The Catalan capital is perfect for any trip, complete with beautiful weather, friendly locals, and to top it off, a wide selection of incredible cuisine! Maybe you’re looking for traditional paella and sangria, or perhaps you’re interested in authentic global dishes offered by the diverse population. No matter what you’re into, Barcelona provides something for everyone.
Below is a list of my top 6 favorite budget-friendly restaurants around the city. Located in neighborhoods like Eixample, Poblenou, Grácia, and Sarrià Sants-Gervasi, you can plan visits to must-see attractions knowing a quality meal is nearby!
Whether headed to Barcelona for school, work, or a relaxing vacation, be sure to visit these amazing restaurants for good food at a great price!
The Best Places to Eat in Barcelona!
Billy Brunch Barcelona
Billy Brunch offers customers with fresh, quality ingredients, many of which are locally-sourced. If you sit in the garden area you may just get to see their chickens growing right there in the city. Whether you’re missing home or simply craving an American breakfast, Billy Brunch is the place to go!
Their menu is full of familiar options, from pancakes and bacon to avocado toast, all offered in full-sized portions.
Brunch & Cake
Down the road from Billy Brunch is another one of my favorite Saturday morning spots, Brunch and Cake. This global brand has 9 restaurants around the world, but you can find the original locations in the Eixample neighborhood. From iced coffees mixed with vanilla gelato to French Toast topped with bananas and candied walnuts, this quaint restaurant is an excellent place to feed your sugar craving.
If you love eating in nature, outdoor seating in the spring and summer lends a beautiful view of Eixample’s green parrots flying overhead. This is one of the most popular places for tourists, so be sure to call ahead or get there early!
The Chicken Bar
If you’re looking for traditional Mediterranean food with a view of the ocean, the Chicken Bar is the perfect place to go! This popular restaurant is located right on the beach, just 15 minutes away from Parc de la Ciutadella on foot. Enjoy low priced drinks and traditional Spanish food like paella, patatas bravas and sangria!
In the evenings, the Chicken Bar turns into a dance bar with wonderful themes and a live band – my personal favorite is Brazilian night! Check out their website to plan your best experience!
Europa Cafe
When it comes to quality dining, few restaurants present a better experience for an affordable price than Europa Café, located on Barcelona’s business street Avinguda Diagonal. Whether you’re looking a breakfast bagel or Mediterranean dinner, Europa Café is great for any time of the day!
In the afternoons you can listen to a live cellist playing near the bagel bar or enjoy the ambience of a jazz quartet at night. The waitstaff are wonderfully patient and accommodating, and if it’s not too busy you can be sure you’ll meet the manager and savor a fresh tapa of your choice, on the house.
Honest Greens
Of course, I couldn’t forget the healthy options! No matter if you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, Honest Greens is an excellent choice for all meals in the day. With multiple locations around the city, Honest Greens presents locally sourced, grass-fed, cruelty free ingredients at an incredible price.
There are plenty of options for the meat eaters as well! Honest Greens has an abundant menu of proteins and sides that you can mix and match as you like! (My personal favorite is the Piri Piri Chicken with Moroccan rice). Watch the cooks make your meal fresh or take as seat on the recycled furniture amongst earthly decorations.
Mirablau
Mirablau atop Parc de la Font del Racó is my favorite spot for drinks and tapas after a day of sightseeing near Mont Tibidabo. The restaurant sits with a view of the entire city and the Mediterranean. Sip on wines, sangria and sparkling water with your favorite Spanish foods.
If you happen to be in the area come sundown, Mirablau has a disco bar on the lower level that plays throwbacks from 11:30pm til early in the morning. There’s nothing better than partying until you watch the sunrise over a beautiful city!
Honorable Mentions
Honorable mentions go to Bao Boa and Manolo Bakes!
Bao Boa is an Asian fusion restaurant that serves all your favorites: bao buns, noodles, rice and more! The food is amazing – rich, flavorful and sure to satisfy your Asian food cravings. Pictured: a mojito and stir fried sweet potato noodle japchae!
Manolo Bakes is one of the nicer cafe chains in Barcelona. If you’re looking for croissants and coffee, it’s a reliable spot! However, I went for a toasted panini, and it was a good start to a day of running errands.
Thanks for Reading!
Planning a trip to Europe? Check out my posts about Santorini and Sitges Carnival!
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