This blog post was originally posted on September 2, 2015, and was updated on December 13, 2017.
The Poblenou neighborhood is one of the city’s former industrial districts. It is an area that respects the classic Barcelona while also embracing the trendy.
If you can’t decide where to eat in Barcelona, try getting off the beaten path of the beautiful Eixample district or the busy Ciutat Vella and head east to the once fishermen’s-turned-industrial district of Poblenou. This area is a breath of fresh air from the otherwise busy Barcelona. Think wider streets, shorter buildings, a stone’s throw from the beach and also a lot fewer people. But, of course, like all of Barcelona, there are loads of great things to taste in the charming Poblenou neighborhood!
Can Recasens
Did someone say classic? You can’t get any more classic than Can Recasens, an old celler, the Catalan term for a wine shop offering other products such as cured meats and cheese.
This restaurant has been in the same family for five generations. Furthermore, it’s housed in a modernist building designed by a well-known architect of the era—Domenech i Muntaner. We love their carpaccios as well as the long list of filling tostas. Order a glass of wine, and they’ll leave the bottle on the table for you to refill at your leisure.
Address: Rambla de Poblenou, 102
El 58
A newer edition to the neighborhood’s Rambla, Le Cinquante Huit is a curious little tapas bar run by a few French foodies. As it turns out, the French can master some good patatas bravas. Finally, when you’ve had your fill of tapas, don’t miss out on a house speciality. Tartiflette Savoyarde is a gratin of potatoes, onions, bacon and cheese not to miss devouring! When you’re thinking of where to eat in Barcelona, Poblenou neighborhood or not, El 58 is a good bet.
Address: Rambla de Poble Nou, 58
Balius
A vermouth and cocktail bar in an old drugstore? Yes, please! From outward appearance, you might not realize that an ultra-cool bar is sitting behind what appears to be a pharmacy (and a really old one at that). Balius has a wide range of delicious morsels served daily. Although we’d recommend it for a pre-lunch or dinner snack or an after-dinner cocktail.
Address: Carrer de Pujades, 196
Wondering what to order? Well, vermouth of course! Learn how to enjoy it at its best—like a local in our quick video below!
Tio Che
Oh, Tio Che you embody everything there is to love about old-school Barcelona that we love! This place is over 100 years old, and will live on for many, many more years. It still remains one of the most beloved establishments of the Poblenou neighborhood. This classic ice cream parlor makes their orxata with special care, but you can also grab a savory afternoon snack if you’re not in the mood for sweet.
Address: Rambla de Poble Nou, 44
