A person garnishes a plated dish with a spoonful of topping in a kitchen setting, with two additional plates of the same dish on the counter.

How to Truly Experience Barcelona Like a Local: My Eatwith Review

If you’re looking for an authentic way to experience Barcelona like a local, this guide is for you. Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular destinations, and it’s easy to see why.

On my recent visit to Barcelona – which was actually a nostalgic return to Spain after walking the Camino de Santiago – I tried Eatwith for the first time, and felt like I truly belonged there.

I believe that where you decide to stay and the experiences you sign up for have a HUGE impact on your entire trip.

#1 Pick

Eatwith

Experience Barcelona like a local with Eatwith, blending authentic dining and cultural immersion for unforgettable memories.

  • Dine with locals and enjoy home-cooked meals in their homes
  • Learn about local customs, stories, and traditions from your hosts
  • Savor expertly crafted dishes, often paired with local wines and cocktails
  • Enjoy special experiences like dinner with live opera performances

Especially in a place like Barcelona, it can be hard to get away from the crowds in La Rambla, Barceloneta Beach, and La Sagrada Familia.

If you’re a foodie like me, and you’re always looking for the most authentic, off-the-beaten-path spots to eat and explore — Eatwith is perfect for you.

I’ll give you the inside scoop on everything that made my Eatwith experience so unique — plus, I’ll share tips on how you can experience Barcelona like a local during your visit.

Now, let’s get started!

Disclaimer: Eatwith offered me this experience for free in exchange for this post, but I didn’t receive compensation in any other way. As an Eatwith affiliate, I’ll earn a small commission if you decide to book, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Wait a Sec, What is Eatwith?

Three people are seated around a table with drinks, candles, and various items. Two are exchanging a bottle while the third person looks on. The rustic setting, complete with exposed brick walls, creates a cozy ambiance ideal for an Eatwith experience in Barcelona.

If you haven’t heard of Eatwith before, you’re not alone! I recently discovered them only a few months ago.

Eatwith is like having dinner at a friend’s place, but the friend is a local in the city you’re visiting. It’s a unique way to blend travel with culinary adventure.

You can ask questions and learn from someone who lives there, and afterward, you’ll have new ideas on how to experience Barcelona like a local. 

You can also find cooking classes and food tours on Eatwith.

Some of the coolest experiences are on Eatwith, from dinner and opera (the one I went to!) to a 9-course Spanish–Latin American fusion feast. 

If you’re looking to experience Barcelona like a local and enjoy an unforgettable night, this is the way to do it.

😋 Book your Eatwith experience now!

My Eatwith Experience

Back in Barcelona | what not to miss, gaudí, & dinner with locals
Check out my Barcelona video featuring my Eatwith experience (starts at 10:40)

On my last night in Barcelona, I really wanted to do something memorable. 

It was my first time in Spain with my partner, Justin, and I was searching for an experience that we’d look back on for years to come.

That’s when I discovered Riccardo and Alex’s Opera Kitchen on Eatwith.

Our Eatwith Hosts

A man pours a drink into a glass at a countertop while a woman in a blue dress stands nearby in a well-lit bar or kitchen with brick walls and large windows.

Our hosts, Riccardo, a chef and photographer with a background from Brazil and Italy, and Alex, an opera singer from Chicago, welcomed us with open arms and genuine smiles. They’ve both called Barcelona home for years, and know the city inside and out.

We mingled with a lovely couple from Florida, enjoying wine, exquisite bread, and an enchanting opera performance by Alex. It set the stage for a memorable dinner to come.

Act 1 – The First Course

A small portion of tuna tartare with green sauce and garnish served on an orange plate. A tasting menu and napkin are partially visible on the wooden table nearby.

Then, we moved to the dining table for the next dish. 

Riccardo prepared a small plate of tuna, bacon, bone marrow, and cilantro, an inventive combination melding bold flavors with delicate textures all together.

I’m not kidding, I seriously melted with each bite. It’s pretty clear that Riccardo’s past experience in Michelin-starred restaurants has honed his craft to perfection.

Act 2 – The Second Course

A plate of green pasta topped with zucchini ribbons, garnished with a light-colored flower, and white dollops, served with a side dish and a drink.

