Best restaurants near Picasso Museum in Barcelona
WHERE TO EAT NEAR MUSEU PICASSO
Time efficiency is vital when you only have a few days to explore a city with so many sites as Barcelona. It’s important to group your visits by area to avoid going back and forth, but it’s also important to take into account where you’ll be eating so no time is wasted either. And if you are an art lover, I’m sure visiting the Picasso Museum is already on your list. In such case, in our blog you’ll find many great ideas for things to do in the area.
But what about eating? Today we have prepared for you a list of our favorite restaurants ckose to the Picasso Museum. The neighborhood is famous for its tapas bars, and below you’ll find some of the best. But we have also some tasty ideas for lighter (or cheaper) meals, as well as fun seat-down options. I hope it helps!
Eating at the Picasso Museum
1
Cafe Pablo
Yes! Finally after several years of being closed, the Picasso Museum has reopened their café! It's now called Cafe Pablo and just like Picasso was born in Spain but lived most of his life in France, this restaurant is a beautiful combination of French cuisine and local tapas. We love that they offer a nice midday formula, and that they also have a kids menu. The downside is that it closes relatively early for dinner (at least for the Spanish standards), so it's only a dinner option for early birds - which is not always something bad if you aren't used to the late Spanish schedule, isn't it?
Places to eat for small budgets
2
Brunells
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 50m / 165ft / 1 minute walk
BEST FOR: People with a sweet tooth.
OPENING HOURS: Every day, 9AM to 8PM
Read reviews >>
3
Euskal Etxea
Euskal Etxea is a great option for cheap tapas. They specialize in pintxos, the Basque tapas based on a slice of bread with a variety of toppings and a toothpick on them. Their cold pintxos are displayed on colorful platters on the counters: ask a waiter for a plate and serve yourself. When you are ready to pay, they’ll count the toothpicks on your plate to know how much to serve you. Sometimes you’ll see waiters coming from the kitchen with a platter of warm pintxos such as croquettes or sausages, walking around the patrons like waiters on a wedding reception. For a complete Basque experience order a glass of Txacoli wine, cider or “mosto” (grape juice). Warning: pintxos look small, but 4 or 5 of them are filling enough to make a full meal.
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 120m / 395ft / 2 minutes walk
BEST FOR: Eating tapas on a budget.
OPENING HOURS: Every day, noon to midnight.
Read reviews >>
4
Mama Gorda
Mama Gorda is one of the latest additions to the gourmet scene of the Born district. A hole in the wall bar serving impressive author sandwiches. Author sandwiches, you’ll say? Yes! Gourmet creative cooking served between slices of bread. The menu is short, but mouthwatering. You’ll find there options for meat eaters as well as vegans. And if you are a fish lover… surprise! They also have a ceviche sandwich to die for! Make sure to leave room for their homemade tiramisu for dessert.
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 140m / 460ft / 2 minutes walk
BEST FOR: Gourmet fast food.
OPENING HOURS: Every day, noon to 6.30PM (Saturdays until 11PM)
Read reviews >>
5
Sagas
If Mama Gorda has a more informal and free spirit, Sagas is the more adult alternative. They also serve creative sandwiches, but they focus on slow food with products from local farmers or even grown by themselves. Their menu is also longer, with options that are tributes to the Catalan tradition but also include shouts out to specialties from all over the world. Meat eaters will find a little paradise here, whereas the vegetarian options are nice but more boring than at Mama Gorda.
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 350m / 1150ft / 4 minutes walk
BEST FOR: Gourmets on a budget.
OPENING HOURS: Every day, 1PM to midnight. Fridays and Saturdays until 00.30AM, Saturday and Sunday it opens at noon.
Read reviews >>
Where to eat the best tapas
6
Bar del Pla
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 88m / 290ft / 1 minute walk
BEST FOR: Wine lovers.
OPENING HOURS: Every day, noon to 11PM. Friday and Saturday until midnight. CLOSED ON SUNDAY.
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7
Tapeo
Tapeo is another SUPER BUSY gourmet tapas place that absolutely needs reservation in advance. Somehow smaller than Bar del Pla, their venue has a more modern and formal feel. Their menu is also a bit longer, with a more veggie options than Bar del Pla, and a balance combination of standard, adventurous and fusion tapas. They have cheese and ham platters (Bar del Pla doesn’t). And while their wine list is shorter… they do have sangria!
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 100m / 330ft / 1 minute walk
BEST FOR: Alternative to Bar del Pla on Sundays or for vegetarians.
OPENING HOURS: Every day, noon to midgnight.
Read reviews >>
8
Xampanyet
This authentic tapas bar was open in 1929 and is now run by the 4th generation of the same family. I’m proud to have known three of them! The name Xampanyet means little champagne, because their specialty drink is a sparkling wine made in purpose for them – not as exquisite as real champagne but a fun bubbly that matches the personality of the place. Xampanyet does not take reservations, so arrive early to avoid the long lines that form outside. Order ham, cheese and of course their Spanish Omelet (only my mom makes it better!). I love their baby red peppers stuffed with goat cheese.
