Ironically, though the menu was created in the 60s to jumpstart the tourism industry, most tourists today don\u2019t actually know about it. To make sure you don\u2019t miss out on any Barcelona lunch essentials, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the best spots the city has to offer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n La Pubilla<\/a> is a Gracia neighborhood classic. Located right in front of Mercat de la Llibertat<\/a>, it\u2019s a vibrant spot known for serving up one of Barcelona\u2019s best men\u00fas de d\u00eda.<\/em> For \u20ac16, you\u2019ll get three generously portioned\u2014and very creative\u2014market dishes, like leeks confit with ib\u00e9rico<\/em> and bearnaise sauce, mar i muntanya<\/em> rice with chicken and razor clams, or a homemade tarte tatin<\/em>. Get there early or reserve beforehand\u2014it\u2019s usually packed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Insider’s tip:<\/strong> They also offer esmorzars de forquilla<\/em>, which basically translates to \u201cabsurdly hearty Catalan breakfasts\u201d every day from 8 a.m.\u201312 p.m.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Pa\u2019 Finolis<\/a> is Sergi Mu\u00f1oz and Alex Amat\u2019s brainchild of a Catalan-Japanese fusion taverna<\/em>. During the day, they offer a combo including two dishes that highlight both Mediterranean and Japanese flavors and techniques. At night, they kick out the fusion and go fully Japanese. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Both are great options, but we recommend going during the day to try their original mash-ups. They change the menu daily, but they\u2019ll always surprise you, whether it be with a miso-Caesar salad, a more Catalan-leaning butifarra <\/em>with samfaina<\/em>, or their edamame-stuffed bomba<\/em>. The best part: You’ll only drop \u20ac10.50 for a starter and a main.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Tucked into a side street of Gr\u00e0cia, Goliard<\/a> is another local institution that can\u2019t be missed. For \u20ac13.90 you can taste creative Catalan-inspired dishes like duck confit croquetas<\/em>, octopus with pancetta and parmentier, or the classic mel i mat\u00f3<\/a><\/em>\u2014a traditional fresh Catalan dessert cheese paired with honey. The deal also includes a glass of wine. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Insider’s tip<\/strong>: At night, they offer an outrageously good nine-course tasting menu, which might just be the best affordable men\u00fa de degustaci\u00f3n<\/em> in Barcelona.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A Pluma<\/a> is El Bulli alum Eugeni De Diego\u2019s take on the classic Catalan pollo a l\u2019ast<\/em>, or roast chicken. Inspired by a joint in the town of Empuriabrava, where De Diego and his El Bulli colleagues used to go after work, A Pluma\u2019s concept elevates the traditional rotisserie and gives it a gourmet twist. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Come hungry and share everything. Start with the tomato salad and eggplant miso, and work your way to the mains: the pollo a l\u2019ast con salsa<\/em> and the fried chicken strips. For dessert, you can\u2019t miss the balsamic pineapple. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Craving something other than tapas? Hit up Hawker 45<\/a>, chef Laila Bazham\u2019s ode to South American and Southeast Asian street food. This Arc de Triomf spot features a daily menu that varies from \u20ac12\u201315. You can jump from continent to continent with dishes like Colombian arepas<\/em>, kinilaw\u2014<\/em>a Filipino dish similar to ceviche\u2014<\/em>or romeu y julieta<\/em>, a Brazilian dessert made with fresh cheese and guayaba.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you happen to be in Poble Sec<\/a>, <\/strong>Casa Xica<\/a> is an essential stop. Chefs and owners Marc Santamaria and Raquel Blasco keep it interesting by fusing local flavors with dishes inspired by their trips across Asia and beyond. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Their calamari tartare, for example, takes cues from the traditional Japanese version but is paired with an Andalusian ajoblanco<\/em> that features coconut milk and lime, giving it a Thai twist. At lunchtime, they offer an exceptional \u20ac10 dish of the day, which includes a drink and dessert.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Open since 1914, Quimet i Quimet<\/a> is one of Barcelona\u2019s most traditional tavernas<\/em>. The only problem is that it\u2019s nearly impossible to get a spot at night, so we recommend going during lunchtime, when it\u2019s a lot less crowded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This family-owned spot is famous for its montaditos<\/em>, open-faced sandwiches served on crispy baguette slices. They offer more than 30 varieties, as well as an excellent selection of traditional tapas and conservas<\/em>\u2014traditional gourmet preserves that come canned or jarred. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n When you\u2019re looking for lunch options away from the swarms and masses of La Rambla, Sants\u2019 La Tere Gastrobar<\/a> is the<\/em> call to make. This sleek and airy eatery offers an excellent midday deal for \u20ac14.50 as well as an impressive selection of creative tapas.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Insider Tip<\/strong>: Don\u2019t miss their creative riff on the traditional pulpo a la gallega\u2014<\/em>two succulent legs of grilled octopus on top of what\u2019s arguably Barcelona\u2019s creamiest potato parmentier.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lunch-in-barcelona-1.png\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n1. La Pubilla<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Cured](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lunch-in-barcelona-la-pubilla-1.jpg\")
2. Pa\u2019 Finolis<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Pa](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lunch-in-barcelona-pa-finolis-1.jpg\")
3. Goliard <\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Mel](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lunch-in-barcelona-mel-i-mato-1.jpg\")
4. A Pluma<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5. Hawker 45<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
6. Casa Xica<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
7. Quimet i Quimet<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
8. La Tere Gastrobar<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Octopus](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lunch-in-barcelona-la-tere-gastrobar-1.jpg\")