Barcelona is one of the most visited places in Catalonia of Spain having millions of tourists coming to the city every year. It’s no surprise that this Mediterranean island is full of visitors, with it’s amazing buildings, gorgeous beaches, and cultural heritage. However, hunting for good restaurants could be very frustrating for the tourist especially when you are confronted with a large number of fake restaurants that have been built to exploit the tourist. In this blog post, you will read about the less-known places where people of Barcelona go to grab a bite, so you have the best possible dining experience.

1. Gràcia Neighborhood

Located less popular than other districts but very cozy, Gràcia district is where you will find the atmosphere of a bohemian district with local restaurants. You should wander about the small Gothic streets with their small families’ run restaurants and tapas bars where locals come.

Restaurant Recommendation: Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)

The locals call the place Can Paixano or La Xampanyeria, and recommended it for its tasty tapas and quite affordable sparkling wine. The place is filled with the energy of a Spanish bar and it is a perfect fit to taste the authentic national plates.

2. Sant Antoni Market

:named Sant Antoni Market which is in Eixample district, it is a perfect place for food lovers. This is is a local market which is used by the residents as well as tourist in the area since they have fresh foods and other products such as meat and fish.

Street Food Recommendation: Els Tres Porquets

For an easy and delicious snack check out Els Tres Porquets, a tiny bar inside the Sant Antoni Market. Please be in awe with their sandwiches that they prepared from organic and fresh foods like Iberian ham and the finest bread.

3. Poble-Sec District

As you can guess, being located near popular attractions such as Montjuïc and Magic Fountain, the Poble-Sec district is perfect for foodies. There are many local restaurants and modern bistros which have started to appear here in this upcoming area.

Tapas Recommendation: Quimet & Quimet

Everyone should visit Quimet & Quimet which serves some of the most delicious tapas I’ve come across as well as other delicious food. This small bar has a rather delicious range of preserved fish, cheeses and wines. Stay on your feet as it is cramped but it’s a good idea to wait.

4. Gràcia Mercat

One more fantastic local market to consider is Gràcia Mercat located in the area of the Gràcia district. Octagonal covered market with a fantastic range of fresh food including meat, cheese, vegetables and fruit.

Restaurant Recommendation: Bar Tomás

For some of the best patatas bravas you’re likely to taste outside Barcelona, try Bar Tomás. This local institution has been offering this delicious dish called patatas bravas in town for more than 50 years. Experience this timeless Spanish dish accompanied by their tasty garlic mayonnaise and hot tomato coulis.

5. Barceloneta District

If you want to have dinner with live views to the beach not in the most crowded places with tourists then you should go to the Barceloneta district. This beautiful sea side location has more of seafood joints that give you a view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Seafood Recommendation: Can Majó

Walking around, taste freshly cooked seafood in the most popular with locals Can Majó restaurant. Tuck into their hearty paella, grilled fish and other local catalan food delicacies in the backdrop of the sea breeze.

In any foreign country, it is always wise to learn a few words of the local language to make your eating experience and respect for the people of Barcelona better. Furthermore, make sure to know the opening hours of the restaurants because most of the eating places in Spain shut down any time between 2 and 4 pm to resume later in the evening.

When you’re traveling in Barcelona and switch from the dining places that are favorite with tourists, you have the chance to taste Catalonia. Be sure to pay attention to the food and enjoy he delicious dishes characteristic for the city and establish unforgettable memories.