Barcelona for Foodies

tips in Barcelona for Foodies about the best places to eat healthy, how to make local recipes in the kitchens of our apartments and where to buy the best fresh produce in Barcelona.  Mindfull eating, cooking and health

Michelin starred restaurants in Catalonia: restaurants with one star

Natàlia Gibernau

Today it’s time to talk about the Michelin starred restaurants in Catalonia with one star.  Recently we published an article about Michelin starred restaurants in Barcelona with one star to be your definitive guide of all the gastronomical wonders in the city. But Barcelona doesn’t have all the glory, there are even more one-star Michelin restaurants surrounding the city in Catalonia’s beautiful villages and countryside.

Michelin starred restaurants in Catalonia

Els Casals

For a day or two away from the city, Els Casals is the perfect destination. It is located outside Sagàs, a picturesque village nestled in the Pre-Pyrenees valley. The country house hotel/restaurant is situated on lush farm land and sprawling gardens. Els Casals is down to earth fine dining – all the ingredients come from the farm itself, or from families nearby (Tatjé‘s family’s pigeon, boneless and roasted orange duck from Bessa’s family).

Els casals

Estany Clar

This gorgeous converted farmhouse is a scenic hour’s drive from Barcelona. The dining room is a romantic haven of stone walls and soft lighting. Their tasting menu samples a vast range of their culinary talents from Grandmother’s canneloni to sliced roast veal and foie, each garnished with a different herb.

Michelin starred restaurants in Catalonia Estany Clar

Fonda Sala

Venture an hour north of Barcelona to the foothills of the Pyrenees for a breath of fresh air. Fonda Sala has had its Michelin star for longer than most and its dining room reflects its timeless dedication to fine food and wine, free of any fads or pretension, but still at the forefront of innovative cuisine with dishes like sweet and sour wild rabbit.

Fonda Sala

L’Ò

To the north of Barcelona, not far from the Montserrat monastery you can find L’Ó, a modern hotel/restaurant nestled amongst the medieval houses and churches that mark the area. The town in which L’Ò is situated, Sant Fruitós de Bages, has its own monastery and the food at this restaurant is indeed worthy of the gods; slow-cooked baby goat shoulder with mushrooms and truffle, and oyster with ponzu sauce, apple and codium.

L’Ò2

Lluerna

Another restaurant worth venturing out of Barcelona for, Santa Coloma de Gramenet is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers the most affordable tasting menu (dinner Tuesday to Thursday and lunch Tuesday to Friday) at just 40€ per person. Dishes like solid mojito, Campari & orange stuffed olive and Mojito truffle signal a restaurant that is not afraid to experiment.

Lluerna

Can Jubany

In a converted farmhouse about an hour’s drive from Barcelona, Can Jubany offers a sumptuous choice of menus, from their own signature dishes (Catalan cured sausage ‘llonganissa’ and crispy pancetta), a gastronomic tour of Catalonia (pigeon rice with pork belly and sausage) and their sublime meal (Salad of red shrimps from Palamós with a thousand islands sauce ice cream).

Can Jubany - Michelin starred restaurants in Catalonia

Tresmacarrons

If you fancy a day on the coast, head to El Masnou, just past Badalona. It’s less than a 30 minute drive away and features seafood of the highest quality such as slow-cooked red tuna belly with potato cream and “allioli” of avocado, basil, spinach and sesame as well as Duck Royale with foie gras. It’s renowned for its vermut too, so be sure to start with the local aperitif or have a light lunch of burrata with pear and walnuts or steak tartar.

Tresmacarrons - Michelin starred restaurants in Catalonia

Just plan a daytrip away from Barcelona and taste the best of the rest from Michelin starred restaurants in Catalonia!

In addition to its history, architecture and famous sightseeing spots, Barcelona is an amazing city to try a range of Mediterranean and international cuisine. Check out the following restaurant guides in Barcelona. These guides and restaurants lists are packed with recommendations from our bizFlats team, so wherever you go, you are sure to enjoy an outstanding food experience!

Michelin starred restaurants in Barcelona: restaurants with one star

The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Barcelona

The 8 Best Japanese Restaurants in Barcelona

Best tapas in Barcelona – Top 10 Tapas Restaurants in Barcelona

Make the Most of Your Vacation by Visiting 5 of the Best Restaurants in Barcelona, Spain

Top 5 best paella in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

Where to find the best Paella in Barcelona? Paella is a popular rice dish served across Spain and is often the focal point for family gatherings and long weekend lunches. Paella can be prepared with seafood, meat or vegetables and thus caters for a variety of culinary preferences. We’ve searched high and low for the best paella in Barcelona, so if you are a fan, pay careful attention to the following recommendations.

