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Guides For Unique Family Travel

Must Eats in Barcelona: Barcelona Food Markets and Restaurants

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Looking for all the must eat places in Barcelona? Here is my list of Barcelona food markets you will regret not visiting and must eats restaurants that will blow your mind!

Indoor market scene in family-friendly Barcelona with stalls selling fruits, vegetables, and groceries. Shoppers, including families on a Barcelona family vacation, browse busy aisles under curved wooden beams and multilingual signs.

If you're travelling to Barcelona and need to feed your little ones, going to restaurants can get expensive. I highly recommend sticking to tapas places and ordering plenty of small plates that are all under 6 euros.

Another great alternative? Barcelona food markets and picking up some food to go!

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Barcelona's food market is a haven for fresh, local ingredients and authentic Mediterranean flavors. The place is filled with bustling stalls, colorful produce, and cozy eateries that can definitely satisfy your cravings!

This is an update to my previous where to eat in Barcelona, which I wrote years ago with my sister, but the places are still open and you don't want to miss them!

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This food tour is part of the Go City Pass and will show you a few food markets.

Barcelona Food Markets You Just Can't Miss:

Mercat del Ninot

A woman selects eggs at a market stall displaying brown and white eggs on straw under warm lighting.
A woman stands behind a rustic market stall displaying eggs, corn, and various cheeses.

Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 133, L'Eixample, 08036

Calling all seafood lovers!

Most of the shoppers here were locals, and there were many dining areas where you could conveniently eat. It's not a huge place, but we loved that it had everything we needed anyway.

Mercat Sant Antoni

Red and gold ornate building with arched windows and intricate details under a partly cloudy sky, reminiscent of the vibrant atmosphere found in Barcelona markets where to eat fresh food is a daily delight.
Photo credit: manel_ezquerra/Instagram

Location: Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, 1, L'Eixample, 08011

Another market known locally for its food and produce. It also has small clothing and souvenir stores.

Mercat de la Boqueria

People walk outside the entrance to La Boqueria market in Barcelona, a must-visit among Barcelona markets, with colorful stained glass above.
Photo credit: chohyetraveler_/Instagram
Plastic bowls of mixed fruit, including dragon fruit, berries, and melon, are displayed at a vibrant Barcelona markets stand—perfect for sampling fresh food on the go.

Location: La Rambla, 91, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Mercat de la Boqueria is the largest market in Barcelona, but we found it too crowded and busy. You should also be mindful of pickpockets here.

Worth a quick walkthrough but not worth shopping here.

This tour and cooking class sound great for exploring La Boqueria with a local.

Mercat de Santa Caterina

People shopping at an indoor market with colorful fruit and vegetable stalls under a wooden arched ceiling—a perfect spot to discover fresh food and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona markets.

Location: Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16, Ciutat Vella, 08003

A vibrant market known for its colorful, wave-like roof and fresh, high-quality produce. It has a great selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood, making it a favorite among locals.

The atmosphere is lively but less hectic than larger markets, perfect for a relaxed shopping experience.

Mercat de Barceloneta

Location: Pl. del Poeta Boscà, 1, 2, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Located near the beach, this market offers fresh seafood and traditional Catalan products.

We stopped here after visiting some of the best restaurants in Barcelona on the beach.

It's smaller and less touristy, providing an authentic local vibe. Ideal for picking up fresh ingredients if you plan to cook or for enjoying a casual bite at one of the nearby eateries.

If looking for a restaurant around la Barceloneta, this area is known for paella. We wanted to do this experience to taste a local seafood paella with the Go Pass but it didn't work out with our schedule.

Top Must Eat in Barcelona: Restaurants and Cafes!

Four people take a selfie outdoors with a cityscape in the background. The adults and children are smiling at the camera, capturing a joyful moment during their Barcelona family vacation under cloudy skies.

Our routine during our one week in Barcelona with the kids was as follows:

  • Breakfast: Pack up the family and go to the local markets to pick up some fresh ingredients or eat breakfast at our hotel.
  • Lunch: We usually pack sandwiches and fruits for the day ahead, so we can have something to munch on while we explore the city. 
  • Dinner: Some of the best Catalan food I have had in my life at restaurants all over the city!

