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When I was researching where to eat in Barcelona, I was overwhelmed with all the restaurants to choose from in different areas. I asked some friends who had already visited Barcelona for some recommendations but most couldn’t remember or said that the best restaurants were in the alleys. They were right about that. I did enjoy the restaurants in the alleys the most. Here are some of the dishes and restaurants I tried while visiting Barcelona for a few days:

Ciudad Condal

I found this restaurant while searching for best tapas in Barcelona on Yelp but my Airbnb Experience tour guide also recommended this place. It’s a fairly busy restaurant, even at non-peak times, but I was able to sit at the bar easily since I was traveling solo. I tried several dishes like the Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Salad, and Cabreaos Eggs Style . I also noticed everyone getting orange juice, so I had to try it for myself. The bartenders made the orange juice fresh from the oranges right in front of me and it was so refreshing. Out of all the tapas I ordered, the Beef Tenderloin was by far my favorite dish. I loved it so much that ordered it twice.

ADDRESS: Rambla de Catalunya, 18 08007 Barcelona
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Beef Tenderloin, Cabreaos Eggs Style, Shrimp Al Ajillo

El Rincon Restaurant

This was the first tapas restaurant I tried in Barcelona and I was quite happy with my choice. It was located right next to my Airbnb in the alley off of the bustling Las Ramblas street. There were pictures of some of their dishes, which I really appreciated, and they all looked pretty tasty. I ordered the Ham Croquettes (4.50 Euros), Eggplant Chips with Honey (7 Euros) and a Sangria. I really loved the Eggplant Chips but wish they were a little less greasy and more crispy. 

ADDRESS: Carrer del Carme, 28, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Ham Croquettes, Paella

Bar del Pla

My tour guide from the 3-Country Tour recommended this restaurant as it is popular with the locals and tourists. It’s a tiny restaurant, so you should definitely make a reservation or visit at off-peak times. I went around 8pm, which is prime dinner time in Barcelona, and found a spot at the bar. The rest of the seats were already taken or reserved. The lady next to me recommended the Mushroom Salad which I would have never ordered but I’m so glad I did because it was one of the best dishes I had in Barcelona. The salad came with strawberries and basil topped with wasabi dressing and the flavors were amazing. I also tried the Pa amb Tomàquet, which is bread rubbed with tomato, since it was recommended by many Yelpers.

ADDRESS: Carrer de Montcada, 2, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Pa amb Tomàquet, Mushroom Salad, Squid Ink Croquette

Melic Del Gotic

I loved this little gothic restaurant so much. I think it was the most enjoyable to me because the service was exceptional. I had two staff members attending to me and I believe one was the waiter and the other a general manager or owner. They both took such good care of me and made sure I was comfortable with where I was sitting and if the food was to my liking. I ordered the Panko Chicken with Guacamole, Bolognese and Sangria. The Panko Chicken with Guacamole was excellent!

ADDRESS: Carrer de Montsió, 7, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Specially Aged Beef Steaks, Panko Chicken with Guacamole

365 Obrador

I believe this is a chain pastry restaurant as I saw a couple of them throughout Barcelona but from what I saw, they make their pastries fresh (you can watch them preparing the dough through the window). I tried some of their croissants and they were so soft and flavorful. There was also a hint of sweetness which was a nice touch.

ADDRESS: All over Barcelona
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Croissants 

SOME OTHER RESTAURANTS WORTH NOTING

El Chigre 1769

I didn’t get to try any food at this restaurant but it’s worth noting since it was a cool looking little restaurant in Born. I stopped by here with my Airbnb Experience tour guide and had some vermouth, which is an drink you have to “open the appetite” before a big meal. It was pretty sweet (but not as sweet as dessert wines like porto) and has 14% alcohol which I did not taste at all.

ADDRESS: Carrer dels Sombrerers, 7 08003 Barcelona Spain
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Bombas (rice balls), Grilled Steak

Brunch & Cake

This is another restaurant I didn’t get to try out but wanted to mention as the space looked adorable and they offered healthy brunch dishes. Their platters, dishes and drinks were all presented so beautifully. It's a busy restaurant, so be prepared to wait in line or get there early before the restaurant opens.

ADDRESS: Carrer d'Enric Granados, 19 08007 Barcelona Spain
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Matcha Pancakes, Eggs Benedict

Tickets

If you want to go a little fancy, you should try Tickets. It is owned by the Adrià brothers’, the most famous modernist chefs of the world. They are known for their signature molecular gastronomy and create the most innovative dishes. I really wanted to try it out but you have to plan months in advance to book a table here. Every day at midnight, online booking opens for the date exactly two months in advance. 

ADDRESS: Avenida del Paral·lel, 164 08015 Barcelona Spain
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Every dish here is unique and the server recommends dishes according to your food allergies and dislikes, so everyone seems to have a different opinions on what they loved.

Hope this list helps you choose some places to try out in Barcelona and bon appetit!