Barcelona's food scene operates between two poles: the extraordinary tapas and pintxos bar culture, and the world-famous avant-garde restaurants of the Catalan tradition. Pan con tomate (bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil) is the foundation of every meal. Patatas bravas, croquetas de jamón, gambas al ajillo, and pimientos de Padrón are the essential tapas order.
La Boqueria market is tourist-heavy but still spectacular for ingredients. Mercat de Santa Caterina in El Born is less crowded and equally good. El Born neighborhood has the best pintxos bars. Paella and fideuà (noodle paella) are properly made in beachside restaurants in Barceloneta — avoid tourist traps off Las Ramblas.