Dining in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city where exceptional food meets stunning Gaudí architecture and the lively energy of Mediterranean life. Whether you’re seeking an elegant fine-dining experience or the charm of a family-run tapas bar, the city offers flavours to suit every taste. We asked the CIRSE 2025 Local Host Committee to share their top dining picks for places to go after a busy day at the congress.

Dr. Jimena González-Nieto

• Bar del Pla – “This place is an informal and very lively option with good tapas.”
• El Nacional – “El Nacional has four restaurants with different gastronomic styles gathered in one place, with a pleasant atmosphere and a very central location.”
• Deliri – “Deliri is a small restaurant with intensely flavoured dishes and good wines. Reservation is required!”
• Dos Prebots – “This restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with high doses of creativity. This is a cozy and quiet place in the middle of one of the most active areas of the city. I recommend reserving in advance!”

Dr. Fernando Gómez Muñoz

• Restaurante Palermo –  “If you’re looking for an authentic local dining experience in Barcelona, I highly recommend Restaurante Palermo. This charming spot offers delicious traditional Catalan cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a true taste of Catalonia while being treated like a local.”
• Costa Pacífico – “If you’re exploring the Born neighbourhood in Barcelona, make sure to stop by Costa Pacífico. This lively spot is a fantastic cevichería and fish taco bar, perfect for a casual and flavourful meal. The dishes are fresh, vibrant, and full of authentic Latin American flavour. Whether you’re craving ceviche or some of the best fish tacos in town, this is a must-visit for seafood lovers.”
• Osmosis – “For a more refined dining experience in Barcelona, this fantastic restaurant offers a creative and beautifully presented tasting menu that highlights seasonal ingredients with a modern twist. One of its standout features is the extensive and carefully curated wine list, making it a great spot for wine lovers looking to pair their meal with the perfect glass.”
• Capet – “Capet is an excellent restaurant that blends creativity with deep culinary roots. The menu features inventive dishes made with seasonal, local ingredients, all while maintaining a strong connection to traditional flavours. It’s a cozy and elegant place that’s worth a visit if you’re exploring the historic heart of Barcelona.”Bar Almirall – “Right across from the MACBA, Bar Almirall is a piece of Barcelona’s living history; it’s the city’s longest-running bar still in operation. Stepping inside feels like travelling back in time, thanks to its beautifully preserved interior. It’s well worth stopping by for a drink, especially in the early evening, even if just to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a place that’s truly stood the test of time.”

Copyright @ Osmosis

Copyright @ Bar del Pla

Dr. Ana Maria Fernández Martínez

• Lasarte – Lasarte is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant by Paolo Casagrande, the protégé of the San Sebastián culinary maestro Martín Berasategui, offering innovative, refined Basque-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting.
• Moments – Led by acclaimed chefs Raül Balam and Carme Ruscalleda, this one-Michelin-starred spot blends Catalan tradition with creative twists, delivering a luxurious dining experience.
• Enoteca Paco Pérez – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Hotel Arts, known for its Mediterranean flavours and sophisticated presentation crafted by chef Paco Pérez.
• Cinc Sentits – A contemporary Catalan restaurant with two Michelin stars, focusing on seasonal ingredients and sensory tasting menus that celebrate local flavours.
• Hofmann – A Michelin-starred establishment combining a cooking school and fine dining, where traditional Catalan cuisine meets modern techniques.
• Koy Shunka – An acclaimed Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, famous for its authentic sushi and elegant omakase experience.
• Alkimia – Michelin-starred and helmed by Jordi Vilà, Alkimia offers creative Catalan dishes that reimagine traditional recipes with modern flair.

Dr. Sergio Moyano

• El Racó d’en Cesc – “Known for offering high-quality Catalan cuisine with an updated and modern twist, without losing the essence of traditional flavours, an extensive wine list, and, above all, for its incredible beer selection.” (Please note this restaurant is temporarily closed, according to Google. Please check before dining here.)
• Mont Bar – “Avant-garde tapas and small plates, made with top-quality seasonal products. They have received recognition in guides and have a Michelin star.”
• 4 Gats – “The main attraction of 4 Gats lies in its historical and artistic value. Opened in 1897, it was a key meeting point for prominent figures of Catalan modernism and avant-garde artists of the time, such as Pablo Picasso. Here you can enjoy traditional Catalan Mediterranean cuisine.”
• Can Ugal – “This restaurant has modern Catalan cuisine that focuses on fresh, seasonal products.”

Prof. José Andrés Guirola Ortiz

“I recommend booking in advance at Michelin-starred restaurants — Barcelona has amazing options.”

• SLOW & LOW – “One of my favourites is SLOW & LOW, led by a Mexican chef. It offers creative tasting menus that blend global flavours with excellent technique and bold presentation.”

Dr. Anna Alguersuari

• Hisop – “Hisop channels the same precision and subtlety found in interventional radiology into its cuisine, and in my view, it is the best restaurant in town. With one Michelin star, it offers an affordable lunch menu that is unbeatable. If you are coming to Barcelona before or after the congress, I highly recommend it. The restaurant’s sommelier, Carmeta, will choose the perfect wine to complement an unforgettable meal.”
• Maleducat – “The literal translation of this restaurant’s name is impolite, and that is exactly what it is. It showcases powerful flavours with a brave combination of their finest products. They have amazing rice, shrimp tartare on toast, and traditional dishes reimagined in a modern way. You can’t miss it.”

Copyright @ 4 Gats

Copyright @ Xiringuito Escribà

Dr. Iñigo Insausti Gorbea

• La Pubilla – A beloved Gràcia neighbourhood institution serving market-fresh Catalan dishes with a modern twist, La Pubilla is famous for its hearty breakfasts and soulful seasonal cooking.
• Ca L’Isidre – Ca L’Isidre is an elegant, family-run restaurant where traditional Catalan recipes meet refined presentation, paired with an exceptional wine cellar.
• Cal Boter – Cal Boter is a rustic, no-frills spot in the Gràcia district offering authentic Catalan comfort food, from charcoal-grilled meats to homemade desserts.
• Xiringuito Escribà – This restaurant is a seaside favourite specializing in paella and rice dishes, served with unbeatable Mediterranean views and a relaxed beach vibe.
• Atempo – Chef Jordi Cruz’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where innovative tasting menus blend cutting-edge technique with bold Mediterranean flavours.