Menu del Dia

First of all let us remind you of the local timetables as they are different to most European countries. Lunch and dinner in Spain usually start later than the rest of Europe. Locals will normally have lunch from 14.00 to 16.00 and dinner from 21.00 to 23.30.

At lunch time, the best option is the 'Menu del Dia' as it is a very economic way of trying typical Spanish cuisine. It consist of 2 main courses, bread, drinks and coffee or dessert for a fixed price of around €12, although price depends on the restaurant.

These are offered at lunch time Mon-Fri, although some restaurants offer this menu on Saturday usually at a higher price.

There are lots of offices around Passeig de Gracia (see area in the map), that means that there are lots of restaurants in the area, so instead of staying around the Ramblas for lunch, go to any of these restaurants, look for 'Menu del Dia' sign and if you see local people in there, just get in. You won't regret it.

Click here for a list of restaurants in Barcelona.

Bonus Restaurants: cheap and nice food

Here you will find a short list of a few restaurants with very very cheap prices located by the city center. Pay attention that these places are quite a treasure. Some of them are also specialised in anniversaires and hen parties for large groups of people.

MESÓN DAVID - Located in Calle Carretas 63 (Metro Paral.lel L3, near Rambla del Raval). Open for lunch and dinner all week except Mondays. This is certainly a boom not to be missed, for a very low price you will get such amazing plates as we would call them in Catalan 'plats casolans' or food that your own mom could cook. Better call for reservation if you are in a big group, otherwise it is not so necessary. Recommendation: Mot to miss the dessert called 'Pijama'.
Tel. 93 441 59 34
http://www.mesondavid.com

CASA DE ANDALUCIA - Located in Via Layetana 59 pral. 1ª (Metro Urquinaona L1 & L4). This is a traditional restaurant from Andalucía with all their magic and happy environment. They have large rooms to hold big groups in special parties. It is a kind of place that you will not imagine there is a restaurant until you are shown the place. Very very cheap prices, they have a Menu all days but also serve very good tapas and also sandwiches. It is mandatory to reserve before you go.
Tel. 93 302 04 03

TASCA I VINS - There are a few of them:
Industria 118 (Metro Sagrada Familia - Hospital San Pau L5) tel. 93 435 50 52
Cardenal Tedeschini 32 (Metro Congres L5) tel. 93 408 27 39
Diputación 304 (Metro Girona - Urquinaona L4 and L1) tel. 93 342 53 28
Marques de l´Argentera 13 (located in Borne - Metro Jaume I/Barceloneta L4) tel. 93 310 50 08
These are rustic restaurants with a long tradition within the city. Huge toasts with a large number of options to fill with ... a kind of pizza but with a toast below... very good and cheap.

Restaurants in City Center

Here is a list of some nice restaurants in city center that you will probably not find in any guide, however we strongly recommend them:

Rita Blue: located in Sant Agustí Square s/n next to Las Ramblas. Splendid restaurant with lovely full-coloured environment. Tapas, starters, salads, kebabs, pasta, steak, fish... all high quality. This restaurant is very well known for their exotic cocktails.
Tel. 93 342 40 86
http://www.ritablue.com/

Mercat Santa Caterina: located within Santa Caterina Market next to Catedral. This is a restaurant where all kind of food can be served: tapas, vegetarian food, Mediterranean food, Asiatic food, Indian food, pasta, meat, fish ... Really nice and beautiful place.
Tel. 93 268 99 18 (no telephone reservation possible)

Restaurant RA: located in Gardunya Square (behind Mercat de Boqueria in Las Ramblas). As described in their own website this is a Bar & Terrace restaurant. All food is served in a very attractive and appetizing way. Very friendly staff in a young and international environment.
Tel. 615 959 872
http://www.ratown.com/

La Dolça Herminia: located in Magdalenes 27 next to Via Layetana. Elegant restaurant that offers delicious Mediterranean and Vegetarian food. Highly recommended and with very reasonable prices.
Tel. 93 317 06 76

Julivert Meu: located in Bon Succés 7 next to Las Ramblas. This is non-fashionable restaurant but higly recommended for those who want to live the experience of tasting the Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine.
Tel. 93 318 03 43

El Trillo: located in Carrer dels Angels 3 next to MACBA museum and Las Ramblas. Very small but gorgeous and romantic restaurant. Specially recommended for couples. Mediterranean and Andalucia food.
Tel. 93 443 93 17

Click here for further recommendations.

Tags: barcelona restaurant, el trillo, julivert meu, la dolça herminia, mercat santa caterina, RA