The Best Mexican Restaurants in Barcelona


 

If tacos, enchiladas and sopes sound like a welcome break from paella & gazpacho, read on. I’m going to introduce you to the best kept Mexican secrets in Barcelona.

Spain has some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine outside of Mexico. Why this is so, I am not one hundred percent sure. My inkling is that the cross over between European Spanish and Latin American Spanish has made it easy for migration of the cultures and cuisines.

Here is everything you need to know.

ÁNDELE Carrer de París in Barcelona

Something to note before dining out at a Mexican restaurant in Barcelona is what is and is not actually authentic to the cuisine. Mexican restaurants in the city get endlessly annoyed with ignorant travelers who come in expecting nachos, hard shell tacos or flour tortillas.

None of these food items are authentic Mexican; they are intact the product of Texan influence over the cuisine in North America. You won’t find Tex-Mex food in Barcelona.

ÁNDELE Carrer de París in Barcelona – by ÁNDELE Carrer de París – Uploaded by them

Authentic to the cuisine, Andele serves soft shell tacos, corn tortillas and all of the traditional dishes you’d find in a cantina in Mexico itself. It’s one of the best Mexican spots in Barcelona, close to the Sagrada Familia in an area busting with tourists and guided walking tours.

I’m easily swayed by any spot that knows how to make an authentic Michelada. If you’re generally a fan of Bloody Marys, Margaritas and Mexican beer then take my word for it and order one!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 1pm to 4:30pm // 8pm to 12am
Address: Carrer de París, 147, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Hospital Clínic

Oaxaca in Barcelona

Oaxaca is right by the Barceloneta metro stop, between the beach and the city center. It is pronounced wa-ha-ca, and is the name of a town in Mexico that is responsible for the creation of all Mezcal on the planet.

Unlike tequila, Mezcal has to be made in Oaxaca in order to be classified as such. Similar to how Champagne can only be called Champagne if it was made in Champagne… read that a few times.

Oaxaca in Barcelona – by Oaxaca – Uploaded by them

Oaxaca stays true to its name, offering the most authentic Mexican cuisine I’ve found in all of Europe thus far. I’ve even encountered travelers who have been to Oaxaca in Mexico who agree that this restaurant might as well have been shipped over, service and all.

You know it’s authentic when the guac is prepared at your table by a skilled server.

Astoundingly, this is also a reasonably priced restaurant. Find me another spot in Barcelona where you can get a shot of Don Julio for €4… I’ll wait.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday – 1pm to 3:30pm // 8:30pm to 11pm
Address: Carrer de la Providència, 88, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Joanic

La Catrina in Barcelona

Gracia in Barcelona north doesn’t have a lot of Mexican options. But if your find yourself in these parts, be it for a guided walking tour or simply a shopping spree, then take advantage of the lunch special in the village’s only Mexican joint.

La Catrina does a daily lunch special for just €11. This gets you a starter, a main, a dessert and a drink of your choice — including alcohol! It’s an absolute bargain and one of the few places in the city where you can try Southern Mexican cuisine.

La Catrina in Barcelona – by La Catrina – Uploaded by them

They have clearly marked vegetarian and vegan options, which is helpful (usually vegans have to perform an entire rearrangement of the menu at Mexican restaurants just to eat).

Dinner dining is when this spot really comes to life. There won’t be any dining special, but you’ll still eat sufficiently for under €20 a head, including desserts and alcohol.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 12pm to 10pm
Address: Carrer de Sevilla, 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Barceloneta

Restaurante Rosa Negra in Barcelona

Restaurante Rosa Negra is fabulous, but if you don’t book a table in advance you’re going to wait around an hour to get in, especially during the dinner rush. It holds immense popularity because it sits in el Raval near to a lot of Barcelona night life. Everyone wants to eat tacos before they go drinking in the city.

The restaurant is also open until 1:30am daily. Being able to eat Mexican cuisine in a Spanish city this late into the evening is unheard of; a top spot for late night dining.

Restaurante Rosa Negra in Barcelona – by Restaurante Rosa Negra – Uploaded by them

The quality of the food is great and you’re paying next to nothing. My only critique is the cheese that they use, which tastes cheap and synthetic. Rather opt for the meals that don’t have cheese as an ingredient, or ask for it to be left off.

If you don’t like loud and festive dining environments, eat before 8pm. After this it’s like a true Mexican fiesta inside.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 1pm to 1:30am
Address: Via Laietana, 46, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Jaume I

Mexcla in Barcelona

Those who prefer a calmer environment in which to dine Mexican will love the ambiance at Mexcla. I came here after learning that they carry my favorite Mexican beer, Modelo, that they import from Central America regularly.

The menu is simple, as is the space. It’s authentic Mexican dining in a space where you can actually have a conversation instead of being drowned out by loud jeering and the Spanish guitar in the background.

Mexcla in Barcelona – by Mexcla – Uploaded by them

Again, if you want to taste your first Michelada this would be a good time to do so — especially since they have Modelo to go inside of it!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 6pm to 12am
Address: Carrer de Ramón y Cajal, 35, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Joanic

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