Brunching in Barcelona: My Top Restaurant Picks
We arrived in Barcelona early in the morning, and despite being exhausted from a full day of traveling, we started exploring the city without any specific plans.
We walked down various streets, admiring the architecture until we decided to sit down at a quaint brunch cafe. This was our first meal in Spain, making it a special memory.
Initially, when thinking of Spanish cuisine, brunch was not the first thing that came to mind. However, to my delight, I found that brunch turned out to be some of my favorite meals during the trip, so I wanted to take some time to highlight a few of my favorite restaurants.
Here are 6 of my favorite brunch spots in Barcelona:
Panorama
About the restaurant:
This restaurant specializes in brunch cocktails, handcrafted juice blends, and classic brunch dishes with a unique twist. The owner, who hails from Argentina, draws culinary inspiration from diverse corners of the world. Despite its prime location in the bustling heart of the city, the restaurant offers a cozy and serene indoor dining area, but we chose to enjoy our meal outside on the terrace.
What we ate:
For our meal, I ordered one of their pressed-to-order juice blends. The orange-mango drink was perfectly sweet and incredibly refreshing.
We also enjoyed toasted bagel sandwiches. My sandwich had smoked salmon, sprouts, spinach, and cream cheese, and Vang’s had an egg, lettuce, thick-cut bacon, and soft brie.
Link to restaurant: https://panoramabcn.com/
Brunch & Cake
About the restaurant:
During our second day in the city, we explored the Sagrada Familia and surrounding area. Across from the cathedral, Brunch & Cake is a popular, award-winning restaurant that serves beautifully plated, Instagram-worth dishes that taste just as good as they look.
What we ate:
I ordered a stunning acai bowl, served in a coconut shell, which featured an assortment of tropical fruits and was topped with delicate coconut shavings. The dish also came with a side of cacao nibs and almond butter, which added a nice crunch and nuttiness to the bowl.
Vang opted for the avocado toast, which was elegantly garnished with naturally dyed lotus root and pickled ginger. To complement our meals, we both ordered the rose latte, which was simply heavenly.
Link to restaurant: https://brunchandcake.com/
Billy Brunch & Garden
About the restaurant:
Billy Brunch is known for its beautiful garden terrace and fresh egg dishes. While sitting in the garden terrace, I was surprised to hear chickens and realized the restaurant had its own chicken coop. You can watch kitchen staff gather fresh eggs from the coop to cook their dishes, which I thought was a unique concept.
What we ate:
I ordered the Shakshuka, a North African dish made with braised tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions spiced with cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Fresh eggs from the coop were delicately cooked atop the sauce, and the runny yolk seamlessly merged with the luscious red sauce, creating an ideal combination for dipping with the provided fresh bread.
Link to restaurant: https://billybrunch.com/
Granja Petitbo
About the restaurant:
Granja Petitbo was yet another charming brunch destination in the heart of the city, offering an array of healthy breakfast options and a wide selection of vegan dishes.
Despite its simplicity, the food was exceptional, prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients, and bursting with flavor.
What we ate:
For my meal, I ordered the Tuna burger, which consisted of a lightly grilled tuna filet, topped with juicy tomato slices, crispy lettuce, and a creamy avocado spread. The burger was elegantly nestled between two charcoal sesame seed buns, which were soft, fresh, and flavorful. Although I typically gravitate towards fried fish sandwiches, this one was simply delicious and left me feeling refreshed and energized for the rest of the day.
Link to restaurant: http://www.granjapetitbo.com/
Eat My Trip
About the restaurant:
Dining at Eat My Trip was an absolute delight, despite the bustling crowds that attest to its popularity. The wait was well worth it, as each dish was a culinary masterpiece that beautifully melded global flavors with experimental and creative touches. From the visually stunning presentation to the explosion of flavors on the palate, each dish was a true work of art that was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds alike.
What we ate:
I couldn't resist ordering the French toast, which was served with a giant puff of pink cotton candy, adding a whimsical touch to the dish. The toast itself was bruleed to perfection, creating a crunchy, caramelized exterior that perfectly complemented the soft, fluffy interior. The dish was garnished with a fruity jam, fresh mint leaves, and cookie crumbles.
Another highlight of our meal was the truffle roasted potato bowl, which featured perfectly poached eggs and soft gruyere cheese. The dish was elegantly garnished with poppy seeds, dill, and multi-grain seed bread. We added thick-cut bacon for a touch of added salty goodness, which elevated the dish even more. All in all, it was one of our favorite brunch experiences of the entire trip!
Link to restaurant: https://eatmytrip.com/
Granja Dulcinea
About the restaurant:
This is a famous spot for traditional churros and chocolate, one of Spain’s most famous breakfast/brunch snacks. Operating since 1930, this particular cafe holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. Nestled in a narrow alley in the Gothic Quarter, this quaint little shop exudes a warm and cozy ambiance, reflecting its long-standing reputation for serving delectable sweets.
What we ate:
We ordered the churros, which came with a generous helping of thick, luscious chocolate, crowned with a mountain of freshly whipped cream. The chocolate had an intense richness that was perfectly balanced by the crispy exterior and soft, doughy interior of the churros. Although sprinkled with sugar, the churros were not overpoweringly sweet, allowing the chocolate to shine as the star of the show.
Link to restaurant: http://granjadulcinea.com/
Overall our brunch experiences in the city were nothing short of amazing. From the creative and experimental dishes at Eat My Trip to the classic, yet inventive fare at Granja Petitbo and the charming ambiance of Granja Dulcinea, each spot offered a unique and memorable brunch experience.
There's something truly special about going out for brunch - it's a chance to slow down and savor the moment, to catch up with loved ones, and to nourish both the body and the soul. And in a city as vibrant and dynamic as this one, brunch can be the perfect way to start a day full of adventure and discovery.
So if you find yourself in the city, I highly recommend carving out some time to explore the brunch scene. With so many amazing spots to choose from, you're sure to find a new favorite and create lasting memories that will stay with you long after your trip has ended.
