Best Churros in Barcelona: A Sweet Guide to Spain’s Crispy Classic

Whether you’re embarking on a morning stroll or in town during a period of celebration, you’re sure to enjoy the smell of warm fried dough and thick melted chocolate that fills the streets of Barcelona! 

You may have heard me gush about churros, the fabled Spanish treat consisting of fried choux pastry doused in cinnamon sugar, on my Barcelona food tours. A much-loved snack with modest roots, a serving of churros tastes even better with the signature serving of chocolate.

In this foodie-focused guide, I’ll let you in on everything you need to know about where to find the best churros in Barcelona, the tastiest pairing options, and how to tuck into these sweet treats like a local.

What Are Churros? A Crispy Tradition with Sweet Roots

While there are some incredible foods in Barcelona that should be on everyone’s list, few have a reputation that can contend with churros. They’re easily one of Spain’s most recognizable snacks, yet they’re made from a simple mix of flour, butter, water, eggs, and sugar.

These ingredients are combined to form a dough, which is then squeezed through a piping bag with a star-shaped tip into a pot of hot oil. When the dough is cooked, you’re left with long sticks that are then rolled in cinnamon sugar. 

The origin story of these breakfast and festive treats remains unclear. Some say the Moors brought their local traditions and history of cooking a similar pastry called ‘teules’ to Spain in the 12th century, though others suggest Spanish shepherds created churros as they had to fry dough rather than bake it.

You may have also heard of porras, another Spanish pastry that’s not too dissimilar from churros. However, porras tend to be fluffier and thicker than their more famous counterparts.

How to Eat Churros Like a Local

• Many Catalan natives opt for churros if they fancy a saccharine breakfast, but they’re also popular as afternoon snacks, otherwise known as ‘meriendas’ or post-night out treats. In short, there’s no particular ‘best time’ or occasion for churros!
• Feast on your churros like a local by dipping them in melted chocolate while sipping a café con leche.
• For a more unique experience, look out for varieties coated in plain sugar or filled with chocolate or cream.
• Churros should be freshly cooked and served warm. Because they often come in groups, they’re ideal for sharing.

Churros Culture in Barcelona: When & Where to Go

Photo credit: Granja Dulcinea

Churrerías are shops that are dedicated to frying up churros, but you’ll also find these beloved pastries at casual street stalls and in many coffee shops, as they’re somewhat of a staple in Spanish cafe culture. They’re available all year round, though you may notice a broader array of churro spots open in the morning or during the winter months.

For the most authentic experience, I recommend moving away from the tourist-heavy hubs. You’ll undoubtedly find some tasty takes on these fried delights in busy neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and Barceloneta. That said, I’ve savored some of the best churros in Barcelona in more low-key districts like Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Gràcia.

• La Nena (Gràcia) — A cozy, family-friendly café in Gràcia serving crispy, light churros with thick hot chocolate.
• Granja M. Viader (El Raval) —  A historic gem from 1870 offering classic churros and hot chocolate, plus its famous Cacaolat drink.
• Churrería Laietana (Born/La Ribera) —  Affordable and well-loved, serving freshly fried churros and porras—ideal for dipping in chocolate.
• Granja Dulcinea (Gòtic, Carrer Petritxol 2) —  Since 1941, this iconic chocolatería has been serving thick “xocolata a la tassa” and churros in a nostalgic ambiance.
• Granja La Pallaresa (Gòtic, Carrer Petritxol) —  A long-standing favorite known for crispy churros and indulgent “suís” (hot chocolate with whipped cream).

Churros and Chocolate: The Classic Combo

Even the best churros in Barcelona aren’t complete without a sizable serving of chocolate. This pairing of churros and chocolate isn’t just delicious, it’s a time-honored tradition among locals.

Simply put, the two go hand in hand. The crunchy churros and silky, melted chocolate contrast and complement each other perfectly, and the chocolate’s slightly bitter notes soften the pastry’s unmistakable sweetness.

If this combination is a tad too decadent for your liking, you might prefer to team your churros with an espresso, café con leche, or even a glass of cava or vermouth.

Top Tips for Enjoying Churros in Barcelona

• Many of the top churro spots in Barcelona attract large crowds of tourists. Rather than spending your time in lengthy queues, arrive early at your venue of choice or swing by in the evening. 
• Keep in mind that there can be some seasonal variations when it comes to churros. For instance, dipping churros in chocolate is especially common during the winter.
• Some of the best churros in Barcelona are found at stalls or old-school eateries that may not accept card payments. For this reason, it’s best to come prepared with some cash.
• Some establishments offer specialty or unique churros, so it’s always worth asking about unconventional offerings that may be available.

Final Thoughts: Let Churros Sweeten Your Barcelona Experience

Chowing down on the best churros in Barcelona isn’t just a culinary encounter; it’s a cultural one! Venture beyond the typical tourist hubs and enjoy the crispy dough, indulgent flavors, and local ambiance of the city’s finest churro joints. In Barcelona, even the smallest treats are full of character.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/

Eating Europe. (2022, December 12). Barcelona food guide: The 20 best dishes and drinks to try. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/barcelona-food/

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). La Nena (Gràcia) [Restaurant review]. Tripadvisor. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d2724181-Reviews-La_Nena-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Granja M. Viader (El Raval) [Restaurant review]. Tripadvisor. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d1224854-Reviews-Granja_M_Viader-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Churrería Laietana (Born / La Ribera) [Restaurant review]. Tripadvisor. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d2216792-Reviews-Churreria_Laietana-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Granja Dulcinea (Gòtic, Carrer Petritxol 2) [Restaurant review]. Tripadvisor. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d2256739-Reviews-Granja_Dulcinea-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Granja La Pallaresa (Gòtic, Carrer Petritxol) [Restaurant review]. Tripadvisor. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d1527777-Reviews-Granja_La_Pallaresa-Barcelona_Catalonia.html