5 coolest Lunch places in the center!
In Spain it’s quite typical to go out for lunch and have a “Menu del dia”, which is a daily menu. It usually comes with a starter, main, dessert and a drink. Sometimes when you are lucky it also includes the coffee. There are some amazing and cheap lunch spots around the center! For the ones who work or live close to Plaza Cataluya or the ones just visiting Barcelona, there are not just expensive touristic places out there but some really great recommendations.
One of my all-time favorites is the Vietnamese restaurant BUN BO. It’s located right close to the Cathedral and has a lovely terrace where you can relax during your lunch break. The menu is only 10 Euros and it includes a Starter, Main, dessert and a drink. I have not been to Vietnam yet but I have some Vietnamese friends and they confirmed that it’s a truly authentic flavor in this restaurant! For starters I really recommend the summer spring rolls, my favorite main is the Pho Chicken soup and for dessert they always have different delicious homemade ice cream. Not only for lunch it’s a great spot but at night it’s always crowded, too. Especially the cocktails you just have to try!
Another fabulous place is the vegetarian restaurant called TERESA CARLES, located next to El Tringle. Here you have to come early enough to get a table as it’s a very popular place for lunch. I love their menu as it has a fair price and the food is super fresh and healthy. The menu costs 11,50 Euros and includes water, a starter and the main dish. For the starter you can usually choose from a salad or a soup. For the main dish you can choose from Veggies, Grains, Rice or Pasta and believe me there is always something yummy on the menu. The same owner actually has 3 restaurants and a fresh juice bar in Barcelona. Another restaurant I can really recommend is FLAX AND KALE. This restaurant is vegetarian as well but does not offer lunch deals. But I definitely recommend you go there and eat a la carte. My favorite dish is the tuna tartar, it’s truly amazing!
For the ones who love great variety for lunch, the WOKI ORGANIC MARKET has a lot to offer! The restaurant is located in Ronda Universitat and actually is designed like a market with different food stations. You can find everything from Salad, Pizza, Pasta, Wok and Hamburgers. But as the name of the place already tells, their best seller definitely is the Wok! The price for a Wok is around 8 Euros and it’s quite a big portion. Of course all ingredients are organic and therefore a lot healthier than other places. What’s great about this place is that the service is very fast and if you are in a hurry you can be done with lunch in 30 minutes. Additionally they offer the whole menu for take-away as well.
Another really nice lunch option is the Menu del dia at the PULITZER HOTEL, located right next to Plaza Catalunya. Now you must think of an expensive lunch in a 5 star hotel, but it’s not! The restaurant has beautiful interior design and a lovely terrace and the menu is only 12 Euros. It includes, water, wine, a main dish and dessert. For the very hungry ones you also have the option to choose a full menu which also includes a starter for 16 Euros. The quality of the food is exquisite and the service very friendly. Especially the dessert is always homemade and very tasty. Remember that it is not the fastest place so you should plan about 1:15h for your lunch. For the weekend I can also recommend the rooftop terrace in this hotel. They always have great Djs and on Saturdays and Sundays there is a Vermouth Special!
My last recommendation is a delicious Italian restaurant next to Palau de la Musica, called LE CUCINE MANDAROSSO. The menu includes a drink, a pasta dish and a dessert for 11 Euros. This place is so special because they have really authentic Italian cuisine and incredible cakes for dessert. The best seller usually is the “Pasta al horno” which is always fresh and homemade. You need to be there on time because when they open at 13.30h there is already a line of people waiting outside. For dessert you definitely have to try the one and only carrot cake!!