The main course came next. Our talented hosts prepared a dish of linguine, asparagus, taleggio cheese, and chili oil.

We also had an incredible egg yolk, salmon roe, and chive oil dish to complement the pasta.

Slices of omelette topped with red caviar and garnished with green sauce are plated on white dishes.

All of this, alongside Alex’s next opera song, Casa Nostra “Moja pieszczotka” by Chopin.

Let me tell you, if you haven’t had dinner while listening to a live opera singer perform beside your table, you need to! 

It’s just absolutely beautiful, and shakes you in your core. You’ll feel all the feels.

Act 3 – The Third Course

A ceramic bowl with roasted pear, yogurt, mint, balsamic glaze, and garnished with flowers sits on a wooden table with a paper note. Enjoy this local delicacy in the heart of Barcelona through an Eatwith experience.

As we enjoyed our meal, Alex shared insights into her life as an opera singer. Her stories were fascinating, and the conversation only continued to flow among all of us. 

By the time dessert was ready, I felt like we were part of something special – genuinely connecting – which can be difficult to grasp, at times, while traveling in a foreign place.

We were treated to not one, but two incredible dishes for dessert (psst, don’t tell anyone, but my sweet tooth was silently singing right along with Alex’s incredible opera). 

The first dessert was a refreshing pear, ricotta, and mint combination with a balsamic reduction. It was light and perfectly balanced.

A gourmet dessert featuring a meringue base topped with a scoop of ice cream, caramel sauce, a raspberry, and a garnish, served on a grey plate.

The second dessert was a true showstopper – tapioca gelato with dulce de leche. 

The tapioca formed a crispy taco-like shell around the melting gelato, creating a texture that was both surprising and delightful.

After-Dinner Drink

To cap off the evening, we enjoyed a taste of Amaro, an Italian liqueur that was the perfect digestif.

It felt like I was in Barcelona like a local, chilling with old friends, even though we had only just met.

We talked about what brought each of us to Spain, our favorite travel experiences, and what we love most about exploring new places.

Overall: My Eatwith Review

Four people standing side by side with their arms around each other, smiling. They are indoors in front of a white brick wall with framed pictures.

What I love the most about Eatwith? It brings people together over incredible food. 

I’ll admit – I’m a total foodie. If that’s you, you’ll love the chance to share a meal and good conversation with locals and fellow travelers. 

To me, the best way to learn about a place is through meeting someone who lives there. Especially when good food (and maybe a glass or two of wine) is involved, too!

Also, for those with food allergies, restrictions, or sensitivities, Alex and Riccardo are able to plan for those adjustments ahead of time. Just make sure to share it when you book.

For example, we let them know when we booked that Justin doesn’t eat mayo, and they were able to offer dishes without it.

😋 Book this Eatwith experience now!

Now, Let’s Be Real: What are the Drawbacks of Eatwith?

This wouldn’t be an honest review if I didn’t discuss the drawbacks of Eatwith.

But really, I can’t think of many.

The one drawback might be the price – this kind of activity roughly costs about $65-200 per person. So, it isn’t accessible to everyone, and it might be tough if you’re traveling on a limited budget.

Aside from that, this experience might not be the best for you if you’re looking for a “restaurant-like” dining experience.

I’ll be clear – it’s not like eating at a restaurant. It’s as if your friend was inviting you over to dinner and cooking a gourmet meal for you!

Which, in my mind, makes it even more unique and fun.   

Neighborhoods for Experiencing Barcelona Like a Local

If you want to experience the real Barcelona, choosing the right neighborhood is key.

My first tip? Don’t stay in the Gothic Quarter.

Check out these neighborhoods in Barcelona instead:

Poblenou

Poblenou, once an industrial hub, now buzzes with creativity. Old factories are now art galleries and trendy cafes. The streets are adorned with street art, and the nearby beach is a serene escape from crowded Barceloneta.

Gràcia

Gràcia’s narrow streets and local boutiques give it a bohemian charm. Formerly a separate village, it’s now a haven for street art and cozy bars in lively squares. It’s my favorite place to stay in Barcelona.

