With the Barcelona - Olympiacos match taking place on Tuesday night (21/10), we have put together a mini culinary guide to the Catalan capital.
Those visiting Barcelona for the Barcelona - Olympiacos match taking place tomorrow (21/10), for Matchday 3 of the Champions League, will have the opportunity to enjoy a short autumn escape to one of Europe’s most popular destinations and to savor the renowned flavors of Catalan cuisine. Barcelona, as well as the entire region of Catalonia, is a paradise for food lovers. That’s why we’ve prepared a small guide with everything you should try on this trip.
The flavors of Catalan cuisine
The capital of Catalonia is one of Europe’s top gastronomic destinations. Barcelona is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, where many new trends and techniques in haute cuisine are born. Alongside numerous Michelin stars, the Catalan capital also boasts an interesting traditional local cuisine.
The tapas- the Spanish small plates (from spicy appetizers and stews to fried seafood) served in many variations - are an essential part of the culinary experience. At the restaurants and tapas bars of Barceloneta, Raval and Gracia you will try authentic flavors such as patatas bravas (potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), botifarra (pork sausage cooked in many ways), cava (local champagne) and crema catalana (the Catalan version of crème brûlée).
Food markets
TheLa Boqueria,operating since the 13th century, is Barcelona’s most famous open-air market and a paradise for every foodie. Here you really don’t know what to try first. Mingle with the locals to browse and stock up on fruit, vegetables, jamón, sausages, spices, wines and anything else you can imagine. For a more authentic atmosphere, visit Mercat de Santa Caterina with its colorful undulating roof or Mercat de Sant Antoni.
Where to eat well
For fine dining choose Disfrutar (the world’s top restaurant for 2024, according to the 50 Best list) or Restaurant Baló and for tapas Celler Biarritz 1881 and Bar del Pla. Try seafood paella at Colom Restaurant or at El Nacional Barcelona and the famed pan con tomate (bread with tomato) at Bodega La Tinaja, a hidden gem of the city. For dessert, make a stop at Xurreria Laietana to enjoy the famous churros with chocolate.
