Where Did Anthony Bourdain Go in Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

Barcelona, one of the most vibrant cities in Spain, is a food lover’s paradise. With its rich culture and diverse culinary scene, it’s no wonder that Anthony Bourdain, the late renowned chef and TV personality, made several trips to this city throughout his career. Let’s take a closer look at some of Bourdain’s favorite spots in Barcelona.

La Boqueria Market

One of the first places Bourdain visited in Barcelona was La Boqueria Market, one of the most famous markets in Europe. Located on Las Ramblas street, this market has been around since 1217 and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and other local delicacies. Bourdain loved to wander around the market and sample different foods from various vendors.

El Quim de la Boqueria

While at La Boqueria Market, Bourdain made sure to stop by El Quim de la Boqueria, a small tapas bar located within the market. This tiny spot is known for its delicious seafood dishes such as razor clams and sea urchin. Bourdain was particularly fond of their “huevos estrellados,” which is essentially a dish of fried potatoes with eggs on top.

Casa Leopoldo

Casa Leopoldo is another one of Bourdain’s favorite spots in Barcelona. This restaurant has been around since 1929 and serves traditional Catalan cuisine. Bourdain loved their grilled sardines and roast lamb with beans.

Tickets Bar

Tickets Bar is owned by acclaimed Spanish chef Albert Adrià and is known for its modern take on tapas. Bourdain was impressed with the creativity behind each dish served at this restaurant. Some of his favorites included the foie gras cotton candy and liquid olives.

Can Paixano

Can Paixano, also known as “La Xampanyeria,” is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. This no-frills bar serves up cava, a Catalan sparkling wine, along with a variety of small bites such as chorizo sandwiches and grilled squid. Bourdain loved the lively atmosphere and the fact that it was always packed with people.

Bar Mut

Bar Mut is a small restaurant located in the Eixample district of Barcelona. Bourdain loved the laid-back vibe of this spot and its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. He particularly enjoyed their grilled artichokes and steak tartare.

Casa Alfonso

Casa Alfonso is a family-owned restaurant that has been around since 1934. Bourdain was drawn to this spot for its classic Spanish dishes such as paella and bacalao (salt cod). He also enjoyed their extensive wine selection.

Conclusion

These are just a few of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite spots in Barcelona. If you’re ever in the city, be sure to check out these restaurants and bars for an authentic taste of Catalan cuisine. And remember, as Bourdain once said, “Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.”