, showcasing French cuisine’s creativity and flavor infused with a Mediterranean touch.
11. Manu Núñez and Dos Cielos
Manu Núñez is the head chef of Dos Cielos, a restaurant located on the 24th floor of the Meliá Barcelona Sky Hotel. The restaurant offers stunning city views, and the menu is based on traditional Catalan cuisine with a contemporary twist. Dos Cielos has been awarded one Michelin star, and it is an excellent choice for those looking for a unique dining experience.
12. Artur Martínez and Aürt
Artur Martínez, the head chef at Aürt, brings a modern and elegant dining atmosphere to life in the sophisticated Hotel Alma Barcelona. This standout among trendy restaurants Barcelona offers a menu rooted in Catalan cuisine but with a contemporary touch. Garnering recognition with one Michelin star, Aürt presents an exceptional choice for those seeking a high-end dining experience.
Author’s Note
To wrap up, Barcelona’s trendy restaurants offer a world of flavors. From Michelin-starred dining to cool, casual eateries, there’s a spot for everyone. Whether you’re after traditional tapas, seafood, Asian, Italian, or American-Mexican food, you’re covered. Simply put, Barcelona serves up unforgettable culinary adventures for all food lovers.