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 100m / 330ft / 1 minute walk
BEST FOR: Its authenticity.
OPENING HOURS: Lunch from noon to 3.30PM (except Mondays). Dinner from 7PM to 11PM (except Saturdays). CLOSED ON SUNDAY.
Read reviews >>
9
La Puntual
This large bodega is more a tapas restaurant than a tapas bar. More spacious, there’s no counter (the other three bars above have both a counter with stools and a few tables to seat down). You’ll find here purely classical tapas and local cuisine, with no room for fusion and mostly “safe” choices. They also have some heavier courses for those who don’t feel like sharing tapas platters. And they also have home made desserts!
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 140m / 460ft / 2 minutes walk
BEST FOR: Families, larger groups and seniors that need a quieter meal.
OPENING HOURS: 12.30PM to 11.30PM. CLOSED ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY.
Read reviews >>
10
Cal Pep
Looking for superb tapas and budget is not an issue? Then head to Cal Pep. And arrive early: 20 minutes before it opens. If there isn’t a line already, don’t be afraid of being the first to stand in front of the bar shutters: you’ll see how immediately other people hurry after you! Only the first 20 will be lucky enough to get a stool. But here is a tip: if you are at least 4 people, call WELL in advance to try to get one of the handful of tables in the backroom. Spectacular meats, fish and seafood without frills – just pure flavor.
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 280m / 920ft / 4 minutes walk
BEST FOR: Gourmets with a large budget.
OPENING HOURS: Lunch from 1PM to 3.45PM (except Mondays). Dinner from 7.30PM to 11.30PM . CLOSED ON SUNDAY.
Read reviews >>
Other great restaurats near Picasso Museum
11
La Carassa
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 200m / 720ft / 3 minutes walk
BEST FOR: Informal romantic dinner.
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri, noon to 5.30PM, 7PM to 11.30PM. Saturdays only 6PM to midnight. SUNDAY CLOSED.
Read reviews and book a table now >>
12
Arcano
Arcano has become a must-go place for young adults and small groups looking for fancy meals, but it also appeals older generations for its historical location in a building from the 1600’s. Their selection of curated tapas, fresh salads and ellaborated starters make for a promising beginning of the meal, that can be complemented with their juicy meats or their short but inviting fish selection.
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 230m / 755ft / 3 minutes walk
BEST FOR: Young adults and groups.
OPENING HOURS: Every day, 1PM to 4.30PM and 6.30PM to 11.30PM.
Read reviews >>
13
Passadis del Pep
If Cal Pep above picked your curiosity but you aren’t one to arrive 20 minutes before opening nor seat on a stool by the counter, I have the right choice for you. Josep Manubens, owner of Cal Pep, also owns a hidden restaurant just one block away. No sign on the street, you’ll only get there because of the building number, and after going down a darkish corridor a door opens to a huge restaurant (reservation needed). You’ll be seated and they’ll start bringing food without even show you the menu. And when you are so full you don’t think you can eat anything else… they’ll ask if you want meat or fish as main course! I usually tell them I’ll go straight to dessert, thanks.
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 350m / 1150ft / 5 minutes walk
BEST FOR: Big eaters with no budget issues.
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sat, 1.30PM to 11PM. Mondays only 8PM to 11.30PM. CLOSED ON SUNDAY.
Read reviews >>
14
Set Portes
What if you want some good paella? I’m afraid you’ll have to go further and reach the end of the Born district. But don’t worry, it’s not a long walk. Set Portes is an all-times classic open in 1836 that has preserved their old-school style. Local and international celebrities have eaten here, as show the many plaques marking exactly where each of them sat. Paella and other rice dishes are their most celebrated specialty, and they are proud to adapt their menu to the changing of the seasons and the new products that each time of the year brings.
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 450m / 1330ft / 7 minutes walk
BEST FOR: A paella feast.
OPENING HOURS: Every day from 1PM to midnight.
Read reviews and book a table now >>
15
4 Gats
And here is where I’m going to cheat (just a little). I promised restaurants under 10 minutes walk from the Barcelona Picasso Museum, but this last recommendation is slightly further: 11 minutes. But on a list for Picasso lovers I couldn’t stop myself from recommending a restaurant that Picasso himself frequented. Quatre Gats used to be the bohemian café that attracted local artists in the early 1900’s. Here Picasso displayed some of his early works, pinned to the walls of the cafe where now hang replicas of them. And he designed the cover of the restaurant, in a style that strongly reminds of Toulouse Lautrec. The restaurant has preserved the original decoration and eating here feels like a trip back in time.
DISTANCE FROM THE PICASSO MUSEUM: 750m / 2460ft / 11 minutes walk
BEST FOR: Picasso lovers.
OPENING HOURS: Tues-Sat from 11AM to 11PM. Sunday only 11AM to 4PM. CLOSED ON MONDAY.
Read reviews >>
Do you have any other favorite restaurants near Picasso Museum in Barcelona?
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.
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