The Best Secret Restaurants in Barcelona
In the age of Instagram and Tripadvisor, it’s not always easy finding a restaurant everybody already knows about. However there are a few places in Barcelona that have managed to retain a low profile. Here are some of the best secret and overlooked restaurants in Barcelona you should try.
La Cova Fumada
Restaurant, Spanish
La Cova Fumada would manage to go pretty much undetected were it not for the long queue of hungry locals gathered at its door every lunchtime. A humble restaurant with a blackboard on the back wall announcing the day’s selection of dishes, this has long been where residents of the Barceloneta come for affordable, home-cooked fare. Tables are tightly packed and you’ll likely have to queue to be seated, but the wait will yield fresh fish and seafood, local cured meats and plenty of atmosphere.
Can Margarit
Restaurant, Spanish
Passadis del Pep
Restaurant, Spanish, Seafood
Despite being well-known as one of the city’s top seafood restaurants, Passadis del Pep goes undetected to most passersby. Located on the Plaça del Palau, a main square in El Born, the restaurant has no sign on the outside to indicate its presence. Those who do know where to find it enjoy lavish (and somewhat pricy) meals consisting of numerous courses of fresh seafood and other Spanish dishes that are served without a menu – just say stop when you’re full.
Speakeasy / Dry Martini
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Spanish
Bistrot by Valkiria
Bar, Contemporary
Òleum
Restaurant, Spanish
Located on one of the top floors of the Barcelona National palace – home to the National Museum of Catalan Art of MNAC – Òleum is a fine-dining restaurant offering exceptional views of the city. The menu is the creation of executive chef Fina Puigdevall who was awarded two Michelin stars for her restaurant Les Cols in the Catalan town of Olot. The tasting menu is a series of gourmet dishes inspired by the artwork on show in the museum and made with local ingredients.
Norai Raval
Cafe, Restaurant, Contemporary, Spanish
This bright, modern restaurant is located within the walls of Barcelona’s Maritime Museum and unknown to most who haven’t visited the museum. The spacious dining room is surrounded by tall glass windows that offer undisturbed views of the 16th-century building and the charming outdoor courtyard where diners can also choose to sit. During the week, there’s a €16 (US$18) lunch menu available which includes three courses and a drink.
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