While it's not as popular as Paris, New York City, and Tokyo,
Barcelona is still one of the world's food capitals. The city remains beloved for its many restaurants, bistros, bars, cafes, and more. So much so that many who live here eat out regularly. From breakfast to even their midnight snacks, a lot of locals love going out to eat in Barcelona. Is such a lifestyle fit for you? Like any other part of living in Barcelona, eating out regularly comes with its pros and cons. Many find it too expensive and the restaurants too crowded while others love it because of the authentic Spanish food and the cool ambiance of the city.
Pros
Eat Authentic Spanish Cuisine
Naturally, the best thing about eating out in Barcelona is getting to indulge in authentic Spanish and Catalan cuisine. The Spanish are just as proud of their own food as the French and Italians are, and it's reflected well in the city's many hotspots. From homegrown diners and humble bistros to some of
Barcelona's best Michelin-starred restaurants, Spanish cuisine reigns supreme here. You'll have more than your fill of Paella, Gazpacho, Gambas al Ajillo, Tortilla Española, Polbo á Feira, and more that you'll grow sick of them in no time! What's not to love?
Enjoy The Convenience
There's a good chance that most people eat out in Barcelona because it's convenient. Having someone cook for you is always easier than doing it yourself, especially if you're often busy. And if you can't afford to hire a private chef, your next best bet is to eat out. Not only is it the more affordable option, but you can also enjoy many of the world's best chefs' cooking in Barcelona. That's one of the best benefits of
moving to Barcelona, a bona fide but underrated food capital, and eating out here regularly.
Meet New People
Spanish people don't get enough credit for how friendly they are. They may not be as open as Italians, but they're not as closed off as the French. Their friendliness is just right, not too aggressive but also not too awkward. Many of them are also confident enough to approach you at a restaurant respectfully. It’s not exactly outside of
Spanish social customs to do so. Hence, meeting new people and making friends is another benefit to eating out in Barcelona regularly. If you just eat at home, you risk not getting to meet someone who might just be “the one” or your next best friend!
Explore The City as You Eat
If you consider yourself a foodie, you'll let your taste buds lead you to explore more of the city. Though there are certain
neighborhoods in Barcelona known for their culinary scenes, there are other places worth checking out too. Who knows? Your favorite place to eat might just be one you haven't been to yet! Other districts have their signature flavor, both in their menus and vibes. Dining out is more than just the food you eat, after all, and there's always a chance that the perfect spot for you is out there somewhere in this vast metropolis.
Cons
Expect to Spend A Lot
There's no doubt that the worst, or rather most worrisome, part of eating out in Barcelona regularly is the effect it will have on your finances.
Barcelona's living costs are generally high, so having to pay for every meal you have here will substantially decrease your money. If you could afford it, then good! Eat out to your heart's content! But if not and you live on a strict budget, then you might want to reserve eating out for special occasions. There are still many affordable places to eat, sure, but when you add up all those expenses, you might be surprised at how much you spent on eating out alone!
Foreign Cuisines are Rare
While indulging in authentic Spanish food is one of the best benefits of eating out in Barcelona regularly, getting a foreign cuisine is the complete opposite. This isn't to say that they don't exist! There are still many Japanese, Chinese, American, Lebanese, Mexican, and many other cuisines in Barcelona, but they're too far and few between. Using food-delivery apps certainly makes it easier for you to get them, but actually going to these places and dining there yourself is completely different. So, if you're craving foreign cuisines, you might have a more challenging time finding them in Barcelona.
Spanish Food isn't The Healthiest
This isn't to say that Spanish food is unhealthy. Far from it! When done right and prepared traditionally, Spanish cuisine can still be healthy and good for you. Unfortunately, however, not all restaurants do it that way. Some, often the most affordable places, just follow the recipe and serve their dishes as is. And since Spanish cuisine is known for its rich flavors, seasonings, and meats, eating too much of it might affect your overall health. You can go to vegan places, sure, but there aren't that many in the city, and they tend to be the pricier hotspots.
A Quiet Meal is Rare
One of the best parts about cooking for yourself at home is that you get to enjoy a quiet meal, either by yourself or with people you live with. If you eat out in Barcelona, one of the most heavily populated cities in the world, a quiet meal in a restaurant is rare. Popular spots tend to be crowded because they’re in demand, while the more affordable places always have people because they're more accessible than most. If you don't mind eating amidst a noisy and hectic setting, then you're good. But if not, you might want to eat at home instead.
Much like practically everything else in the city, eating out in Barcelona regularly comes with its pros and cons. It's up to you to decide whether you're fit for this sort of lifestyle when you move to Barcelona.
