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Local bites: where to find the best flavours in Barcelona

Written by City Job Offers | Aug 13, 2024 2:27:21 PM

Happy Tuesday, #cityjobbers living in Barcelona! As we enjoy the summer of 2024, Barcelona continues to be a city full of vibrant life, where family gatherings, terrace-filled evenings, and a thriving cultural scene make every day special. The city’s unique charm and rich culinary traditions are just a part of what makes life here so enjoyable.

Barcelona’s food culture is as lively as ever, with terraces, bars, and restaurants bustling with locals and visitors alike. Cultural venues are in full swing, offering everything from intimate theater performances to grand exhibitions. What does life in Barcelona have to offer these days? Read on to discover where to find the best flavors in the city.

The Aroma of Coffee

For many of us, starting the day with a good cup of coffee is a simple pleasure. In Barcelona, the coffee culture is rich and varied, offering something for every coffee lover. #cityjobber, if you’re one of those coffee enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat: Barcelona’s cafés and specialty coffee spots are thriving.

From the trendy SKYE Coffee Co. in Poblenou (a coffee van set in a beautifully restored warehouse at Espai 88) to international roasters like Nomad, or traditional establishments like Cafés El Magnífico, which has been delighting locals in El Born for over 100 years, the city’s streets are lined with a plethora of beautiful cafés.

Today, you can find all kinds of coffee spots in the city, from popular bars to pop-ups and hidden gems where coffee is practically worshipped. Additionally, many cafés now provide detailed traceability information, ensuring your daily cup supports ethical and sustainable practices.

Tapas Time

Tapas are much more than just a meal in Barcelona; they are a way of life. Start your gastronomic journey with pa amb tomàquet, an essential snack: crispy bread rubbed with tomata de penjar, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt. You can also try coca bread with sardines. More small plates? Boquerones, ham croquettes, and the unmissable tortilla.

Catalan cuisine is truly Mediterranean, with influences from both land and sea. The region has produced award-winning restaurants and Michelin stars. A classic summer salad is escalivada, fresh and smoky. The name comes from the Catalan verb "escalivar," meaning to cook in ashes. It’s made from charred tomatoes, peppers, onions, and aubergines grilled over an open fire or directly in the ashes. Sometimes these vegetables are served alongside anchovies and tuna.

If you’re craving sausages, ask for mongetes amb botifarra. Cooked in Catalonia since the 16th century, this is the Catalan version of sausage and beans. Botifarra is typically made of pork with a mix of fresh spices. During sunny days, if you’re looking for a simple, homestyle, traditional Catalan meal, you can find it in Barceloneta, at any of its rustic, family-run bars just steps from the Mediterranean Sea, far from the tourist crowds.

Enjoy Fideuá at a Beachfront Chiringuito

Many visitors come to Barcelona looking for a hearty paella by the sea, but to eat like a true local, you should swap the rice for noodles. Here, the culinary star is fideuá, a delicious pasta and seafood dish that’s even better when topped with a generous amount of garlic alioli! Sounds good? Here are our favorite spots to enjoy the best fideuá at a seaside bar.

For over 40 years, Salamanca has been an emblematic restaurant in Barceloneta, known for its sangría and fideuá made with the freshest ingredients, along with an incredible terrace offering stunning beach views. Relax and soak in the local atmosphere while you enjoy your meal at one of Barcelona’s most famous beachside restaurants. Don’t leave without taking a selfie with Silvestre, the soul of the place, who has run it since 1969.

If you prefer Bogatell beach but still want a seafront location, L’Escamarlà is the place to be. With nautical décor, great service, and a spectacular terrace facing the blue Mediterranean, it specializes in seafood made with carefully selected local ingredients from the market. They’re open for lunch (reservations are essential), offering an excellent selection of Catalan wines on their menu.

Barcelona: A City That Never Disappoints

The Barcelona lifestyle in 2024 perfectly blends tradition with modernity. From morning coffees to late-night tapas, the city offers a culinary journey that reflects its rich cultural heritage and dynamic present. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a newcomer, Barcelona’s food scene is a vibrant part of the city’s charm, inviting you to explore, taste, and enjoy.

If this sounds like the perfect city for you, let us help you find your dream job here. You can browse our latest job offers and search for one that fits your skills and expectations. Apply now and start a new life by the beach with our relocation programs.

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