Where to Eat on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day in Barcelona

Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 27, 2019

The best way to get in the holiday spirit is with a perfect meal! But on major holidays like December 25, Barcelona practically shuts down as locals cozy up at home with their loved ones. Although your choice of where to eat on Christmas in Barcelona may be limited, there are some true culinary gems available. Here’s our top recommendations from a romantic, candlelit dinner with that special someone to a lively and fun lunch with a big crowd!

Hungry for a taste of Spanish culture? Check out these 25 unique Spanish Christmas & New Year’s traditions; you might want to experience some of these while you’re visiting!

Where to Eat in Barcelona on Christmas Eve

Bodega La Palma

If you’re after a delicious menu inspired by the tastes and traditions of Catalonia, Bodega La Palma is calling your name.

Famous throughout Barcelona for their legendary patatas bravas and crema catalana, this beloved local institution truly pulls out all the stops on Christmas Eve. The set menu includes a selection of dishes that perfectly blend the traditional and the modern sides of Catalan cuisine: salt cod with mushrooms in romesco sauce, Iberian pork tataki with sweet potatoes, and so much more.

This will be one of the most popular spots available on Christmas Eve, so reserve your table as soon as possible via email, phone (+34 933 150 656) or via private message on Facebook or Instagram.

Lasarte Restaurant

Want to really go all out for your holiday meal? Look no further than Lasarte Restaurant, the signature restaurant of the Monument Hotel.

Lasarte was the first restaurant in Barcelona to receive three Michelin stars. The renowned chef Martín Berasategui directs this restaurant, which will take you on a culinary journey of the Iberian Peninsula’s most iconic cuisines.

Where to Eat in Barcelona on Christmas Day

Tragaluz

No matter if you’re a total newbie to Barcelona icon Tragaluz or if you’ve eaten there dozens of times, this lovely Mediterranean locale tucked away in Eixample will surely surprise you.

Their open kitchen gives you a sense for their passion for the craft and shows off the fine seasonal ingredients that make up every dish, and the dining space itself gives the magical feeling of being outdoors. However, the illusion is thanks to the expansive glass ceiling, which will make it seem like you’re dining in a sunny garden or under the stars when really you’re inside the nice, warm restaurant.

Indulge in one of their special Christmas menus, with dishes paired with an excellent selection of wines. We can’t think of a more picturesque option for where to eat on Christmas Day in Barcelona!

El Asador de Aranda

In less than 30 years, El Asador de Aranda has earned its name as a timeless classic in Barcelona.

The beautiful modernist building that houses the restaurant is a worthy photo op itself, but the real treasures lie inside. Their hearty, meaty traditional Spanish dishes make this the perfect option for where to eat on Christmas Day in Barcelona for a soul-warming holiday meal.

Whether you’re in the mood for cochinillo (suckling pig), lechazo asado (grilled lamb) or anything in between, the home-cooked, rustic meals are well worth the trek up Tibidabo hill.

Want a local holiday experience? Don’t miss these Christmas traditions in Barcelona while you’re visiting!

Don’t Miss Out on Barcelona’s Amazing Tapas!

Want to taste and get to truly understand Barcelona’s tapas culture? Join us for our popular Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour!

You’ll get to taste 10+ iconic tapas, sip vermouth, cava, and regional wines, and uncover the stories that shaped Barcelona itself. It’s a crash course in Catalan culture and history shared over some of the best food and wine in town. It’s perfect for you if you’re craving authentic bites, great company, and the stories that bring a city to life!

Featured Review: Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fantastic tour! Luke our guide was great! Made the experience personable. Great food, wine and history. Highly recommend”
– Terri

Where to Eat on Christmas Day in Barcelona FAQs

Are restaurants open in Barcelona on Christmas Day?
Yes, but options are limited. Many restaurants in Barcelona close on December 25 as locals celebrate at home, though some restaurants, especially hotel dining rooms and upscale spots, remain open with special holiday menus.

Where can you eat on Christmas Eve in Barcelona?
You can find festive Christmas Eve dinners at select restaurants offering special set menus. Popular options include places like Bodega La Palma, where chefs create seasonal menus inspired by Catalan cuisine.

Do you need reservations for Christmas dining in Barcelona?
Absolutely! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among the busiest times for the limited number of open restaurants, and many require advance booking. It’s best to reserve as early as possible to secure a table.

What is typically served for Christmas meals in Barcelona?
Most restaurants offer special tasting or set menus featuring seasonal dishes such as seafood, roasted meats, and traditional Catalan recipes. These meals are often paired with wine or cava and may include multiple courses for a festive experience.

Is it better to eat out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Barcelona?
Both are possible, but Christmas Eve usually has more dining options. December 25 tends to be quieter, with fewer restaurants open, so planning ahead is especially important if you want to dine out on Christmas Day.