We loved eating at tapas bars and we've found them to be wonderfully family-friendly.

The lively atmosphere, small plates, and casual vibe make it perfect to enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine for adults and kids alike.

So without further do, ere are the places we've tried!

Ikibana | Paral·lel

A modern restaurant with orange bar stools, wooden accents, and elaborate white floral ceiling decorations—an ideal spot where to eat fresh food inspired by Barcelona markets.
A colorful platter of assorted sushi and sashimi with garnishes, fruits, and vegetables on a red and gray plate, inspired by the vibrant fresh food found in Barcelona markets.
A gourmet appetizer with sliced lime, tomato, and garnish on a marble slab captures the vibrant spirit of fresh food found in Barcelona markets, set alongside drinks and other dishes for an authentic tasting experience.

Location: Av. del Paral·lel, 148, L'Eixample, 08015

ABSOLUTELY Amazing! Whoever thought of combining Japanese and Brazilian cuisine (and at reasonable prices at that) with an ode to nature and Japanese flower art (ikebana) deserves a cake. 

TAPS Bar

A table with fresh food—like asparagus, ham, bread, grilled seafood—and drinks is set on a red tablecloth, evoking the vibrant flavors found at Barcelona markets.
A table with plates of fresh food like green peppers, cheese with nuts, and slices of cured ham, plus a fork and napkin—perfect inspiration from Barcelona markets.
A wooden platter with grilled crab atop mashed potatoes, served on a restaurant table with drinks in the background—a delicious example of fresh food you might find at Barcelona markets.

Location: Carrer de la Mare de Déu del Remei, 53, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004

So-so. The experience was decent, but nothing particularly stood out. It’s a convenient spot for a quick bite, but nothing I’d go out of my way to revisit.

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Bar Lobo

Rectangular crackers with anchovies, a pizza slice, and dip with nuts and herbs on plates—perfect for those seeking fresh food inspired by Barcelona markets.

Location: Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Great food and great service! The location, in the heart of the Ramblas but away from the madness, can't be beat, and the tall ceilings and the outdoor sitting areas are also great.

O'Retorno

A child’s hand reaches for a tomato, onion, and tuna salad beside a plate of olives and anchovies—fresh food inspired by the flavors found in Barcelona markets.
A platter of fresh oysters on the half shell with lemon wedges and small forks, just like those found in Barcelona markets—perfect for anyone seeking where to eat the finest fresh food.

Location: Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, 168, L'Eixample, 08036

One of the best meals we had. This place serves traditional Galician cuisine and has generous servings, making it perfect for sharing with family. The seafood, in particular, was to die for. I'd definitely come back here next time!

Bar La Parada

A grand, ornate café interior with arched brick ceilings evokes the charm of Barcelona markets, with people sitting and ordering fresh food at the counter.

Location: Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, 153, L'Eixample, 08036

Cute neighborhood bar near our hotel. The atmosphere was very cozy and the staff were friendly.

Telefèric

Smiling woman with long blonde hair holding a cocktail with ice in a glass, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere near Barcelona markets.
A hand holds a red drink next to fresh food appetizers, bread, and empty plates on a rustic wooden table—a perfect scene for those exploring where to eat at Barcelona markets.

Location: Pl. del Dr. Letamendi, 27, Baixos, L'Eixample, 08007

Great paellas. The place served elevated Catalonian food that doesn't feel pretentious, in a modern, beautiful space. Come here to try squid ink paella and other classics.

Two pans of fresh food: Spanish rice dishes, one with prawns and squid ink, the other with sausage and vegetables, displayed on a wooden table—perfect inspiration for where to eat near Barcelona markets.
Two plated desserts with ice cream, served on a rustic wooden table—perfect inspiration for where to eat and find fresh food after exploring Barcelona markets.

The flavors lean traditional but with small modern touches that make them stand out without trying too hard. The paella has a proper socarrat (crispy bottom), the seafood is fresh, and portions are fair for the price.

If you want a solid, no-gimmick Catalan meal in Barcelona, this restaurant is an easy choice.

El Xampanyet

A group of people standing outside a building, discussing where to eat and exploring the fresh food options at Barcelona markets.
Busy tapas bar with people eating and chatting at tables and the counter, warm lighting, cozy atmosphere—perfect for those seeking where to eat fresh food like you'd find in Barcelona markets.

