5 Best Breakfast Spots in Barcelona

Barcelona is known for its vibrant food scene, and breakfast is no exception. The city offers a relaxed, laid-back breakfast culture where locals and visitors alike take their time to savor the first meal of the day. Whether you’re grabbing a quick pastry and café con leche at a bustling corner café or enjoying a leisurely sit-down brunch with friends, there are plenty of great breakfast experiences to be found on a Barcelona food tour.

Traditional Breakfast in Barcelona

A typical Catalan breakfast is a simple yet flavorful affair, often consisting of hearty, local staples.

Pa_amb_tomàquet_Barcelona

Pa amb tomàquet is a beloved breakfast choice, where crusty bread is rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt. It’s far more popular in the summer when fresh local tomatoes are in peak season.

Xurros amb xocolata is essentially churros with hot chocolate, which is a popular breakfast indulgence. You get a robust, crispy, doughy churro that you dip in thick, rich chocolate that is far richer and more flavorful than the thin hot cocoa you often find in the US.

Esmorzar de forquilla is a more substantial local breakfast dish of sausages and cured meats. It provides a savory start to the day, that you eat with a knife and fork at sit down restaurants.

Top Brunch Spots in Barcelona

Barcelona has a lot of great breakfast spots that either include a daily brunch or offer a special brunch service on weekends.

Granja Petitbo

Granja Petitbo is a hip gastropub with a stylish atmosphere, vintage decor, and a comfortable vibe that matches its breakfast and brunch offerings. Located in the Eixample district, it attracts both locals and tourists seeking a hearty start to their day.

Some of the must-try breakfast items include their eggs Benedict or avocado toast and their smoothie bowls for a lighter option. Yet, I think their pastries are the secret gem on their menu. They go perfectly with the robust Spanish coffee they serve. I also appreciate that they have vegetarian and vegan-friendly options on their brunch menu.

Granja Petitbo (€7–25) – Pg. de St. Joan, 82, L’Eixample, 08009 Barcelona, Spain.

Café Cometa

Photo credit: Café Cometa

Café Cometa is an espresso bar in Barcelona’s Sant Antoni district that’s known for its great coffee and healthy breakfast options. It’s a charming, intimate cafe with a cozy atmosphere.

The breakfast and brunch menu is simple yet delightful, with some refreshing smoothie bowls. They also have a hearty selection of vegan-friendly and gluten-free options. On my last visit, I had a turmeric latte paired with vegan banana bread, and I loved how the organic, aromatic essence of each played off the other.

Café Cometa (€10–20) – Carrer del Parlament, 20, L’Eixample, 08015 Barcelona, Spain.

Granja Viader

Photo credit: Granja Viader

As a historic Barcelona culinary hot spot, Granja Viader has been serving traditional Catalan breakfasts since 1870. The atmosphere is nostalgic, with a classic old-school charm.

It’s a great spot for experiencing traditional Catalan breakfast foods like tostadas con tomate. If you’re craving something sweet, their churros con chocolate is a must-try. I love the way the perfectly crisp texture grabs hold of the robust hot chocolate when you dip it.

Granja Viader (€2–10) – Carrer d’en Xuclà, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain.

Where to Go for Dietary Preferences

Barcelona also does a great job of offering breakfast and brunch services for people with dietary preferences. Including a premium selection of vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian breakfast cafés.

Flax & Kale

Photo credit: Flax & Kale

Flax & Kale is a must-visit for health-conscious brunch-goers in the El Raval neighborhood. The open, airy space, decorated with plants and natural wood accents, makes for a relaxing atmosphere.

They consider themselves to be a “flexitarian” restaurant serving up a variety of plant-based, nutrient-packed options. The menu emphasizes fresh, organic ingredients, and a broad range of healthy choices makes it a standout.

They are arguably best known for their avocado toast with smoked salmon. However, I found their matcha pancakes to be perfectly balanced in flavor and very filling.

Flax & Kale (€10–20) – Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 31, 33, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

Teresa Carles

Photo credit: Teresa Carles

Located near Barcelona’s Plaça Universitat, Teresa Carles is a beloved vegetarian restaurant with a cozy, rustic-chic atmosphere. They’ve been a pioneer in healthy, responsibly sourced food since 1979. The vegetarian and vegan menu includes gluten-free options with symbols that are clearly marked.

Opening closer to noon, they offer a brunch service with creative plant-based cuisine. Signature breakfast dishes include their homemade granola with coconut yogurt and a stunning variety of gluten-free sweet-savory crepes. Their juice bar is also excellent for a morning energy boost.

On my last stop, I completely fell in love with their scrambled tofu with spinach. It had a scrambled eggs texture with a depth of umami that’s sometimes hard to come by in a tofu-based dish. All perfectly augmented by the earthy, organic flavor of the wilted spinach.

Teresa Carles (€15–30) – Carrer de Jovellanos, 2, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain.

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Breakfast in Barcelona

Whether you’re craving a slow, traditional Catalan breakfast or a trendy brunch with an international flair, Barcelona has just what you need to start your morning right. From casual cafés serving classic pa amb tomàquet to upscale spots with creative vegan and gluten-free menus, the city blends its rich food culture with modern dining trends.

If you’re a budget-friendly traveler, you’ll find plenty of cozy bakeries and local bars for a quick bite. If you’re looking to linger as you ease into your morning, most stylish brunch spots have free Wi-Fi.

No matter your style or appetite, you’ll feel spoiled for choice with great breakfast options on your Barcelona food tour.