A Taste of Israel in Barcelona

A Taste of Israel in Barcelona

Middle Eastern food is quite easy to find in Barcelona; but Israeli food specifically? Not as readily available as we might like.

Aside from one or two Israeli themed spots, we really only find authentic Israeli dishes on the general menus of Barcelona’s Middle Eastern restaurants. Nevertheless, this is still a good way of connecting to the cuisine if you are far from home and in desperate need.

Here are a few places around Barcelona’s city where one can taste the cuisines of Israel.

Shaq Shuq Kosher in Barcelona

I was actually searching for kosher food for a friend of mien when I first came across Shaq Shaq. You’ll be delighted to know it’s fully Israeli, as traditional as you’ll find in the city center. It’s also right in the heart of the city, amidst all of the best bars, restaurants and free guided walking tours in the Old Town.

One should note the opening hours of Shaq Shaq before anything else; they open early in the morning and serve food until late into the evening. For Israeli breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snacks this is your spot. Come for authentic shakshouka in the mornings.

Shaq Shuq Kosher in Barcelona – by Shaq Shuq Kosher – Uploaded by them

I wouldn’t call Shaq Shaq fine dining, but it’s definitely not casual either. The prices, however, are very casual; you won’t pay very much per person to eat here.

On Wednesdays and Sundays there is always live music in the space. This is sometimes traditional Israeli performance, and sometimes traditional Spanish guitar. Such a nice ambience to be part of; I definitely recommend booking a table for either of these nights.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 8:30am to 12am

ADDRESS: Carrer de Ferran, 15, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

METRO STATION: Liceu

Maoz in Barcelona

Falafel is a big part of Israeli cuisine. Different parts of the Middle East tend to prepare their falafel in different ways. Certain countries might like to use parsley, while others may prefer cilantro, for example.

Maoz is a very lowkey falafel joint also in the heart of Barcelona. It has repeatedly been given the seal of approval by Israeli travelers as the closest tasing to their traditional way of making it back home.

Maoz has been my saving grace many a time while traveling Europe and in need of something very quick but very tasty to eat between sightseeing or guided walking tours.

Maoz in Barcelona – by Maoz – Uploaded by them

How it works is you order your choice of either a plate, wrap or shawarma at the main counter. They will prepare your order with their house falafel, and you’ll select certain dips and toppings. You’ll then take your dish over to their salad bar buffet and pile on whatever your heart desires.

If you are dining in, then the salad bar is open to you for the duration of your meal. You can go back as many times as you like, refreshing your plate or sandwich over and over again.

The best part? Dining here rarely costs more than €5.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 11am to 1am

ADDRESS: Carrer de Ferran, 13, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

METRO STATION: Liceu

A Tu Bola in Barcelona

Something to note about the holy land of Israel is that even though it is classified as Middle Eastern, it does also fall on the Mediterranean Sea. This means that the cuisine has been open to a lot more fusion than countries like the UAE, for example.

A Tu Bola is in the vibrant district of el Raval. It’s a Middle Easter and Mediterranean fusion kitchen, with a lengthy menu of both authentic and exploratory dishes.

A Tu Bola in Barcelona – by A Tu Bola – Uploaded by them

Those looking for Israeli cuisine in Barcelona tend to find great satisfaction at A Tu Bola.

The vibe in the restaurant is less traditional and more modern hipster. They play new age music and serve IPA beers as an important menu item. You might not feel like you’re in Israel, but you’ll certainly taste it, and that’s good enough for me.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Wednesday to Monday — 1pm to 11:30pm

ADDRESS: Carrer de l’Hospital, 78, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

METRO STATION: Liceu

Ugot Bruncherie in Barcelona

Something people from the Middle East take extremely seriously, especially in Israel, is good shakshouka.

Shakshouka is a traditional breakfast/brunch dish in which eggs are poached in a tomato and bell pepper type concoction along with a very specific array of spices. It is usually served with fresh bread.

As the popularity of this dish brought it to the west, it has deterred from its original recipe further and further and further…

Ugot Bruncherie in Barcelona – by Ugot Bruncherie – Uploaded by them

The Ugot Bruncherie in Barcelona is one spot that has kept this dish authentic to Israeli cuisine from the beginning. This is another spot that was given the seal of approval by some Israeli travelers I met in the Gothic Quarter.

Being one of the best brunch spots in Barcelona, it can get crowded on weekends. Be prepared to share communal tables if you want to save time.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 9am to 9pm

ADDRESS: Carrer de Viladomat, 138, 08015 Barcelona, Spain

METRO STATION: Rocafort

Restaurante Askadinya in Barcelona

A quaint little Middle Eastern restaurant in Gracia. Restaurant Askadinya is as traditional as they come, and you’ll definitely find a few of the dishes to be distinctly more Israeli than others.

This is a wonderful fusion menu of Syrian, Lebanese, Israeli and Iranian food. Portions aren’t huge, so sharing a variety of plates amongst friends is recommended. They do some of the best falafel in Barcelona, just FYI.

Restaurante Askadinya in Barcelona – by Restaurante Askadinya – Sourced from their Facebook

If you visit during lunch time there is a €11 special that is great value for money. Unfortunately there are no such specials in the evening, but prices remain very reasonable considering the quality.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 12am

ADDRESS: Carrer de Verdi, 28, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

METRO STATION: Joanic