4 restaurants to discover the essence of Barcelona

Let them not fool us. Beach bars can be of exceptional quality, as is the case with Barraca, a restaurant right on the beachfront in Barceloneta with an unwavering philosophy: from the fish market to the table. The freshest ingredients will swim onto the plates you order, cooked exactly how you like it: have your favourite fish or seafood oven-baked, gently boiled, seared or the new speciality, chargrilled. Something different? They even use the barbacue to give the last touch to some of their paellas.

Speak of the devil (and he shall appear): one of your choices should definately be a rice dish, because that's their specialty. Some are quite original, like the creamy duck rice with truffle aioli or the seafood rice with octopus, mussels and aioli. Other options? The hot rice, and the surf and turf paella with pork ribs, chicken wings, sausages, squid, tender green beans and artichokes. Wanna try something from our land? Don’t miss their own version of the Barceloneta bomba.

The large bay window floods the space with natural light, creating an intimate, warm and familiar atmosphere for diners. You can enjoy the Barceloneta beach and the best views from Barraca’s upper terrace—or sit just steps from the sand on the lower beachfront terrace. Pair it all with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and a generous selection of cocktails, perfect for sipping as the sun goes down.

Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 1.
M: Barceloneta (L4)

Step into the fresh market kitchen of Tierra Brava, literally located inside the Mercado del Ninot on Casanova Street, where they source the freshest ingredients straight from the stalls. Sundays feature special paella promotions, and during the week, the party continues with afterwork gatherings and fantastic lunches and dinners.

On Sundays, you can enjoy a full menu featuring starters, a chef's dessert, and a showstopping rice dish — cooked in a Josper oven and designed to be shared. The paellas vary weekly, from the classic seafood to more creative options like butifarra del Perol rice or creamy squid and artichoke.

Midweek, from Wednesday to Friday (5 PM to 8 PM), Tierra Brava switches to afterwork mode with upbeat music, signature cocktails, and a menu of creative bites. Think chuletón croquettes with piquillo pepper, or traditional patatas bravas — all at friendly prices. A vibrant Mediterranean experience with a modern twist! Are you ready for it?

Casanova, 133. 
M: Hospital Clinic (L5)

The fusion of avant-garde and tradition is no myth, and Bar Bauma is clear proof of that. With a terrace facing the iconic Casa de les Punxes, where the sun shines almost all day, it offers a great selection of both classic and more contemporary small plates. You can enjoy breakfast or tapas under the Barcelonian sky. There’s also a special corner dedicated to omelettes. Don’t miss the open omelette with cod and caper brown butter — it’s a must-try. And you shouldn’t skip the grandma’s meatballs, monkfish tail with black butter, cod fritters with black romesco, or the fricandó brioche with mayo and spicy olives.

Bauma’s roots stretch back more than 50 years, a long-standing tradition brought back to life through a thoughtful renovation that respects one of the city’s most historic corners. A large bay window fills the space with natural light, creating an intimate, familiar atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Many of the bar’s most iconic features remain, including the original seating by the entrance, carefully restored to preserve its character. If you’re looking to experience the antique soul of Barcelona, this is your place — full of legendary tapas and furnishings that are rare to find today.

Roger de Llúria, 124. 
M: Verdaguer (L4, L5)

Located near Arc de Triomf, this cosmopolitan spot is open all day and perfect for practicing tapeo, that beloved sport of Barcelonians. A squad of Mediterranean small plates competes with an Italian-accented menu built around fresh pasta and other italian legends. Between the oxtail brioche with Fontina cheese and pickled red cabbage, the squid roll with caramelized onion and ink mayo, or the ricotta ravioli with pistachio pesto and tagliolini with veal ragù… who will win? Better save room for all of them.

A large window floods the space with natural light, offering guests a warm, intimate, and familiar atmosphere. Enjoy a sun-drenched outdoor terrace right beside the iconic Arc de Triomf — a cozy and comforting spot in the heart of Barcelona.

Fauna Bar is the perfect place for unforgettable evenings — step into a story with a happy ending, full of flavor. The upper floor of Fauna Café is its most bucolic corner, inviting you to take in the atmosphere from above. Come for the classic dishes and stay to be surprised by new and colorful creations!

Vilanova, 11.
M: Arc de Triomf (L1)