9 Best Tapas Restaurants in Barcelona | Complete Tapas Guide

Are you traveling to Barcelona and want to embrace Spanish cuisine to the fullest? In this post, find some of the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona personally tested by fellow travel bloggers. 

Tapas is the second most popular food in Spanish cuisine after Paella. But what are tapas precisely, and what is classic tapas? 

What are tapas?

In short, tapas are small plates of food. Traditionally tapas are essential bar snacks served together with wine or beer for free. 

Some cities of Spain still preserve the tradition of offering free tapas when you order a drink, but the major touristic towns like Barcelona don’t provide free tapas, unfortunately. 

It should also be noted that there is no definitive answer to explain what tapas are, and it depends on who you ask and where you travel to. Tapas can be anything, including olives, slices of Jamon, chunks of tuna, hot chorizo sausage, or a gourmet slow-cooked beef on top of a potato mash, to name a few. 

Each bar and a cafe throughout Spain have a different understanding of tapas; therefore, the meals differ, and so do the prices. And even if you pay for them, trying tapas is well worth it as it’s part of the Spanish cuisine and culture. Moreover, all that I have tried during my travels were very delicious. 

Locals love eating tapas as a snack before late dinner when they bar hop before lunch or dinner. And they even use the verb tapear, meaning to go and eat tapas. 

Honestly, for those of us who are not accustomed to this culture, trying several tapas can easily replace your dinner. And if you are traveling to Barcelona with friends, tapas are a great way of sampling various meals of Spanish cuisine without over-ordering, wasting food, and spending a lot of money on entire meals. 

History of tapas

Similar to many centuries-old traditions, the history of tapas is slightly vague. Various tales and urban legends focus on the former king who recovered from an illness by drinking wine and nibbling on small plates of food between bigger meals. 

However, the most plausible story links to its name. Tapa in Spanish means’ lid’, and many bartenders back in the day started using pieces of bread as a lid to keep flies and insects from glasses of wine or beer. Over time, they added tiny pieces of various food to those bread pieces, and that’s how tapas were born. 

Are tapas always free? 

Today, tapas is not bar food anymore as it has become widespread in cafes, restaurants, and even market halls. In most cities in Spain, including Barcelona, you need to order and pay for the tapas in various establishments. I’ve heard from a friend living in Madrid that there are still some free tapas places in Madrid. 

Tapas are usually listed in the menu of a cafe or a restaurant in a separate section or column. The price and the portion of tapas vary from restaurant to restaurant. Typically, it depends on the size and the ingredients used – fried potatoes versus a bull’s tail. 

In traditional Spanish cities, big or small, tapas are free and included in the price of the drink you order. 

Are there different types of tapas? 

Yes, Spanish cuisine has different types of tapas grouped under the following types:

Pinchos or pintxos in Basque: many people would imagine pinchos when you start talking and explaining what tapas are. Pinchos are bread slices with different toppings. Its name comes from the Basque Country in the northeast of Spain, where they have bars dedicated to pinchos. 

Every pincho has a cocktail stick; when you are done, the bartender counts these sticks and charges you accordingly. In Alicante, the tapas came on wooden plank-like “plates,” and the waitress counted them instead of sticks.

Cheese and charcuterie platters: various local cured meats and/or cheeses are also considered tapas. Spanish cheeses come in different shapes, forms, and textures – they are both soft and firm and are made from various animal milk. Their charcuterie is also quite diverse. The platter might have serrano ham (Jamon Serrano), salami with paprika or chorizo in Spanish, and cured salami-type sausage from Catalunya (fuet), to name just a few. 

Cold tapas: they can be everything, including a cold soup like gazpacho and/or salads, as well as a plate of olives, bread slices with olive oil, and anchovies, to name a few.

Hot tapas: these are probably the most popular tapas in Spain. Hot tapa dishes include:

• Patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spice sauce).
• Shrimp in garlic (gambas al ajillo).
• Chorizo sausage cooked in wine.
• Various other meals from seafood to meatballs and chili peppers. 

Are there vegetarian tapas? 

As much as Spaniards love their pork and seafood, they love veggies too. Therefore, there is plenty of vegetarian tapas in Spanish cuisine; you just need to know where and how to look. 

If you are still not sure, many bars and tapas restaurants in Barcelona and other cities have menus on display at the entrance. Don’t be embarrassed to stand there for a minute or two and look through to see what they offer and what’s the price range before deciding to enter. 

However, do remember to double-check with the bartender when you order, as sometimes, even sauteed mushroom tapas might have ham inside. 

Are there dessert tapas?

Typically tapas don’t include dessert meals. However, there are a few that the menu may list. The most common one is Crema Catalana (somewhat similar to the famous Creme Brulee), flan (creme caramel), natillas (custard), and Arroz con Leche (rice pudding). 

Must-try popular tapas in Spain 

Tortilla or Spanish omelet – the typical dish made from eggs, potatoes, and olive oil. Some versions also include onions. 

Patatas bravas – this simple fried potato dish comes with tasty spicy sauce (bravas). Another version is patatas alioli, made from garlic and olive oil. 

Cured ham – Iberian ham is the most famous one in Spain, but honestly, any will do. As tapas, it is commonly served with soft or crunchy bread. 

Calamari – battered and deep-fried squid served hot. 

Croquettes – ham croquettes are the most traditional and popular tapas in Spain. However, other variations are made from wild mushrooms, prawns, strong cheeses, squid, etc. 

Pan tumaca – very simple and popular tapas in Spain made from bread, olive oil, tomato, salt, and garlic. It is pretty common in Catalonia, and depending on the venue, they might top it with ham, cured meats, or cheese. 

Carrillada – pork or beef cheek cut meat served in whiskey sauce and potatoes on the side.

