The Born neighborhood is one of the most beautiful and charming places in Barcelona. Find out where to eat in the Born to enjoy some of the best food around!
Photo Credit: Misty Barker Text Overlay: Devour Barcelona Food Tours
Of all the neighborhoods in Barcelona, perhaps the Born is the trickiest to maneuver when it comes to eating. Combine narrow, labyrinth-like streets with the fact that it’s currently one of the trendiest areas in the city, and you’ve got yourself in a hot mess of confusion and overwhelming options. But, if you do your homework and let us help, rest assured that you will choose the right place or places for the perfect dining experience in the Born! Read on to find out where to eat in the Born neighborhood in Barcelona.
Ca’l Pep
Ca’l Pep is everything you could want in a tapas restaurant. Traditional, authentic, top quality and delicious food make this place a no-brainer! It is no wonder why people wait in line just to sit at the bar, as this restaurant boasts one of the best reputations in town. There is no menu but fear not. Pep, the jolly and spectacled chef, will greet you whether it be at the buzzing bar or a quieter table in the back and will ask you a few things about your tastes. Wondering where to eat in the born? You can’t go wrong here! Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the dishes, they never disappoint. From baby squid with chickpeas to delectable razor clams to a simple omelet with a twist, this place is a must for any foodie visiting Barcelona.
Address: Plaça de les Olles, 8
Bar Del Pla
If you’re looking for where to eat in the Born neighborhood—look no further than this incredible spot nestled deep in the heart of the labyrinth style streets. It’s a hit with locals and tourists alike and unsurprisingly so! With its delicious Catalan style tapas and delicious patatas bravas, you will be truly spoilt for choice here. Furthermore, they have a fantastic selection of wines to pair with whatever tasty dish you choose. Our top dish is the secreto iberico, a melt-in-your-mouth cut of pork meat.
Address: Carrer de Montcada, 2
We like this place so much that we even visit here on our Tapas, Taverns & History Tour. Why not join us to see what makes it so special—and of course, to taste some of our favorite tapas too!
Bar Celta Pulperia
This is your best bet for ultra-fresh seafood, and more importantly, pulpo which is an octopus. The local hidden gem is run by a second generation Galician family and has a strong reputation for being one of the best around to sample some of the best seafood tapas Barcelona has to offer. Grab a seat at the bar and choose what you fancy! Pick from a colorful selection of different dishes lining the counter-tops. From delicious homemade tortilla to the famous Padron peppers, there’s so much to choose from.
Address: Carrer de la Princesa, 50
Local’s Tip: Drink the house-wine from a taza, which is a white porcelain bowl like a typical Galician!
Bormuth
Bormuth has been one of the most hopping tapas bars in the Born since day one. What makes this place so popular? Walls lined with jamones, crisp, well-poured cañitas which are small draft beers, a long, long list of tasty tapas at reasonable prices make it a local favorite. We could go on, but you’ll just have to try it yourself. However, don’t be shy! The service at this fast-paced bar and restaurant tends to work on a wave-down basis. Wondering what to order? The menu has a huge amount to choose from so come hungry. We love the berenjena rebozada, breaded eggplant with honey and goat cheese.
Address: Plaça Comercial, 1
Hofmann Pastisseria
Some of the best pastries in town are hidden in a tiny bakery on a narrow street just off Passeig del Born. Hofmann Pastisseria is a small cake shop that, if just passing by, might go unnoticed. Grab one of their many croissants to go (though they say the raspberry one is the best), and enjoy it under the shade of the trees on Passeig del Born. Alternatively, head next door to La Seca Espai Brossa, a beautiful old building once housing the Barcelona mint, and now a theatre space owned by Hofmann with lovely patio seating. Wondering where to eat in the born at breakfast—why not try drop-by here?
Address: Carrer Flassaders, 44
Bar Joan
This neighborhood favorite is a local secret and not easy to get a seat at because it’s always packed. Bar Joan is located in the Santa Caterina Market. It is a long bar counter that runs the side of the market with bar patrons sitting on stools to enjoy their meal. They have a few tables at the back of the market too but the best place is to sit at the counter if there’s a seat for a real local vibe! The menu only contains about 5 or so choices for each section but they have a little of everything. Mingle with the locals, while sipping on a cold glass of beer and sampling some of their daily food choices!
Address: Carrer d’en Giralt el Pellisser, 2
Bodega la Puntual
The front of the restaurant is quite small and always busy with a tapas bar vibe and the back opens up to an indoor courtyard with two levels for a more formal dining experience. Our favorite dish is the Barcelona style cod with spinach, raisins, and honey—which is melt in the mouth! As you would expect, any restaurant with the word bodega in the name has to have a great wine selection and this place is no different! Ask the waiter which wine they would recommend as they are constantly updating their array of reds and whites—all as delicious as their predecessors! If you’re looking for where to eat in the born, look no further!
Address: Carrer de Montcada, 22
This blog post was originally posted on November 19, 2014, and was updated on August 17, 2023.
Like to eat? Join us on a food tour! Our Tastes & Traditions of Barcelona Food Tour explores Born and Barceloneta, two of Barcelona’s most historic neighborhood, and is a great way to try many of the best local restaurants, bars, and bodegas, learning about Spanish and Catalan cuisine and tasting the specialties of each stop! Take a look at the video below to see why you should definitely book your spot!