Last Updated on June 4, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: August 18, 2014
Breakfast in Barcelona is a beautiful thing. From the perfect savory toast drizzled with olive oil to the rich hot chocolate and churros, check out our 6 favorite spots to eat breakfast in Barcelona for your most important meal of the day. While we all would like to sleep in, the idea of chowing down in any of these spots is enough to get us excited about being up bright and early!
Table of Contents
What Is Breakfast Like in Barcelona?
- Breakfast in Barcelona, like in many parts of Spain, has its own unique characteristics and traditional offerings, like Catalan pa amb tomàquet!
- One thing you’ll notice right away is that Catalan influences are prominent in the breakfast offerings.
- From savory options to sweet treats, breakfasts in the city often incorporate local ingredients and flavors.
Granja Viader
Since 1870, the Viader family has been running this dairy-turned-cafe in the heart of Barcelona’s historic center, and not much has changed in all that time.
While Granja Viader itself makes a perfect spot for breakfast in Barcelona, a lot goes on behind the scenes to ensure quality and perfection—they still manage an offsite workshop where they pasteurize the fresh milk that accompanies their perfectly brewed coffee. Onsite, you’ll find the passionate team whipping up traditional Catalan favorites such as flan, cottage cheese, queso mató (Catalan goat milk cheese) and, of course, crema catalana.
📍 Address: Carrer d’en Xuclà, 4, Ciutat Vella
Granja Petit Bo
Located a stones throw from the Sagrada Famila and also in the Eixample district, Granja Petitbo is an absolute gem. Like the name implies, the dining room of these corner cafes is very reminiscent of a farmhouse kitchen with rustic tables and mismatched chairs.
Not your most typical concept in Spain, you can also sit at the communal table and chat with strangers. As far as breakfast goes, they offer everything from Spanish and Catalan classics to pancakes, porridge and more.
📍 Address: Pg. de St. Joan, 82, Eixample
Cafe del Born
With high airy ceilings and dozens of cozy wooden tables, the Cafe del Born wins for the best spot to sip on coffee and leaf through the newspaper.
Locals usually order one of their entrepans (Catalan for sandwiches), and though nothing out of the ordinary, they just are plain delicious coming on freshly baked French bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled in olive oil. They also offer up several brunch options for those who need something heartier.
📍 Address: Plaça Comercial, 10, Ciutat Vella
La Donutería
Who said you can’t eat donuts in Spain? On one of the most emblematic streets of Barcelona sits the lovely La Donutería, a cafe and donut house offering up a variety of sweet and salty and even Catalan treats (try the crema catalana donut, similar to creme brûlée). Your sugar levels might spike, but you won’t regret it after this memorable and modern experience of breakfast in Barcelona.
📍 Address: Carrer del Parlament, 20, Eixample
Xurreria el Trebol
Looking for the best churros in Barcelona? That’s easy! Xurrería el Trebol fries them fresh all day long, along with a handful of other tasty treats. If you’re a real sweet tooth, go for the xuxo, a custard-filled, fried pastry that’s rolled in sugar.
📍 Address: Carrer de Còrsega, 341
La Pubilla
Looking for a hearty breakfast, Catalan style? There’s no one that does the esmorzar de forquilla, or “fork breakfast”, better than La Pubilla in Gracia. The esmorzar de forquilla is a traditional countryside breakfast and much heavier than what urban dwellers typically eat. From Catalan pork sausages and beans to rich, hearty stews, it’s certainly an interesting way to start the day!
📍 Address: Plaça de la Llibertat, 23, Gràcia
The next question is “Where are we having lunch?” Get up to speed on Spain’s main meal of the day with our list of the best places for lunch in Barcelona!
Experience Barcelona’s Food Like a Local
Craving a taste of authentic Barcelona? Save your spot on our Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour, and you’ll get to enjoy 10+ iconic tapas & 5 local drinks across 3 beloved bars—enough for a full meal! This exciting tour is a crash course in Catalan culture and history—shared in beloved local bars, tucked-away plazas, and over some of the best food and wine in town.
Featured Review: Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour
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– Delphine
Breakfast in Barcelona FAQs
What is a typical breakfast in Barcelona?
A traditional breakfast in Barcelona is usually lighter than in many other countries, and may include coffee with a pastry, toast with tomato and olive oil (pa amb tomàquet), or a simple sandwich. Many locals save their largest meal for lunch and enjoy a mid-morning snack later in the day.
What time do people eat breakfast in Barcelona?
Most locals eat breakfast between 7-10 am, although many also stop for a second breakfast, known as esmorzar, later in the morning. Cafés, bakeries, and brunch spots typically begin opening around 8 am.
Where can you find the best breakfast in Barcelona?
Some of the best breakfast spots in Barcelona are located in Eixample, El Born, Gràcia, and the Gothic Quarter. Visitors can choose from traditional cafés serving Catalan specialties, modern brunch restaurants, and artisan bakeries offering fresh pastries and coffee.
Is brunch popular in Barcelona?
Yes, while brunch is not a traditional Spanish meal, Barcelona has embraced brunch culture in recent years. The city is home to many popular brunch cafés serving specialty coffee, avocado toast, eggs, pancakes, and international breakfast dishes alongside local favorites.
What foods should first-time visitors try for breakfast in Barcelona?
First-time visitors should try pa amb tomàquet, freshly baked croissants, ensaimadas, tortilla española, and churros with hot chocolate. Pairing breakfast with a café con leche or freshly squeezed orange juice is also a classic way to start the day in Barcelona.
I’ve really enjoyed supporting several of the restaurants you have highlighted here and in your videos. Your description of the Granja Petitbo menu seems off, though. Few pastries, and the skillet dish you described is not on the menu.
Thanks for your comment Jennifer! We’ve updated the post.
Looks like a great travel plan! Can you advise some places that children will definitely like?))
Here you are! https://devourbarcelonafoodtours.com/eating-with-kids-in-barcelona/
On this list, you can’t go wrong with Granja Viader and Xurreria el Trebol!