Best Esqueixada in Barcelona

Esqueixada is a refreshing cold Catalan salad that highlights the region's historical obsession with salt-preserved cod. The dish consists of desalted cod that has been shredded by hand, never cut with a knife, to preserve its texture. It is combined with grated or diced tomatoes, onions, black olives, and a generous amount of high-quality olive oil. Some versions also incorporate red and green bell peppers or hard-boiled eggs for added complexity. It is the perfect light and savory starter for a warm Mediterranean afternoon in the city.

Esqueixada de bacallà (Salt-Cod Salad) · say “Esqueixada” ·

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Why locals care

Esqueixada is a refreshing cold Catalan salad that highlights the region's historical obsession with salt-preserved cod. The dish consists of desalted cod that has been shredded by hand, never cut with a knife, to preserve its texture. It is combined with grated or diced tomatoes, onions, black olives, and a generous amount of high-quality olive oil. Some versions also incorporate red and green bell peppers or hard-boiled eggs for added complexity. It is the perfect light and savory starter for a warm Mediterranean afternoon in the city.

The ranking · 15 stops

Where to eat Esqueixada

10.0/ 10

Bar Restaurante Can Charly

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Verdict
Fideua, Seafood MenusBarceloneta
Queue
Go
13:00; a modest family-run spot specializing in affordable seafood and market-fresh daily salads.
Price
$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
20.0/ 10

Gelida

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Verdict
Daily Specials, WineEixample
Queue
Go
12:00; neighborhood favorite for its incredible value, serving esqueixada in a traditional ceramic bowl.
Price
$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
30.0/ 10

Bar Celta Pulperia

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Verdict
Octopus, Fried FishGothic Quarter
Queue
Go
13:30; Galician-influenced spot serving a solid, no-frills salad useful for a quick old-city protein snack.
Price
$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
40.0/ 10

Can Vilaró

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Verdict
Brains with Garlic, OffalSant Antoni
Queue
Go
13:00; family-run spot opposite the market, highly regarded for using fresh produce and punchy Empeltre olives.
Price
$$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
50.0/ 10

Bar Bitacora

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Verdict
Grilled Octopus, TapasBarceloneta
Queue
Go
13:00; a local's refuge where the bravas are legendary for their simplicity and authentic brava spice mix.
Price
$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
60.0/ 10

Can Pineda

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Verdict
Truffles, Rice DishesEl Clot
Queue
Go
13:30; a temple to product-led cuisine where the esqueixada uses some of the city's finest desalted cod.
Price
$$$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
70.0/ 10

Fonda Espanya

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Verdict
Modernist Menus, Local FishEl Raval
Queue
Go
13:30; located in a stunning Modernista room, using premium cod loin and rare heirloom vegetable varieties.
Price
$$$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
80.0/ 10

La Cova Fumada

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Verdict
Bombas, Grilled SardinesBarceloneta
Queue
Go
09:00; authentic maritime bread rubbed with raw garlic and tomato on thick-sliced rustic bread.
Price
$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
90.0/ 10

L'Anxoveta

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Verdict
Anchovies, TapasGràcia
Queue
Go
20:00; a charming spot focused on preserved fish where the cod is desalted in-house to a precise firmness.
Price
$$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
100.0/ 10

Agut

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Verdict
Duck with Pears, Local StewsGothic Quarter
Queue
Go
13:30; traditional wood-paneled dining room serving a rustic and generous version with seasonal vegetables.
Price
$$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
110.0/ 10

Taverna El Glop

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Verdict
Grilled Meats, CalcotsGràcia
Queue
Go
13:30; rustic tavern where the cold esqueixada provides a crisp counterpoint to the smoky charcoal-grilled mains.
Price
$$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
120.0/ 10

Bar Sant Joan

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Verdict
Home-style Cooking, Daily MenusEixample
Queue
Go
13:00; a classic neighborhood bar where the menu is handwritten daily and the salads are market-fresh.
Price
$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
130.0/ 10

Bodega Sepúlveda

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Verdict
Stewed Chickpeas, Cured MeatsEixample
Queue
Go
13:00; an elegant, old-world bodega that specializes in salt cod and respects the natural fish flavor.
Price
$$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
140.0/ 10

La Pubilla

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Verdict
Breakfast of Champions, Grilled MeatGràcia
Queue
Go
13:30; situated next to the market, this spot excels in "cuina de mercat" with a clean and focused salad.
Price
$$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
150.0/ 10

Casa Delfin

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Order:

Verdict
Grilled Fish, Catalan ClassicsEl Born
Queue
Go
13:30; a historic establishment known for its meticulous cod desalting process and premium Arbequina oil.
Price
$$
Dietary
Stamp availableGoogle Maps

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15 stops

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