In many countries, olive oil is a luxury. In Barcelona, though, it flows like water. Continue reading to find out where to buy olive oil in Barcelona, and you’ll be able to enjoy the this liquid gold at home!
Background and production
The cultivation of some of Spain’s best olive oil is believed to date back as far as 2500 BC. Nowadays many agree it’s the single most valuable ingredient in Mediterranean cooking. Spain is the number one producer of olive oil in the world and is responsible for more than 45% of the world’s olive oil. The province of Jaén in the community of Andalusia produces more olive oil than all of Greece, despite being the world’s 3rd biggest producer!
Surprisingly, the majority of our liquid gold is sold to Italy—65% actually. There it’s mixed with other oils, re-branded and sold. Luckily, that tricky marketing tactic is changing, and there are now many Spanish producers who produce a multitude of award-winning oils.
Choosing the best olive oil in Barcelona
In Spain, there are 260 different olive varieties overall. These are spread throughout 32 protected Designations of Origins or DOs. Just like wine, spirits and coffee, olive oils are rated for quality and defined by their taste. Which one you choose usually comes down to a matter of personal preference.
From light and fruity Catalan oils to robust and strong bodied Andalusian varieties, there is an oil to please all palettes. Our best advice is to call on the experts, which is why we have compiled this list of some of our favorite places to pick up a bottle of the good stuff. Read on to find out where to buy olive oil in Barcelona.
Best shops for buying olive oil in Barcelona
Olis Oliva
You’ll find this busy little shop in the Born neighborhood. In 2005, the owner, Ana María García Webermann, and her son, Daniel, decided to open the first place in the market where locals could buy olive oil in Barcelona. They sell wonderful, high-quality Spanish extra-virgin olive oil in beautiful packaging. They also sell a range of other gourmet products including wines, vinegar and edible gifts. This is the perfect place to pick up gifts for family and friends before leaving the city.
Oli Sal
Sandra Stefani opened this tranquil store in the Gracia neighborhood in 2011. Her aim was to finally bring Spanish extra virgin olive oil to the gourmet level it deserves. It is still the only store in this charming neighborhood that specializes in oi0, as well as salt —two big players in the Mediterranean diet. Rows and rows of pretty bottles line the shelves—from economy-sized jugs and cans to small-packaged extra virgin olive oil, it’s an olive oil lover’s heaven and a great place to buy olive oil in Barcelona.
La Chinata
La Chinata is one of our favorite stores to explore is in the heart of Passeig del Born. With knowledgeable staff and a wide array of products that go beyond olive oil, this shop is not to be missed. All staff members are friendly and knowledgeable, and will be happy to advise you on all things olive oil related. From decadent hand creams to indulgent chocolate—all of which contain Spain’s liquid gold—we can’t get enough of their products.
If you want some more great tips, don’t miss this video featuring Lauren Aloise, Devour Tours co-founder and resident expert in Spanish olive oil!
Update notice: This article was updated on April 19, 2023.
We were eating in Barcelona recently, and there was a spicy oil on the table, which added delicious heat to the pasta dish we were eating. I could have sworn that the waiter said it was “basil oil,” which doesn’t make sense because basil isn’t typically spicy. Do you know what we might have had? I’d love to get some!
Hi Alyssa! Best guess would be olive oil + some kind of chili pepper! You can make some yourself, and it’s delicious on pizza too. It just involves combining chile/cayenne peppers, garlic and olive oil.
Do any of these places ship back to the US?
Hey Michael, we’re not sure! La Chinata is the biggest company of the three so you might have the best luck with them.