Top 5 Barcelona Food: Eats and Drinks You Really Can’t Miss
So, you are planning your visit to Barcelona, and basically, you want to experience the city like a local, is that right? That’s amazing! Clearly, there’s no finer introduction than sampling your way around some pretty authentic local fare. After all, Barcelona is a city with some rather sensational culinary credentials, and you know, picking just five essential food and drink experiences almost seems, just a little, unfair to everything else on offer. I mean, Barcelona’s food scene goes beyond patatas bravas and sangria (even though they are, arguably, worth looking at!), and really covers the whole range of tempting treats which you could possibly imagine. What, too, makes this list particularly cool is that, in some respects, it mixes iconic must-tries with local favorites which are, in that case, actually easier to miss, but so very much worth seeking out.
1. Tapas: More or Less a Way of Life
Barcelona and tapas are pretty much two peas in a pod, isn’t that so? You see them everywhere. But you know, getting to grips with them, or finding the truly awesome ones, is actually very, very crucial to an authentic Barcelona food experience. You could be looking at your patatas bravas (fried potatoes served with spicy sauce), pan con tomate (tomato bread), or some pretty tasty croquetas (that’s creamy fried bechamel bites). And you can see the main appeal there. Now, you need to ask: what actually separates the touristy versions from the authentic food stops? Too often, some, or, as a matter of fact, too many places churn out sub-standard tapas for tourists who don’t know any better, yet some are almost iconic experiences. You really want to search out busy local spots; places slightly off the main tourist drag often seem a much better bet. Look, if the menu’s only in English, then maybe this might be a red flag. What is, sort of, fun to do is actually hopping from bar to bar, sampling a tapa and a drink at each – the famous “tapear.” It seems almost the perfect way to actually spend an evening, alright? The locals are, arguably, a bit like this.
Read our full review: Best Tapas in Barcelona Full Review and Details
2. Paella: The Saffron-Scented Delight
No visit to Spain, or, I mean, Barcelona, would be complete, that, is, without tasting the nation’s famed paella. Although the dish hails from Valencia, the coastal versions are a rather massive hit in Barcelona, which really does add to their appeal, is that right? The aroma itself, of saffron-infused rice mingling with fresh seafood, is, arguably, rather captivating! Paella is almost typically a sharing dish. You know, it’s served in a large, shallow pan, it is actually, almost, perfect for a group dining experience. You know, the seafood paella (Paella de Marisco) which tends to be one of the absolute favorites, features prawns, mussels, clams, and calamari – that could be paradise for a seafood lover! Now, the real question could be where you grab your Paella? I think, maybe, some of the best paella restaurants are close to the Barceloneta beach, where they boast incredibly fresh ingredients and rather atmospheric settings. Just a little side note: the socarrat, which is basically the crispy, slightly burnt rice at the bottom of the pan, is something of a delicacy for people that, sort of, know these things, is that so? And very much the chef’s reward!
Read our full review: Best Paella in Barcelona Full Review and Details
3. Churros con Chocolate: Sweet Ending
Want to, like, have a rather sweet treat to get stuck into? Okay. That, is, in some respects, a good call after all those tapas! The churros con chocolate in Barcelona isn’t really just a dessert; it’s practically a tradition! This dish, you know, consists of fried dough pastries (churros), which are usually sprinkled with sugar, and is very much served with a cup of hot, thick chocolate for dipping, wouldn’t you say? The combination of the crispy churros with the warm, gooey chocolate tends to be, at the end of the day, incredibly comforting, and very often, just what’s needed after a long day, so I think. You can probably find churrerías (specialized churro shops) scattered around the city – and some could open early and stay open late, or they could just be available whenever people might like a pick-me-up! In actual fact, one of the local tips that may just appeal, is, basically, visiting a churrería that is slightly off the main tourist areas, and then watch them make the churros fresh, right then, on the spot. Too, you might as well try them, and make sure they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – perfect.
Read our full review: Churros con Chocolate in Barcelona Full Review and Details
4. Cava: Bubbles of Catalan Celebration
What could, seemingly, be a culinary exploration of Barcelona without something local, a nice drink that makes it seem like you’re celebrating life, even in some pretty subtle ways, is that not what people need sometimes? Cava is almost Catalonia’s answer to champagne. A really bubbly sparkling wine that makes one’s taste buds rather tingle. I find this just great for sipping on at any time of day. Although Cava could just be produced across Spain, you’ll find the vast majority is made right here in the Catalonia region, that’s near to Barcelona. The local wine bars actually tend to be well-stocked with many cavas – some that’ll make your socks blow off – you know! You might want to try a few of the “cava bars” in El Born or Gràcia. I’d have thought the vibe, in the daytime, is, maybe, pretty much, always very casual and laid-back. At the end of the day, who, after all, does not fancy enjoying a glass of chilled cava on a sun-drenched terrace in Spain? You’ll want to seek out the brut nature, just so that there is basically no added sugar. Too, make sure you check the “reserva” wines, to, almost, ensure a slightly higher level of taste!
Read our full review: Best Cava Bars in Barcelona Full Review and Details
5. Vermut: An Aperitif Comeback
Now, something that has gone, or is rather close to going, out of fashion for far too long, Vermut (or vermouth) is really having something of a cool comeback in Barcelona! It’s basically an aromatized, fortified wine. Now, it’s often infused with different botanicals – I feel there are rather a lot of botanicals here and there! Many like to have this before lunch, perhaps a little on Sundays – and locals might then frequent vermuterias, that, basically, sell the drinks straight from the barrel. Served chilled, too, perhaps with an orange slice and an olive, and you have a rather delicious, refreshing aperitif. I sort of think it’s a wonderful change from something like beer or wine. But be cautious about this, you. At the end of the day, vermouth comes, or is rather close to coming, with quite a pretty solid kick to it! Think about having some local snacks – crisps, olives, cheese. The real locals enjoy these sorts of things. So, go and explore vermuterias in neighborhoods that are cool. Now that’s going to feel good. Just look at Gràcia or Sant Antoni – you may almost find somewhere that just may make this drink feel something pretty damn special!
Read our full review: Best Vermut Bars in Barcelona Full Review and Details