Suggestions for Barcelona restaurants that are currently open + good for single diner?

[crsin]

Hey everyone, I'm in Barcelona now and will be here until August 11. A few months ago I did a bit of research and found many of the modernist spots are closed for the bulk of August, so reserving or even attempting to walk-in where singles can't reserve is out of the question. I wasn't sure that I'd end up in Barcelona (I'm backpacking across Europe), so I decided to just wing it. Now, unfortunately, I'm noticing that many of the more casual spots that I was hoping to try are also boarded up right now (e.g., Quimet y Quimet).

Since I'm out on such a long trip, I was really only looking to do one high-end meal, and only then if it's *really* worth it. The bulk of my meals, I'm looking for more casual places (<40euros with one drink), especially those good for single diners. No aversions to any type of food, but would prefer Spanish/regional. Any neighborhood is fine as I like checking out different areas.

Thanks for any help!

[crsin]

Well didn't get much of a response here. Perhaps because many think the topic has been covered ad nauseum (if so, I apologize. I'm operating off an iPhone only and the search function is too broad on the mobile website).

However, instead of letting the thread go to waste, I figured I'd make a short list of the some of the highlights of what is still open at this point in August for future travellers. After lots of walking, lots of disappointment at closed doors, I can tell you that Paco Meralgo is open, as is Lolita (former Inopia), El Quim at La Boqueria (as is Kiosk Universal, but didn't eat there), Tapaç24, Euskial Etxia (butchering the name here, sorry) and I know that Cinc Sentits is open until mid-August (might try for lunch there tomorrow...wish me luck).

Some of the most frequently recommended spots like Quimet i Quiment and Cal Pep are closed, as is Pinotxo in Boqueria. Unfortunately I got sick in the middle of the trip so missed out on some valuable eating time, but I'll updated with new places I hit before leaving.

[crsin]

Bar de Pla: open

[Parigi]

Thank you so much for reporting back. I wish all hounds were conscientious and responsible like you.
You didn't get much response probably because no one has the info you needed. There are no designated dates when all the restos close. And the restos themselves often decide very late in the game when to close and to reopen. One can only find out after arrival, from going to take a look at the restos, which ones are open.
The best is to come back to Barcelona but avoid August. :-(

[crsin]

Very true. I had long heard about the famous city-wide vacation, but hadn't thought about while planning. Should have started in Spain in July instead of ending here.

FWIW, a common date for reopening when restaurants have signa posted seems to be August 27 or thereabouts (many others in early Sept.).

Anyway, I've still managed to eek out some pretty fantastic meals. Lunch at Cinc Sentits was very good (actually, did the Sensaciones menu, so I guess no different than dinner), but my best meal so far has been at Tapaç24. Beautiful ingredients, bold flavors, imaginitive spins on simple dishes...just great.

[DeppityDawg]

If I had seen your thread earlier, I would have suggested Tapaç24, so all is well :) A solo diner would have to go several times to eat his/her way through the menu…

Ciutat Comtal just across the Pg de Gràcia is another place I usually go when I'm on my own. Nothing special, but it's convenient and lively and not expensive. Check out some of the markets (Sant Antoni, Santa Caterina); they also have little restaurants where you sit around the counter for a simple, tasty lunch. (No idea about August opening, though, sorry!)

[crsin]

Great thanks! Rapidly running out of meals here, but will try to check it out before leaving.

[SusanB]

I'm curious about the price for restaurants like Cinc Sentits and Tapac24. We'll be in Barcelona in October, and I did get a reservation at Tickets (which I expect will be pricey). Both sound wonderful.

[crsin]

I did the larger tasting menu for lunch at Cinc Sentits which was 79e, then the smaller menus go down from there. I believe the more tradition lunch menu is 49e and the smaller tasting is something like 59e, but I'm not sure if this changes at dinner (obviously the lunch menu isn't an option) and I'm pulling the numbers from memory so be sure to double check.

Just finished another meal at Tapaç24. It's on the expensive side for tapas (although probably in line with other "higher end" tapas places in town), but will depend on what you order. Cheapest items (pan con tomate, croquette, etc.) are 2-4e, and there are a couple a la plancha dishes in the teens, but the vast majority fall in the 6-12e (most around 7) range. Both meals for me have come out to be around 50e including two drinks, desert, and way more food than most normal people would ever need :)

[SusanB]

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like Tapaç24 might be on my itinerary.

[debbiel]

Sorry you didn't get much response. Sometimes boards just go through slow cycles. I've not been to Barcelona in August yet, so I have quite limited knowledge. I do know that last year a friend ate at Café de L'Academia twice in August. I don't know that it's open all of August, but apparently it is for at least part of it.

[crsin]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it. I also noticed Bar Mut is open, so might hit that tonight.

[El Chevere]

You could also try Cerveceria Catalana (though can get a bit crowded--food is great) as was as Cachitos on Rambla Catalyuna