Food and drink in Barcelona

Spanish cuisine is known and appreciated all over the globe. Therefore, if you are one of its lovers you need to explore Barcelona restaurants and bars in order to taste real Spanish flavors and do nothing more but enjoying yourself. We will try to give you some brief information connected with Barcelona food and drink, so that you know what is especially recommended and which places simply must be visited.

As far as main Spanish meals are concerned, there are some facts you should be aware of. First of all, breakfast is not really so celebrated in Barcelona, as most people eat something on their way to work. Lunch, which is eaten between 2pm and 4pm, is the main meal of the day. Finally, Spaniards usually have their dinner before 9pm. However some of them prefer to eat it later. It is possible, as most of Barcelona restaurants are open until 1am, and their kitchens operate to about 11.30pm.  

There are plenty of places which serve extremely delicious food in Barcelona. They range from the ones which specialize in filled rolls (entrepans/bocadillos) to snack places (tapas). What’s more, you can also make use of other Barcelona spots, such as restaurants, beer bars or taverns. As far as Barcelona restaurants are concerned, you need to know that a marisqueria specializes in seafood, while a meson usually serves more modern food.

Let’s concentrate on the main Barcelona meals for a while. A coffee with a sort of pastry is a typical breakfast in the city. You may choose a croissant or a cream-filled cake, such as canya. Of course, you may decide on a different, more solid meal, and eat a toasted ham and cheese. You can also decide on a torrada, an open toasted sandwich with something on besides butter, depending on your preferences. Another option, which is however not often chosen is xurros amb xocolata/churros con chocolate places, where you are able to taste some pastry immersed in thick, hot chocolate.

Lunches and dinners are much more important meals in Barcelona. Tourists often decide on a set-price meal, which usually comprises of three courses with a drink, and costs between 6 to 25 Euro, depending on a place. If you want to spend more on food, and try really fantastic dishes, you are advised to order a la carte. It consists of starters, for instance salads or soups, as well as other dishes, for instance potato salad with olives, asparagus, anchovies and a selection of cold meat and cheese.

As far as Barcelona desserts are concerned, you can count on such specialties as ice cream  or fruit and flans. And if you are the one who cannot live without eating something sweet, you should look for special places which are known for sweets, for example crema Catalana and experience unforgettable flavors of Barcelona.    

If you want to taste as much as it is only possible, you should definitely try different kinds of Barcelona drinks. It means delicious coffee, tea and numerous soft drinks. Moreover, Barcelona  alcoholic beverages, wine and beer are also worth tasting.

One is sure, if you want to get to know Barcelona, it is impossible to do it without trying local flavors. It is not only a pleasure, but also a fantastic lesson of Spanish tradition. Therefore, you ought to pay special attention to regional dishes and drinks.