8 Unmissable Lunch Spots in Barcelona That Locals Love

Lunch in Barcelona, when done right, offers tremendous quality at affordable prices. In Spain, lunch is the main meal of the day. Many restaurants serve a “menú del día”—a fixed-price lunch that usually includes a primero (first course), a segundo (second course), and postre (dessert). Additionally, it is typically cheaper than ordering à la carte. If you get lucky, the menu will come with wine.

Ironically, though the menu started in the 60s to boost tourism, most tourists do not know about it. Alongside the menú del día, you will discover countless local food options. Therefore, you can try traditional Catalan cuisine, Spanish tapas, and paella. To help you enjoy the essentials, we have compiled a list of Barcelona’s best restaurants and local spots.

La Pubilla

La Pubilla is a Gracia neighborhood classic. You will find it right in front of Mercat de la Llibertat. The vibrant spot serves one of Barcelona’s best menús de día. For approximately €20, you enjoy three generously sized and creative market dishes. For example, you might try leeks confit with ibérico and bearnaise sauce, mar i muntanya rice with chicken and razor clams, or homemade tarte tatin. Either reserve in advance or arrive early—it usually fills up quickly.

Insider’s tip: They also serve esmorzars de forquilla, which means “hearty Catalan breakfasts,” every day from 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Two of the most important Catalan food groups at La Pubilla: pan con tomate and cured meats. Photo credit: Kent Wang

Boro Bar

If you want lunch in Barcelona to surprise you, visit Boro Bar. Located in the Eixample neighborhood, this spot opened in 2021. Despite being new, it already wows both tourists and locals.

Their menu del dia currently costs €17.50. While this price is on the higher end, you definitely get your money’s worth. Expect creative spins on local food and Catalan classics. Sometimes, you might even get a tapas-style starter or a rice dish that rivals the city’s best paella. Since the menu changes weekly, you will always find something new and exciting.

Insider Tip: Do not miss their patatas bravas. They serve some of the city’s best!

Goliard

Tucked into a side street of Gràcia, Goliard stands as another local institution. Here, you can taste creative Catalan-inspired dishes such as duck confit croquetas and octopus with pancetta and parmentier. Try the classic mel i mató—a fresh Catalan dessert cheese with honey. The deal includes a glass of wine, and you often get to share some of the city’s best tapas and other local food.

Insider’s tip: At night, they offer a nine-course tasting menu. It might be Barcelona’s best affordable menú de degustación.

• Why visit Goliard?

  • Creative Catalan-inspired dishes

  • Generous portions

  • Wine included in the menu

  • Excellent night tasting menu

  • Warm, local atmosphere

Mel i mató proves that some of the best things in life are the simplest. Photo credit: Quim Gil

A Pluma

A Pluma is El Bulli alum Eugeni De Diego’s take on pollo a l’ast (roast chicken). He drew inspiration from a joint in Empuriabrava, where he and El Bulli colleagues would eat after work. A Pluma elevates the traditional rotisserie and gives it a gourmet twist.

Come hungry and share everything. Start with the tomato salad and eggplant miso. Next, order the pollo a l’ast con salsa and fried chicken strips. For dessert, do not skip the balsamic pineapple. While A Pluma is not a typical paella or tapas bar, it offers a fresh take on Catalan classics.

Mabel the Granja

Located near Parc de la Ciutadella Gran, Mabel the Granja is a family-run favorite. Many know it for its tasty bocatas. Still, their menu del dia gives you some of the city’s best value for money.

Jordi, the owner, left the family business to learn more before returning. You can see his growth reflected in the menu. While you will find traditional favorites here, they add just enough international flair to keep things interesting. Expect a relaxing setting and a mix of Catalan cuisine and creative local food.

Casa Xica

If you are visiting Poble Sec, Casa Xica is essential. Chefs and owners Marc Santamaria and Raquel Blasco fuse local flavors with ideas from their travels.

For instance, their calamari tartare takes cues from Japan but pairs with an Andalusian ajoblanco featuring coconut milk and lime for a Thai twist. At lunchtime, enjoy an exceptional €10 dish of the day, which includes a drink and dessert. If you want a unique take on tapas or Catalan cuisine, choose Casa Xica.

Quimet i Quimet

Open since 1914, Quimet i Quimet remains one of Barcelona’s most traditional tavernas. While it gets crowded at night, you can usually find a spot at lunchtime.

This family-owned spot is famous for its montaditos—open-faced sandwiches on crispy baguette slices. You can choose from more than 30 varieties. They also serve an excellent selection of classic tapas and conservas—gourmet preserves in cans or jars. If you want iconic Barcelona tapas, this is a must-visit.

You will not struggle to find a drink with your food, thanks to their vast wine collection. Photo credit: Kent Wang

La Tere Gastrobar

When you want lunch in Barcelona without the crowds of La Rambla, choose Sants’ La Tere Gastrobar. This sleek, airy eatery offers a great midday deal for around €14. Their creative tapas selection stands out.

Insider Tip: Try their creative twist on pulpo a la gallega—two grilled octopus legs atop Barcelona’s creamiest potato parmentier. The inventive tapas and local flavors make it a top pick for fans of Catalan tradition.

FAQ: Lunch in Barcelona

What time is lunch usually served in Barcelona?
Lunch in Barcelona typically starts at 1:30 p.m. and ends around 3:30 p.m. Restaurants serve their menú del día during these hours.

What is a menú del día and how does it work?
A menú del día is a fixed-price lunch menu. Most restaurants offer:

• A first course

• A second course

• Dessert (postre)

• A drink (often wine)

It is one of the best ways to try local food, from Catalan classics to tapas and paella, at a great price.

Is paella a common lunch dish in Barcelona?
Paella comes from Valencia, but it is very popular in Barcelona. Many restaurants offer it at lunch, especially on weekends or as a special. It’s a delicious way to sample a Spanish classic.

Can I find good tapas for lunch in Barcelona?
Absolutely! Tapas are essential to Barcelona’s food culture. Many restaurants serve both traditional and creative tapas for lunch. You can enjoy several small plates with your meal.

Where can I try traditional Catalan cuisine at lunch?
Many of the restaurants above, such as La Pubilla and Goliard, focus on Catalan classics. The menú del día often includes these dishes.

Want to connect with locals and try essential Catalan dishes in a traditional neighborhood? Join our Taste Barcelona Like a Local: Gracia Neighborhood Food Tour! For the true Catalan experience of hole-in-the-wall gems serving up home-cooked classics and regulars-only bodegas, you can’t do any better than Gracia—and on this food tour, we’ll show you where to find the best of the best.