Eating your way around Barcelona without blowing your budget? Yes, it is possible! Whether you’re travelling on a tight budget or just want to save your euros for sangria and sightseeing, you can still indulge in some of the city’s best food.
In this guide to the best cheap eats in Barcelona, I’ve pulled together all my favourite budget-friendly spots from across the city. There’s a mix of options to discover, from tapas, traditional Spanish food and sweet treats to international fare and some great-value Spanish chains, meaning you’ll have plenty of cheap food in Barcelona to choose from during your trip.
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Last updated: 28/01/26 | This post may contain affiliate links meaning I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Read more in my disclaimer.
Spanish food
If you’re looking to try Catalan and Spanish food in Barcelona without paying tourist-trap prices, you’re in luck. Barcelona is full of affordable restaurants and tapas bars; you just need to know where to look.
These Spanish cheap eats in Barcelona include local tapas bars, unbeatably priced chains and some on-the-go lunch options.
La Cova Fumada
Hidden away in La Barceloneta is La Cova Fumada, a legendary tapas bar that’s loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s best known as the birthplace of the bomba, a deep-fried potato ball filled with meat and topped with sauce, and it’s still one of the best places in Barcelona to try one. Plus, it’ll only set you back a couple of euros.
With a simple, authentic menu and reasonable prices to go with it, La Cova Fumada is the perfect spot for budget-friendly Spanish food in Barcelona.
Location | Nearby attractions: Barceloneta Beach, Museum of the History of Catalonia
Cervecería Catalana
Cervecería Catalana’s name comes up a lot as one of the best places to eat in Barcelona, and not just from people looking for cheap eats, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice quality to eat well on a budget in Barcelona. The popular tapas restaurant serves delicious plates at surprisingly reasonable prices.
This is a great place to go if you want to try a wide range of Spanish tapas dishes in a laid-back space. You might find there’s a queue, and while it’s worth the wait, you could also check out their sister restaurant, Ciutat Comtal, just down the street.
Location | Nearby attractions: Casa Milà
Croq & Roll
If you love croquetas as much as I do, then Croq & Roll is a must. This little spot in Gràcia is almost entirely dedicated to Spain’s favourite bar snack, with a menu that goes far beyond the classics. You’ll find traditional croqueta options like ham and cheese or Ibérico ham, alongside more creative flavours such as carbonara or gorgonzola and pear.
There are meat, fish and veggie options, and a few extra tapas on the menu too – the patatas bravas here are some of my favourites in the city. It’s one of my favourite Barcelona cheap eats when I want something casual but packed with flavour.
Location | Nearby attractions: Sagrada Família
Cafè Pagès
A Gràcia classic, Cafè Pagès is well known for its budget-friendly tapas deal in the evenings. From 7-9 pm every day, you can enjoy €2 tapas, with a great range of dishes included in the offer.
The deal at Cafè Pagès makes it one of the best affordable restaurants in Barcelona, and a great place to head for dinner during your trip.
Location | Nearby attractions: Casa Milà
Vivant
If you want to eat at a more upmarket restaurant in Barcelona without blowing your budget, a menú del día will help you make the most of your money. The fixed-price lunch menus, usually including multiple courses and a drink, can be found around the city on weekdays.
Vivant’s menú del día is one to look out for – you can get a starter, main, dessert, drink and bread for the same price as one of their main meals. At just shy of €20, it’s not the cheapest meal in Barcelona, but it’s a great way to enjoy a nicer meal for less.
Location | Nearby attractions: Arc de Triomf
El Rincón del Cava
El Rincón del Cava is easily one of the best cheap eats in Barcelona. The tapas bar is cosy, traditional, and oh so affordable, with cava that’s just as budget-friendly.
You can order a generous table of tapas, linger over a few drinks, and still leave feeling like your pockets are barely any lighter.
Location | Nearby attractions: Montjuïc, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
100 Montaditos
Now look, you’re not going to find Michelin-star worthy food at 100 Montaditos, but you will find some of the best value food and drink in Barcelona. The Spanish chain specialises in mini sandwiches called Montaditos, and they get their name from the 100 different options on offer.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the montaditos drop to €1 each, with drinks and sides priced just as generously. It’s an ideal spot if you’re travelling with friends – order a big table of food, share a few plates of sandwiches, and enjoy a seriously budget-friendly afternoon.
