7 Unmissable Lunch Spots in Barcelona That Locals Love

Last Updated on June 4, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: March 9, 2020

Lunch in Barcelona, when done right, offers tremendous quality at affordable prices, especially at these 7 best lunch spots in Barcelona! Here’s the secrets about the Spanish menu del día, what dishes to try, and where to find them.

What Is Lunch Like in Barcelona?

• In Spain, lunch is the main meal of the day. It’s typically eaten later than in the US, usually between 1:30 and 3:30 pm.
• Many restaurants serve a menú del día, which is a fixed-price lunch that usually includes a primero (first course), a segundo (second course), and postre (dessert). Additionally, it is typically cheaper than ordering à la carte. If you get lucky, the menu will come with wine. Although the menu started in the 1960s to boost tourism, most tourists do not know about it!
• Alongside the menú del día, you will discover countless local food options. That means you can try traditional Catalan cuisine, Spanish tapas, and paella in Barcelona at lunch.

To help you enjoy the essentials, we have compiled a list of Barcelona’s best restaurants and local spots.

La Pubilla

La Pubilla is a Gracia neighborhood classic. You will find it right in front of Mercat de la Llibertat.

The vibrant spot serves one of Barcelona’s best menús de día. For approximately €20, you enjoy three generously sized and creative market dishes. For example, you might try leeks confit with ibérico and bearnaise sauce, mar i muntanya rice with chicken and razor clams, or homemade tarte tatin. Either reserve in advance or arrive early—it usually fills up quickly.

Insider’s Tip: They also serve esmorzars de forquilla, which means “hearty Catalan breakfasts,” every day from 8 am-12 pm.

📍 Address: Plaça de la Llibertat, 23, Gràcia

Two of the most important Catalan food groups at La Pubilla: pan con tomate and cured meats. Photo credit: Kent Wang

Boro Bar

If you want lunch in Barcelona to surprise you, visit Boro Bar. Located in the Eixample neighborhood, this spot opened in 2021. Despite being new, it already wows both tourists and locals.

Their menu del día currently costs €17.50. While this price is on the higher end, you definitely get your money’s worth! Expect creative spins on local food and Catalan classics. Sometimes, you might even get a tapas-style starter or a rice dish that rivals the city’s best paella. Since the menu changes weekly, you will always find something new and exciting.

Insider Tip: Do not miss their patatas bravas. They serve some of the city’s best!

📍 Address: Carrer de la Diputació, 286, Eixample

A Pluma

A Pluma is El Bulli alum Eugeni De Diego’s take on pollo a l’ast (roast chicken). He drew inspiration from a joint in Empuriabrava, where he and El Bulli colleagues would eat after work. A Pluma elevates the traditional rotisserie and gives it a gourmet twist.

Come hungry and share everything. Start with the tomato salad and eggplant miso. Next, order the pollo a l’ast con salsa and fried chicken strips. For dessert, do not skip the balsamic pineapple. While A Pluma is not a typical paella or tapas bar, it offers a fresh take on Catalan classics.

📍 Address: A Pluma now has three locations: one in Gràcia, one in Sant Gervasi, and one in Les Corts.

Mabel the Granja

Located near Parc de la Ciutadella Gran, Mabel the Granja is a family-run favorite. Many know it for its tasty bocatas, and their menu del día gives you some of the city’s best value for money.

Jordi, the owner, left the family business to learn more before returning. You can see his growth reflected in the menu. While you will find traditional favorites here, they add just enough international flair to keep things interesting. Expect a relaxing setting and a mix of Catalan cuisine and creative local food.

📍 Address: Carrer de la Marina, 114, Sant Martí

Casa Xica

If you are visiting Poble Sec, Casa Xica is essential. Chefs and owners Marc Santamaria and Raquel Blasco fuse local flavors with ideas from their travels. If you want a unique take on tapas or Catalan cuisine, choose Casa Xica.

For instance, their calamari tartare takes cues from Japan but pairs with an Andalusian ajoblanco featuring coconut milk and lime for a Thai twist. At lunchtime, enjoy an exceptional €10 dish of the day, which includes a drink and dessert.

📍 Address: Carrer de la França Xica, 20, Sants-Montjuïc

Quimet i Quimet

Open since 1914, Quimet i Quimet remains one of Barcelona’s most traditional tavernas. While it gets crowded at night, you can usually find a spot at lunchtime.

This family-owned spot is famous for its montaditos—open-faced sandwiches on crispy baguette slices. You can choose from more than 30 varieties. They also serve an excellent selection of classic tapas and conservas—gourmet preserves in cans or jars. If you want iconic Barcelona tapas, this is a must-visit.

📍 Address: Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25, Sants-Montjuïc

You will not struggle to find a drink with your food, thanks to their vast wine collection. Photo credit: Kent Wang

La Tere Gastrobar

When you want lunch in Barcelona without the crowds of La Rambla, choose Sants’ La Tere Gastrobar. This sleek, airy eatery offers a great midday deal for around €14. Their creative tapas selection stands out.

Insider Tip: Try their creative twist on pulpo a la gallega—two grilled octopus legs atop Barcelona’s creamiest potato parmentier. The inventive tapas and local flavors make it a top pick for fans of Catalan tradition.

📍 Address: Carrer de Riego, 25, Sants-Montjuïc

Experience Barcelona’s Food Like a Local

Want to taste Barcelona’s cuisine like a local? Save your spot on our Ultimate Barcelona Food Tour! You’ll experience Barcelona’s daily food culture from breakfast to lunch, visiting family-owned shops where your guide knows the vendors by name. Explore a local food market, try authentic foods, and get a deeper connection with Barcelona!

Featured Review: Ultimate Barcelona Food Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had such a lovely time with Hector. He was extremely knowledgeable, engaging and friendly. We learned so much about the city in an easy, fun way. He prioritized family run businesses and the food was simply amazing. I am gluten free which he easily accommodated. My 19 year old also loved it which is a big win :)”
– Autumn

Lunch in Barcelona FAQs

What time is lunch usually served in Barcelona?
Lunch in Barcelona typically starts at 1:30 pm and ends around 3:30 pm. Restaurants serve their menú del día during these hours.

What is a menú del día and how does it work?
A menú del día is a fixed-price lunch menu. Most restaurants offer a first course, a second course, dessert (postre), and a drink (often wine). It is one of the best ways to try local food, from Catalan classics to tapas and paella, at a great price.

Is paella a common lunch dish in Barcelona?
Paella comes from Valencia, but it is very popular in Barcelona. Many restaurants offer it at lunch, especially on weekends or as a special. It’s a delicious way to sample a Spanish classic.

Can I find good tapas for lunch in Barcelona?
Absolutely! Tapas are essential to Barcelona’s food culture. Many restaurants serve both traditional and creative tapas for lunch. You can enjoy several small plates with your meal.

Where can I try traditional Catalan cuisine at lunch?
Many of the restaurants above, such as La Pubilla and Goliard, focus on Catalan classics. The menú del día often includes these dishes.