Dating back over 100 years, the calçotada has been a special tradition in Catalonia as a time for friends and family to gather together to enjoy the seasonal specialty of calçots. Calçots are only enjoyed during the months of February and March, marking the end of winter and the start of spring. People wait all year to celebrate a calçotada and enjoy this unique type of sweet green onion. To have a great calçotada experience, check out some of our recommendations for the best calçot restaurants in Barcelona.
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Calçotada in Barcelona: best restaurants to eat calçots
Since calçots originate in Valls, a city in Catalonia less than two hours away from Barcelona, there are many authentic restaurants all over Barcelona that serve fresh calçots for a decent price. Visit some of the best restaurants in Barcelona to enjoy the calçotada tradition.
La Foixarda
Located in one of the highest points in Barcelona, close to Montjüic, sits La Foixarda (Av. dels Montanyans, 1-15). La Foixarda is in a more countryside environment, and it is known for its traditional cooking. This makes it the perfect restaurant to enjoy some authentic calçots while surrounded by extraordinary views. La Foixarda is also very welcoming for children, so it is perfect for gathering the family to enjoy a calçotada. Aside from calçots, La Foixarda is also known for serving excellent paella and parrillada, or grilled meat.
Can Travi Nou
Originally a farm from the 17th century, Can Travi Nou (Carrer de Jorge Manrique) holds a lot of history and a high standard for fresh food. In 1982, the farm was transformed into a restaurant that now is Can Travi Nou. The restaurant strives to incorporate nature into all of their dishes to maintain the fresh flavours of their products, making Can Travi Nou an excellent spot to eat calçots. They are also known for their incredible, natural surroundings in the Horta-Guinardó neighborhood. Aside from calçots, Can Travi Nou is also known for their cod and rice dishes.
El Pintor
Known as a “gastronomic landmark” with fresh, local Catalan cuisine, El Pintor (Carrer Sant Honorat 7) is a great option for celebrating a calçotada. It is located in the center of Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter, and has a quaint and inviting atmosphere. In terms of calçots, El Pintor has a special calçotada menu where you can order calçots as your starter and then a following main course, dessert and wine that pair well with the calçots. El Pintor is prepared to give you an incredible and flavourful calçotada experience.
Can Vador
Inspired by traditional Catalan cafes and restaurants, Can Vador (C/ de la Diputació, 367) was born in 2011 as a restaurant that holds true to the authentic Catalan charcoal grilling. Can Vador also has a special calçotada menu, so you can try the famous speciality while also enjoying an entire traditional Catalan meal. Aside from the main course, you can also try crema catalana for dessert, and, of course, some wine to finish off the meal.