My Favorite Food Spots in Barcelona 2025
After years of exploring Barcelona, I've found my go-to spots for everything from morning coffee to late-night shawarma. These aren't the tourist traps on Las Ramblas - these are the places where I actually spend my time and money. Whether you're looking for a quiet study spot, a place to catch up with friends, or somewhere to grab dinner after our Tuesday events, I've got you covered.
Let's dive into my favorite local spots organized by what you're looking for.
For Coffee & Study Sessions
OK Coffee & Bakery - Eixample
Location: Carrer d'Aragó, 190, L'Eixample, 08011
Best for:
- Long study sessions with laptop
- Meeting friends for coffee
- Instagram-worthy aesthetics
- Fresh pastries and brownies
- Feeling like you are in your own cozy offoce with endless supplies
What to know:
- White space with pastel shades and wooden designs (very Pinterest-like)
- Featured in multiple "best coffee shops in Barcelona" lists
- Popular with students and remote workers
- Artworks on the walls add depth and character
- Great selection of cakes and freshly baked brownies
- Quality specialty coffee that justifies camping out for hours
Price range: €€ (student budget-friendly)
My take: This is my second home. Seriously. The vibe is perfect for getting work done, the staff doesn't rush you out, and the coffee is actually good. Plus, when you need a brain break, those brownies are dangerous.
Brooklyn Cafe - Les Corts & Multiple Locations
Locations:
- Calle Europa, 28 (my favorite one!)
- Comte d'Urgell, 280
- Poble Nou (headquarters)
Best for:
- Quality specialty coffee
- Brunch and bagels
- Relaxed atmosphere for conversations
What to know:
- Beautifully crafted woody interior
- Calm atmosphere perfect for relaxation
- Excellent outdoor seating for people-watching
- Serves sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, and salads
- Tasty fruitcake, bagels, and cheesecakes
- Rich Colombian coffee options
- Plant-based milk choices
- Friendly staff and reasonable prices
Price range: €€
Instagram: @brooklyn_cafe_bcn Website: brooklyncafebcn.com
My take: If OK Coffee is full (which happens), Brooklyn Cafe is my backup. Multiple locations means you can usually find a spot, and their bagels are legit good. The outdoor seating is perfect when the weather's nice.
For Lunch & Healthy Options
Honest Greens - Multiple Locations
Barcelona Locations:
- Rambla de Catalunya, 3
- Westfield Glòries - Avinguda Diagonal 208
- Born - Pla de Palau 11
- Barceloneta (we usually end up here after the running events)
- Tuset
- Las Ramblas
Best for:
- Healthy, customizable bowls
- Dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, keto)
- Post-workout meals
- Meeting health-conscious friends
- Quick but quality lunch
What to know:
- Simple formula: choose protein + sauce + accompaniment
- Entire menu gluten-free (except artisan bread)
- Serves every kind of eater (vegetarian, plant-based, keto)
- Popular items: Latin Lover bowl, Avocado Supergreen, Pulled Pork, White Tuna Tataki
- Breakfast options: Eggs Florentine with salmon, protein-power overnight oats, ricotta pancakes
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower and Hummus to share
- Matcha Love Cheesecake for dessert
Price range: €€-€€€
Website: honestgreens.com
My take: When you want to feel good about what you're eating but don't want to sacrifice taste, this is the spot. The bowl customization means you never get bored, and having so many locations across the city is super convenient.
For Dinner & Authentic Flavors
Xian Restaurant - Gothic Quarter
Locations:
- Carrer de Ferran, 39
- Carrer d'Avinyó, 36
Best for:
- Authentic Chinese food
- Budget-friendly dinner
- Central location after sightseeing
- Handmade dumplings and noodles
What to know:
- Two locations in the Gothic Quarter
- Traditional handmade Chinese food
- Specialties: Xian rice, spring rolls, ramen, dumplings
- Very close to Las Ramblas and Gothic Quarter attractions
- Casual, no-frills atmosphere
- Very good quality for a small price
- Mixed to positive reviews overall
Price range: € (budget-friendly!)
Website: xianbarcelona.com
My take: This is my go-to when I'm craving real Chinese food without breaking the bank. The dumplings are handmade, and you can tell. Actually good food at honest prices and facny decor as well! Perfect for a casual dinner.
NAP (Neapolitan Authentic Pizza) - Barceloneta
Main Location: C Baluard, 69, Barceloneta (NAP Mar)
Other locations: NAP Antic, NAP Molino
Best for:
- Authentic Neapolitan pizza
- Beachside dinner
- Date nights
- Italian food cravings
What to know:
- AVPN certified (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana)
- Wood-fired pizzas from Naples tradition
- Slow fermentation dough, supreme quality ingredients
- Popular pizzas: Margarita, Diavola (spicy salami), Crudo Parma (prosciutto & arugula)
- Takeaway margaritas around €6.90
- Excellent tiramisu
- The Barceloneta location perfect for beach vibes
Price range: €€
Phone: 930073639 Email: [email protected] Website: napofficial.com
My take: When I want pizza, I don't mess around - I go to NAP. The crust is exactly what Neapolitan pizza should be: puffy, charred in spots, soft in the middle. Get the Diavola if you like a bit of spice, and absolutely do not skip the tiramisu.
Mustà Shawarma - Gràcia
Location: Carrer de Mozart, 4, Gràcia (Metro: Fontana, L3)
Best for:
- Late-night food after events
- Authentic Syrian/Arabic cuisine
- Post-Tuesday event dinner (near El Sabor Cubano)
- Budget-friendly authentic flavors
What to know:
- Syrian restaurant
- Everything made in-house: hummus, falafel, kafta, shish taouk, shawarma
- Lamb or chicken shawarma with tahini or spicy house sauce
- Real lamb seasoned and roasted on spit
- Described as "possibly the best Barcelona kebab"
- Perfectly spiced artisan meat
Price range: € (very budget-friendly)
My take: This is THE spot after our Tuesday events at El Sabor Cubano - they're practically neighbors in Gràcia. After dancing salsa, nothing hits like Mustafa's shawarma. The meat quality is seriously impressive for the price, and the house spicy sauce is addictive. This is what authentic Syrian food should taste like.
Have your own favorite local spot in Barcelona? Tag us on social media @barcelonainternationalsocial - I'm always looking for new places to add to my rotation!
Bon profit (that's "enjoy your meal" in Catalan)!
Sara