The Best Non-Touristy Restaurants in Barcelona

The Best Non-Touristy Restaurants in Barcelona

Due to Barcelona center’s compact size, just about every worthy dining spot has become saturated with tourists looking to sample local cuisine. Where are the non-touristy, hidden gems located then? I’ve made a list of spots that are not yet hot on the tourist radar. 

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Mescladís del Pou in Barcelona

Amongst the locals, Mescladis del Pou is known as Espai Mescladís. Situated in the el Born district, this local hangout is positioned just after the ancient archways that frame the outdoor patio that holds the colorful furniture. 

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Despite being a local favorite, this is a special spot that is actually affiliate with the Mescladís organization. This organization helps immigrants gain skills that will help them adapt to life in Spain. They work in the restaurant, learning hospitality and culinary skills that they can take into the society at large. 

Mescladís del Pou in Barcelona – by Mescladís del Pou – Uploaded by them

This is a wonderful restaurant to visit if you want to both support the cause, and enjoy an authentic Spanish dining experience.  

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 1pm to 9am

ADDRESS: C/ dels Carders, 35, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Barceloneta 

Aguaribay in Barcelona 

Believe it or not, even Spanish locals enjoy sampling foreign cuisines from time to time. One of the most popular is that of Aguaribay, situated in the Poblenou district. 

This is a haven for vegetarians, offering a variety of veg-based meals for just a few hours a day, four days a week! Since the menu options change daily depending on availability, this spot has yet to hit to tourist blogs. 

Aguaribay in Barcelona – by Aguaribay – Uploaded by them

Drop in during the hours of operation for a lunchtime alternative that gives you a break from the local flavors. 

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday — 1pm to 4pm

ADDRESS: Carrer del Taulat, 95, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Llacuna

Can Tosca in Barcelona

Can Tosca is a family run Spanish restaurant where everyone who visits feels like family. For this reason, tourists generally steer clear, but if you’re willing to take a leap of faith and immerse yourself in the space, you’ll be welcomed right in. 

Can Tosca in Barcelona – by Can Tosca – Uploaded by them

Traditional Catalan dishes are served with a smile. If you’re wanting to try something new while in Barcelona, this would be the best spot to do so! Winter or summer, this spot will warm your heart and your stomach. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday — 8am to 6pm

ADDRESS: Carrer del Torrent de l’Olla, 77, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Joanic

La Flauta in Barcelona 

Truth be told, I’m not sure how much longer this restaurant will qualify as a non-touristy spot in Barcelona. It’s renowned for offering classic tapas that locals simply can’t get enough of. 

If you’re without a reservation, you’ll need to get here pretty early for both lunch and dinner. With a reservation, it’s fun to start your dining experience around 9pm, when things start to get really festive. 

La Flauta in Barcelona  – by La Flauta – Uploaded by them

Prepare to be immersed in local drink, dance and sometimes even song. It’s a great spot for a date if you’re jumping on the Barcelona Tinder game while in town. 

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday — 8am to 12am

ADDRESS: Carrer d’Aribau, 23, 08011 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Universitat

Quimet d’Horta in Paris

This is another tapas spot that has yet to be saturated by foreign visitors. The cafe has been open for an astounding 85 years, having built their fame on ciabatta sandwiches and local salads. 

Personally, it’s their patatats bravas that have me going back for more. Enjoy with a lemon-flavored beer on the side (trust me, just do it) and you’re suddenly a Horta-district local. 

Quimet d’Horta in Paris – by Quimet d’Horta – Uploaded by them

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Note that this spot gets particularly packed on weekends, especially Friday evenings!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday — 8am to 12am

ADDRESS: Plaça d’Eivissa, 10, 08032 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Horta

Casa Pagès in Barcelona

Consider this spot the non-touristy to end all non-touristies… this is abuela’s kitchen through and through. A spot where all are welcome regardless of their nationally, though foreigners don’t seem to know about Casa Pages the way they do other more touristic traps. 

The menu is authentic Spanish comfort food, just like granny would have made in the kitchen of her Spanish townhouse. I mean this literally, as many of the dishes are the recipes that were passed down by grandmothers of the family. 

Casa Pagès in Barcelona – by Casa Pagès – Uploaded by them

For lunch, snack on their famous sandwiches that are aptly named after famous philosophers. If you’re a fan of Galician meat you’ll particularly love this spot. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday — 9:30am to 12:30am

ADDRESS: Carrer de la Llibertat, 19, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Verdaguer