Cristina, our guest writer and the chef at Mezz Restaurant shares the best of Catalan Cuisine
Cristina Ojeda is a young Spanish chef, quick to laugh and as enthusiastic about eating out in Barcelona as she is about being a chef at Mezz, a buzzy restaurant inspired by 1970s France. She’s previously worked at restaurants including Bar Salvatge, Fat Schmuck, Zaza and El Forat. When she has some time off, she loves to go to restaurants sit at the bar, watch how the kitchen works up close, and ask the chef a thousand questions. Cristina took over the Instagram account Musttry from a friend who moved out of the city. As a chef and lover of Catalan gastronomy, she loves discovering and enjoying the best places where our Catalan cuisine truly shines.
These are some of Cristina’s spots that never disappoint, from the most traditional to the most innovative in her own words.
Alkostat
Ronda Sant Antoni, 41, principal, 08011
alkimia.cat/carta-alkostat-eng
Alkostat always gives me the feeling of coming home. This restaurant, located on the first floor of Ronda Sant Antoni, is the younger sibling of Alkimia and focuses on traditional Catalan cuisine but with a high-level culinary technique. Their Caesar croquettes are a must, and dishes like the rostit lasagna or cubist chicken are staples on their menu. Plus, Bernat, the sommelier, consistently has excellent wine recommendations that enhance the experience.
Bodega Gol
C/ del Parlament, 10, 08015
instagram.com/bodegagol
Sant Antoni still preserves some traditional places, and Bodega Gol is one of my favourites. It’s the ideal spot for a Sunday vermouth with friends. Their tapas are amazing, and the house vermouth is always a great choice. It’s a simple and authentic space, perfect for enjoying good times without a fuss.
Casa Maians
Carrer Sant Carles 28, 08003
casamaians.com
Finding good restaurants in Barceloneta that aren’t tourist traps can be tricky, but Casa Maians is an exception. Located in a typical low house in the neighbourhood, their menu is short but filled with classic and delicious dishes, complemented by a daily specials board written on a large mirror. The black rice with red prawns is a must-try, and the bombas are a delightful surprise.
Dos Pebrots
Carrer Doctor Dou 19, 08001
www.dospebrots.com
Dining at Dos Pebrots is like tasting the Mediterranean in every bite. From the appetizer that gives the place its name to the desserts. Each dish honours the product and the season. It’s a true gem of Barcelona’s gastronomy. My recommendations: the two peppers, an explosion of flavour, and the gnocchi with egg yolk, stracciatella, and gruyere, cooked spectacularly. It’s a delicate technique, but it’s clear why it’s worth the effort for them from the first bite.
Gresca
C/ Provenca 230, 08036
www.gresca.rest
Rafa Peña has been a key figure in Barcelona’s culinary scene for years with Gresca. It’s no coincidence. Each dish combines tradition with a touch of avant-garde, clearly rooted in its origins while looking beyond. The wine list is impressive. On my last visit, a bottle of Cosmic which was recommended by the chef turned out to be a revelation. The cod gilda and profiteroles are two dishes you can’t miss.
Els Casals
S/n, 08517 Sagas Spain
elscasals.cat
In an 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by fields in Sagàs, you’ll find Els Casals, where life and cooking follow the rhythm of the land. They work with products from their garden which includes their chickens and pigs. Their menu changes with the seasons seamlessly. When I visited in February game and peas dominated the menu. The sobrasada with rosemary honeycomb is a dish I’ll never forget. It is made just a few kilometres away at Cal Rovira, part of the family, of course. If you can, stay the night and enjoy breakfast the next morning, it’s an unforgettable experience.
El Cup Vell
Carrer Ventallols 8, 43003 Tarragona
instagram.com/elcupvell
Hidden in the alleyways of Tarragona, El Cup Vell is one of those gems that feels like it’s come straight out of a storybook. The space is rustic and cosy. The team’s service is top-notch. They’re always ready to help you choose the best wine or chat while they lovingly prepare an excellent product. My favourite dish was the melon soup with prawn tartare and olive and you must have their magical rice.
El Xampanyet
Carrer de Montcada, 22, 08003
facebook.com/people/El-Xampanyet
El Xampanyet is no secret, but I always passionately defend it. This historic spot, despite being overrun by tourists, has managed to keep its essence intact. What fascinates me the most is the warm treatment they give locals, and the classic dishes, perfectly executed, with that spark that captures you on every visit—a ten out of ten for the team, their magic, and their resilience against the mainstream.
Suculent
Rambla del Raval, 45, 08001
suculent.com
Every time we visit Suculent, we leave completely impressed. Chef Tonet elevates traditional Catalan cuisine, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients mixed with a good technique. The service is excellent, led by Pedro, who always seems to have the perfect wine pairing for each dish. It’s a well-rounded experience, without a doubt.
Your Catalan food guide is an absolute treasure! ✨ I’m still dreaming about the pa amb tomàquet from your recommended bodega—that crispy bread with ripe tomatoes is pure magic. The insider tip about ordering suquet de peix at Can Solé has me booking a table ASAP! As someone obsessed with authentic flavours, I love how you spotlighted both classic spots and new-wave gems. That photo of crema catalana with the caramelized sugar crust? Perfection. Thanks for making my Barcelona food bucket list infinitely tastier!
I absolutely loved this post! Your recommendations truly capture the essence of Catalan cuisine. I’ve been to Barcelona a few times, but there are still so many gems on your list that I haven’t tried yet—Can’t wait to check them out! The way you describe the flavours and atmosphere of each place makes me feel like I’m already there. Thanks for sharing such an insightful and mouthwatering guide! Have you come across any hidden local spots that aren’t as well known but still offer an authentic experience? Looking forward to reading more of your foodie adventures!