It’s easy to find tapas in Barcelona. It’s not easy to find great tapas, however. Thankfully, that’s exactly what you’ll discover at Season. The dishes at this under-the-radar treasure are based around seasonal ingredients and mix traditional flavors with a little contemporary flair. The menu is small enough for the chefs to put their all into each dish, yet there’s something for everyone, regardless of diet. You can also pair your tapas with bespoke cocktails, which are mixed to match your meal. For a taste of more traditional Spanish cuisine, consider booking an evening excursion that chaperones you to a paella restaurant before treating you to another great Spanish tradition, a live flamenco performance.

It’s easy to find tapas in Barcelona. It’s not easy to find great tapas, however. Thankfully, that’s exactly what you’ll discover at Season. The dishes at this under-the-radar treasure are based around seasonal ingredients and mix traditional flavors with a little contemporary flair. The menu is small enough for the chefs to put their all into each dish, yet there’s something for everyone, regardless of diet. You can also pair your tapas with bespoke cocktails, which are mixed to match your meal. For a taste of more traditional Spanish cuisine, consider booking an evening excursion that chaperones you to a paella restaurant before treating you to another great Spanish tradition, a live flamenco performance.

Combine lunch with sightseeing at this gorgeous rooftop restaurant, where you can soak up views of the iconic La Sagrada Família and the marvelously modernist Casa Milà building, two masterpieces by Catalonia’s architectural prodigy Antoni Gaudi. As you admire the vista, work your way through light bites and tapas (including the always welcome Barcelona staple, pan con tomate) on the bar snack menu, plus a few of Sir Victor’s brilliant cocktails. We recommend the Umami Old Fashioned made with whisky, shiitake mushrooms and dark beer.

You could argue that this neighborhood institution is more of a café than a restaurant, but once you get inside La Nena and start eyeing up the heavenly baked goods and the famous churros, you won’t care that tapas don’t make an appearance on the menu. There are various breakfast and lunch choices if you’re craving something savory, but our recommendation is to dive head-first into the sweet treats, which include fresh crepes, fluffy pastries, moist cakes and the aforementioned churros, served with a mug full of chocolate sauce. It’s also a lovely place to while away an afternoon, with board games to play while you munch treat after treat.

If the kids aren’t quite sold on tapas, keep them – and yourself – sweet at Pudding, one of the most family-focused eateries in Barcelona. The venue looks more like an enchanted woodland or a Harry Potter set than a restaurant, but the fun doesn’t stop once you’re seated, as there’s also a huge range of arts, crafts, games and books for little ones to get sucked into. If you can tear them away, there’s a selection of homemade sandwiches, salads, breakfast options and delicious cakes to keep the whole brood fuelled.

With so much queso, jamón and pescado around the city, Barcelona might seem a little tricky for vegans and vegetarians, but scratch below the surface and you’ll find that there are tons of great meat-free and wholly vegan eateries. One of the best and most accessible is BarCeloneta, a lively gem near the beach. It offers plant-based versions of Spanish classics like paella (with soy-based prawns, see above), fried calamari and croquettes, washed down with your pick of eight different homemade sangrias or artisan vermouth, wine or beer.

Go global while on your Barcelona gastronomic pilgrimage and duck into this small, popular venue, which offers up all kinds of Asian dishes served tapas-style. There’s dim sum, pho, gyoza, noodles, salads and much more on offer at Mosquito and, thanks to the owner’s passion for craft beer, you’ll find an excellent selection of quality brews to sip.

Led by former El Bulli chefs, Disfrutar promises a culinary adventure with its tasting menus that artfully balance tradition and innovation. The meticulously crafted dishes are presented with a creative flair that surprises and delights, making every course an unexpected journey for the senses. Nestled in the heart of Eixample, this restaurant’s modern interior matches the inventiveness of the food, from liquid gnocchi to whimsical desserts. A favorite for food enthusiasts seeking a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in Barcelona, reservations are highly recommended.

Bar del Pla is the epitome of tapas culture in Barcelona, offering a laid-back atmosphere perfect for mingling with locals over traditional Spanish bites. Located near the Picasso Museum, this bustling spot serves up authentic dishes like patatas bravas, croquettes and mouthwatering Iberian ham, all made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Grab a table and sample their carefully curated wine list while enjoying the warm, casual ambiance that captures the true spirit of Catalonia. It’s the ideal venue for an unpretentious yet delicious tapas experience.

Lluritu is a haven for seafood lovers, where ultra-fresh fare meets a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. Known for its charcoal-grilled octopus, razor clams and whole fish, this popular eatery draws locals and visitors alike with its no-fuss approach to quality seafood. With an open kitchen and a focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, Lluritu provides a taste of the Mediterranean that feels both modern and rustic. Located in Eixample, it’s a must-visit for those craving flavorful seafood in a casual setting.

Cinc Sentits is a celebration of Catalonia’s rich culinary heritage, transformed into contemporary dishes that showcase the region’s finest local ingredients. Led by chef Jordi Artal, the Michelin-starred restaurant offers tasting menus where each course highlights a unique aspect of Catalan flavors, from sea to mountain. The minimalist decor keeps the focus on the food, enhancing the immersive experience. Signature dishes — like foie gras with salted caramel — embody the sophistication of this intimate dining venue, making it a perfect choice for a special night out in Barcelona.

Blending traditional Catalan recipes with avant-garde techniques, Alkimia is where Barcelona’s culinary past meets its future. Situated in a historic building, the restaurant offers a multi-sensory dining experience with dishes like smoked eel with fennel and modern takes on classic Catalan ingredients. With an intimate, almost ethereal ambiance, Alkimia provides a tranquil escape where food is artfully plated and each flavor is meticulously considered. It’s a prime destination for food aficionados looking to explore the depth and diversity of Catalan cuisine in a truly unique setting.

Barcelona’s dining scene has something to offer every palate, from traditional tapas to boundary-pushing creations. Dive into the heart of Catalan cuisine with Princess and let us guide you through the best restaurants in Barcelona. Book your next journey with us and savor the essence of Spain with unforgettable culinary excursions. Learn more about Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises and make your dream culinary experience a reality.