Having lived in Barcelona for almost three years, friends have recently been asking me where to get good steak. To be honest, while Spain is famous for its seafood and jamón, its steak scene is also quite impressive—you just need to know where to look. Today, I’m sharing a few of my regular spots that I hope you’ll find helpful.
High-End Choice: Sagardi near El Xampanyet
Located in the Gothic Quarter, this place has a great ambiance and specializes in Basque-style grilled meats. Their steak is sold by weight, usually starting from 300g. The quality of the meat is excellent, and it’s always cooked to perfection. It’s not cheap, with a steak costing between €35 and €50, but if you’re looking for a special treat, this place won’t disappoint. It’s best to book in advance on weekends, or you might face a long wait.
Best Value: La Pepita in Eixample
La Pepita, on Carrer de Còrsega in the Eixample district, is my most frequented spot. They serve more than just steak, but their entrecôte (rib-eye) is fantastic. The best part is the reasonable price—a steak with fries costs around €22, and the portions are generous. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for a get-together with friends.
Here’s a comparison of a few restaurants I’ve put together:
| Restaurant Name | Location | Steak Price Range | Recommended Dish |
|---|
| Sagardi | Gothic Quarter | €35-€50 | Basque-style grilled steak |
| La Pepita | Eixample | €20-€28 | Entrecôte (Rib-eye) |
| Can Culleretes | Raval | €18-€25 | Traditional beef stew |
| Bodega Montferry | Gràcia | €15-€22 | Steak sandwich |
A Local Favorite
If you want a more local experience of [Barcelona cuisine], head to Bodega Montferry in the Gràcia district. This is a very traditional bodega, an authentic spot for enjoying the local Barcelona cuisine. The decor is a bit old-fashioned but full of character. Their steak isn’t prepared in the style of a fancy restaurant, and there’s no fancy plating—it’s just a simple pan-fried steak with potatoes, but the flavor is authentic and hearty. It’s also the cheapest option, where you can get a filling meal for about €15 to €20.
Some Practical Tips
When ordering steak in Barcelona, remember to specify your desired doneness. The common terms are poco hecho (rare), al punto (medium), and muy hecho (well-done). I personally prefer al punto, which is tender but not too raw. Also, most restaurants serve steak with fries or a salad; any additional side dishes usually cost extra.
Finally, a heads-up: restaurants in Barcelona typically serve main meals from 2 PM to 4 PM for lunch and after 8:30 PM for dinner. If you’re used to eating dinner earlier, you might need to adjust your schedule when exploring Barcelona cuisine, or find restaurants that cater to tourists, which are open all day but tend to be pricier. I hope this information is useful. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