Top 5 best paella in Barcelona

  • At the top of our list for the provider of the best paella in Barcelona is Barraca, located a stone´s throw from the waterfront in Barceloneta. Barraca´s outdoor terrace on Passeig de Marítim provides the ideal spot to sit back and absorb the local atmosphere whilst sampling mouth-watering dishes from a menu prepared by acclaimed chef Xavier Pellier. The seafood paella here is not to be missed. However, if the idea of fresh seafood doesn´t tickle your tastebuds, the vegetarian paella comprised of organic produce is a great alternative. Due to its fabulous location and delectable dishes made from the freshest produce, Barraca undoubtedly serves up the best paella in Barcelona. Best Paella in Barcelona - Barraca
  • Coming in at a close second is La Mar Salada, famed for its prawn and lobster paella. The restaurant, frequented by locals and foodies alike, is a family run business which operates with the help of top Catalan chef Ferran Adrià. This family-run restaurant serves high-quality, authentic paella dishes and easily clinches a title of of of the best paellas in Barcelona.Best Paella in Barcelona - la-mar-salada-barceloneta
  • Next up is Suquet de l’Almirall.  This venue prides itself on using fresh produce straight from the port and offers a variety of paella dishes including mixed paella, noodle paella (fideuà) with lobster and a vegetarian option served with vegetables, olives and thyme. Suquet de l’Almirall´s maritime-inspired decor and attractive outdoor terrace make this place a true mecca for paella fans.Best Paella in Barcelona -suquet-de-lalmirall-barcelona
  • In fourth place for the best paella in Barcelona is Cheriff. Cheriff serves up a selection of paella dishes including the not-to-be-missed Paella Cheriff, in a traditional, relaxed setting ideal for families. With its exceptional quality, wholesome food, local feel and terrace, it is easy to see why Cheriff is one of the most celebrated paella destinations in the city.Best paella in Barcelona - cheriff-barcelona
  • Last but not least, paella fans should head to 7 Portes for a fusion of tradition, innovation and seasonal produce. 7 Portes is one of the most emblematic and popular paella establishments in Barcelona and after sampling speciality dishes such as Paella Parellada, it´s easy to see why. Best Paella - 7 portes
If you come to Barcelona to undertake a paella tour, we can help you with your stay. Are you ready to spend some incredible days in Barcelona?

Here’s Everything You Need to Know about the Mercat de Sant Antoni

bizFlats

Shopping at the Mercat de Sant AntoniFun and excitement abound in the thriving city of Barcelona, Spain.  This area is the dream vacation destination for many reasons.  Whether you want to go for a hike, sunbathe on the beach, shop for souvenirs, or explore history, Barcelona contains the perfect activity for you.  With so many one-of-a-kind attractions, a colorful culture, and delectable dining, Barcelona contains all the ingredients for a vacation you’ll never forget.  One attraction you have to visit while you’re exploring this city is the Mercat de Sant Antoni.  You’ll find plenty of things to do here and you’re guaranteed to return with a shopping bag bursting with goodies.  Discover everything you need to know about the Mercat de Sant Antoni and be sure to stop by during your trip.  

3 Frequently Asked Questions about the Mercat de Sant Antoni

1. What is the Mercat de Sant Antoni?

The Mercat de Sant Antoni is one of the largest market halls in Barcelona that is still active to this day!  Found at  Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 1 in Barcelona, this bustling market is overflowing with fantastic vendors.  It’s also a local favorite because not many tourists know about it.  They are open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

2. What Can You See at the Mercat de Sant Antoni?

You will love experiencing all the sights, sounds, and smells of the Mercat de Sant Antoni!  This is also known as one of those most characteristic markets in Barcelona due its wide variety of different vendors and booths.  Outside, browse through the many displays.  You’ll find clothes, homeware, shoes, and, only on Sundays, books and coins.  The indoors part of the market contains fresh produce, meat, and fish.  

3. What is There to Do at the Mercat de Sant Antoni?  

You can do more than just shop and stroll at the Mercat de Sant Antoni!  You’ll discover a few places to grab a steaming cup of coffee to give yourself a boost.  There are also tapas bars located throughout this market if you start craving a bite to eat.  This area is surrounded by numerous other attractions as well, so be sure to keep exploring once your shopping is complete!

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Photo by LUNAMARINA / Thinkstock

what is cava

What is Cava?

bizFlats

Cava is a champagne style sparkling wine made in Spain, and is known for being a more affordable choice for your celebratory occasions like New Year’s Eve and weddings. If you’re a fan of bubbly but have always wondered what the difference is between all these varieties like Champagne, Prosecco and Cava, we’re here to give you a little more information.

Naturally, we will be highlighting our Spanish preference and trying to answer the pressing question, what is cava? Because, well, we’re biased. We can only do so, however, in light of the other varieties, so get ready for your annual wine lesson – something it’s good to study up on at least a little before visiting Catalonia.

What is Cava?

Cava is a simple aperitif made primarily from three Spanish grape varieties. It is neither as sweet as Italian Prosecco nor as nutty as Vintage Champagne, making it the perfect middle ground and crowd pleasing bubbly beverage to serve your guests. While it typically uses Spanish varieties of grapes rather than French varieties, Cava is produced in the traditional French Champagne method. What makes Cava different, essentially, is that it is made in Spain with Spanish Grapes.

How Is Cava Made?

