Breakfast in Barcelona: the guide
Whether you prefer to start the day on a sweet or savoury note, somewhere on our list is sure to take your fancy for the first (and most important) meal of the day!
Typical and traditional breakfasts in Barcelona
Savoury breakfast foods
Locals tend to wait until 10 or 11am to have breakfast, generally at the bar in a local café. Typical foods include tomato bread, omelettes (often served cold) and milky coffee. Other popular options include sandwiches. Almost all of Barcelona’s many cafés offer a breakfast menu.
Sweet breakfast foods
The sweet version of breakfast in Barcelona consists of “xocolata desfeta”, a thick, chocolate-based drink. It sometimes comes with cream, in which case it’s called a suís. Traditionally, it comes with churros or melindros, very light finger biscuits.
See our article on hot chocolate for more details
Budget-friendly breakfasts in Barcelona: our favourite spots
Typical Catalan breakfasts
- Pinotxo bar
is a legend in its own right. Located in the Boquería market, this little stand offers typical, no-frills Catalan cooking.
Juanito, the boss, is quite the character. Well into his seventies, he’s still on site every day, serving his clients with verve and panache. He’s been there for over sixty years, and having grown up amongst the market stalls, is often seen as the living emblem of the Boquería.
The products on offer are all fresh and seasonal, and the prices are more than reasonable. For example, a large slice of tomato bread and a half-omelette with aubergine comes in at around €3. That shouldn’t make too big a dint in your holiday budget!
Other options include butifarras (juicy Catalan sausages), ham or cheese croquettes, rabbit, snails or Catalan chickpeas… or how about seafood? In that case, sardines, anchovies and cockles might do the trick.
- Top tip: try and get there before 9am. The Pinotxo bar has an international reputation, and there aren’t many places to sit.
Why? For its authenticity
How much? €3 for tomato bread and a portion of omelette
When? Monday to Saturday, 6:30am – 4pm
Where? Boquería market, La Rambla 91, Raval (métro Liceu)
- Leku
If you’re staying near Camp Nou, stop off at this little bar-restaurant in the Les Corts quarter.
Alas, breakfast is only served on Fridays, but it’s worth the wait! From 7am until noon, the family who run Leku serve a wide variety of very tasty and authentic omelettes.
Options include classic tortillas, but also versions with aubergines, peppers, onions, beans, black pudding or chorizo, all served with tomato bread, the best possible accompaniment.
Why? For original tortillas
When? Friday, 7am – noon
Where? Joan Güell 189, Les Corts (métro Les Corts)
Cosy breakfasts
- Granja Petitbo
The Granja Petitbo is one of our favourite breakfast spots, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and extensive menu. There are options for all tastes, from the sweet (pancakes, tartines, porridge, home-made cakes) to the savoury (eggs benedict, quinoa salad, roast beef sandwiches).
The drinks menu is also worth a mention, with a great selection of teas and coffees (including soya milk options) and very fresh fruit juices. We tried the most unusual one we could find: fennel, cucumber, apple and ginger (very tasty), but more traditional options are also on offer.
The Granja Petitbo also serves brunch at the weekend, but get there early as the café fills up quickly!
Why? For its varied and tasty menu
How much? Tartines from €3, hot dishes and eggs from €6-€14, fresh juice €3.5
When? Monday-Wednesday, 9am – 11:30pm; Thursday and Friday, 9am – midnight; Saturday, 10am – midnight; Sunday, 10am – 11:30pm
Where? Passeig de Sant Joan 82, Eixample (métro Girona)
- We Pudding
Here, we were drawn in by the unusual, quirky vibe. The giant toadstools and mismatched china at We Pudding have more than a touch of the Alice in Wonderland about them, so if that’s something that floats your boat, go for it!
The café offers generous helpings of home-made cakes, savoury sandwiches, teas and coffees.
Why? For its quirkiness
How much? Around €4 for a generous helping of cake
When? Monday – Friday 8am – 10pm, Saturday 9am – 9pm, Sunday 10am – 8pm
Where? Carrer de Pau Claris 90, Eixample (métro Passeig de Gràcia or Urquinaona)
- Federal Café
The Federal Café is one of Barcelona’s hippest eateries, combining Scandi styling, green living and healthy, but tasty, food. Breakfast options run from veggie burgers to scones, muffins, eggs florentine and tartines. Drinks-wise, the homemade smoothies and organic juices are good. For more information, see our article on the Federal Café.
- If you want to see more, note that the photo at the top of the article was taken at the Federal Café. Motuhwatering!
Why?
For its green/organic credentials
How much? Cakes €4-5, hot dishes and eggs €5-12, homemade juices €4
When? Monday – Thursday, 8am – 11pm; Friday, 8am – 1am; Saturday, 9am – 1am; Sunday, 9am – 5.30pm.
Where? Parlament 39, Sant Antoni (métro Sant Antoni)
Want more?
For breakfasts on the go…
- If you’re in a hurry, try one of our favourite bakeries for croissants, brioche or sandwiches.
For the full brunch experience…
- Read our article: Top 5 brunches in Barcelona.
