You might’ve been directed here from my blog: Best bars in El Born—A Barcelona favourite, and in that case, you already know a little about my favourite neighbourhood. If not, do check it out to find out where to pop by before your meals, as the Spaniards eat pretty late in the evenings. With little effort we can throw in a little Picasso, the city’s most impressive music venue, the city’s best free food spot, and even medieval jousting. Everybody needs a little medieval jousting.
Let’s get into it then with my dive into the best restaurants in El Born Barcelona.
La Paradeta
Carrer Comercial, 7, 08003 Barcelona
Seafood fans visiting Barcelona, you won’t want to miss this one. A self-service seafood joint where you choose fresh fish from a counter, just like at the market, and they cook it for you right there. Grab a bottle of a local white called Blanc Pescador and make sure you try the chipirones! I was recommended this cuttlefish by a friend and have no regrets to date. You wanna get there early (1:00 pm for lunch and 8:00 pm for dinner) to avoid queueing up.
Spacca Napoli
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 6, 08003 Barcelona
This authentic beauty and its divine polpette (meatballs), paccheri allo scoglio (a seafood stew/pasta combo), and one of the best pizzas in the city is my go-to for an Italian place in the neighbourhood. Don’t miss out on the slow-cooked ragu. The flavour of this slowly simmered sauce is so good you’ll find yourself planning your next holiday to Rome and forget all about Spanish tapas!
Looking for something really authentic? The pasta con patate is a regional speciality. Carbs on carbs was the best surprise I ever received.
En Aparte
Carrer de Lluís el Piadós, 2, 08003
What’s great here is the value of the set menus which are between €15.00 and €20.00 including wine. This French restaurant is a great place to grab a bottle of wine and go all-in with a hard cheese platter. Other highlights on the menu include a gorgeous chevre salad, quiche, and chocolate fondant. It’s recommended to get a table outside for some great al fresco dining.
Bacoa Kiosko Born
Av. del Marquès de l'Argentera, 1, 08003
The patience and quality of a Mediterranean restaurant in combination with an Australian-style BBQ gave birth to Barcelona’s best burgers. A great selection of burgers including organic Pyrenees beef, marinated chicken, lamb and some delicious vegetarian options! Looking for something new? Try the Spanish version with manchego cheese.
The best part? It’s not far from the beach!
El Xampanyet
Carrer de Montcada, 22, 08003
You’ll come across the best tapas in El Born at this family-run restaurant with classics like tortilla de patatas and boquerones (anchovies pickled in vinegar). You may recognise it from Anthony Bourdain’s: No Reservations. Atmosphere? An 11/10. Get there as early as you can or you’ll be lining up.