- restaurants
20 Italian Restaurants in Barcelona to Transport You to Rome, Naples, or Milan
Photo: Buon Appetito
Are you searching for an authentic Italian restaurant in Barcelona? Today, I present to you a curated list of the most genuine Italian gastronomic experiences, so you don’t have to struggle to find them.
It’s a well-known fact that locals often poke fun at Spanish attempts at pasta. I’m not referring to the country’s sophisticated restaurants, but rather the everyday Spaniard’s relationship with pasta. Creamy carbonara, pineapple on pizza, spaghetti leftovers drowned in ketchup—these peculiarities make any native Italian cringe.
If, like me, you appreciate the true essence of culinary cultures, especially the world’s favourite—Italian cuisine—then you must try the following Italian restaurants in Barcelona. They guarantee an authentic dining experience. Buon appetito!
Authentic Italian Restaurants in Barcelona Loved by the Italian Community
The best Italian food I’ve had in Barcelona was prepared by my dear friend Anna, who hails from southern Italy. With her culinary expertise, she creates flavours that will transport you back to Italy. Once you’ve tasted her fresh pasta, authentic carbonara, or homemade tiramisu, there’s no turning back. Since I can’t introduce you to Anna, I’ve compiled this list of the best Italian restaurants in Barcelona based on my personal experiences and her expert Italian palate. I hope you visit them all and enjoy them as much as I do.
Share the article
1. Restaurant Spaccanapoli
An authentic Italian gem in the heart of Barcelona
I’ve frequented this place numerous times, and Anna, my Italian friend, adores it. For her, it’s like having a slice of her home country in Barcelona. The highlight here is their pizzas, made with genuine Italian ingredients, along with fresh pasta and a charcoal oven. On weekends, many Italians residing in the city gather here for dinner, lunch, or a glass of Sangiovese wine. Personally, I recommend starting with the meatballs as an appetizer and indulging in the four-cheese pizza. 😋
- Google Rating: 4.6 (2,127 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: L’Eixample
- Address: Carrer del Rec Comtal, 6, 08003 Barcelona
- Specialty: Pizza
Previous
Next
2. Bella Italia
A cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of Barcelona
I chose Bella Italia to surprise my partner, and thankfully, they loved it, particularly the generous portions served with their tasting menu. The must-tries here are the fried ricotta pizza and the coulant. The quality, quantity, and price ratio is unbeatable. Although it’s a small establishment, it exudes the charm of a Neapolitan trattoria. They offer a selection of Italian wines and beers to complement your dishes.
- Google Rating: 4.5 (2,033 reviews)
- Price: €
- Neighborhood: La Dreta de l’Eixample
- Address: C/ de Roger de Llúria, 87, 08009 Barcelona
- Features: Pizzeria | Grill | Tasting menu
Previous
Next
3. Xemei
Italian restaurant in Barcelona with pasta and seafood from the Veneto region
This restaurant has a different touch, although it is not very pretentious, the dishes are a delight for the palate and the wallet. Anna always chooses it for special occasions, Venetian dishes such as the Venetian fish assortment, spaghetti al nero di sepia, and ragu pasta with ossobuco are definitely worth it. It’s always crowded, so I recommend booking in advance as they are known to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Barcelona.
- Google Rating: 4.4 (1,480 reviews)
- Price: €€€
- Neighbourhood: El Poble-sec
- Address: Pg. de l’Exposició, 85, 08004 Barcelona
- Features: Pasta and Seafood | Italian cuisine from the Veneto region | Terrace | Tasting menu
Previous
Next
4. Luigi Ristorante
Typical Italian restaurant in Barcelona, pure tradition and culture
Sophisticated Italian restaurant in the heart of the city. It has a striking pizza oven covered with golden tiles that is the main attraction of the place. The entire menu offers traditional Italian dishes, and in my opinion, they have the best lasagna and carbonara pasta in the city. The pistachio coulant is one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted, a burst of flavours in your mouth that you’ll want to experience again. I also recommend the sangria with prosecco, a delight. If you want to secure a table, it’s best to book in advance.