Location: Carrer de Montcada, 22, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Another one of our favorites on our trip to Barcelona. There’s always a wait and the space is tight, but once you’re inside, the food and atmosphere make it worth the wait. The energy here is lively and local, the kind of place where people stand shoulder to shoulder at the bar while sipping house cava.

Two people serve baked pasta and a tomato salad with olives at a restaurant table, highlighting the fresh food inspired by Barcelona markets.
Three plates with tapas—stuffed pepper, cheese slices, baked pastry, and an endive with sauce—plus a wine glass offer a taste of fresh food you’ll find at Barcelona markets, perfect for anyone wondering where to eat in the city.

The food here is straightforward: classic tapas done with care. Nothing feels overdone or overly polished, but every plate lands. Prices are fair, portions are generous, and everything tastes like it comes from recipes that haven’t changed in generations.

A hand holding a glass of red wine next to plates of olives and anchovies on a marble table, capturing the spirit of fresh food found in Barcelona markets.
Grilled octopus pieces on a white plate, drizzled with oil and sprinkled with red paprika—a delicious example of fresh food you’ll often find at Barcelona markets.
A table with three plates: baked pastry, cheese and pepper, pickled endive—each inspired by fresh food from Barcelona markets—plus an empty wine glass.

TOP TIP: Don't sleep on the tomato salad. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the best things on the menu.

Pulpería a Gudiña

An older man and a boy play tic-tac-toe at a restaurant table, smiling as they enjoy their time together after exploring Barcelona markets and sampling fresh food.
A plate of fried small fish served with a wedge of lemon on a wooden table—enjoy this fresh food at one of the vibrant Barcelona markets.
A plate of octopus topped with potatoes and sprinkled with paprika, inspired by the fresh food found in Barcelona markets, sits on a wooden table.
Sliced chorizo sausages on a white plate with a fork and knife on a wooden table, capturing the vibrant flavors of fresh food inspired by Barcelona markets.
Savor plates of fresh food: crispy fried calamari, and a tomato salad with tuna, anchovies, and olives—just like you’d find in Barcelona markets.
A slice of fruit tart and a lemon meringue tart on small plates with spoons on a wooden table, perfect for anyone seeking fresh food inspired by Barcelona markets.

Location: Carrer d'Entença, 2, L'Eixample, 08015

Best place to eat octopus! Their portions are great for sharing as well.

Chök

A cup of coffee, a frosted cookie, and a plate of chocolate cake slices on a wooden table.

Location: Carrer de les Ramelleres, 26, Ciutat Vella, 08001

The best gluten-free pastries we had. We came back here 5+ times.

A bit pricey, but the quality makes up for it. Even if you're not GF, this bakery is still a must-visit!

Hanai Vegana - Gluten Free & Vegan Bakery BORN

Glass display case with assorted pastries and desserts in a cozy bakery; person behind the counter.

Location: Carrer dels Carders, 28, Ciutat Vella, 08003

This place is quite small, so it gets full quickly. There were a variety of sweet and savory GF baked goods to choose from, but they were nothing special to me. 

Gea The Healthy Bakery

A bakery display with assorted breads, pastries, cakes, and handwritten signs on a wooden counter evokes the vibrant charm of Barcelona markets, known for their fresh food and artisanal treats.

Location: Carrer de Lleida, 13, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004

Another great vegan bakery on the list. The donuts and coffee were amazing! The prices are also cheaper than most cafes here in Barcelona. 

Couleur Café Barcelona

A tray with cheesecake, a pistachio sweet, and coffee on a table in a cozy café—perfect for those exploring where to eat after browsing the vibrant Barcelona markets.

Location: Carrer de Sant Pere Més Baix, 54, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Tiny cafe that most tourists may overlook—we didn't and it was a good decision, I must say! Their cheesecakes were out of this world. The kids especially loved them!

Discover, shop, and savor the heart of Barcelona

So next time you’re in Barcelona, be sure to visit these top spots. You can not only buy fresh food but you can also eat traditional Catalan dishes, spend more time with your family, and enjoy the vibrant community.

Happy eating and shopping!

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