Barcelona's best cheap eats
Time Out's top places to eat on a budget in the Catalan capital
In Barcelona, more than most other European cities, eating out on a budget can mean dining in style - as long as you know where to go. Here are Time Out's recommended places to find great food with minimal outlay...
Àpat
- Rated as: 4/5
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Eating well at a reasonable price would be a pipe dream in Barcelona if it weren't for restaurants like Àpat: its lunchtime menu is surprising and scrumptious. The dinner menu brings to the table dishes such as cod steak with sweet apple and traditional chickpea stew.
- 137, Aribau, 08036
Granja Mabel
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
This family establishment was modernised when the children inherited it from their parents, resulting in one of the best lunchtime menus in the Marina area. For less than 10€ per person, you can choose between four starters and four main dishes, made from simple ingredients but created with great expertise and originality. Like upside-down macaroni stuffed with chicken and bechamel. It’s become a real magnet in the area.
- 116, Marina, 08018
Lluís de les Moles
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Down a little street right near Plaça Catalunya you can enjoy a lunch menu that offers so many dishes to choose from, it's not nearly as limiting as many lunch specials. Bear in mind the restaurant is open only for lunch and a drink is not included. Their timbal (pie) of potato and botifarra negra (black sausage) is already a classic.
- 25, De les Moles, 08002
Himali
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
A comic metaphor for modern-day Barcelona, Himali moved into what was a local boozer, but has retained the silhouettes of famous Catalans - Dalí and Montserrat Caballé among them - on the windows; inside, meanwhile, there are Nepalese prayer flags and tourist posters of the Himalayas. The alien and impenetrable menu looks a bit daunting, but the waiters are useful with recommendations. Alternatively, you could start with momo dumplings or Nepalese soup, followed by mugliaco kukhura (barbecued butter chicken in creamy tomato sauce) or khasi masala tarkari (baked spicy lamb). All dishes include rice and nan bread.
- 60-68, Milà i Fontanals, 08012
Las Fernández
- Price band: 2/4
For the past six years, these three sisters from Bierzo have been in the heart of El Raval, offering an experience that combines the produce of their land with a deep red decor, a bit like an Almodóvar film. All dishes are for sharing. It’s quite small and has its hardcore clientele, so please book well in advance.
- 11, Carretes, 08001
La Taquería
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
The Mexican owners say they make 'Mexican street food'. And they do it well: their tacos are phenomenal and their quesadillas are made with care and without industrial cheddar. The repertoire is informal Mexican food, and weekends are reserved for more-traditional fare such as aguachiles and chicken with mole sauce. The ambience is also a cut above the norm, with modern Mexican and colourful décor.
- 5, Passatge de la Font, 08013
Gelida
- Price band: 1/4
One of those bar-restaurants that are few and far between nowadays, ideal for tight budgets and good eaters. The fork breakfast is a memorable experience. And at lunchtime, get ready for a communal meal with some delicious starters and main dishes. The capipota, shoulder and cod are excellent. Wash it all down with a fine wine from Gelida.
- 133, Diputació, 08015
Escairón
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Escairón is particularly remarkable for its Galician entrecot (sirloin steak) and caldo gallego (Galician broth). Jorge and Pilar make you feel at home, while the clientele are mostly regulars. Aside from the entrecot, main dishes include barbecue, stews, and especially the eponymous dessert, Escairón (crème caramel with a kind of nougat ice cream). Unforgettable fried potatoes accompany the meat dishes. This is the perfect place to delight your palate with the very best of Galician cuisine and fresh, quality market fare at reasonable prices and with excellent service.
- 5, Fontrodona, 08004
Bouzu
- Price band: 2/4
A good place to try authentic Japanese cuisine tapa-style, and at very attractive prices. No sushi here, but they do have tofu, pork dumplings and Japanese-style fried chicken.
- 26, Ronda de Sant Antoni
Negro Carbón
- Rated as: 3/5
- Critics choice
Tapas and tango is their motto. Apart from that, these Argentineans serve stupendous barbecued meat (it’s one of the few one of the few places in Barcelona that can be described as an authentic Argentinean parrilla), and generous burgers made from premium beef.
- 16, Pla de Palau, 08003
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