Barcelona's brunch boom: Over 180 spots cater to growing tourist demand

"We've had brunch every day since we arrived in Barcelona," says an American tourist savoring a French toast with scrambled eggs at one of the Catalan capital's pioneering brunch spots. 

Like him, thousands of tourists flock daily to the Catalan capital's thriving brunch scene, which has flourished in recent years, especially in the city's central tourist areas. 

Tourism is a major driver of this trend. In 2023, Barcelona welcomed nearly 16 million international visitors, many from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where brunch is popular. 

According to Google Maps data analyzed by Catalan News, Barcelona has more than 180 places that offer brunch. The list, carefully compiled, includes specialized brunch spots as well as general cafes, bakeries and restaurants with broader menus that offer brunch options. 

Most are concentrated in the city center, especially in the Eixample district. Other tourist-heavy areas, such as those near the Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter, have also become hotspots for brunch lovers. 

The location of most brunch spots in Barcelona suggests that brunch is largely a tourist-driven phenomenon rather than a local tradition.

Even the expat community - often cited as another factor behind the rise of brunch spots - seems to play a secondary role compared to the overwhelming influence of tourism.

"Brunch is a little more unusual in the local culture, so we see more international customers than locals. On weekdays, it's mostly travelers," says Billy Thorens, owner of Billy Brunch, one of the city's most popular brunch destinations.

Thorens opened Billy Brunch in 2018 as one of the first dedicated brunch venues in the Eixample district. Since then, the business has expanded to six locations across the city.

The Swiss entrepreneur attributes his decision to open the restaurant to a combination of business opportunity, Barcelona's favorable weather and high quality of life.

"I chose Eixample for its proximity to everything. The Sagrada Família brings people year-round," he explains.

In recent years, social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have spurred the rise of increasingly extravagant brunch venues, often adorned with pink floral decor and elaborate design elements.

The menu at Billy Brunch continues to focus on traditional fare. "A standard breakfast, properly cooked, with good eggs and good coffee in a pleasant atmosphere," Thorens describes.

"There is a demand for fanciness - it works with TikTok. This trend will fade, but our traditional brunch will last forever," he adds.

Still, the charm of Billy Brunch resonates on social media as well. Alina and Charlotte, tourists from the United States enjoying a meal there, told us that social media led them to the spot.

"We found it on TikTok, watched a few videos, and the food looked really good. When we walked past, the exterior was really aesthetic," they say.

Talking to several customers who enjoy brunch at Billy Brunch, it is clear that the main draws are the healthy, protein-rich food - especially the eggs - and the inviting atmosphere.

"People still want to go out to eat, but they're not necessarily looking for a heavy meal with wine," Billy explains. "They want a place where they can socialize in a healthy environment with a lot of variety. Brunch offers all of that."

Despite the increase in brunch spots, the locals have not followed suit. In fact, some have taken an initiative to reclaim the traditional Catalan equivalent of brunch, the 'esmorzar de forquilla,' or fork breakfast.

"We're not coming to take away the local culture. If you come to Billy Brunch and ask for 'pa am tomaquet' or a simple 'tortilla', you will get it. We understand Catalan and everyone is welcome," says Billy, encouraging locals to try brunch.

To learn more about Barcelona's brunch scene and its local equivalent, the esmorzar de forquilla, listen to this episode of our podcast Filling the Sink.