Where to Eat in Barcelona
Bacoa Burger
Bacoa is the perfect spot to satisfy your burger cravings and hunger, thanks to the generous portion sizes. Not only are the burgers delicious, but they’re also affordable. It’s a popular spot among locals in Barcelona as well. The ordering process here is a bit different: you grab a paper menu, mark what you want (which helps avoid any miscommunication), pay, and then wait for your meal to be served. Once your food arrives, you can dive in and enjoy!
One of the highlights is their handmade sauces, which are absolutely tasty. Be sure to try the ones available in the bottles on the table. I’ve been to both the Barcelona location twice, as well as the one in Madrid, and each time I’ve left completely satisfied.
Makamaka Burger
Our first visit to Makamaka, located by the beach, was with the intention of having some cocktails. The atmosphere is great—casual yet chic. It’s popular with both young people and those young at heart. On weekends, you might have to wait in line. We did wait and afterward said it was well worth it after a long chat. The large pitcher of Kahuna Mojito went well with the conversation. It’s sweeter than a regular mojito but not a particularly special flavor. We also ordered some fries to share, but they were too salty for my taste.
We went with the classic Topless Burger and parmesan fries on the side, and thankfully, I liked the fries this time. The burger was decent, but I’ve already shared my go-to spot for burgers in Barcelona in a previous post. My friends who I’ve recommended this place to also tend to really like the ambiance.
Bar Morryssom’s
This is a local recommendation for tapas. We ordered patatas bravas (potatoes with sauce), calamari, mushrooms in a casserole, and bread with tomatoes to share. They also brought us some baby cuttlefish, which we hadn’t ordered, but when we mentioned this, they told us it was on the house, winning us over. The cuttlefish turned out to be one of the tastiest dishes. What we ordered was more than enough for three hungry people. It’s a good choice for an affordable and satisfying tapas experience.
Tosca Tapas y Vino
Tosca Tapas y Vino is located right across from Petit Palau, which offers stunning photo opportunities after dark. I ended up choosing this place when the spots I originally marked were closed. Seeing the crowd and finding the prices on the menu reasonable made it an easy decision. I opted for the chef’s salad since I had already consumed too many carbs that day. The salad was delicious, but it might not be filling enough if you’re really hungry. The ambiance is dim and romantic, adding to the charm of the experience.
Macchina Pasta Bar
Macchina was a place I always passed by, with its eye-catching red decor, but I had never gone inside. During my November 2024 visit, I walked past the branch near the University stop and decided to trust the people dining there and give it a try. The pasta is cooked right in front of you, which I think is a big plus. You place your order first and then find a seat. I chose the truffle pasta, and I was genuinely satisfied with its taste. I usually don’t like spending money on pasta outside, but this one was worth it. The seating area is also spacious. The only downside for me was that you have to pick up your own order.
La Poma
I was a bit hesitant about La Poma since it’s located on La Rambla, but when I saw as many locals as tourists inside, I felt more at ease. The mushroom pizza and calamari were quite tasty, and the prices were reasonable.
Honest Greens
If you’ve read my other posts, you’ll know Honest Greens is one of the chains I always end up visiting during my trips to Spain and Portugal. I find it reliable in terms of taste and hygiene, plus it’s filling. They have meat options as well as vegan dishes. It’s one of those places where you can find everything. The Barcelona location is, as expected, busy, but the line moves quickly. You can drink as much water or vitamin-packed juices as you want with their refillable cups. The portions are large.
True Burgers
After devouring a huge plate of pasta at Macchina, my body was screaming for protein just three hours later. While walking back to the hotel, I found myself muttering, “Meat, I need meat!” One part of me was saying, “Just go back to the hotel and sleep, you’re full,” while the other was practically begging for meat. Just as I was about to reach the hotel, I spotted True Burgers. A quick check on Maps for the reviews, and I was already inside.
It looked like a tiny place at first, but the seating area upstairs was surprisingly spacious. I went for the classic cheeseburger, and despite its generous size, I devoured the whole thing—no leftovers in sight! It was delicious, and if you’re a fan of smash-style burgers, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.
100 Montaditos
This is one of the chain restaurants which can be found in different parts of Spain. The one in Barcelona, as expected, is very crowded. You shouldn’t go starving, as you’ll need to be ready to wait. There are 100 types of sandwiches and snacks, but the sandwiches are tiny. If you want to be full, you’ll need to eat at least 4-5 of them. The prices are affordable. I don’t have any complaints about the taste, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the wait.
Granja Petitbo
I’m not sure if I liked this place. Maybe it was because the staff wouldn’t let me sit where I wanted, even though the place was empty. The ambiance is nice, with a vintage yet simple feel.
On the menu, the burger seems like the safest option. The burger wasn’t bad. Their chicken has received good reviews, but ever since I got food poisoning abroad a few years ago, I avoid chicken, especially when I’m alone. The portions are large, but the prices are a bit higher than average.
If you’re interested in the best cafés in Barcelona, check out my post, as café-hopping is something I’m even better at than eating!
