Barcelona has an abundance of some of the best restaurants in Spain, offering authentic Spanish cuisine such as the ever-popular tapas dishes. As Barcelona is by the Mediterranean, many of the local restaurants represent traditional Catalonian dishes with an array of fresh seafood available on the menu.

With such a wide choice available it can be difficult to know whether a bar is serving true Spanish cuisine or just marketing itself at the tourist market. However, our selection of the best restaurants in Barcelona offers distinctly traditional cuisine using the best of fresh ingredients.

The Best Spanish Restaurants in Barcelona

Take a look at 5 of the best Spanish Restaurants in Barcelona that we'd highly recommend booking during your stay in the Catalan capital.

Bodega Joan (Carrer del Rosselló, 164, 08036 Barcelona)

This restaurant offers amazing quality Spanish cuisine, with its focus mainly on tapas dishes or food cooked on the BBQ. Although be warned, the Jamon Iberico is so good you might not want to eat it anywhere else!

The daily menu of seasonal paella is freshly made each day, along with an incredible aroma as it leaves the kitchen it's a winning combination of delicious flavours. The atmosphere at Bodega is nice and relaxed, allowing you to choose a starter of Spanish garlic prawns or even their Galician octopus!

Season (Carrer d'Aribau, 125, 08036 Barcelona)

This is a fabulous gourmet tapas restaurant, famous for providing ‘new classics‘ of Catalan-style cuisine. Diners are invited to a contemporary mix of Spanish tradition, combined with a modern twist.

The fresh, seasonal menu is tailored to delicious Catalan dishes, paired with superb Spanish wines. Chefs take on seafood paella and the Catalan cured meat platters are just divine!

Louro (Rambla de los Capuchinos, 37, Principal, 08002 Barcelona)

Situated on the famous La Rambla, Louro comes highly recommended among the locals as one of the best Spanish restaurants in Barcelona. As a modern Spanish restaurant, fresh seafood that's rich in Galician fare is presented in a creative and decadent style.

We recommend looking out for these dishes in particular: spicy smoked sardines, crunchy octopus, scallop’s gratin and Galician beef filet. Alternatively, how about a unique take on the calamari sandwich?

Teatro (Avenida del Paralelo 164, Barcelona)

Previously known as the legendary Tickets, the Barcelona restaurant remains the place to go for a pre-show meal. Not only is it adjacent to the Teatre Apolo but it's most certainly one of the best Spanish restaurants in the neighbourhood.

The varied menu remains relatively traditional, with its light snacks, selection of tapas and larger classical dishes. Before your meal, why not relax and order a cocktail in the backstage bar?

Alkimia (Ronda de Sant Antoni, 41, 08011 Barcelona)

Lastly on our list of top Spanish restaurants in Barcelona is this high-end Michelin Starred offering, with a menu infused with traditional Catalan cuisine.

Alkimia is an ideal setting for couples looking for a romantic atmosphere, with stylish and upmarket food and drink. Serving the likes of crayfish and prawn tartare, mackerel "a la flama" and a pork crackling croissant with Catalan cream. This is a great place to go for a celebration!

Best Spanish Restaurants in Barcelona

If you are in the throes of planning a trip to the coast of Spain, our personal selection of Spanish restaurants in Barcelona has been chosen for their unique take on traditional cuisine.

An introduction to Spanish tapas in Barcelona

Get ready to set your taste buds alight and enjoy sampling the very best Spanish tapas by reading this article An introduction to Spanish tapas in Barcelona