About Barcelona

Kiosko Universal in the Mercat de la Boqueria

The Boqueria Market, also known as Sant Josep, just off the Ramblas, has many interesting things to show to the visitors and buyers. From the spectacular and colorful variety of fruit and vegetable stalls at the entrance from the Ramblas or the amazing round center with the fresh fish and seafood over the icy countertops to preserve them at low temperature or the stalls of meats from different animals: bull, ox, cow, horse, lamb, veal and hunting animals or birds and eggs; the amazing and varied collection of mushrooms when the season comes, the stalls with pork products, pates and cheeses or the stalls of dry fruits and nuts and even more a collection of products from different places of the world. Everything deserves to be seen and if possible to be bought and taken home to be enjoyed deliciously prepared.

But the pleasures don’t stop here as there are also some stalls were you can satisfy your cravings tasting some plates directly in the market.

Kiosko Universal is a well-known venue for locals and foreigners that offer an authentic experience of Barcelona Market cuisine. The place has small kitchen, surrounded by an outdoor bar with stools where you can sit and enjoy your meal while watching how the fresh fish and seafood are grilled to order by expert and efficient cooks. All the stools are usually occupied so once you get there, a signal to the staff that you would like to eat there is required and they will tell you how long you can expect to wait.The seafood at Kiosko Universal is so fresh that the place is extremely popular, but you can also try other typical local dishes like Paella and Fideuá  that are also available 

Two comments about Kiosko Universal published in Tripadvisor:

 “This place is always packed with locals and tourists alike, and for very good reasons. The service is quick and professional. More importantly the meals are superb and the choice is both wide and excellent. It also has a fun and lively atmosphere. For the menu del dia, you get a starter, a main, a sweet and bread and a drink. The mains included all the major fish (about seven or eight different types) and are fresh and done simply. There are options for simple starters or you can pay a bit more for something special such as a plate of many mushroom types or almejas. The drinks and desserts are basic, but you don't need anything more since everything else is of the highest quality. Give it a go, it's one of the many reasons to the wonderful la boqueria.”  by binkybot, Sheffield, uk (Feb 20 2011)

 “When rambling around the Boqueria Market, I came across a busy cafe bar on the fringes of the market. All the bar stools were occupied and there seemed to be lots of people waiting. Tip: indicate to the barman (in Spanish/Catalan) how many seats you are needing, then just wait. Although they indicated a 20 minute wait, I was seated at the bar in 5. I had grilled mixed mushrooms followed by grilled calamari - washed down by a glass of cava. Sublime made all the better by the fact that the produce came directly from the market. I sat next to a local couple who go to this cafe every Saturday and they commended me on my find.  Although I am not fluent in either Spanish or Catalan, I soaked up the atmosphere and really enjoyed myself.”  by kiwibirdScotland (Mar 26 2010)

It is something to be experienced. Kiosko Universal is open Monday through Saturday for morning breakfast till late lunch time that closes after 17:00Hs.