Food and drink at Time Out Market Barcelona: our ultimate guide

At Croquetelle, the humble croquette is transformed from a simple side into a gourmet centerpiece. This new venture from the team behind Casa Amàlia is all about slow-cooked, low and slow recipes and top-tier local ingredients—think free-range chicken from Mas Planeses or fresh red prawns from the Catalan coast. These croquetelles are handmade, XL-sized, and coated in a light, perfectly crisp panko. From their rich, creamy escudella stew croquette to vegetarian-friendly options like grilled eggplant, every bite is a masterclass in traditional flavor. Be sure to try their bites too, like the beach calamari mollete.

The Fish & Chips Shop at Time Out Market Barcelona offers a menu that is entirely gluten-free. This concept, created by brothers Mani and Magid Alam, reimagines the British classic as a lighter, more inclusive experience. The secret lies in their signature chestnut-smoked tempura batter; by swapping wheat for a crunchy blend of chickpea flour, cornmeal, and cereal flakes, they’ve perfected a coating that beautifully complements their fresh hake and cod.

Beyond the main event—served with spiced fries and tartar sauce—the menu features standout dishes like battered octopus with brava sauce, Thai prawns with peanut sauce, and a fried shrimp Po'Boy served on house-made gluten-free bread. It’s a refined take on comfort food that draws on the brothers' Indo-Pakistani roots, offering generous portions without the greasiness of a traditional chippy.

At 9 de Julio, Argentine cuisine is served with a side of history. This spot honors the ritual of the shared table through its two crowning jewels: gourmet empanadas and premium milanesas. Their empanadas feature traditional hand-cut beef and range from time-honored classics like chicken or ham and cheese to inspired options like eggplant, cheese and honey. The milanesas are everything they should be –crispy, golden, and generous– always served with a side of fries. Choose from four styles, including the iconic Napolitana, the onion-loaded Fugazzeta, or a creamy mushroom topping. Rounding out the menu are artisanal pastas and quintessential desserts like dulce de leche pancakes. More than just a kitchen, it’s a authentic slice of Argentina in Barcelona, inviting you to savor generational recipes one bite at a time.

We could talk to you about organic flours, sourdough, hydration, preferment, 72-hour fermentation, oven, cooking time, alveolate, style, seasonality, proximity of ingredients and more. But really, we just have to tell you one thing – this spot is a regular on world rankings of the best pizzerias. And it lives up to the hype. Seasonal produce is at the heart of their work, so you’ll find classics like the Margarita alongside this season’s creations. All of them are worth trying, at least once. 

In a world where burgers morph with the latest fashion, La Real is an oasis of common sense. What Eduardo Egui and Arturo López do here is to offer the best burger possible; no frills, just good quality meat, cheese and buns. Everything made from scratch, from the ketchup to the pickles and the punchy kimchi mayonnaise. If you’re feeling crazy, order the triple.