Barcelona Neighborhoods: El Born -5 Food Choices From Around The World

Not just a hotspot for phenomenal tapas bars, Barcelona’s Born neighborhood also offers a wide range of ethnically diverse cuisine. From Asian to Middle Eastern, check out our selection of the best international restaurants in the Born neighborhood for those who want to try something out of the ordinary.

El Foro

A beloved Argentine restaurant in Barcelona for over 20 years, El Foro goes over big with meat lovers. Artsy and spacious, El Foro serves Creole and Argentine fare like tantalizing empanadas, handmade pizzas and pasta, and of course, succulent steaks. For an assortment of grilled meats, try their criollo grilled meat sampler dish of veal ribs, churrasco, black pudding, and Argentinian sausage. Dine inside to enjoy El Foro’s upbeat vibe, and even appreciate the bull art installation comprised of chair parts. Or, step outside on the terrace for fresh air and a scenic street view of the Born neighborhood.

Carrer de la Princesa, 53

Mosquito

For an exotic flair in a hip environment, Mosquito hits the spot. Enjoy Asian dishes like a rich soup of pho from Vietnam, smoked duck dumplings from China, or kimchi cabbage salad from Korea. Pair your main dish with their large selection of local Catalan craft beers, German lagers and English ales. A full meal runs between €15 and €20. The restaurant is compact and usually packs a full house, so your bet is to come early. 

Carrer dels Carders, 46

Ziryab

On an unassuming street in Born, Ziryab offers Mediterranean flavors influenced by Arabic roots. Taste the chicken brochette marinated in lemon and Provence herbs – or the halloumi cheese wrapped in jamón serrano. Menu items change seasonally for guaranteed freshness. Ziryab is also a festive hangout where you can listen to jazz, swing, or bossa nova beats for an atmospheric night. That’s not too bad for spending less than €25. Extra tip: Check out the Ziryab Hookah Shisha Lounge (Carrer de Grunyí, 4) for a complete Middle Eastern experience. 

Carrer de Grunyí, 5

NAP Neapolitan Authentic Pizza

The truth is in its name. Serving authentic pizza from Naples, Italy, NAP makes their Neapolitan pizzas true to form: their pizza crust is thin in the middle, and perfectly bubbly around the edges. Try a classic and delicious pizza Margherita or warm Calzone, and end off your meal with a scrumptious tiramisú. NAP doesn’t take reservations, so get there early as it can get crowded. A small pizza runs between €5 to €10. Local Italians rave about NAP, so you probably won’t be disappointed!

Francesc Cambó, 30

Picnic

Picnic balances delicious food, a warm atmosphere, and attentive customer service. Run by a Chilean-American couple, they create international dishes that change every season. Try their pulled pork brekkie taco or their mouth-watering classic Eggs Benedict. For the daring, sink your teeth into their grilled kangaroo with relish, coriander, and falafel. Sunday Brunch is especially popular, but it’s also open for lunch and dinner. Prices are affordable: huevos rancheros and mimosa would run you just €16. 

Carrer del Comerç, 1

Have you tried any of these multiethnic restaurants in Born? Do you have one to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

December 2, 2019 | Words by Justine Ancheta for Eye On Food Tours