5 must-try restaurants near Barcelona

If you hear the last name Roca and start to salivate, don't worry – it's the normal reaction for any food lover. Jordi Roca – the youngest of the Michelin-starred brothers – and Ale Rivas, created the Rocambolesc label in 2012, debuting in the world of desserts with an ice cream parlour, to which they added a confectionery in 2022. Now, next to their two sister establishments in Girona is Rocambolesc Bikineria, an informal eatery specialising in bikinis (the Catalan word for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich). Whether enjoying a classic sandwich or sampling new flavours, it’s the perfect place to start before embarking on a sweet tour of the other Rocambolesc establishments.

DID YOU KNOW? The menu may be small, but it’s tasty in offerings. Sample the classic ham and cheese sandwich, try the innovative pastrami option – which includes Iberian ham with truffle – or go with the vegetable bikini.

Located in an apartment on Barcelona’s Ronda Sant Antoni is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world – and the second oldest Michelin star in the city (awarded in 2004). For alkimia in Barcelona, chef-owners Jordi Vilà and Sònia Profitós wanted to experiment with taking traditional Catalan cuisine and incorporating a touch of the avant-garde. And that's why the name of the restaurant is more than apt: their kitchens transform the best raw ingredients into extravagant dishes that are as unique and surprising as they are delicious.

INSIDER SECRET: On the first floor of the Moritz factory is Al Kostat, where you’ll find a traditional (and more affordable) restaurant with the same characteristic knowledge and professionalism as its older brother, alkimia.

Nandu Jubany, the chef at the helm of Can Jubany, has gone beyond the category of Michelin chef to become a Catalan icon. In 1995, he opened – together with his wife Anna Orte – a cosy, traditional farmhouse in Calldetenes, Barcelona. Here, classic dishes and local flavours meet innovative recipes, taking you on a tour of the Catalan coast and mountains with a menu that’s as familiar as it is surprising. Must-try dishes include dried espardeñas rice and crayfish broth or roast suckling pig with peach.

DID YOU KNOW? Can Jubany, which earned its Michelin star in 1998 (just three years after opening its doors) was voted a favourite restaurant for Spaniards, topping TheFork's 2021 TOP100 list.

In Granollers, just 15 minutes from La Roca Village and 30 minutes from Barcelona, is Fonda Europa – an institution for traditional Catalan cuisine that’s run by the Parellada family. The house's hospitality, history and gastronomic expertise – which preserves the use of seasonal and local products – have made it an icon since its founding in 1771. On the menu of great classics? The Parellada paella, rice dishes, casseroles and the traditional (and unbeatable) Catalan forquilla esmorzars.

DID YOU KNOW? Chef Ada Parellada is the gastronomic advisor to Pasarela in La Roca Village – a multicultural restaurant at the forefront of culinary trends, with unparalleled customer service.

Maleducat opened its doors in 2020 in Sant Antoni, a buzzing foodie neighbourhood in Barcelona. With an offering that seeks to turn diners into enjoyers, the menu claims and reinterprets Catalan cuisine, transforming it into succulent dishes crafted from seasonal produce. Begin with one of their irresistible starters – which include oysters and crunchy Catalan roast rolls – before moving on to sharing a vegetable, meat or fish dish with loved ones. Then, to finish, order one of the four desserts. Or, as they’d say in the Maleducat language, “the final culmination”.<br<>

INSIDER SECRET: ABaC’s sommelier, Alejandro Icart, is behind the exquisite list of Catalan wines at Maleducat, each of which stands out for their bold personalities and involvement in interesting wine projects.

How many Michelin-star restaurants are in Barcelona?

There are 37 Michelin stars distributed among 26 restaurants, demonstrating the Catalan city as one of the benchmarks for impeccable international gastronomy. In addition, Barcelona also has four restaurants with three Michelin stars: ABaC, Cocina Hermanos Torres, Enjoy and Lasarte.

How many restaurants does Nandu Jubany have?

The famous Catalan chef has countless restaurants found throughout Spain: Can Jubany in Calldetenes, Can Carlitos, Es Còdol Foradat and Agua-Aire in Formentera, Pecador in Ibiza, Diamant in Andorra, Pur and Impur in Barcelona. In addition, there’s also Foc in Singapore and event kiosks such as El Convent in Blanes, Mas d'Osor in Montseny Natural Park, Mas Albareda in Sant Julià de Vilatorta and Colònia Rusiñol in Vic.

How many Michelin stars does alkimia have?

Chef Jordi Vilà’s alkimia has held a Michelin star since 2004, as well as 3 Soles (the highest distinction) from the Repsol Guide, the National Gastronomy Award from the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition and position number one in the Macarfi Guide to the best restaurants in Barcelona.