- Google Rating: 4.4 (4,515 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: Eixample
- Address: C/ de Roger de Llúria, 50
- Features: Terrace | Paid parking
Previous
Next
Maná 75
First-rate Gastronomic Experience for Italians in Barcelona
Maná 75 is my favourite restaurant, and I’m including it in this list because it was my top choice when I wanted to introduce my Italian friend to traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine. After she made a delicious tiramisu for me, I invited her to Maná 75, because they have the best paellas in all of Barcelona, beautiful round tables, an open kitchen, and a mix of flavours reminiscent of grandma’s cooking. The quality-price ratio is unbeatable. The atmosphere is another plus, with locals of the older generation seeking quality and tourists who don’t want to miss out on the authentic Mediterranean experience.
- Google Rating: 4.4 (3,146 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: La Barceloneta
- Address: Passeig de Joan de Borbó 101, Barcelona.
- Features: Mediterranean | Free Parking | Groups | Round Tables
- Reservation: mana75.es
ILLUSION MENÚ
× Starter
× Main dish
× Dessert
× Coffee
39€
Perfect to try the specialty of the house:
PAELLA!
5. Acqua & Farina
Italian restaurant on the Barcelona beach: authentic tapas and quality pizzas
Acqua & Farina is Anna’s favourite Italian restaurant in Barcelona during the summer season. Its proximity to La Barceloneta makes it the best choice for Italian cuisine near the beach. They specialise in simple pizzas with authentic flavour and generous portions of gnocchi and tiramisu. Starting in June, it’s almost impossible to get a table here, both indoors and on the terrace, so it’s best to book days in advance. You can enjoy authentic Italian snacks, a daily menu, or order for excellent home delivery.
- Google Rating: 4.5 (1,243 reviews)
- Price: €
- Neighbourhood: La Barceloneta
- Address: Carrer de la Maquinista, 52
- Features: Casual | Small plates | Beach | Pizzeria | Terrace
Previous
Next
6. Benzina
Italian restaurant with pasta, music, friends, and lots of Rock & Roll
The first time I visited Benzina was with the sole purpose of impressing a group of Italian friends (including Anna), and since then, it has become a source of pride. It’s a modern and industrial venue with Rock & Roll music, an informal atmosphere, and a great vibe. They offer Italian cuisine with innovative and original ideas that deviate from tradition but maintain classic and authentic flavours. The cocktails are amazing, and the dishes that my friends loved the most were the oxtail cannelloni and the risotto.
- Google Rating: 4.5 (1,216 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: Sant Antoni
- Address: Passatge de Pere Calders, 6
- Features: Terrace | Cocktails | Pet-friendly
Previous
Next
Most popular articles
7. Sax Café
Authentic Neapolitan cuisine at an Italian restaurant in Barcelona to dine
I haven’t had the privilege of visiting Sax Café, but you know that Anna’s opinion is completely trustworthy. It has a slightly high price due to its location in one of the busiest areas of the city, underneath the Unite Hostel Barcelona, but it has one of the best pizzas in Barcelona. The flavours are well achieved, using natural and fresh ingredients. You can also mix and match with Mediterranean dishes such as fish, anchovies, or squid. You can’t miss the gluten-free Napoletana pizza and the Special Mortadella pizza.
- Google Rating: 4.4 (397 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighborhood: La Vila Olímpica del Poblenou
- Address: Av. d’Icària, 145
- Features: Casual | Beach | Close to Hostel
Previous
Next
8. Pappa e Pizza Barceloneta
Italian restaurant for takeout in Barcelona: pizzas in 5 minutes
This family-owned Italian restaurant in La Barceloneta serves delicious pizzas. The best thing is the speed of service, pizzas are ready in five minutes, making it a great option if you want to order takeout and enjoy them on the beach. The dough is soft and blends perfectly with the flavours of the ingredients. In my case, I always order the six cheese pizza (I’m a cheese fanatic) and it never disappoints. Giuseppe prepares the pizzas in front of the customers, it’s a spectacle to watch him work.\
- Google Rating: 4.9 (108 reviews)
- Price: €
- Neighbourhood: La Barceloneta
- Address: C/ de Miquel Pedrola i Alegre, 10
- Features: Family restaurant | Close to the beach | Takeout
Previous
Next
9. Bacaro
Italian restaurant for groups in Barcelona: pasta, fish, and meat
Going to Bacaro is always a guarantee of the best Italian cuisine della nonna, with Venetian roots and a sophisticated touch that sets it apart and stands out in the city. Their menu is concise and does not include pizzas. Instead, they offer a mix of dishes featuring various options of meat and fish. It’s an excellent representation of Venetian seafood cuisine and its garden. They also function as a tapas bar and have a selection of natural Italian wines that are to die for. The staff is Italian, so good service is guaranteed.
