Cheap eats guide to Barcelona
Inspiring architecture, fantastic flavours, action-packed nightlife, year-round great weather and a billion awesome things to do any time of day… from beach volleyball and open-air vintage markets when the sun is shining to street parties, fiestas and carnivals when it goes down-what is there not to love about Barcelona? Inspired by Gaudi, the citizens have a zest for challenging boundaries and living life to the fullest. Here’s some tips from me and some locals of their favourite cheap eats in Barcelona
Where to eat in Barcelona
1. Jai-Ca
Address: Carrer de Ginebra, 13, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
If you are a proper foodie and seafood lover like me, then while passing through La Barceloneta, please make a point of stopping by at Jai-Ca , an authentic seafood tapas bar tucked away a few blocks from the seafront. Its your typical neighbourhood tapas joint packed mainly with locals. The tapas bar specialises in an excellent selection of thoroughly unhealthy, delicious Spanish tapas. Highlights of their menu include the pulpo (octopus), patatas bravas, the razor clams and their signature snails.
2. Cala del Vermut
Address: Carrer de les Magdalenes, 12, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Another favourite of mine whenever I’m back in Barcelona is Cala del Vermut , a Catalan diner situated in the tiny back streets of the Barri Gotic. There is little standing room, forget any seats.It’s in the style of a traditional tapas bar where you can have a quick drink and tapas on the go in between your travels or maybe as a starting point of your day/evening. Speciality here is their draft vermouth and anchovies from L’Escala. From a few euros you can treat yourself to a choice of cold and hot tapas dishes like Patatas Bravas, snails, Buñuelos de bacalao (cod fritters), Jamón de Jabugo , Pan Con tomate, and Pimientos Padrón-all were superb.
3. El Nacional
Address: Pg. de Gràcia, 24 Bis, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Bit pricy but worth it, definitely recommend visiting El Nacional on Passeig de Gracia. This venue hosts four different restaurants in one, so you can sample the full spectrum of Spanish cuisine, from its fish to the tapas. It opened recently and it’s one of the trendiest places in the city.
4. Teresa Carles
Carrer de Jovellanos, 2, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Teresa Carles next to Placa Cataluyna is one of the best-known veggie restaurants in the city and for a good reason. From tasty soups to crunchy crepes filled with artichokes to seitan burgers, this is wholesome and very tasty food. Their menu del dia ( menu of the day) which includes starter, mains and a fruit salad for €16.25 is superb value. For those who’d rather try a “flexetarian“ option, owners have opened sister restaurant Flax & Kale a few metres away.
5. Mercat de Santa Caterina
Barcelona has some wonderful food markets but avoid at all costs the touristy Mercat de la Boqueria. Good alternative to and located in the city centre is Mercat de Santa Caterina .If possible, pay attention to the roof of this building, which is truly unique. I’m also a big fan of Mercat de l’Abaceria in Gracia which remains devoid of tourists.
6. Chen Ji
Address: Carrer d’Alí Bei, 65, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is home for a large group of Chinese restaurants, and Chen Ji might be one of the more authentic ones. Best Chinese food going and amazing prices ( from €6 , but keep in mind you’re in for a hectic meal).
7. Bar Tomas
Address: Carrer Major de Sarrià, 49, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
Bar Tomas is the place to go for tasting the best patatas bravas in town, as any local will tell you. It’s a bit out of the way, which will give you a good excuse to explore the upper class neighbourhood of Sarria.
“Our personal favorite tapas bar in Barcelona is Bar Cañete. This place is amazing!!! A bit on the high end for the tapas scene, it is a blend of traditional tapas and luxury dining, but, at a reasonable price. It is really not unaffordable, and certainly worth every penny.”
Leighton Shuey, Sant Jordi Hostels
8. Nostrum – Mum’s food to takeaway
Provença 209 and Rambla Catalunya, 20
Cost: Dishes from just €1
Nostrum is a chain of take away food, very much used by busy workers. You also have the possibily to eat in and they have microwaves available in the same shop with some tables and chairs to enjoy the food. I like the food and they have a wide variety of dishes: soups, pasta, rice, veggies, meat, fish, croquettes and desserts, fruit etc.. The price is very good, I like their salads and pasta dishes. They have delicious croquettes as well. Great deal, huh? Healthy and cheap as chips. It is a franchise. On their website you can find different shops around Barcelona. I have listed the address of two of them above.
9.) Grup Andilana Restaurants- La Rita & Miu
Miu: Carrer de València, 249, 08007 Barcelona
La Rita: Carrer d’Aragó, 279, 08009 Barcelona
Cost: Between €10-€15 euros per person
They have a few restaurants in Barcelona, I have tried many- my favorites are La Rita and Miu. They have dishes from €9-10 with wide variety of dishes on their menu with fish, meat, rice, veggies…
Miu is a Japanese restaurant in the city center with lovely sushi, my favorite flying fish roe and amazing desserts. I loved their green tea tiramisú. La Rita is a Catalan food restaurant in the city center . My favourites here are their bravas with chistorra , red chorizo, cod with sanfaina and a catalan sauce. They also have a daily lunch menu from Sunday to Thursday for €24.50 per person with a starter , 2 main dishes, dessert, a drink and bread included.
10. ) Las Fernandez
C/Carretas 11
Cost:- Dishes from €8.50
The perfect stop in El Raval to have some typical food from Leon . The amazing dish you have to try here is the Papa don’t preach- fried potatoes with a spinach sauce. Very tasty. My favorite is bacon rolls -shoulder of pork- stuffed with avocado au gratin. You can have a full dish or half, depending if you decide to go for different tapas. I love to share dishes and for this is the perfect place to go with friends.
11.) Tacos Tacos
Poble sec. C/Tapioles 9
Cost: 1 taco from €2.20
Barcelona is filled with great and affordable taco restaurants and Tacos Tacos is a great, cheap mexican restaurant. Great burritos and of course tacos, the name of the tacos are swear words which makes it fun to order! My recommendation is Tinga de pollo (chicken burrito) and the tacos are all very good, my favorites are: Gilipollas! (onion black pudding) and Hijo de la chingada ( chicken with mole). They have great nachos with guacamole too!
Tacos Tacos: C/Tapioles 9
About the author
Meritxell is a tourism professional and a traveller from Barcelona, she loves her city and Catalonia, and in her blog Tourismwithme she explains how to know better Barcelona and Catalonia like a local.
