Once considered a no-go area in Barcelona, El Raval is now one of the city’s must-visit neighborhoods.
The city has overcome its seedy past and transformed itself into one of Barcelona’s most happening neighborhoods. Home to an eclectic blend of locals and international transplants, it prides itself on being one of Barcelona’s most diverse and multicultural neighborhoods. Here, century-old bodegas stand alongside modern hipster cafes and gastrobars. Ethnic street food is as easy to find as traditional Catalan cuisine. Sound good? Here’s our guide to the best self-guided food tour in El Raval. It’s the most delicious way to explore one of Barcelona’s hippest neighborhoods!
Bar Fidel
Firstly, start off your food tour in El Raval with one of the best sandwich shops in the neighborhood! We know what you’re thinking: “Can’t I get a sandwich anywhere?” While that may be true, you haven’t tried anything like the gourmet goodies at Bar Fidel. They masterfully combine seasonal local ingredients into spectacular and delicious creations.
Order this: The menorquí sandwich—spicy sobrasada (think spreadable chorizo) and melted-to-perfection manchego cheese, all on homemade bread!
Address: Carrer de Ferlandina, 24
A Tu Bola
Walk off your delicious sandwich as you head south towards A Tu Bola. As one of the best of many ethnic restaurants in El Raval, this place specializes in Israeli street food at its finest. Their unique concept and high-quality offerings makes this a must stop on your food tour in El Raval!
Order this: A tapa of their famous falafel!
Address: Carrer de l’Hospital, 78
Robadora
By this time on our food tour in El Raval, you might be craving some traditional Catalan fare. Without a doubt, Robadora is one of the places that does it best. This especially eclectic, trendy bar and restaurant puts surprising twists on some of Barcelona’s most famous dishes. Their dedication to tradition and embrace of modernity exemplifies El Raval as a whole.
Order this: Fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth pork ribs!
Address: Carrer d’En Robador, 18
Suculent
Modern, contemporary Suculent‘s location in one of the Raval’s most historic buildings might make you think that it’s a stuffy, old-fashioned restaurant. Nothing could be further from the truth! Instead, this cozy restaurant serves up some of the most creative and innovative dishes in El Raval. Their menu changes constantly to reflect the use of only the finest products, purchased fresh from local markets.
Order this: Whatever they put in front of you! Suculent’s unique concept means that you decide on a price and the staff will serve you a surprising and customized tasting menu.
Address: Rambla del Raval, 43
Palosanto
Small but charming Palosanto is the perfect place to enjoy some tapas as you continue your food tour in El Raval! The cozy interior will make you feel right at home, while the lovely outdoor terrace is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local crowd. Friendly, polite staff and an especially unique menu make this place a must!
Order this: The croquetas of the day—you never know what surprising fillings they’ll come up with!
Address: Rambla del Raval, 26
Bar Cañete
Finally, end your food tour in El Raval at one of the neighborhood classics! With smartly dressed waiters and especially incredible local bites, Bar Cañete is a must. This family-run bar retains much of the vintage charm from when it opened decades ago, but at the same time is a vibrant and eclectic eatery popular with foodies of all ages. It borders on elegant without being pretentious—with that being said, it’s a popular choice among locals celebrating all kinds of occasions!
Order this: Their incredibly tasty gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp)!
Address: Carrer de la Unió, 17
