Studying abroad in Barcelona, it can be overwhelming trying to discover the delicious local restaurants, or cool hip places to grab a bite to eat when there are new cafes luring you in every step you take. With assistance from some previous students that studied abroad in Barcelona, as well as getting a little lost in the city trying new places, I have compiled a list of a few of my favorite spots to eat including both the traditional Catalan cuisine, as well as restaurants that will give you a little taste of America.
Best for Tapas: La Luna
Found in the cool Borne district, La Luna is a chic Tapas bar with excellent service and great food. The menu contains any tapa you could possibly desire, and the most excellent tapas I have tried in Barcelona thus far. The atmosphere is very fun and lively and the restaurant has a gorgeous brick interior. It can be a little hard to find because it is on a small, hidden street, but it is defiantly worth giving a try!
Best for Italian Food: Macchina Pasta Bar
Macchina Pasta Bar is an Italian Restaurant that is located just a quick 5 minute walk from CEA where you get to hand pick each of the ingredients that go into your pasta, so think of it as the Chipotle of pasta, and it does not disappoint! Macchina takes pride in their fresh ingredients, making their various pastas with just flour, water, and egg right in front of you. Not to mention their 12 homemade sauces to choose from, and various cheeses, meats, and vegetables to add into your pasta so it is made exactly how you like it for around only 10 euros!
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| Macchina Pasta Bar Menu |
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| Outside of Macchina Pasta Bar |
Best for Health Food: Flax and Kale
Whether you are sick of all of the pan con tomate (tomato bread) or just looking for some healthy, Instagram worthy food, Flax and Kale is my go to! It is a flexitarian health food restaurant, which includes veggie raw options, as well as some delicious fish dishes and cold-pressed juices. The ambiance is stylish and trendy, getting their inspiration from New York Soho restaurants. And if you are a health-obsessed foodie like me but don’t always have time to sit down at a restaurant for a meal, H&M on Passeig de Gràcia has many of their main dishes available on the top floor in a café, which has beautiful views and a great ambiance for doing homework; it’s actually where I am writing this article right now!
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| Mini Salmon Burgers from Flax & Kale |
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| Rooftop Terrace at Flax & Kale Restaurant |
Best for American Food: Milk Bar & Bistro
Milk is situated in the Gothic Quarter I consider one of the hidden gems of Barcelona. It is one of the more “Americanized” restaurants, so don’t be expecting to come here for the traditional tapas scene. I highly recommend coming for brunch, the menu is amazing with numerous choices from huevos rancheros to eggs benedict, however, Milk is a local and tourist favorite, so if you show up at peak hours you can expect a wait.
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| Pancakes at Milk Bar & Bistro |
Brynn M. is the Fall 2017 MOJO Blogger in Barcelona, Spain. She is currently a Junior studying Communication at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.