Eating

Holidays by Destination Europe Spain Barcelona Eating 

If you want fast food there are 10 outlets of MacDonalds alone, plus Burger King, Pizza Hut (and other pizza outlets) and other international names. Alternatively, most bakeries offer sweets and savoury snacks like tuna turnovers and croissants with ham and cheese.

Although food is not generally as good as it might be, the cheaper places don't appear to offer food significantly inferior to the more expensive ones. They will be fine with kids and it is perfectly acceptable to ask for half portions and simple dishes not on the menu, like an omelette. The menu del dia at lunch is particularly good value. (Lunch is 1-4pm, the evening meal 8-11pm.)

If you want something even less formal, you could simply graze at one or more tapas bars. Options for children include patatas bravas (potatoes) with mayonnaise rather than chilli, various hams (cooked as well as cured) meat and potato croquettes, and Spanish omelette. The good thing about tapas bars is that the food is usually laid out on trays so you can see what you're getting. However, this can mean that the food is not as fresh as it might be and it is wise to go to busy places to ensure a good turnover and if the weather is hot avoid the seafood if you have any doubts. Unfortunately smoking is still common so likely in tapas bars, slightly more than restaurants.

Potential other places to stop with children include the Cafe Opera at La Rambla 74, an institution with '20s decor, cups of thick chocolate and good pastries; Pans & Company, a chain with a number of outlets offering toasted sandwiches and Catalan snacks; La Fonda on Escudellers with queues outside including children.

Ice cream shops are all over the centre. For sweet options try the granges on C/Petritxol's, a kind of milk and coffee bar with hot chocolate and cream, cakes, custards etc.