Book now at hesperia.com and let your palate guide you through Barcelona!
Hesperia Blog
Discover the Flavors of Barcelona: A Journey Through Local Gastronomy
Barcelona is much more than modernist architecture and Mediterranean beaches: it’s a city to be savored at every corner. From traditional markets to gourmet restaurants, its gastronomy represents a perfect fusion of Catalan tradition and culinary innovation. At Hesperia Hotels, we invite you to discover the best of this gastronomic offering from our prime locations: Hesperia Sant Just, Hesperia Barri Gòtic, and Hesperia Presidente.
Tapas with History in the Heart of the Gothic Quarter
If you stay at our Hesperia Barri Gòtic, you’ll be just steps away from some of the city’s most iconic taverns. In the maze of medieval streets of the historic center, you can try everything from bombas (spicy croquettes typical of Barceloneta) to patatas bravas with authentic homemade sauce.
Also, near the hotel is the famous Mercado de la Boquería, where you can enjoy local delicacies such as:
-
Butifarra amb mongetes: Catalan sausage served with sautéed white beans.
-
Pa amb tomàquet: bread with tomato, olive oil, and salt, the foundation of any Catalan meal.
-
Cargols a la llauna: snails baked with spices, a delight for the more adventurous.
Haute Cuisine and Modernity on Avinguda Diagonal
For those seeking a more sophisticated experience, Hesperia Presidente, located right on Avinguda Diagonal, is the ideal starting point. This vibrant area of the city is filled with gourmet restaurants and Michelin-starred venues. From here, you can explore modern interpretations of traditional dishes such as:
-
Suquet de peix: a fish and seafood stew with potatoes, typical of Catalan coastal areas.
-
Canalons a la catalana: cannelloni filled with roasted meat, traditionally served at Christmas but available year-round in traditional restaurants.
-
Coca de recapte: a kind of Catalan pizza topped with roasted vegetables and sometimes cured meats.
And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave without trying:
-
Crema catalana: the region’s most iconic dessert, similar to crème brûlée but with a citrus and cinnamon twist.
-
Mel i mató: fresh cheese with honey, a simple yet delicious dessert.
Local Flavors Off the Tourist Track
Looking for a quieter and more authentic experience? Hesperia Sant Just, located just outside the city center, connects you with a more local and less touristy gastronomy. In the surrounding area, you’ll find traditional farmhouses and family-run restaurants where Catalan cuisine is served with pride and simplicity. Some dishes you must try:
-
Escudella i carn d’olla: a hearty stew with soup, meat, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for the colder months.
-
Trinxat de la Cerdanya: a mix of cabbage, potato, and pork belly, ideal as a winter dish.
-
Esqueixada de bacallà: a cold salad of shredded salted cod with tomato, olives, and onion, perfect for summer.
Discover Barcelona with the Best Flavors
At Hesperia Hotels, we believe that getting to know a destination also means tasting it. Whether you’re passionate about traditional gastronomy or a lover of contemporary cuisine, Barcelona has something for you. And our hotels—Hesperia Barri Gòtic, Hesperia Presidente, and Hesperia Sant Just—are the perfect starting points for your culinary adventure.
HESPERIA, HOTELS TO LIVE, DISCOVER, AND CELEBRATE
