Off The Beaten Path: Best Poblenou Restaurants
WHERE LOCALS EAT: POBLENOU BEST RESTAURANTS
This neighborhood popularity has grown over the time, adapting to the new trends and becoming one of the most creative and genuine areas of Barcelona. What makes it so special is the contrast between the new and the old, a result of its industrial past and its working-class origin combined with recent urban interventions performed by the city council to improve the district after the Olympic Games.
Some old factories have been restored to preserve its industrial flare, while other were knocked down and substituted by high-tech buildings, and still other remain in ruins, their walls covered with graffiti…
We can take you exploring Poblenou in one of our contemporary architecture tours, or you might just want to do it on your own if you are an independent traveler happy to go off the beaten path. Stroll around its streets and squares, watch the people on their daily business and get away of the tourist crowds for a while, while discovering the real Barcelona. Yes, exploring this little known neighborhood that combines old factories and hip young businesses can be lots of fun.
These are our favorite restaurants in Poblenou:
1
Els Pescadors
This Poblenou restaurant is located in the emblematic Prim Square, a secluded plaza close to the sea and protected from the sun with the shade cast by 3 impressive ombu trees. The restaurant still preserves the fishing flare of the origins of the neighborhood before it became an industrial area, with its marble counter and the white table cloths.
Here you’ll find both quality and quantity in a menu that changes every day depending on the season, the local products available and especially the fresh fish they get in the fish market. So of course, fish and also rice are their specialties. Let them choose the drinks for you: they have more than 150 references of wine, cava, distillates and spirits. If you come in the summer, make sure to get a table outside.
2
Aguaribay
Poblenou restaurants aren’t much into veggies… But if you are looking for a vegetarian meal, then this restaurant is your thing. Opened by an Argentinian, an Italian and a Catalan cook, it offers a variety of vegetarian tapas, nice day menus (simple and unpretentious meals, yet colorful and tasty), plus nice organic wines and home brews.
They use organic and seasonal veggies when possible, and also incorporate gluten-free options in their menu. Their nachos and their vegan burgers are lots of fun. And make sure to try their desserts, as well. You’ll be positively surprised by their excellent service.
3
Ideal
They also have a patio at the back if you prefer to be outdoors. This is our favorite address in the second main street of the district: Marià Aguiló street – a pedestrian area with a small village feel and plenty of interesting local stores.
4
Els Tres Porquets
In the main street of the district, Rambla de Poblenou, you’ll find this relaxed and casual place where you can taste typical homemade dishes of the Catalan cuisine: tapas and market dishes made with seasonal products, plus a great variety of the best national and international wines. The name of the restaurant translates as “The three little pigs”, the children tale that inspired the owner.
And effectively, pork is one of the main ingredients in most dishes (but not the only one). As you enter, a blackboard displays the dishes of the day. Its a good idea to order an assortment of them, so you can sample as many as possible. They also offer group menus is you are traveling with a larger group (book it in advance, though).
5
Floreta
Croquettes are one of the most classic Spanish tapas. A creamy filling made of a thick bechamel sauce and different toppings, then coated in bread crumbles and deep fried. Their size makes them perfect as finger food. And they pair greatly with other tapas and a beer or some young wine.
And Catacroquet is one of the few restaurants in Barcelona specializing in them. You’ll find here the classic meat and chicken croquettes, but also creative compositions with a variety of cheeses, truffle, shrimp, mushrooms… Their baby calamari ones are a hit. Plus their gourmet tapas and delicious deserts make it for a lovely meal, too.
AND BONUS! Here is where to buy the best orxata in Poblenou:
6
Tio Che
In the weekends, and specially in the summertime, locals flock the place: Don’t be afraid if you see a long queue, it’s normal… El Tio Che is a very traditional place to go with family and friends, so it is worth the wait.
READ REVIEWS AND BOOK YOUR TABLE >>
What’s your favorite Poblenou restaurant?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
MORE BARCELONA TIPS FOR YOU:
SHARE WITH YOUR TRAVEL MATES
RESEARCHING FOR A TRIP IS TIME-CONSUMING…
Need more inspiration?
Our 100% FREE Barcelona Collection will give you everything you need to organize the trip of your lifetime to Barcelona.
BEST INSIDER TIPS FROM THE PROS!