- Google Rating: 4.5 (1,170 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: El Raval
- Address: Carrer de Jerusalem, 6
- Special Features: Round tables | Rustic style | Venetian cuisine
Previous
Next
10. Il Mercante de Venezia
Surprise your partner at the best romantic Italian restaurant in Barcelona
Italian cuisine is already romantic in itself, and if you add one of the most beautiful and affordable restaurants in Barcelona to the mix, the success of your date is guaranteed. Il Mercante di Venezia is designed for enjoying refined Venetian dishes and delicious Italian wines under a decoration that recreates 18th-century Venetian palaces. Classical music, candle-lit chandeliers, and careful lighting make this restaurant a unique place for special occasions.
- Google Rating: 4.4 (1,692 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: Gothic Quarter
- Address: Carrer de Josep Anselm Clavé, 11
- Special Features: Chandeliers | Vegan dishes
Previous
Next
11. Mandarosso
Italian Restaurant for Dinner in Barcelona: The Best Romantic Evenings
This is another one of my friend Anna’s favourite restaurants. I accompanied her once and was amazed by the taste of the food and the decor. It’s perfect for intimate and romantic evenings. From the smallest appetizer to the last dessert, everything is prepared in their kitchens. The menu changes according to the season, and they serve generous portions that will leave you more than satisfied. You can’t miss the burrata and pistachio pesto. It’s best to make a reservation in advance.
- Google Rating: 4.4 (2,032 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: La Ribera
- Address: C. de Verdaguer i Callís, 4
- Special Features: Seasonal menu | Italian desserts | Romantic atmosphere
Previous
Next
TERRACE IN THE GARDEN
Enjoy the good weather on the GREEN terrace of Maná75. Sea breeze, smell of rosemary and the flavor of paellas…
Discover the paradise of La Barceloneta!
¡PAELLAS!
12. Bodega Santo Porcello
Italian Deli and Sandwiches in Barcelona
Just two streets away from Urgell Station, you’ll find Bodega Santo Porcello, where all the Italian residents of the city possibly buy their ingredients. It’s a deli that offers Barcelona residents cheeses and cured meats imported from Italy. They have a “fast food” concept with exquisite sandwiches and tapas. Despite being a small place, it’s cozy, has outdoor seating, and the staff treats you with great kindness. There’s a special sandwich every week, and I have the challenge of trying them all—they’re to die for!
- Google Rating: 4.7 (519 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: Sant Antoni
- Address: C/ de Sepúlveda, 151
- Special Features: Sandwiches | Deli | Italian wines | Small terrace
Previous
Next
13. Bella Napoli di Raffaele
Italian Restaurant with the Best Neapolitan Food in Barcelona
Rafaele Iannone is the chef of one of the best Italian restaurants in Barcelona, Bella Napoli. The flavour of his cuisine aims to revive the Italian family culture of his childhood, with dishes inspired by his grandmother’s cooking, seafood and land products, and street food. Eating here, according to my Italian friend, is like eating on the streets of Naples. They have the best Neapolitan pizzas, the best ragù, and the most delicious burrata pizza in Barcelona. The pasta is cooked al dente, just like in Italy—mamma mia!
- Google Rating: 4.4 (2,841 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: Poble Sec
- Address: Carrer de Margarit, 14
- Special Features: Romantic atmosphere | Neapolitan cuisine | Round tables | Groups
Previous
Next
14. Terrazza Ravello
Italian Restaurant with Terrace and Sea Views in Barcelona
A restaurant with a terrace and sea views cannot be missing from this list. Located less than a street away from the Museum of Catalan History, I discovered this place by pure chance, and it has been the best Italian gastronomic find I’ve made this year. They have a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, with appetizers, pastas, pizzas, dishes, and wines from various regions of Italy. My favourites? The burrata ravioli in tomato sauce, the Mamma Rita pizza, and the farewell limoncello.
