They say the best way to get to know a city is to wander its streets… and let yourself be tempted by its flavors. From Hotel Regina Barcelona, we invite you to discover five Catalan restaurants that capture the soul of the city—places where tradition and modern flair blend in perfect harmony, and where authenticity lingers in every dish and every corner. Just like in Barcelona itself.

Pick your favorite… or dare to try them all. You wouldn’t want to leave anything untasted, would you?

Ready to dig in? Bon appétit!

La Esquina (Bergara, 2)

All you have to do is step out of Hotel Regina and walk about 200 meters. On the very same Bergara street, right on the corner with Carrer de Pelai (hence the name), you'll find one of the coziest spots to kick off your culinary stroll. Just a minute from the hotel door—literally!

Tasting tapas at La Esquina is almost a ritual. Start your experience with their irresistible house-marinated olives or two of our favorite gildas  (a classic skewer of pickles, olives, and anchovy) —one with octopus, the other with anchovy and ravigote sauce. We highly recommend continuing with their famous croquetas de rustido, made with slow-roasted beef, pork, and chicken—creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside. And don’t leave without trying their iconic patatas bravas La Esquina, served with alioli, brava sauce, and piparra peppers.

Seafood lovers are in for a treat with the buñuelos de bacalao (salt cod fritters) served with citrus mascarpone, the bacallà esqueixat—a traditional Catalan-style shredded cod salad—with a vinagreta de fesolets de Santa Pau (a light dressing with tender white beans from Santa Pau) and grated tomato, or the delicious cazuelita de gambas al ajillo with smoked pimentón de la Vera (garlic prawns with spicy Spanish paprika). And if you're in the mood for sharing, their rice dishes won’t disappoint—like the one with braised pork cheek, fried egg, and Padrón pepper.

laesquinabarcelona.com

Casa Guinart (La Rambla, 95)

Step out of Hotel Regina and stroll down Carrer de Pelai until you reach Plaça Catalunya, the vibrant heart of Barcelona. From there, head down the iconic La Rambla—past cafés, street performers, and the famous Miró mosaic—until you reach the Mercat de la Boqueria. Right at the market’s entrance, Casa Guinart will be waiting to welcome you. A 10–12 minute walk that’s perfect for working up an appetite.

With roots dating back to the early 20th century, Casa Guinart has evolved over time without losing its soul—a kitchen devoted to honest cooking and fresh ingredients. Its terrace, overlooking the lively bustle of La Rambla, is the perfect spot to surrender to their menu. Hard to resist their bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari sandwich), with crispy rings and soft bread. And if you’re into timeless classics, get ready to indulge: a perfectly runny tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette), tender pulpitos con patatas (baby octopus with potatoes that melt in your mouth), or foolproof huevos estrellados con jamón (fried eggs over fries with cured ham).

casaguinart.com

Cafè de l’Acadèmia (Plaça de Sant Just)

From the hotel, head toward Plaça Catalunya and walk down La Rambla until you reach Carrer Ferran, on the left. Follow the street, cross the historic Plaça Sant Jaume, and wander through the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter until you arrive at the intimate Plaça de Sant Just, presided over by the stunning Basílica dels Sants Just i Pastor. There, in a 15th-century building, you'll find Cafè de l’Acadèmia waiting for you. A 15-minute stroll steeped in history.

The restaurant pays tribute to classic Catalan cuisine using locally sourced ingredients: calamarcitos (baby squid) with fesolets de Santa Pau (tender white beans) and butifarra del perol (a traditional fresh sausage), homemade meatballs with cuttlefish, or their iconic fricandó with mushrooms—a slow-cooked beef stew full of depth and flavor. If you like to sample a bit of everything, their half portions are perfect for a delicious tasting experience. And don’t miss the macarrons del cardenal—oven-gratinated macaroni in a rich Catalan recipe that takes you straight to the family tables of the past.

cafedelacademia.com

Santa Magdalena (Carrer de Sta. Magdalena, 6)

From Hotel Regina, head up toward Passeig de Gràcia, crossing Rambla de Catalunya—one of Barcelona’s most iconic avenues. Once on Passeig de Gràcia, take a moment to admire architectural gems like Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (Casa Milà). Let yourself be drawn in by the modernist façades as you continue to Carrer de Còrsega and follow it to number 85. A 20–25 minute walk that’s perfect for building up an appetite—though a quick taxi ride is always an option.

At Santa Magdalena, the hardest part is choosing… Do you start with the gilda (a classic skewer of pickles, olives, and anchovy) or go straight for the croqueta de cocido with truffled mayo? The buñuelos de bacalao with honey allioli and the sevillanos (cod fritters with romesco sauce) are two of their signature dishes. And if you can, save a little room to finish with a porronet of moscatel—a sweet Catalan wine served in a traditional glass pitcher.

santamagdalenabcn.com

The Greenhouse (Hotel Pulitzer - Bergara, 8)

Just steps away from Hotel Regina, inside the neighboring Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona, you’ll find one of the city center’s true culinary gems. Surrounded by greenery, natural light, and a relaxed atmosphere, The Greenhouse wins hearts with both its Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic and its flavorful, creative, and approachable menu.

The Greenhouse offers a weekly midday set menu—with a starter and main course—designed for those who want to eat well, with seasonal ingredients and zero fuss, right in the heart of the city. Here, seasonal produce and local ingredients are transformed into honest, flavorful dishes: from a refreshing and surprising strawberry gazpacho with piparras (mild pickled peppers) to comforting fideos a la cassola (noodles baked in a clay pot) with squid and artichoke.

Catalan classics also have their place on the menu: empedrat—a traditional cold salad—with fesols de Santa Pau (tender white beans) and cured mackerel, or a juicy omelette with sweet Figueres onion, cooked à la minute, just as it should be. If you're in the mood for something heartier, let yourself be tempted by the rich squid arroz meloso (a creamy-style rice) with saffron allioli, or the spectacular Josper-roasted eggplant with tahini sauce, pomegranate, and fresh herbs. And to finish on a high note: the apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream won’t disappoint.

hotelpulitzer.es/the-greenhouse