I returned to one of my favourite European cities, Barcelona for more eats and exploring. Barcelona’s culinary landscape is as architecturally layered as the city itself—Gothic foundations, modernist flourishes, and contemporary experimentation coexisting within a few walkable blocks. From traditional markets to design-forward cafés, the following destinations illustrate how the Catalan capital blends heritage with innovation.

It had been over 16 years since my last visit and yes the city has changed some with many new buildings mixing in with the architectural wonders.

Some of the highlights included:

Lunch at La Boqueria @la_boqueria where I had with padron peppers, bravas, bacalao Catalan style (codfish with beans). Officially known as Mercat de Sant Josep, this historic market off La Rambla functions as both a provisioning hub and a gastronomic theater. Vendors display meticulously arranged produce, Iberian hams, seafood, and fresh juices in chromatic abundance. Beyond its photogenic appeal, the market remains operationally serious—serving chefs, locals, and visitors with equal intensity. It is an essential primer on regional ingredients and Catalan food culture.

Took a ride on the Telefèric de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Cable Car) in the afternoon.

Then headed back to the center of the city for dinner at Micu Maku @micumaku where we had a delicious goat cheese salad, pan tomate, seafood and chicken fideua. This compact Argentine eatery brings Buenos Aires sensibilities to the Eixample district. Its menu focuses on empanadas, grilled meats, and Latin American comfort dishes executed with straightforward technique. The atmosphere is casual but animated, reflecting the convivial spirit typical of Argentine dining culture.

I visited the modern art museum Moco Museum @mocomuseum which is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, this museum curates works from globally recognized artists alongside emerging voices. Its programming often highlights street art, pop art, and immersive installations. The result is a visually engaging counterpoint to Barcelona’s classical art institutions.

Then nearby, I visited Museu de la co plata de Barcelona @museuxocolata this museum explores the craftsmanship and historical significance of silverwork in the region. Exhibits contextualize precious metal artistry within Catalonia’s economic and religious history, offering insight into decorative techniques, liturgical objects, and evolving design trends. It provides a quieter, more specialized cultural experience beyond the city’s headline attractions. Afterwards I visited their on-site café for an indulgent drink of liquid dark chocolate. A few days later Lawrence joined me for another visit for espressos and treats that included an incredible Chocolate Pistachio roll.

Visited La Broqueta @labroquetabcn that specializes in skewered meats and traditional tapas, this spot channels rustic Spanish flavors with an emphasis on charcoal grilling. The execution is unfussy: well-seasoned cuts, balanced marinades, and generous portions. It’s a practical stop for those seeking classic Iberian fare without excessive reinterpretation. Here I had the Bacalao Spanish style (codfish with beans) and the crispy eggplant with honey.

For dessert nearby we visited Holy Madre Gelateria @holymadregelateria that emphasizes natural ingredients and vivid flavors. Seasonal fruit varieties often sit alongside indulgent options like pistachio or dulce de leche. Texture is key: dense yet smooth, reflecting traditional Italian churning techniques. I had their Stracciatella Gelato on a cone.

We all had dinner at Bar Pimentel @elbarpimentel a well known compact tapas bar with an emphasis on Andalusian flavors, it delivers well-executed small plates—jamón, marinated seafood, and traditional stews. The ambiance is lively and informal, encouraging shared plates and extended conversation over vermouth or Spanish wine. The 3 of us shared Coca bread, Roast chicken croquette, Mushroom croquette, Tomato salad with smoked sardines, Cod fritters, Fish cannelloni with bechamel and shrimp sauce, Gambas and garlic and Mushrooms dish.

Across the way was Be Chocolate @bechocolatbcn which is focused on artisanal chocolate, this boutique-style shop explores cacao in multiple forms—truffles, bars, and hot chocolate. The production leans toward small-batch craftsmanship, highlighting texture and cocoa intensity rather than excessive sweetness. It was a lovely chocolate cafe where we had the Churros with dark chocolate and I had a Chocolate milkshake made with their delicious dark chocolate.

Another great restaurant close to our hotel was Xorus @xorusbraseria and this establishment merges Mediterranean flavors with modern presentation. The menu typically includes shareable plates that reinterpret regional ingredients with updated techniques, appealing to diners seeking familiar flavors presented with contemporary refinement. We had the Vegetarian Paella and the Grilled cod.

Down the street was Momocho Ice Cream @momocho.icecream  and this dessert-focused shop presents ice cream with playful branding and bold flavors. The texture is creamy and indulgent, often incorporating mix-ins or layered flavor profiles that appeal to a younger, trend-oriented audience. We stopped in for a couple of cones for dessert, Stracciatella for me and the Mango for Lawrence.

Empanadas Malvon @empanadasmalvon  Part of a growing Argentine empanada concept, it offers a structured menu of baked pastries filled with classic combinations—beef, ham and cheese, spinach, and more inventive options. The format is efficient, making it ideal for takeaway while maintaining product consistency. The bakery was filled with Argentinian empanadas and we had the Pollo as well as the Caprese.

As many know I have been fond of pizza since I was young and when visiting Barcelona, aside from all the delicious Spanish food, I had to make a visit to Sartoria Panatieri @sartoriapanatieri that celebrates farm fresh ingredients. The restaurant is ranked No.1 in EUROPE and No.3 in the WORLD 2023 and in the top 50 bes pizzerias and No.2 in the WORLD 2024 Best Pizza Awards. There were 3 of us and we started off with their house-baked Focaccia, the Baked Eggplant Parmigiana and the Roasted Cauliflower. Then came the pizza and we had 2 which were both delicious and very different. The No. 2 Stracciatella de Buratta and the No. 7 Roasted Pumpkin Cream were both outstanding.

Collectively, these destinations illustrate Barcelona’s dynamic hospitality ecosystem. The city honors its culinary heritage while continuously integrating global influences—Argentine bakeries beside Catalan markets, specialty coffee next to traditional tapas. For visitors willing to explore beyond iconic landmarks, the reward is a nuanced, multi-layered taste of contemporary Barcelona.

By: Richard Wolak