Does Barcelona Take Reservations?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, one of the first things you might be wondering is whether or not restaurants in the city take reservations. After all, who wants to wait in line for a table when you could be out exploring all that Barcelona has to offer?

The good news is that many restaurants in Barcelona do take reservations, although there are some exceptions. Here’s what you need to know:

Do Most Restaurants Take Reservations?

In general, yes. Most restaurants in Barcelona are happy to take reservations, especially for larger groups or during busy times like weekends or holidays. However, it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time and make sure that the restaurant you’re interested in does indeed accept reservations.

How Do You Make a Reservation?

There are a few different ways to make a reservation at a restaurant in Barcelona. Some restaurants have their own websites where you can make a reservation online, while others use third-party reservation services like OpenTable or TheFork.

Alternatively, you can always call the restaurant directly and make a reservation over the phone. Keep in mind that if English isn’t your first language, it might be helpful to have someone who speaks Spanish or Catalan help with the conversation.

Are There Any Restaurants That Don’t Take Reservations?

Yes, there are some restaurants in Barcelona that don’t take reservations. These tend to be smaller establishments with limited seating or those that specialize in casual dining experiences like tapas bars.

If you’re set on visiting one of these restaurants, your best bet is to plan on arriving early or at an off-peak time when there’s less competition for tables.

What About Michelin-Starred Restaurants?

If you’re hoping to dine at one of Barcelona’s Michelin-starred restaurants (and there are many!), it’s almost always necessary to make a reservation in advance. These restaurants tend to be quite popular and can book up weeks or even months in advance.

Final Thoughts

Overall, while there are some exceptions, most restaurants in Barcelona do take reservations. By doing a bit of research ahead of time and planning accordingly, you can ensure that you have a great dining experience without wasting precious vacation time waiting for a table.