Poble Sec and Sant Antoni

These neighborhoods are truly local. Visit charming cafes, bars, and markets brimming with fresh produce. The street art here adds a quirky touch to your exploration.

El Raval

El Raval can be gritty, but it’s filled with cool bars and restaurants. Stick to daylight hours for exploring its streets to get a taste of the city’s edgier side.

Choosing any of these neighborhoods will immerse you in the true essence of Barcelona, far from the typical tourist traps.

Local Bars and Restaurants in Barcelona

Outdoor cafe with numerous people sitting at tables, socializing, and enjoying their time. The cafe is surrounded by apartment buildings and trees, offering a true Barcelona like a local experience.

As a foodie, I’m pretty picky about where I eat when I’m traveling. I prefer spots that aren’t catering to tourists, because the food is usually better. 

Here are some off-the-beaten-path places you’ll love.

Coffee

Forn Lacatarga Gràcia

If you’re a matcha lover like me, Forn Lacatarga in Gràcia is a must-visit. Finding a good matcha in Barcelona isn’t too surprising in such a cosmopolitan city, but I was thrilled to discover this gem. Grab your drink and sit on a park bench outside to watch the pigeons fly by – it’s a perfect start to your day.

Plaça de la Revolució de Setembre del 1868, 1, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

Restaurants

Pepa Tomate

Pepa Tomate almost always has a line at night, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the charming Placa de la Revolucio, getting a table outside can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s worth it. 

I loved this place so much on my first visit that I insisted we go back the second time. It’s a total win.

Plaça Revolució de Setembre 1868, 17, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

Raco de la Vila

Recommended by a friend we made in Barcelona, Raco de la Vila is fantastic for tapas. This true Catalan restaurant is especially known for its paella, and it did not disappoint. The local vibe and delicious food make it a must-visit.

C/ de la Ciutat de Granada, 33, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

Bars

Clorofila

Clorofila is a very low-key spot near Vila Olimpica in Sant Marti. TBH, it’s probably not worth crossing the city for, but if you’re in the area, it’s a great place to relax with a beer and a few small tapas. 

The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

C/ de l’Arquitecte Sert, 18, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

Is it really possible to experience Barcelona like a local?

A person stands smiling in front of a brightly colored mural featuring abstract birds and human figures on two large doors, capturing the vibrant spirit of Barcelona.

Here’s the thing. If you’re visiting Barcelona for just 3 or 4 days, realistically, it’s impossible to truly integrate. 

To fully understand a people and their culture, you’d have to live there for upwards of 5, 10, 15, or 20 years – or longer. 

Some might even say, you can really only know a culture if you’re born into it.

But I don’t think so. I’d say, certain activities, even in a short timeframe, can get you closer to cultural immersion. 

Having dinner with locals is one of them!

More Ways to Immerse While Visiting Barcelona

  • Learn Spanish or Catalan: Check out language schools in the area
  • Join Social Groups or Events: Local meetups, correfoc events, or cultural festivals
  • Visit Local Markets: Mercat de Santa Caterina and Mercat de Sant Antoni are two lower-key ones
  • Try Local Foods: Try Vichy Catalan, pan con tomate, crema catalana, and more
  • Explore Street Art: Discover the artistic side of the local culture in El Born

Ready to Experience Barcelona Like a Local?

Crates of fresh tomatoes and asparagus arranged in a market stall under natural light.

Experiencing Barcelona like a local is more than just avoiding tourist spots. 

It’s about immersing yourself in the culture, connecting with people, and exchanging conversation. 

From my memorable Eatwith dinner with Riccardo and Alex to exploring off-the-beaten path neighborhoods, this city has so much to offer beyond the usual attractions.

If you’re a foodie and a culture enthusiast, Eatwith is an incredible way to get a sense of real life in Barcelona.

Sharing a meal with locals and fellow travelers, learning about their stories, and enjoying homemade dishes sounds simple, but really, it’s my favorite thing to do when I travel.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and want to make it truly special, I highly recommend booking Riccardo and Alexandra’s Opera Kitchen Experience on Eatwith.

It’s a unique blend of gastronomy and music that you won’t find anywhere else!

😋 Book your Eatwith experience now and create unforgettable memories in Barcelona!

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