Lunch in Barcelona, when done right, can be both very affordable and of tremendous quality. Here in Spain, lunch is the main meal of the day, so many restaurants offer a “menú del día”—a fixed-price lunch deal that usually includes a primero (first course), a segundo (second course) and postre (dessert) and is typically cheaper than choosing off the menu. If you get lucky, it’ll also come with wine. 

Ironically, though the menu was created in the 60s to jumpstart the tourism industry, most tourists today don’t actually know about it. To make sure you don’t miss out on any Barcelona lunch essentials, we’ve compiled a list of the best spots the city has to offer.

La Pubilla

La Pubilla is a Gracia neighborhood classic. Located right in front of Mercat de la Llibertat, it’s a vibrant spot known for serving up one of Barcelona’s best menús de día. For approximately €20, you’ll get three generously portioned—and very creative—market dishes, like leeks confit with ibérico and bearnaise sauce, mar i muntanya rice with chicken and razor clams, or a homemade tarte tatin. Get there early or reserve beforehand—it’s usually packed.

Insider’s tip: They also offer esmorzars de forquilla, which basically translates to “absurdly hearty Catalan breakfasts” every day from 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Boro Bar

If you are looking for a place to stop you in your tracks when planning your lunch in Barcelona then Boro Bar may be it. Situated in the pretty Eixample neighborhood, although a new kid on the block (it opened in 2021) their eclectic menus have been wowing tourists and locals alike.

Their menu del dia is at present €17.50, and while on the higher end for your typical Spaniard, what you will get is your money’s worth. We would love to reel off the dishes you can expect, but as they change weekly all we can tell you is that your tastebuds will be in for a treat.

Insider Tip: At all costs try and sneak into your meal their patatas bravas, one of the best in the city!   

Goliard 

Tucked into a side street of Gràcia, Goliard is another local institution that can’t be missed. Here you can taste creative Catalan-inspired dishes like duck confit croquetas, octopus with pancetta and parmentier, or the classic mel i mató—a traditional fresh Catalan dessert cheese paired with honey. The deal also includes a glass of wine. 

Insider’s tip: At night, they offer an outrageously good nine-course tasting menu, which might just be the best affordable menú de degustación in Barcelona.

A Pluma

A Pluma is El Bulli alum Eugeni De Diego’s take on the classic Catalan pollo a l’ast, or roast chicken. Inspired by a joint in the town of Empuriabrava, where De Diego and his El Bulli colleagues used to go after work, A Pluma’s concept elevates the traditional rotisserie and gives it a gourmet twist. 

Come hungry and share everything. Start with the tomato salad and eggplant miso, and work your way to the mains: the pollo a l’ast con salsa and the fried chicken strips. For dessert, you can’t miss the balsamic pineapple. 

Mabel the Granja

Situated a stone’s throw away from Parc de la Ciutadella Gran, Mabel the Granja is a family-run local favorite. Although they have gained fame for their tasty bocatas, their menu del dia is some of the best value for money you will find in the center. 

The owner Jordi left the family business to spread his culinary wings before coming back to take over, and this can be seen in the menu. While you will find some of the traditional favorites here, they have just enough of an international flavor to keep you on your toes and coming back!

Casa Xica

If you happen to be in Poble Sec, Casa Xica is an essential stop. Chefs and owners Marc Santamaria and Raquel Blasco keep it interesting by fusing local flavors with dishes inspired by their trips across Asia and beyond. 

Their calamari tartare, for example, takes cues from the traditional Japanese version but is paired with an Andalusian ajoblanco that features coconut milk and lime, giving it a Thai twist. At lunchtime, they offer an exceptional €10 dish of the day, which includes a drink and dessert.

Quimet i Quimet

Open since 1914, Quimet i Quimet is one of Barcelona’s most traditional tavernas. The only problem is that it’s nearly impossible to get a spot at night, so we recommend going during lunchtime, when it’s a lot less crowded.

This family-owned spot is famous for its montaditos, open-faced sandwiches served on crispy baguette slices. They offer more than 30 varieties, as well as an excellent selection of traditional tapas and conservas—traditional gourmet preserves that come canned or jarred. 

La Tere Gastrobar

When you’re looking for lunch in Barcelona that won’t involve making your way through the swarms and masses of La Rambla, Sants’ La Tere Gastrobar is the call to make. This sleek and airy eatery offers an excellent midday deal for around €14 as well as an impressive selection of creative tapas.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss their creative riff on the traditional pulpo a la gallega—two succulent legs of grilled octopus on top of what’s arguably Barcelona’s creamiest potato parmentier.