Barcelona, Spain’s stunning Mediterranean city, offers good halal food options for Muslim visitors. While Spanish cuisine traditionally features jamón (pork), Barcelona’s diverse population has created a solid halal scene. For more guides, see our halal food hub and Is Spanish Food Halal?.
Halal Food Overview in Barcelona
Barcelona provides good halal accessibility with concentrated options in specific areas.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Halal Restaurants | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 80+ options |
| Raval Area | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent hub |
| Seafood | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great halal option |
| Tourist Areas | ⭐⭐⭐ | Some options |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good city |
Best Areas for Halal Food
El Raval
Barcelona’s multicultural heart:
- Pakistani restaurants: Numerous options
- Moroccan food: Traditional tagines
- Turkish: Kebab shops
- Middle Eastern: Shawarma, falafel
- Halal butchers: Several shops
- Best value: Cheaper than tourist areas
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
Tourist center with options:
- Near La Rambla: Some kebab shops
- Side streets: Hidden halal spots
- Middle Eastern: A few restaurants
- Higher prices: Tourist location
Eixample
Modern grid district:
- Upscale halal: Some options
- Middle Eastern: Lebanese restaurants
- Halal Mediterranean: Growing scene
- Passeig de Gràcia area: Premium dining
Barceloneta
Beach area:
- Seafood paradise: Naturally halal
- Paella: Check no pork/wine
- Chiringuitos: Beach restaurants
- Fresh fish: Great option
Types of Halal Food Available
Pakistani/Indian
El Raval’s strength:
- Biryani: Popular option
- Karahi: Traditional cooking
- Tandoori: Grilled meats
- Curry dishes: Variety available
Moroccan
- Tagine: Slow-cooked stews
- Couscous: Traditional dish
- Pastilla: Sweet and savory pie
- Mint tea: Authentic style
Turkish/Middle Eastern
- Döner kebab: Widespread
- Shawarma: Many options
- Falafel: Vegetarian halal
- Lebanese mezze: Some restaurants
Seafood (Naturally Halal)
Barcelona’s Mediterranean bounty:
- Gambas al ajillo: Garlic shrimp
- Calamares: Fried squid
- Pulpo: Octopus
- Paella de mariscos: Seafood paella (no meat version)
- Fresh fish: Grilled options
Safe Spanish Foods
- Patatas bravas: Spicy potatoes
- Pan con tomate: Bread with tomato
- Gazpacho: Cold tomato soup
- Tortilla española: Potato omelette (vegetarian)
- Escalivada: Roasted vegetables
Popular Halal Restaurants
El Raval
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistani restaurants | South Asian | £ |
| Moroccan restaurants | North African | ££ |
| Turkish kebabs | Middle Eastern | £ |
Gothic Quarter
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Kebab shops | Turkish | £ |
| Middle Eastern | Lebanese | ££ |
| Some halal tapas | Spanish | ££ |
Barceloneta
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Seafood restaurants | Mediterranean | ££-£££ |
| Beach chiringuitos | Mixed | ££ |
Halal Shopping
Halal Butchers
El Raval:
- Several halal carnicerías
- Fresh meat available
- Pakistani and Moroccan shops
Supermarkets
- Mercadona/Carrefour: Limited halal
- Ethnic shops: Better selection
- El Raval stores: Halal products
Markets
La Boqueria:
- Famous market
- Fresh seafood (halal)
- Fruit and vegetables
- Some halal meat stalls
Barcelona for Muslim Visitors
Tourist Attractions & Food
La Sagrada Familia:
- Gaudí’s masterpiece
- Limited halal nearby
- Eixample restaurants accessible
Park Güell:
- Stunning views
- Pack snacks
- Limited food on-site
La Rambla:
- Famous boulevard
- Touristy food
- Walk to Raval for halal
Barceloneta Beach:
- Seafood paradise
- Natural halal options
- Paella available
Casa Batlló/Casa Milà:
- Gaudí buildings
- Passeig de Gràcia
- Some upscale halal nearby
Football
Camp Nou:
- FC Barcelona stadium
- Limited halal in stadium
- Eat before in city
Prayer Facilities
Barcelona has several mosques:
- Mezquita de Barcelona: Main mosque (Raval)
- Centro Cultural Islámico: Near hospital
- Various prayer rooms: Throughout city
Practical Tips
- El Raval essential: Best halal concentration
- Seafood safe option: Mediterranean fresh
- Jamón everywhere: Avoid accidentally
- “Sin cerdo”: “Without pork” - learn this phrase
- Paella check: Often has rabbit or pork
- La Boqueria seafood: Great halal option
- Tapas caution: Many contain pork
- Wine in cooking: Common in Spanish food
- Beach restaurants: Ask about ingredients
- Vegetarian backup: Many safe options
Day Trips
Montserrat
- Mountain monastery
- Very limited food
- Pack lunch from Barcelona
Girona
- Beautiful medieval city
- Some kebab shops
- Limited halal