I’m a huge foodie, and the main reason I was looking forward to moving to Barcelona was for the food, and boy has it delivered! Here are some must-visit restaurants in Barcelona, guaranteed to have you coming back for more!
For casual & fun: Pura Brasa
Located in Placa Espanya, Pura Brasa is a concept restaurant. Their mission? Combine healthy eating with the art of food. As a foodie, that’s music to my ears. I came here when I first moved in June with my Mum. As she can’t have gluten, finding her food in Barcelona was tough. However, Pura Brasa had a gluten free menu and they weren’t short of food. We went twice – it was that good! The restaurant evoked a back to basics, surf and turf casual atmosphere with a unique experience. Inside, you have a full view of the kitchen, which all added to the fun. They also have a gourmet shop attached, so you can buy some of the food that you’ve eaten.
Try the Donosti T Bone Steak, I have steak rarely but when I do I have it medium. The steak is cooked so well and the chips were crispy and so tasty! And for dessert? You have to go for the Chocolate Bombs! Think warm reversed profiteroles: warm chocolate filled pastry with a side of cream.
If you fancy a treat: Elephant Restaurant and Lounge
I came here on a Christmas work party, so it isn’t as budget friendly as other restaurants. However, it is worth being on this list, as the food was incredible and sometimes you need to treat yourself! Elephant Restaurant and Lounge is located right by Passeig de Gracia, surrounded by shops, bars and other sophisticated buildings. Their mediterranean and asian fusion-style mix is instantly recognisable from the furniture, with a Buddha in the middle of the floor, and gold and black furniture.
While I didn’t settle the bill myself, the presentation suggested that it was pricey – however, I would argue, definitely worth it. I’ve never been one for luxury dining or shopping, but the amount of food we had suggested it was good value for money. We had part of a set menu, which comprised of 4 delicious starters, my favourite being the Huevos Rotos con Jamon (basically poached egg with chips and ham). It was delicious, and incredibly filling! For dessert: a rich Chocolate Cake. I was glad I was wearing a baggy dress – if I was wearing a bodycon I would have been in trouble!
For pure flavour: Mi Rincon
A cosy and quaint Colombian restaurant, Mi Rincon is right on my doorstep, located in the Eixample Dreta district and only 3 minutes walk from the Sagrada Familia. How I went 7 months without noticing it is a mystery, but luckily on New Years Eve it was spotted by my best friend. She has South American routes, so she knows her stuff – and when she gasped at the menu, I knew it was going to be good! We sat outside in the lovely terrace, people watching (as you do). We both ordered the cane sugar with lemon drink. I was wary as I can be very plain with my food and drink choices, but it was amazing – not what I expected! I also had a mango smoothie, which was incredible.
Foodwise, as I struggled with the language barrier, I played it safe with croquettes and patatas bravas. Both were incredible, with equally incredible value for money: usually with tapas in the centre you would pay €5 – €6 for 3 croquettes, but I played the same for 7. I still get nervous with my Spanish, but the staff were lovely and encouraged me to do the best I can!
For Vegan & Vegetarian: Veggie Garden
Last but not least, the cute and charming vegetarian and vegan restaurant Veggie Garden is located a 5 minute walk from the centre of town. Contrary to Elephant Restaurant and Lounge, Veggie Garden is very cheap! For 3 of us we had 2 drinks each and a meal each, as well as guacamole and bread, for €41.
We started off with chai tea, which warmed us up. We then ordered a thali, which was 3 different veggie curries, rice, bhaji, poppadum and chutney. This veggie dish completely blew my mind – it was amazing! The guacamole was incredible, and I’d recommend the indian nachos with it. Overall, I was really surprised how much I loved the cuisine here. As someone who lives off chicken, it was nice to have a break!
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