El Born, the neighborhood where Musik Boutique Hotel is located, is one of the main hubs of Barcelona’s social and cultural life. Traditional restaurants where you can experience the authentic, classic Barcelona, new and inspiring venues showcasing the latest culinary trends, cuisines from around the world, and some of the city’s best cocktail bars all come together in this movie-like district. Among its medieval alleyways and some of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, El Born is also home to some of the best restaurants in the entire city.
Do you want to make the most of your stay in Barcelona? Curious about all the dining options this amazing neighborhood has to offer? Below, we present the most charming restaurants in El Born — 10 unique spots for every taste that are sure to impress.
Charming restaurants in El Born
Estimar
Barcelona is synonymous with the sea, which is why no list would be complete without Estimar — a restaurant where you’ll find some of the best fish and seafood dishes in the city. If you’re in the mood for rice, check out the best places to eat paella in El Born. Led by chef Rafa Zafra, formerly of El Bulli, Estimar serves only top-quality products: razor clams, mussels, skate, prawns… all prepared with care to create dishes that are true delights.
The restaurant, small but full of charm, is located at number 3, Carrer Sant Antoni dels Sombrerers. Definitely one of the best restaurants in El Born, and a recommendation you shouldn’t miss if you have the time.
Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni dels Sombrerers, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Photo: Estimar
El Chigre 1769
Barcelona has always been a welcoming city, where different cultures and origins blend together to create something truly special. That’s exactly what happens at El Chigre 1769, where the culinary traditions of Barcelona and Asturias come together in a warm atmosphere with unforgettable dishes and products. Although it’s located on one of the side streets of Santa María del Mar — more quintessentially Barcelonese, impossible — a glance inside will transport you straight to the Cantabrian coast and Asturias.
As you might expect, cider is a must at El Chigre 1769. But it’s not the only Asturian touch you’ll find: stews, rice dishes, iconic tapas from the neighborhood, and hearty spoon dishes all feature prominently, along with a variety of meats and products from northern Spain. At the same time, you’ll also find distinctly Barcelonese favorites like the famous “Bomba de la Barceloneta.” Without a doubt, one of the most charming restaurants in El Born, offering a relaxed ambiance reminiscent of the city’s old taverns.
Address: Carrer dels Sombrerers, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Photo: El Chigre 1769
Can Cisa / Bar Brutal
In recent years, both in Barcelona in general and in El Born in particular, there has been a revival of old neighborhood taverns and vermouth bars. One of the most outstanding examples of this trend in the area is Bar Brutal.
This venue was born from the old Can Cisa tavern, which was remodeled to create a space where guests can taste and purchase wines while enjoying a selection of small plates to complement the experience. You’ll find tins, portions, sautés, and even carpaccios or fish dishes in this bistrot-brasserie that, in their own words, offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Address: Carrer de la Princesa, 14, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Photo: Can Cisa / Bar Brutal
7 Portes
As mentioned earlier, El Born is a neighborhood of contrasts, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. On the traditional side, one of its most iconic establishments is 7 Portes, a legendary restaurant in both the neighborhood and the entire city. Located right on the border between El Born and La Barceloneta, this historic spot has managed to stand the test of time and remain on the list of the best restaurants in El Born for decades.
At 7 Portes, you’ll find traditional Catalan dishes that are increasingly hard to find elsewhere, and you’ll also get to try a dessert that was born right here: the famous Pijama. Within its walls—once visited by figures like Miró, Eva Perón, Che Guevara, and Picasso—you can experience the true essence and history of Barcelona.
Address: Passeig Isabel II, 14, 08003 Barcelona
Photo: 7 Portes
Carballeira
Continuing with the theme of tradition, Carballeira is another of the city’s timeless classics that could not be left out of this list of the best restaurants in El Born. This establishment is not only one of the city’s first seafood restaurants for lovers of fresh, market-sourced products, but also one of its finest examples—maintaining exceptional standards since 1944.
If you’re looking for a place with attentive and professional service, this is your spot. At Carballeira, you’ll enjoy an authentic “old-school” dining experience, with top-quality products sourced from the best fish markets in Spain and a level of customer service that reflects decades of excellence.
Address: Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Photo: Carballeira
Restaurants in El Born with terraces
For those who love dining outdoors and enjoying a good meal al fresco, El Born offers fantastic options, which we’ve gathered here in this list of the best restaurants in El Born with terraces.
Tantarantana
Tantarantana was the first restaurant of the San Telmo Group — a true sign of reliability and good food in the city of Barcelona. Located in El Born, right next to the La Ribera neighborhood, this restaurant offers open-air market-style Mediterranean cuisine that will make you fall in love with local flavors. If it’s your first time in Barcelona, you can’t miss some of their signature dishes — a perfect introduction to Catalan cuisine: fricandó, croqueta de rustido, and alcachofas confitadas.
Address: Carrer d’en Tantarantana, 24, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Photo: Tantarantana
Ikibana
As mentioned earlier, Barcelona is a melting pot of cultures. Beyond traditional eateries, there’s also room for restaurants offering global flavors. Ikibana is not only one of the best restaurants in El Born with a terrace, but also one of the best Japanese restaurants in the city. This location (Ikibana Born, as there’s another one in Paral·lel) offers a unique fusion of Japanese and Brazilian cuisines, resulting in dishes full of creativity and flavor.
Beyond its innovative menu, Ikibana stands out for its beautifully designed outdoor terrace, decorated with lush greenery and tropical plants that make it a truly unique space in the city.
Address: Passeig Picasso, 32, 08003 Barcelona
Photo: Ikibana
Calabrasa
Another iconic spot in the neighborhood that deserves a place among the best restaurants in El Born is Calabrasa — and, as the name suggests, it specializes in grilled cuisine. Whether it’s meat, seafood, fish, or even their cheesecake, fire and charcoal are the real stars of the menu at this emblematic restaurant.
Calabrasa features a spacious terrace that’s perfect for ending the day with a view, allowing you to enjoy its culinary delights while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of El Born.
Address: Pg. del Born, 27, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Photo: Calabrasa
El Xampanyet
Of course, we can’t forget El Xampanyet, the famous bar in El Born that still preserves all the charm and character of old Barcelona. Formerly known as Ca l’Esteve, this iconic spot has been open since 1929 and remains the perfect place to enjoy a drink, share some tapas, and pair everything with their signature sparkling wine.
The place is small, which means many visitors gather outside to savor El Xampanyet’s delicious offerings. There are two things to keep in mind before visiting: first, they don’t take reservations — so whoever arrives first gets the best spot. Second, it has become one of the neighborhood’s most popular attractions, which speaks highly of its service but can make finding a table tricky depending on the time of day.
Address: Carrer de Montcada, 22, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Photo: El Xampanyet
Discover El Born from Musik Boutique Hotel
El Born is not only Barcelona’s cultural and gastronomic heart, but also the perfect place to savor the city in all its forms. From traditional taverns to signature restaurants, every corner of the neighborhood offers a unique experience that blends history, innovation, and local character.
Staying at Musik Boutique Hotel, right in the center of El Born, places you just steps away from all these flavors, aromas, and atmospheres. Our team knows every corner of the neighborhood and, through our Barcelona Guide, we help you discover the best restaurants, bars, and experiences that will make your stay truly unforgettable.
Whether you want to enjoy a romantic dinner, try a paella near Santa María del Mar, or relax with a cocktail on a charming terrace, El Born welcomes you with open arms — and Musik Boutique Hotel is the perfect starting point to experience it all.
