CATALAN CUISINE: THE TOP 5 CATALAN RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA

When coming to Barcelona you will definitely want to try some Spanish tapas, paella and tortilla de patatas. Did you know, though, that these meals are not from Barcelona, or even Catalonia? Well, I highly recommend you to try them, but you should not miss some typical Catalan dishes either. Fortunately, there is a great deal of traditional Catalan restaurants in Barcelona. I think that you absolutely should add trying at least one of my top 5 Catalan restaurants in Barcelona to your To-Do-List!

1. 7 Portes

“Practice makes perfect”, right? Well, that is why the traditional restaurant 7 Portes, in the El Born district, is regarded as one of the best traditional restaurants in Barcelona: It was founded in 1836! That means... well, wait a second … ok, I have it: 178 years of existence!  In case you are not convinced yet, here are some of their Catalan dishes: fideuà, canelons, Esqueixada de bacallà and much more. Great service, a special atmosphere with live piano music and the most important: great dishes are guaranteed! It will be an unforgettable experience! You won’t regret it, that’s for sure!

• Address: Passeig d'Isabel II, 14
• Phone: 0034 933 193 033/ 0034 933 192 950
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 13 pm – 1 am
• Email for reservations: reserves@7portes.com
• Price: From 30-45 Euros

2. Senyor Parelleda

Another must-try, for those who are willing to taste a typical Catalan dish, is the traditional restaurant Senyor Parelleda, also situated in the beautiful El Born quarter. It is always well patronized, which is, not surprisingly because with the divine food they serve. My advice therefore is definitely to reserve a table! Let’s have a look at some meals they offer, OK? Let’s get started: Esqueixada con escalivada, Bacalao gratinado con alioli de pera y salsa vizcaína and of course the typical pan amb tomate. In case you can still resist, watch out: apart from their delicious kitchen, the special traditional decoration of the place is something you should not miss! What are you waiting for?

• Address: Carrer Argenteria, 37
• Phone: 0034 933 105 094
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 13:00 – 15:45 and 20:30 – 23:30
• Email for reservations: reservas@senyorparellada.com
• Price for Menu: 19-39 Euro

3. Taverna el Glop

You are looking for something traditional, right? And you finally want to try that dish called "calçots", true? Well, then you should undoubtedly try the rustic, informal restaurant El Glop, which is for sure one of the best traditional restaurants in Barcelona. Aside from calçots, they serve as well botifarra Catalana amb mongetes, escalivada amb anchovies and crema catalana, just a few of their mind-blowing dishes. It is situated in the beautiful Gracia district and appropriate for everybody, even for big groups, as they do have three big private rooms and special offers for groups. You see? You can’t miss this, can you?

• Address: Carrer Sant Lluís, 24
• Phone: 0034 932 137 058
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 13 pm – 1 am
• Email for reservations: info@tavernaelglop.com
• Price for Menu: 20,25 - 40,65 Euros

4.  Can Culleretes

Can Culleretes is one of the oldest traditional restaurants in Barcelona, situated in the Gothic quarter and one of the most charming places I have ever been to. The food was a dream, well, you might have assumed that. But that food in combination with the old photos and paintings on the walls made me feel indeed comfortable and so special. The friendly staff contributed to this in great part. Thus, in my opinion it is a MUST during your stay in Barcelona. After that description I’m pretty sure you are dying to get to know what they serve… Well, here we go: escudella, butifarra, asador catalan and much much more. I’m just going to say: Get ready to feel like you're in heaven and bon profit!

• Address: Carrer Quintana, 5
• Phone: 0034 933 173 022 / 0034 933 176 485
• Opening hours:  Tuesday – Saturday 9:00-16:00 and 21:00- 23:00, Sunday 9:00-16:00
• Email: info@culleretes.com
• Price for Menu: 20-30 Euros

5. Cal Boter

Last but not least (actually to the contrary) the number one traditional restaurant in Barcelona of my top 5 list is the restaurant Cal Boter, situated in the Gracia neighborhood. You should not miss it if you fancy something classic, unique and absolutely delicious. Founded in 1986, they please their guests with typical Catalan delicacies, such as xatonada, botifarra, cargols picants and many more. If you're up for some wine, you will love that place even more. Why? The wine of the house is served in a “porrón”, which is a traditional Catalan bottle with a long spout, enabling you to drink from it. Curious what this looks like? I guess so. Don’t forget to reserve, though, it is always packed! Good luck.

• Address: Carrer Tordera 62
• Phone: 0034 934 588 462
• Opening hours: Monday - Friday Breakfast: 9:00 am- 12:00 pm, Monday - Sunday Lunch: 13:00-16:00 pm, Tuesday - Saturday Dinner: 21:00 - 12:00 am
• Price for Menu: 20-30 Euros

Is there any even better Catalan restaurant in Barcelona? Did you like my selection? I’m looking forward to reading your feedback in the comments section. :) Enjoy! Melina