Sanz Entrepans
For a quick but delicious lunch, Sanz Entrepans specialises in bocadillos (traditional Spanish sandwiches). With hot and cold options filled with high-quality ingredients, you’ll be surprised to find that sandwiches here start from as little as €4.
Sanz Entrepans is right in the heart of the Old Town, making it the perfect grab-and-go option while you’re out exploring Barcelona.
Location | Nearby attractions: Barcelona Cathedral, Palau de la Música Catalana
Xurreria Trébol
When your sweet tooth is calling out, but you’re visiting Barcelona on a budget, head to Xurreria Trébol and enjoy dessert for just a few euros. The classic hole-in-the-wall spot serves freshly fried churros, which are unbeatable with a cup of chocolate on the side for dipping. Or, try their iconic filled churros with Kinder Bueno or dulce de leche (to name just a couple of options!)
You can enjoy the churros to go or grab a seat at one of the barstools inside to rest your legs while you refuel.
Location | Nearby attractions: Casa Milà
International food
You’ll find that Barcelona’s food scene goes far beyond tapas – the city is packed with affordable food from around the world. Here are a few of my top picks for international cheap eats in Barcelona.
The Good Burger
It can be tempting to rely on classic fast-food burger joints when you’re trying to stick to a budget, but The Good Burger is a much better option when cravings hit. The Spanish chain has several locations in Barcelona, and it feels like a clear step up from standard fast food.
You’ll find some creative burgers made with fresh ingredients, plus fun toppings and sides to match. Pair a burger with some loaded fries and a drink, and you’ve got a filling dinner in Barcelona for less than €15. The key to finding the best cheap eats in Barcelona is finding the right balance between cost and quality, and this is a great example.
Taquería Los Güeros
Known for its famously affordable tacos, Taquería Los Güeros is a go-to spot for cheap food in Barcelona. They have a €1 taco menu that features all the classics, and the rest of the menu is pretty cheap too! It’s simple and no-frills, but the food is delicious, so it’s totally worth working this one into your Barcelona itinerary.
Location | Nearby attractions: Sagrada Família
The Quick Greek
With multiple locations around Barcelona, The Quick Greek serves up Greek street food classics like pitas that are both filling and budget-friendly. It’s hearty and inexpensive, making it an easy option for lunch or dinner alike.
Most locations offer great-value combo meals that include a pita with fries and a drink, making it an exceptionally good choice for cheap food in Barcelona.
Pai Mei
Another spot with several Barcelona locations, Pai Mei is perfect when you need a quick, affordable meal that will really fill you up. The noodle bar works on a ‘build your own bowl’ system, meaning you can customise it to perfectly suit your budget.
The best thing about Pai Mei is that the portions are really generous here – I’ve actually never managed to finish a bowl! This can be a lifesaver when you’re starving after a long day of sightseeing but don’t want to have to splash out for a huge meal.
Fast Eddie’s
Fast Eddie’s is the place to be when you want a great burger in Barcelona. Serving up smashburgers and fries, it’s regularly named as one of the best spots in Barcelona – but don’t worry, it won’t break the bank.
The small, laid-back restaurant space is perfect for casual dining, with a simple menu, affordable prices and a relaxed vibe. You could also take your food to go and enjoy it al fresco at the nearby Ciutadella Park.
Location | Nearby attractions: Moco Museum, Picasso Museum
Bo de B
If you’re looking for cheap places to eat in Barcelona, don’t miss Bo de B, a tiny spot by the water serving great value Eastern-Mediterranean inspired sandwiches and plates. The sandwiches are generously filled, very affordable, and packed with flavour, making this one of the best cheap lunch spots in the city.
Location | Nearby attractions: Gothic Quarter
With 14 different options to choose from, which of these Barcelona cheap eats are you heading to first? Whether you’re on a budget or not, I hope you’ll enjoy trying some of these delicious foodie spots that are loved around the city. Happy travels!
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