Eating and soaking in the atmosphere of the Barcelona area is best thing to know the city. If you are regular visitor to BCN then I would recommend for you to get over to the Olympic Port (PUERTO OLIMPICO).
Just walk around and chose any one. Each one will try and entice you inside by offering some snacks or a free drink etc. It’s your choice, they are all excellent.
This is a three hour ritual that involves many meal courses, people watching, talking and just enjoying the pleasure of eating and being together in a lovely city. I will recommend you to the bar style of eating.
Walk around and get into any bar along the Ramblas or just off of this main street.
Get up to the bar and lean over with one elbow on the counter like you own the place.
Spread out so that nobody will take your place or your air space away. If they can they will. Order like you are kings, eat like pigs leaving the shells and wastes to fall on the floor. Don’t worry about anything else but having a good time and smiling with everybody. Above anything, Don’t complain. Leave that habit for when you go back home. Its not appreciated here.
Last thing you must remember – pay like you are paupers. Keep track of what you order and make sure it agrees with your machine made invoice. This is the law. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. All hotels, restaurants and places dealing with the public have a complaint book. Put it in writing. One copy stays in the restaurant, the other goes to the government. Nobody wants to have this black mark on their record.
Here in Spain you can eat anywhere, even have a full meal at a bar standing up. It will be delicious and you will lick your fingers and want more. The waiters are all professionals and love to see a satisfied customer. They will smile with you, not depending on the size of your tips. Remember the word Tapas was invented here.