Breakfasts were quick; easy, provided you find a place that's open if you're an early riser. (Most places don't open until 9:00 a.m. or later.) Regional pastries were typically good. Two pastries/two cups of coffee usually under $3.00. While small cafes are everywhere, I'd reference places frequented near Pension Europa. There were 3 cafe shops on Boqueria the short distance between the pension and La Rambla. Another morning favorite was a short zig-zag to the beautiful plaza of nearby Esglesia de Santa Maria del Pi which claims to have the world's largest stained glass rose medallion window. From the courtyard cafes, the vistas and church bells made for a good breakfast and morning while watching Barcelona come to life.
"Cafe Americano" is standard reference for how we Americans like our coffee - in a regular sized cup, black, sugar on the side if needed, and con leche only if specified.
Paella, the rice dish with various meats/seasonings, is mass-advertised at every kind of eatery on "can't miss" signs out front in a way that made me question if the stuff was prepared like microwavable fast food. Was I wrong! No one should leave without trying a skillet full. There are several varieties; prices comparable everywhere. Paid 1,600 pesetas for a large skillet of paella, bread and a liter of sangria.
Barcelona is known for its Tapas Bars, but budget travelers shouldn't plan on spending much time in these places. Foods are good, but rather expensive and portions are small, appetizer size. You'd rack up quite the bill trying to fill up as a meal.
Local apertif favorites to try are Cuarenta y Tres which is a thick, smooth vanilla liquer. Also locally made is Zoco Pacharan - a heavy liquer flavored with sloe berries and anise packing quite the kick!
The region's house table wines were also quite good though top-shelf bottles of wine aren't that expensive.
Mercat de la Boqueria, centrally located on La Rambla, is definitely worth checkin' out as what I consider one of the best fresh food markets in Europe. The fruits were awesome as were the cheeses and pepperoni/salami...and yes, very inexpensive. Pheasants and King Jack Rabbits are colorfully hanging around waiting to be cleaned. Great photo opportunities here, too!
There's a large supermarket on the south/left side of La Rambla just before you arrive at Placa Catalunya. It carries a bit of everything for cheap prices and is great for stocking up on bottled water, drinks, snacks for back in your room.
Typical American fast food places are everywhere, but did you really come all the way to Spain for a Big Mac?