Barcelona food and drink Guides

A Guide to the restaurants, food and drink in Barcelona

Barcelona’s rich cultural heritage has gone beyond just arts and architecture and has seeped into the very flavours of its cuisine, its food and drink. Catalan cooking is a unique part of Barcelona’s heritage and has retained the flavours of the French and Italian into its traditional Spanish dishes.

Barcelona’s cuisine is best known for its four staple elements namely, sofregit (tomato and onion fried in olive oil); picada (combination of crushed saffron, ham, bread, nuts and garlic); garlic mayonnaise; and Catalan samfaina (mix of aubergines, peppers, onion, tomatoes and garlic).

These specialties are usually used in most preparations and it is no wonder that the Catalan cuisine is a favourite among tourists. Drinks usually accompany the meals in Barcelona and are available in great variety.

As the Spanish do not believe in having a heavy breakfast, this meal is usually light and includes coffee combined with any of the various pastry options. Spaniards prefer coffee over tea and drink it as espresso or iced. However, there are several eat outs and cafes that offer other breakfast options. One of the popular cafes of Barcelona is the Café de L'Opera on La Rambla at number 74.

A traditional alternative could be the Ambos Mundos on the Plaça Reial which provides local dishes like paellas (with meat and fish or vegetarian). Other cafes that are well known for their delicious breakfast dishes and midday snacks include the Horchatería Fillol, Plaça de la Universitat 5.

Read PART 2 about Food and Drink Barcelona, Spain.

If you are also interested in learning about the pubs in Barcelona and nightlife in Barcelona there is lots of information on this site.