My Favourite Old Town Restaurants

The "Old Town" in Barcelona is certainly a romantic and atmospheric place to dine when you’re here in Barcelona. Coupled with great bars too, it makes for an enjoyable evening out. Whether you like modern, traditional or something with a twist, there’s plenty to suit everyone... take a look at my favourite restaurants’ in Barcelona’s “Ciutat Vella”.

Tapeo

A firm favourite for a long time now, this tapas restaurant by Daniel Rueda is traditional tapas done very well. From Patatas Bravas to Ibérico Pork Ribs with Honey and Mustard (my favourite dish) and the Broken Eggs with Black Butifarra Sausage! All mouth wateringly good plates made from fresh produce at really reasonable prices. The wine selection is also very good. The Ciutat Vella is not renowned for having large space restaurants and Tapeo is no exception. I feel this only adds to the atmosphere though! Sit at the bar for an authentic experience or request the dining room for a more intimate setting. Booking essential.

The atmospheric old town

Santa Augustina

Another favourite with classic and new tapas. In a lovely little square a bit off the beaten track, this place is a delight. They have an extensive menu to choose from and a good range of wines too or a cocktail if you prefer! This is as good for lunch as it is for dinner and if you can get a seat on the terrace outside, its great to soak up the atmosphere of the square!

Milk Bar and Bistro

Mostly famous for its fab brunches and what we often go there for, this place is a treat any day of the week! Milk Bar and Bistro’s “Recovery Brunch” has every kind of option imaginable under the sun! From the “Fresh Fruit Crunch” and “Penny Farthing Pancakes” to the “BB Deluxe Burger”, you will be feeling like you could run a marathon after a good feed here!! The guys are great and make you feel like you’re a local that’s been visiting for years! The vibe is great too with the perfect mix of laid back, cool and trendy where you can chill out with your friends as brunch turns into cocktails. You can also dine at their sister restaurant “Marmalade” in El Raval

Brunch at Milk

Antic Bocoi del Gotic

This restaurant in the heart of the Gothic is so beautiful inside surrounded by the ancient roman wall and has a lovely intimate setting, great for groups or for special occasions. Their ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality and their specialty is “Coques de Recapte” a typical Catalan dish that is made with a thin base of bread dough and virgin olive oil filled with any kind of topping you like. Start with the gorgeous cheese fondue (yum) and then order a selection of Coques de Recapte to share. This place is popular with locals too and is extremely busy so booking is advised!

Coques de Recapte

Ziryab

In an East meets West epic food story, Ziryab combines the flavours of the Arab world with that of Catalonia’s. Personally I love these flavours, so this place is a real treat. The guys are really friendly and go out of their way to make sure you enjoy all aspects of your meal. Everything is so good on their menu including their fab fusion tapas, but my recommendation would be the tasting menu. This way you get to experience all the flavours and dishes and not have to limit yourself, there’s also option to pair with wine too which is great. There are various combinations of sharing platters so its great for a light bite with friends or a nice romantic meal for two. The wine and beer list is plentiful and additionally they have a Shisha Lounge not far from the restaurant, so escape to the Middle East for a while and try this place out.

All photos by Gemma Reid Photography for heartBCN