Restaurants for special occasions in Barcelona

When there's something to celebrate, whether it's an anniversary, Valentine's Day or just a special day to share with your loved one, it's not always easy to find a restaurant which at the same time has the right atmosphere and also good food. Here you will find the best restaurants to celebrate a special occasion in Barcelona, ​​elegant and with tasty food.

Blue spot is part of the "En Compañía de Lobos" group which boasts 9 restaurants in Barcelona, ​​Madrid and Mallorca. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Ocean building, offering a 360 ° view of the city and the sea. On a beautiful day, there is nothing better than sitting on this terrace, eating good food while admiring this spectacular view. From the interior room you will be able to see the chefs working due to the open kitchens.

The menu offers various dishes to share, pasta, soups, meat and fish, with great attention to the freshness of the products. I would define their concept fusion cuisine, due to the original combination of products and dishes from different traditions and cultures. Each dish is full of elements and small details, even so the balance of the dishes is perfect.

Among the starters I recommend trying Hummus, papadum and Lebanese spices, perfect to stimulate the appetite and to accompany a good wine while having a talk. Afterwards, fish lovers should not miss their fantastic tuna tataki, so soft that it melts in your mouth. I haven’t found any flaws in their dishes, which does not happen often.

Located in an old seventeenth century barn, between arches and stone walls, Arcano has a romantic and relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect place for a special dinner, where you can disconnect for a moment and have your own privacy. The staff is friendly and helpful, with a great knowledge not only about food but also about the wines they offer.

Here you can try classic Mediterranean cuisine, with the special use of meat imported directly from Argentina. The menu is wide, but you cannot leave this restaurant without trying their grilled octopus, the best I've ever tried. Tasty, soft and with a perfect crust outside. The octopus is seasoned with salt flakes, flavored oil and served with a smooth potato cream. Perfection! Accompany all with a good wine and finish with one of their homemade desserts.

Mood rooftop is located on the charming terrace of the hotel The One Barcelona. The city view, the architecture and the presence of beautiful plants makes it a perfect place for a special lunch or dinner. The terrace is characterized by a luxurious and relaxed environment, divided into two dining areas: the exterior, perfect on spring or summer days, and the internal area (in case the weather is not the best). The Chef offers Mediterranean cuisine with modern interpretations. It is recommendable to order various dishes to share, from which their patatas bravas, among the best I've tried.

A special occasion is not necessarily to be shared with your boyfriend/girlfriend, it could be a meal to share with your family, with friends or with work colleagues. In these situations, I like going out to eat a good paella, to share with others and to enjoy accompanied by a nice glass of sangria.

For a nice lunch by the sea, the best place to eat paella is Xiringuito Escribá. When the sun comes out, especially on weekends, the beaches of Barcelona become crowded. No matter it is January or July, the mild climate allows you to enjoy the beach and give you a summer feeling throughout the year. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed; the perfect place to spend a family Sunday lunch. This is a very popular restaurant among the locals, so it is always recommendable to make a reservation (especially during the weekend). Their specialty is paella, which you can try in many interesting variations. My favorites? Paella Escribá (rich in fish, shellfish and seafood) and the squid ink paella.

If you are in Barceloneta, after a nice walk along the sea, stop to eat at the Barraca restaurant: one of the best seafood and paella restaurants of the city. From its windows, you can see palm trees, the beach and the sea, a truly evocative view by day and by night. You will be greeted by a small appetizer offered by the chef or with a nice assortment of olives, a special treat to enjoy while you are looking at the menu. You can choose from a great variety of traditional appetizers, various types of paella and fish dishes. I recommend accompanying your meal with their sangria, full of fruit and with a sweet taste. Finish your meal with one of their exotic-flavored desserts, such as their ginger mousse with matcha tea.

In front of the beach of San Sebastián, just below the famous W hotel, there is an elegant restaurant called Pez vela. The slight darkness of the room, the buzz of voices and the sea view make the atmosphere very warm and relaxed. They offer a simple cuisine, with fresh and quality products. Here the paella is the protagonist, but also the wild fish of the day and the meat cooked on the natural charcoal grill are really good.

La Balsa is one of the most emblematic restaurants in Barcelona. Its original architecture, natural cuisine and professionalism of the staff make it unique in its kind. This is a high-level restaurant (part of the Michelin Guide 2019), but for lunch you can enjoy a menu consisting of appetizer, main course, dessert, water and coffee for the accessible price of 20€. Good Mediterranean cuisine prepared with high quality products. You will probably fall in love with this restaurant!

Located in the Diagonal Street, in the heart of the business district of Barcelona, ​​Negro-Rojo has two spaces, each with its own distinct character. Above Negro, No tan negro, offers international cuisine. Downstairs you will encounter a younger atmosphere, big tables and open kitchens. This is the part called Rojo, where they offer Japanese cuisine. The atmosphere in both spaces is intimate and peaceful. The menu offers a great variety of products, all characterized by extreme freshness and quality. Do not miss their exotic and refreshing cocktails!