Catalans are social people, and food is often the central part of special occasions and random family gatherings. So the thought of eating alone in Barcelona, which is famous for shared plates, can be scary. But eating alone is one of the best ways to focus on the amazing food, and it’s even more fun when combined people-watching or meeting locals and other travelers. Here are 5 easy ways to enjoy solo dining in Barcelona like a local!
First time visiting Barcelona? Get our guide to eating in Barcelona for first-timers for more tips.
Have Breakfast at a Local Market Bar
Follow the locals and do some shopping at the local food markets. Take a look at the wonderful fresh produce and observe the locals buying and chatting with the vendors.
With so much seeing, smelling and talking about food, you will definitely get hungry. Head to one of the market bars, which are especially popular during “second breakfast” time (around 10-11 am).
Local Tip: Grab a seat at Bar Joan in the Mercat de Santa Caterina for a mini sandwich and combine it with a tallat (Catalan for cortado) or maybe even your first glass of cava of the day. (Save our tips for ordering coffee in Spain.) Or try one of our favorite bars in the Boqueria market, like Pinotxo or El Quim de la Boqueria, for an authentic “esmorzar de forquilla,” literally, a “breakfast to be eaten with a fork.”
Fill Your Belly with a Wonderful Menú del Día
Lunch is the most important meal of the day here in Barcelona, and you can’t get better than the menú del día. Even on workdays, people often head out to have this reasonably priced three-course meal, which is offered by many different restaurants. It is very common also for locals to eat a daily menu on their own as well, which is perfect for one person, as there are no shared plates.
Local Tip: Try the amazingly affordable menú at Granja Mabel near the trendy Poblenou neighborhood, or check out the classic restaurant Agut in the Gothic Quarter or the old-school Can Lluis in Raval for some authentic Catalan food.
Choose Your Seat on the Terrace or at the Bar
If it’s warm outside (which it is most days), choose your seat on the terrace. This allows you to do some sunbathing but also to see things happening in the city around you. It is the perfect place to soak in the ambience and do some classic people watching.
If you prefer to sit indoors, grab a seat at the bar if you can. This is the best place to meet locals and other travelers sitting next to you, chat with the servers and maybe even chefs themselves who usually enjoy sharing their insider knowledge.
Local Tip: The prices at the bar are often cheaper than at the tables, especially if you look at menús del día!
Say Yes to Solo Dining with Tapas!
This might sound surprising, as many people know the very central idea of tapas is that they are to be shared. This is often the case of course, but not a must-do at all.
To go for tapas alone, pick places that offer small portions of things like croquetes, bombes or pintxos. Order one thing after another and not everything at once so you don’t get too full.
Local Tip: Go to classic bars like El Xampanyet, Quimet i Quimet, or Bar la Plata. These places are usually so crowded that you will almost inevitably meet people and maybe even get to share something.
Make Friends with Other Travelers on a Food Tour
The best way to dig into all Barcelona has to offer is to go on a food tour. You’ll try more different things in just a few hours than you ever could on your own. Plus, you’ll learn precious insider knowledge and meet other travelers, with whom you can enjoy the food together.
At Devour, we offer award-winning foodie experiences where we dive into the local culture. From daytime market and bakery visits to our popular evening Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour, we have everything you need to have an unforgettable time tasting the best food in Barcelona. Join us on our Tapas, Taverns, & History tour to taste and truly understand Barcelona’s tapas culture like a local while meeting fellow travelers who love food!
Featured Review: Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had a great time with Jordi on this tapas tour in the gothic quarter. It was a great balance of history, food, and fun. I like that the tapas choices were a combination of traditional and then some other unique options. I highly recommend this tour.”
– Lacie on Viator
Eating Alone in Barcelona FAQs
Is it common to eat alone in Barcelona?
Yes, eating alone in Barcelona is safe and normal. Locals often dine solo, especially at lunchtime or for a quick tapa and drink, and many cafés and restaurants welcome individual diners with no fuss.
What are the best types of restaurants for solo dining in Barcelona?
Solo diners tend to feel most comfortable in tapas bars, market stalls, casual cafés, and wine bars. These venues usually have counter or bar seating, making it easy to enjoy a meal without feeling self-conscious.
Can I order small plates or tapas when eating alone in Barcelona?
Absolutely! Tapas and platillos are perfect for solo dining in Barcelona. You can order a few small plates, sample a variety of flavors, and enjoy leisurely snacking without committing to a large entrée.
Should I make reservations if I’m eating alone in Barcelona?
For casual spots and tapas bars, reservations aren’t usually necessary. However, for popular restaurants or sit-down dinner service, it’s a good idea to book ahead, even for solo diners.
