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Other than paella, tapas may simply be Spain’s most iconic export. These pint-sized snacking plates are the focus of my Barcelona meals excursions, and feasting on some meat, seafood, or veggie-based tapas is an unmissable cultural expertise.
Tapas have been historically served as accompaniments to drinks, a convention which could be very a lot prevalent in Barcelona at present. Whereas tapas are available a number of varieties, together with the skewered selection known as pintxos within the Basque area, Barcelona has a slew of signature tapas dishes, from bar bites to à la carte choices.
On this article, I’ll provide you with all of the insider details about the place to seek out the most effective tapas in Barcelona, together with suggestions for must-try dishes!
The place to Discover the Greatest Tapas in Barcelona
Bodega Biarritz 1881 – Gothic Quarter
Photograph credit score: Bodega Biarritz 1881 – Gothic Quarter
Bodega Biarritz 1881 plates up a number of the greatest tapas in Barcelona. It’s a heat, rustic eatery providing a bunch of shock dishes for a set value, and the workers can tailor the expertise to fit your tastes.
Bodega Biarritz 1881 – 08002 Barcelona – Open each Monday, Thursday to Sunday from 1:30 pm to three:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, closed each Tuesday and Wednesday.
La Alcoba Azul – Gothic Quarter
Photograph credit score: La Alcoba Azul – Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is definitely one of many high neighborhoods for tapas, and I’m particularly keen on La Alcoba Azul. From the diversified menu and comfortable, stone-covered partitions to the ambient jazz music, this place is a real gem.
La Alcoba Azul – 08002 Barcelona – Open day-after-day from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Quimet & Quimet – Poble Sec
Photograph credit score: Quimet & Quimet – Poble Sec
In case you go to one tapas bar in Barcelona, make it Quimet & Quimet. This standing-only spot has an intensive wine record, together with some terrific vermouth, and bite-sized open sandwiches permitted by the late Anthony Bourdain.
Quimet & Quimet – 08004 Barcelona – Open each Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, closed each Saturday and Sunday.
Cerveseria Catalana – Eixample
Photograph credit score: Cerveseria Catalana – Eixample
Based mostly on the consumer and skilled evaluations I’d learn, I used to be anticipating Cerveseria Catalana to have a number of the greatest tapas in Barcelona. This glossy however bustling venue didn’t disappoint, and their seafood choices have been significantly memorable.
Cerveseria Catalana – 08008 Barcelona – Open each Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 1:00 am and each Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am.
Vivo Tapas – Eixample
Photograph credit score: Vivo Tapas – Eixample
For a extra upscale expertise, take a look at Vivo Tapas. The elegant decor, dwell singers, and refined tapas dishes set this place other than most eating places within the metropolis.
Vivo Tapas – 08008 Barcelona – Open day-after-day from 12:30 pm to 1:00 am.
Tapas You Can’t Miss
Patatas Bravas
Photograph credit score: Leo Gonzales licensed beneath Attribution 2.0 Generic (no modifications made)
Patatas bravas is a must-try meals in Barcelona, consisting of cubed potatoes which can be fried and doused in a zingy tomato-based sauce. Some venues may also serve patatas bravas with a creamy garlic sauce along with the traditional tomato sauce.
Bombas
Photograph credit score: Wikimedia Commons licensed beneath Attribution 3.0 Unported (no modifications made)
Bombas is amongst Barcelona’s signature tapas dishes. In a nutshell, these are deep-fried, ball-shaped treats full of mashed potato and a combination of meats and greens. You’ll typically discover these offered alongside a spicy dipping sauce.
Pan con Tomate
Photograph credit score: Ewan Munro licensed beneath Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (no modifications made)
Pan con tomate is a straightforward however scrumptious Catalan dish comprised of toasted rustic bread and a mashed tomato topping infused with olive oil, garlic, and salt.
Jamón Ibérico
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This cured pork leg is among the most beloved tapas dishes within the nation. The ultra-thin however intensely flavorful slices are delectable on their very own or with crusty bread.
Croquetas
Photograph credit score: Jonathan Pincas licensed beneath Attribution 2.0 Generic (no modifications made)
Croquetas are thought-about to be among the best tapas dishes in Barcelona. Hearty and satisfying, these deep-fried delights boast a crunchy breaded exterior and a creamy filling, typically made out of ham and cheese.
Tortilla
Spain’s tackle an omelet, tortillas are made out of a mixture of eggs, potatoes, and onions. Though typically loved sizzling, many tapas bars serve this dish chilly.
Gambas al Ajillo
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A well-liked seafood tapas dish, gambas al ajillo is ready by cooking prawns in a scorching mix of garlic and olive oil. Chili flakes or paprika could also be added relying on the place you attempt it.
Padrón Peppers
Photograph credit score: Wikimedia Commons licensed beneath Attribution 2.0 Generic (no modifications made)
Padrón peppers are a tapas favourite. All that’s added to those delicate, smoky peppers is a dusting of salt and a touch of olive oil.
Tapas with a Twist: Fashionable Takes on a Basic
Among the eateries serving up the most effective tapas in Barcelona are those who put their very own spin on this time-honored eating custom. In case you’re available in the market for one thing on the quirkier facet, I’ve just a few suggestions for tapas bars and eating places I believe you’ll discover to your liking.
The considerably peculiar mixture of fried eggs and child squid is a must-try at El Quim de la Boqueria. These with a love of Center Jap flavors will love the small bites at Ziryab Fusió Tapes Bar, whereas the group at Aiueno focuses on Japanese-inspired tapas.
Learn how to Eat Tapas Like a Native
Beneath is a few sensible data for tapas eating in Barcelona!
- Tapas plates are usually small in measurement, so ordering a number of dishes is the norm.
- Sharing dishes along with your companions is a should for probably the most genuine expertise.
- Tapas might be loved at any time, although most locals achieve this within the early night earlier than dinner or later into the evening. Nevertheless, vermouth hour, which runs from roughly 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, is a well-liked time for locals to sip on vermouth whereas snacking on some tapas plates.
- Patrons at old-school tapas bars tuck into tapas whereas standing on the bar, although extra trendy institutions will typically have seating areas.
Remaining Ideas: A Tapas Crawl Price Savoring
Immerse your self in Catalonia’s unimaginable eating scene by having fun with the flavorful meals, laid-back atmosphere, and communal vibe related to the area’s capital. To seek out the most effective tapas Barcelona has to supply, you’ll want to hop between conventional joints and up to date spots throughout your keep!
Sources:
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona meals excursions. Consuming Europe. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/
Bodega Biarritz. (n.d.). Bodega Biarritz. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://www.bodega-biarritz.es/
La Alcoba Azul. (n.d.). La Alcoba Azul. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://la-alcoba.com/en/la-alcoba-azul/
Quimet & Quimet. (n.d.). Quimet & Quimet. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://quimetiquimet.com/en/
La Flauta Group. (n.d.). La Flauta Group eating places. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://www.laflautagroup.com/en
VIVO Tapas. (n.d.). VIVO Tapas. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://vivotapas.com/en/
Tripadvisor. (n.d.). El Quim de la Boqueria – Restaurant evaluations. Tripadvisor. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d1080763-Opinions-El_Quim_de_la_Boqueria-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
Consuming Europe. (2022, December 12). Barcelona meals information: The 20 greatest dishes and drinks to attempt. Consuming Europe. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/barcelona-food/
Ziryab. (n.d.). Ziryab fusion tapas bar. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://ziryab.es/
AiUeno. (n.d.). AiUeno – Japanese delicacies in Barcelona. Retrieved Might 8, 2025, from https://www.aiueno.com/
