La Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria is not simply a market, it is a monument to gastronomy, an explosion of colours, aromas and sounds in the centre of Barcelona, built on the site of the former St Joseph Monastery. Although the current market dates back to 1840, its origins go back to the 13th century when merchants and peasant farmers set up stalls to sell their produce to travellers entering or leaving the city. One of the landmarks of Barcelona, the new market now boasts over 200 stalls selling every kind of fresh food, from fabulous fish and seafood to gorgeous garden fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, spices, and flowers. In addition to the wide variety of local products and exotic specialties colourfully displayed on the stands, the market features a selection of fabulous restaurants and traditional tapas bars where visitors can sample the market's sensational cuisine, such as the sensational Bar Boqueria which has been a gastronomic beacon for those seeking the freshest seafood and superb Catalan dishes. Seats are very hard to come by, but even a little bit of elbow room will secure a spot at the bar.
The Boqueria Market is possibly La Rambla’s most interesting building, not so much for its Modernista-influenced design, but for the fabulous food market within
With over 200 stalls selling every kind of food, from fabulous fish and seafood to gorgeous garden fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, spices, and flowers, the market is a feast for the senses
Plump fresh mangoes artfully displayed with their leaves
The Boqueria spills over with all the rich and varied bounty of fresh local fruits and vegetables,
and the occasional megawatt smile
Fresh lilies and roses exploding with intoxicating beauty
A true Pescatorian at heart, I'm always drawn to fish and seafood markets wherever we travel
Enormous langoustine just waiting for the grill
Spanish whelks
Murex sea snails ready to eat with a squeeze of lemon - delicious
A mouthwatering sight to behold - cooked seafood ready to eat on the run and for just a few euros
Juanito Bayan of Bar Pinotxo, a local celebrity of the Market
Enormous Spanish oysters the size of my hand
Huge white asparagus from the Northern Spanish region of Navarro
Ostrich and Emu eggs the size of a grapefruit
Iberico Jamón stands are everywhere in the market and one of the most popular culinary destinations for locals and tourists alike
How could you refuse a smile like that?
Paper cones of famous Jamón for shoppers on the go
One of the best tapas bars in the Market, Bar Boqueria has been one of the
most popular for over 25 years
Lucky to find two stools at the horseshoe-shaped counter overlooking the open kitchen,
Bar Boqueria's menu features almost every kind of seafood and Spanish tapas
An ice cold Estrella Damm was the perfect drink on a hot day in Barcelona
Tortilla Española and Pan con Tomate
Chef de Cuisine of Bar Boqueria during our tapas lunch was Christian
Patates Bravas and Grilled Scallips
Calamares y Dorado a la Plancha
Anchoas o Boquerones en Vinagre y olivas gordal
The anchovies were delicious to the last bite
Mixed Seafood Platter with chilled prawns, langoustines, shrimp and razor clams
Grilled Razor Clams
Fried Anchovies and Grilled Prawns
Galician-style Grilled Octopus on mashed potato garnished with paprika
Christian putting the finishing touches on Roasted Aubergines with cane honey
topped with acorn-fed Jamón de Bellota
Fried Calamari
Grilled Scallops with roasted mushrooms, snow peas and tomato
Succulent Grilled Octopus with paprika oil and truffle parmentier
The young Portuguese fellow beside us was celebrating his birthday with his Mom and ordered the €57.00 Mixed Seafood Platter with Lobster, Fried Anchovies, and Grilled Salmon just to start
Explaining that he had missed breakfast, our young friend said he had gained 10 pounds while travelling through Spain — join the club!
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