What sets sparkling wines apart from their counterparts is all in the bottling process, which is when the bubbles are formed. After being bottled, cava wine continues to ferment for months or even years. The bottles are capped with crown caps (like those used for beer bottles), and slanted down to allow all the yeast to settle in the neck of the bottle where the pressure will build up the most. After fermentation the tip of the bottle is then submerged in a freezing solution and a few inches of it are turned to ice, at which point the cap is removed, and the pressure in the bottle will actually expel the ice plug that has formed. The vintner will then top the bottle off and cork it.

Types of Cava

Finally, you probably want to know what all the different types of Cava are in your quest, asking questions such as “what is cava brut?” There are three types of Cava, all of which are made with a blend of the three main grapes used in cava production, which are Macabeu, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, all of which are white varieties. Brut and Brut Nature Cava is a fruity style that has become popular because it is lower in calories than the other styles. It is fruitier also, making it the perfect aperitif. Cava Rosé is, of course, pink, meaning that vintners add other grapes into the mix to get this color, which is most likely the Spanish Garnacha and Monastrell varieties. Pinot Noir is also becoming a common addition. Finally Vintage and Aged Cava is more in line with the original French Champagnes and is known for having a more nutty and toasty flavor with zesty aromatics like apple and almond.   

Now you are ready for your cava drinking experience here in Barcelona, which you’re sure to find at any cocktail hour or included in many a sangria recipe. You can either be spared having to ask your bartender, “What is cava champagne?” or you can boldly ask away and learn even more!

 

catalan cuisine

Experience Catalan Cuisine

bizFlats

Catalunya has long been known for its cuisine, but until you’ve gone and eaten your way through Barcelona you won’t quite understand just how ingrained food is into this independent Spanish region’s daily life and priorities. There is much more to Catalan cuisine than giant paella pans full of fishy goodness, or tapas bars with a million bite-sized options to choose from – though both of these could probably keep you occupied for your entire stay.

Much more than just the unique tastes, smells, and textures, experiencing Catalan cuisine is as much about the ambiance of time, place, and form. There’s really no way to miss out on authentic Catalan cuisine moments while visiting as the locals take their food and dining seriously. Here are some ways to enjoy Catalan cuisine.

Tapas Bars

A Catalan cuisine all their own, tapas are as much a style of eating as they are a style of food. Offering two or three-bite snacks in different shapes, sizes and colors, any of Barcelona’s tapas restaurants promise an explosion of different flavors that there’s simply no way to prepare for. Another wonderful thing about tapas is that they are an inherently social food. Made for sharing, lingering over, and to accompany carafes of wine or bottles of beer, locals will typically spend hours at a restaurant chatting and nibbling late into the night.

Seafood Sampling

Being that Barcelona is right on the beautiful Mediterranean sea – yes it is actually a beach town within a metropolitan city! – there is very little chance that you’ll miss the opportunity to munch something fresh off the boat. If you’re not a huge fan of seafood, try a little nibble when out for tapas. If you love seafood then go to virtually any Catalan cuisine restaurant and sit down to order either paella or another local dish, esqueixada, which is salted cod with tomato and onion.

The Market

If you’ve traveled around Europe before, assuming you aren’t from there, you already have an understanding for the fact that they do food and shopping a little differently. If you’re staying in a flat in the city and need provisions for the week, there is no better place to go than one of the city’s famous markets. La Boqueria and Santa Caterina Market both offer photo worthy displays of everything fresh. The Mediterranean climate promises year-round fresh produce, so prepare to be spoiled, and don’t be afraid to make a trip to the market a daily habit while visiting the city. That’s how the locals do it!

Take a Tour

If you like to nerd out about food science, then you don’t want to miss the chance to tour one of the local wineries or dairies. Wine and cheese are staples in Catalan cuisine, and not only will tours afford you the opportunity to learn more about them culturally and historically, but you’ll certainly have a chance to taste some real rarities.

Catalan cuisine is one of the best parts of visiting Barcelona. Cooking classes, eating with the locals and visiting a famous restaurant are other wonderful ways to fill out your meal time here in the city. No matter how you choose to line up your foodie experience, you won’t be disappointed!

 

“Calçotada” de Valls (Spring Onion Festival)

Alí Araúz

If anybody ever ask me to mention a traditional Catalan dish, I would say “Calçots” without hesitation. Calçots are milder and less bulbous than onions.This weekend we will celebrate the 34th edition of Fiesta de la Calçotada de Valls (Spring Onion Festival).

 I know sometimes it’s better to discover new experiences by your own. However, some local events require some know-how/contacts, and it’s better to reserve a tour, so you enjoy all the insights of the festival. A great option is LivingIt, an agency focus on traditional events and local festivals in Catalunya.

If you decide to visit the festival by your own, make sure you get there early (before 10 a.m.) to  make the most of your visit. There are trains coming to Valls from Barcelona Sants Station.

There will be plenty of contests and activities, so  as soon as you arrive, go to get your tickets at the City Hall and get prepare to live a unique traditional experience.

If you are looking for accommodation in Barcelona, don’t miss our special offers for this weekend. Apartments in the city center from 36€ per person/per night.

Bon profit!