While studying in Barcelona, you’ll likely be spending plenty of time out and about in the city, enjoying the city’s famously delicious cuisine. There is so much to try, but all of those tapas can really add up! Luckily Barcelona has plenty of spots where the food is as satisfying as the prices. Here are the best restaurants in Barcelona on a student budget (with a few splurges)!
11 Student-Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Barcelona
Bendito Pecado
Bendito Pecado was a random, lucky find. Probably the best Arepa I’ve had in my entire life, and in a perfect location right by Arc de Triomf and El Born (Metro Arc de Triomf, L1).
I got the Vegetarian Arepa but added chicken.
Mescladis
Another random find, Mescladis (Metro Jaume 1, L4) has some of the best Pan con Tomate (I know it’s just bread, tomatoes, olive oil, & salt, but it honestly tastes different at each place). I didn’t know it until after but this restaurant is actually a refugee-led kitchen. They integrate immigrants by offering them employment, and all the food is organic too.
Alsur Cafe
A bit of a limited menu, but everything here is so so good. A really good spot for a remote work vibe. I usually get the Spirulina Bowl, but have gotten the pancakes before and they’re insane. Dulce de leche, strawberries, and bananas on top. I know most smoothie bowls aren’t that filling, but this one can actually be a meal – it’s that big. There are two locations – one on Roger Lluria (Metro Urquinaona, L1 & L4), and one in El Born (Metro Barceloneta, L4).
Tierra Burrito Bar
Near the Encants Flea Market and the Torre Agbar (Metro Glories, L1) you’ll find this hidden gem. This is the only place that a group of Americans can compare to Chipotle – it’s the closest thing you’ll find in Barcelona. It goes without saying, then, that the burritos are both delicious and massive, giving you the best bang for your buck.
Juice Dudes
This place is just the best. It’s got juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, amazing sandwiches, salads, and an awesome staff. It’s right on the corner of Parc de la Ciutadella (Metro Marina, L1), and also a great place to work.
Toma Ya Street Food
A cheap restaurant located in the Gracia neighborhood (Metro Lesseps, L3) which has tons of amazing international cuisine. I ordered the ceviche and it was so good I never wanted it to end.
Ta Mi Sushi
A MUST. Ta Mi (Metro Verdaguer, L4 & L5) is a nondescript all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant with the best sushi I had all semester. We tried everything and all was 10/10.
Böl
A healthy place near Passeig de Gracia (Metro Passeig de Gracia, L2, L3 & L4). You can either order off the menu or create your own bowl; I created my own. This is also weirdly one of the only places in Barcelona that had sweet potatoes!
Flex Bowls
Another healthy place near Passeig de Gracia metro, Flexbowls has a cheap, tasty menu del dia. You definitely get a bang for your buck, with a soup, a bowl, a drink, and a dessert. The Acai bowl was actually one of the best I had all semester.
Bo de B
A student haven, Bo de B is located on the outskirts of the Born neighborhood (Metro Barceloneta, L4). Four-Euro sandwiches that are filling and massive. The line is usually out the door but the sandwich you’ll get is well worth the wait. Try their version of Creme Catalan as well, which is INSANE.
Ramen Kuma
Located on Carrer de Sardenya (Metro Marina, L1) Ramen Kuma is amazing. Everything is cheap, tastes great, and makes for great hangover food. They also have the most random hours – if you knock on the door, they may open just for you.
… And 3 That are Worth the Splurge
These next three restaurants aren’t as student budget friendly, but still remain must eats in Barcelona. 1000% worth the splurge.
Honest Greens
My favorite restaurant. Every time I would struggle between getting something different that sounds amazing, or sticking with the Avocado Supergreens Salad which I know tastes fantastic. They have natural juices where you can buy a cup for 2.5 euros and get unlimited self refills of the 4 types of juices. A perfect detox meal, Honest Greens has three locations in the city – one near Metro Diagonal (L3 & L5), one near Metro Catalunya (L1, L3, L6, L7) and one in El Born (Metro Barceloneta, L4).
Xiringuito Escriba
Xiringuito Escriba (Metro Llacuna, L4) is definitely a splurge, but totally worth it for the best Paella in Barcelona. The servings are MASSIVE, and it’s on the beach, so the views are priceless. See the picture below for a size reference.
Ciutat Comtal
Ciutat Comtal (Metro Catalunya, L1, L3, L6, L7) is the perfect place for amazing, typical Spanish tapas. The Creme Catalan from here was the best I had over the 4 months I spent in Spain. You won’t regret this one.
Taylor is from the University of Florida and studied abroad in Barcelona for Spring 2021. She is a major foodie and always tries a local dish from every place she visits. When traveling she’s down for anything and loves doing things that can only be done in that specific place. Taylor wants to see as many places in the world as she can!
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