Last Updated on January 24, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: February 24, 2020
Catalans are social people, and food is often the central part of special occasions and random family gatherings. So the thought of eating alone in Barcelona, which is famous for shared plates, can be scary. But eating alone is one of the best ways to focus on the amazing food, and it’s even more fun when combined people-watching or meeting locals and other travelers. Here are 5 easy ways to enjoy solo dining in Barcelona like a local!
First time visiting Barcelona? Get our guide to eating in Barcelona for first-timers for more tips.
Have Breakfast at a Local Market Bar
Follow the locals and do some shopping at the local food markets. Take a look at the wonderful fresh produce and observe the locals buying and chatting with the vendors.
With so much seeing, smelling and talking about food, you will definitely get hungry. Head to one of the market bars, which are especially popular during “second breakfast” time (around 10-11 am).
Local Tip: Grab a seat at Bar Joan in the Mercat de Santa Caterina for a mini sandwich and combine it with a tallat (Catalan for cortado) or maybe even your first glass of cava of the day. (Save our tips for ordering coffee in Spain.) Or try one of our favorite bars in the Boqueria market, like Pinotxo or El Quim de la Boqueria, for an authentic “esmorzar de forquilla,” literally, a “breakfast to be eaten with a fork.”
Fill Your Belly with a Wonderful Menú del Día
Lunch is the most important meal of the day here in Barcelona, and you can’t get better than the menú del día. Even on workdays, people often head out to have this reasonably priced three-course meal, which is offered by many different restaurants. It is very common also for locals to eat a daily menu on their own as well, which is perfect for one person, as there are no shared plates.
Local Tip: Try the amazingly affordable menú at Granja Mabel near the trendy Poblenou neighborhood, or check out the classic restaurant Agut in the Gothic Quarter or the old-school Can Lluis in Raval for some authentic Catalan food.
Choose Your Seat on the Terrace or at the Bar
If it’s warm outside (which it is most days), choose your seat on the terrace. This allows you to do some sunbathing but also to see things happening in the city around you. It is the perfect place to soak in the ambience and do some classic people watching.
If you prefer to sit indoors, grab a seat at the bar if you can. This is the best place to meet locals and other travelers sitting next to you, chat with the servers and maybe even chefs themselves who usually enjoy sharing their insider knowledge.
Local Tip: The prices at the bar are often cheaper than at the tables, especially if you look at menús del día!
Say Yes to Solo Dining with Tapas!
This might sound surprising, as many people know the very central idea of tapas is that they are to be shared. This is often the case of course, but not a must-do at all.
To go for tapas alone, pick places that offer small portions of things like croquetes, bombes or pintxos. Order one thing after another and not everything at once so you don’t get too full.
Local Tip: Go to classic bars like El Xampanyet, Quimet i Quimet, or Bar la Plata. These places are usually so crowded that you will almost inevitably meet people and maybe even get to share something.
Make Friends with Other Travelers on a Food Tour
The best way to dig into all Barcelona has to offer is to go on a food tour. You’ll try more different things in just a few hours than you ever could on your own. Plus, you’ll learn precious insider knowledge and meet other travelers, with whom you can enjoy the food together.
At Devour, we offer award-winning foodie experiences where we dive into the local culture. From daytime market and bakery visits to our popular evening Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour, we have everything you need to have an unforgettable time tasting the best food in Barcelona. Join us on our Tapas, Taverns, & History tour to taste and truly understand Barcelona’s tapas culture like a local while meeting fellow travelers who love food!
Featured Review: Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had a great time with Jordi on this tapas tour in the gothic quarter. It was a great balance of history, food, and fun. I like that the tapas choices were a combination of traditional and then some other unique options. I highly recommend this tour.”
– Lacie on Viator
Eating Alone in Barcelona FAQs
Is it common to eat alone in Barcelona?
Yes, eating alone in Barcelona is safe and normal. Locals often dine solo, especially at lunchtime or for a quick tapa and drink, and many cafés and restaurants welcome individual diners with no fuss.
What are the best types of restaurants for solo dining in Barcelona?
Solo diners tend to feel most comfortable in tapas bars, market stalls, casual cafés, and wine bars. These venues usually have counter or bar seating, making it easy to enjoy a meal without feeling self-conscious.
Can I order small plates or tapas when eating alone in Barcelona?
Absolutely! Tapas and platillos are perfect for solo dining in Barcelona. You can order a few small plates, sample a variety of flavors, and enjoy leisurely snacking without committing to a large entrée.
Should I make reservations if I’m eating alone in Barcelona?
For casual spots and tapas bars, reservations aren’t usually necessary. However, for popular restaurants or sit-down dinner service, it’s a good idea to book ahead, even for solo diners.
