3 Iconic Dishes in Barcelona

In the hometown of Ferran and Albert Adrià, the food scene is as essential to the city as its fabled architecture. While many top restaurants in Barcelona champion the innovative and experimental over the traditional, you’ll find no shortage of Catalan favorites in pintxo bars, tavernas and neighborhood restaurants all across town.

Below are our top picks and don’t forget to order Barcelona’s quintessential accompaniment – pa amb tomàquet, crusty bread rubbed with the freshest of tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil. Pair these dishes with a glass of refreshing cava, sit back and enjoy life like a Barcelonian. ¡Salut!

1. Fideuà: Catalan’s mouthwatering answer to paella, this noodle-based dish is prepared much in the same way the traditional rice dish is – in a large cazuela or paella pan with shellfish broth and seafood. A type of short dry vermicelli-like pasta, fideos, simply replaces the rice and it’s topped with a delicious dollop of garlicky aioli.

2. La Bomba: This large round croquette originated in Barceloneta during the turbulent 1920s and 30s and alludes to, yes, bombs – the weapon of choice for Catalan anarchists during the era. It’s filled with meat, topped with aioli and a spicy brava tomato sauce and best enjoyed with friends.


3. Crema Catalana: The ultimate Catalan dessert, this rich vanilla custard with a caramelized top closely resembles crème brûlée, but often has a hint of citrus from orange or lemon peel and a touch of cinnamon.

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