- Google Rating: 4.6 (1,563 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: La Barceloneta
- Address: Pça. de Pau Vila, 1
- Special Features: Beach | Terrace | Italian-Mediterranean fusion
Previous
Next
15. Macchina
Fast Italian cuisine with lots of flavour and quality
Macchina is the most original Italian restaurant in Barcelona, with dazzling industrial decor, a stone ceiling, wooden furnishings, and a second floor looking down to the main floor. Fresh pasta and craft beer, an irresistible combination. The franchise offers fast food options while maintaining high-quality standards. The pasta and lasagna are among the best I’ve tasted, although according to Anna, the sauces could use a more Italian touch. You also have the option to customise your pasta, sauces, and toppings according to your preferences.
- Google Rating: 4.4 (1,652 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: Sant Antoni
- Address: C/ del Parlament, 1
- Features: Fast food | Refillable water | Craft beer | Self-service
Previous
Next
16. Pasta Market
Fresh pasta and salads with homemade sauces on Barcelona's Rambla
If you have visited Barcelona and pursued Italian gastronomy, chances are you know Pasta Market, a renowned Italian restaurant in the heart of La Rambla. Despite the seemingly high prices, it is very affordable compared to other restaurants in the area. You can create your own pasta combinations or choose from the options available on the menu. The Gorgonzola cheese, walnut, and honey focaccia are amazing, as well as the sweet potato pasta and carbonara.
- Google Rating: 4.5 (1,407 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: Gothic Quarter
- Address: La Rambla, 77
- Features: Customizable pasta | Groups | Bar service
Previous
Next
17. Raffaelli Ristorante
The best Italian restaurant in Barcelona for a family outing
Raffaelli Ristorante offers Italian dishes that blend tradition and innovation. The venue is pleasant and beautiful, with a main dining area and another section reserved for special occasions or private events. The entire staff is native to Italy, and it shows in the flavour of the dishes and the service towards the diners. Their menu includes appetizers, fresh pasta, and creatively presented meats made with local and seasonal ingredients. The fried pizzas, mortadella, carbonara, and tordelli lucches which are my favourite dishes from this restaurant.
- Google Rating: 4.4 (655 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighborhood: Villa de Gràcia
- Address: C/ de Luis Antúnez, 11
- Features: Groups | Happy Hour | Family-friendly
18. Il Giardinetto
Italian restaurant with live music in Barcelona
What would Italian cuisine be without a good piano or live music? It’s a complete experience you can have at Il Giardinetto, undoubtedly one of the best Italian restaurants in Barcelona with live music. It is frequented by well-known figures such as artists and journalists, as the venue is suitable for hosting all kinds of events. It is an emblem and a classic in the city of Barcelona, known by the locals. Their truffle pasta and spaghetti Sofia Loren are incredible.
- Google Rating: 4.2 (370 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighborhood: Villa de Gràcia
- Address: Carrer de la Granada del Penedès, 28
- Features: Terrace | Romantic | Groups
Previous
Next
19.Buon Appetito
An elegant Italian Restaurant in Barcelona with the Best Risotto in the City
In this case, Buon Appetito was the destination for a dinner with my former company. It is a simple yet elegant establishment that serves pasta and salads in a traditional style. They have televisions for football seasons and large tables that can accommodate groups. The best risotto in Barcelona hails from this restaurant where you can get a creamy rice dish that floods your palate with flavour and leaves you wanting more. The pizza dough is perfect, thin and soft just the way I like it. Another essential Italian spot in Barcelona.
- Google Rating: 4.5 (2,541 reviews)
- Price: €€
- Neighbourhood: El Born
- Address: Av. del Marquès de l’Argentera, 19
- Features: Television | Terrace | Corporate Dinner | Large Groups
Previous
Next
Experience Italy from Barcelona with the Best Italian Restaurants in the City
I hope that you find the Italian experience you are looking for at one of these restaurants. They are all exquisite and excellent choices. Whether you’re craving pasta, salad, pizza, or rice, each one has a different essence and standout dishes.
These are the best Italian restaurants in Barcelona, so if you want to surprise your Italian friend or partner, don’t hesitate to take them to any of these places. On the other hand, if you want them to experience Barcelona, Maná 75 will not disappoint. Remember to make a reservation in advance if you don’t want to be left without a table. Enjoy the best Italian restaurants in Barcelona!
Alla prossima e buon appetito!
Rosy Acosta
Spanish gastronomy lover, "taster" of new flavors, places and experiences
Latest news
Subscribe to our blog and news
Be first to find out the hottest spots and events in Barcelona.