Boquerones – fresh anchovy fillets marinated in vinegar or a mixture of olive oil and vinegar, seasoned with parsley and garlic. 

Gambas al Aljillo – translated as garlic shrimp, it is made of big shrimps sauteed in olive oil and garlic. 

Tip: attending food tours in Barcelona is one of the best ways to try as many popular tapas in Spain as you can. 

9 best tapas restaurants in Barcelona

Barcelona tapas bars are as good as you can get. There are hundreds of best tapas restaurants in Barcelona serving similar or very unlike tapas at every city corner. The choice can be overwhelming, so I teamed up with other bloggers to bring you some of the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona that we all have tried on our travels to the Catalan capital. 

El Mercat

Nestled in the Eixample district, this is undoubtedly one of the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona suggested by a local. Serving European, Mediterranean, Catalan, and Spanish cuisine, the menu of El Mercat is quite diverse, offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan dishes.  

Apart from the typical and popular tapas in Spain, El Mercat has Oxtail strew – a very delicious and unique meal you can have in Barcelona. 

La Pepita

Selecting the right place to eat in a city can be pretty challenging as there are plenty of best restaurants in Barcelona. From the typical Paella to the Spanish tortilla, the city can offer many more delicious plates for you to try.

Even if you’re visiting Barcelona in winter, you will be pleased with the many superb Barcelona tapas bars around the city center; and La Pepita is one of the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona. 

Highly suggested by locals, La Pepita has been in the heart of Barcelona since 2010. It serves typical local dishes with a refined modern touch. From Patatas Bravas to garlic prawns and croquetas wrapped with Jamon Serrano, you will leave this restaurant full and want to return the following day. 

Try Pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus) and Calamares a la Andaluza (small squids). 

Moreover, the restaurant changes its menu according to the season bringing dishes with seasonal and fresh ingredients. Since it’s a small space, make prior reservations. 

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Bar Celta Pulperia

Bar Celta is one of those places that looks kind of dingey from the outside, and you’d be forgiven for walking straight past! 

However, wander into this busy bar on the corner of a narrow street in the Gothic Quarter, and you will be rewarded with delicious tapas and food in Barcelona. 

There are certainly no frills here, no tablecloths, and the menu is written on a board above the bar. The waiter will reel off a list of tapas to choose from or take your pick from what’s on display at the counter.

Octopus (pulpo) is the house specialty served in tender slices, with a dash of paprika, a sprinkle of sea salt, and olive oil – Galician style. 

Other popular tapas in Spain served here include patatas bravas, tortilla, padrón peppers, and seafood dishes like grilled prawns, razor clams, calamari, and octopus. It’s often busy, so aim to get there early-ish; about 9 pm should be good to grab a table.

Recommended by Why Visit Barcelona

Bormuth

There’s one place you can’t miss in Barcelona – Bormuth in El Born. This cozy spot is one of the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona to enjoy local dishes paired with great normal or sparkling wine or beer. The ambiance is very casual, and the prices are affordable. 

Easily reachable by a short walk from the city center or by subway/taxi, Bormuth is best visited for lunch around 2 pm or for early dinner around 6-7 pm to avoid crowds and to be able to grab a spot. 

The menu is one-pager but includes over 40+ tapas to choose from. Apart from the staple tapas, you can try Pan tomate (Bread with tomato), and Croquetas de jamón ibérico (ham croquettes), as well as some local specialties like Pimiento rojo con queso de cabra’ (Red pepper with goat cheese), Calamarcitos Andaluza (Andalusian calamari), and Albóndigas Bormuth (Bormuth meatballs). 

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Cervecería Catalana

Immensely popular with tourists and locals alike, Cervecería Catalana is a vibrant tapas bar. And not just in Barcelona but is also a much sought-after destination in Spain.

The place is always busy, and the waiting time varies from 20-45 minutes. So, arrive a bit early for your meal. Queues might seem long, but they move quickly as the restaurant has ample seating. Just make sure to get your name written for both inside and outside seating.

The interiors are bright and modern, and the staff is warm and friendly. Their selection of seafood tapas is the finest. Try Garlic shrimps with tomato bread, grilled red prawns, calamares fritos (fried calamari), and grilled razor clams.

If you’d like to have a steak, order Beef tenderloin with foie gras, it’s tenderly cooked and seasoned just right.

Other tapas dishes to try here include, Patatas Bravas, Croquetas de Jamon, Tortilla de patatas and Jamón Ibérico de bellota Flauta.

Pair your tapas with red/white wine or a glass of craft beer. Sangrias is one of the best in the town, though a bit pricey.

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El SET

There is no shortage of recommendations for the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona. Still, it does take a particular type of luck and expertise to find a gem in the middle of this megacity. 

El SET is one more Barcelona tapas bars in the El Born neighborhood tucked on a small, unassuming street. And in between two popular-looking tapas places, you will have to look for an open door and a couple of beer barrels for seating. 

The wine here is inexpensive and plentiful, and the food is top-notch. So grab a rioja and wait for a table, inside or out, as the tapas are worth it. Their pan con tomate or any meat boards will keep you coming back. And if you’ve made Northern Spain Road Trip, the staff will remind you of your trip there as they treat you like family. 

Recommended by Road Trip EuroGuide

Ziryab Fusion

If you are looking for a unique Barcelona tapas bars consider coming here. Ziryab is a medieval-style fusion place in an alleyway in Carrer de Grunyí. This small and cozy bar bodega (wine bar) with great tapas fits perfectly with the antiquity of the surroundings.

The menu here stands out from the rest for its unique fusion of the traditional Spanish recipe with Mediterranean flavors. The food here is lighter and healthier yet rich in taste. The restaurant also boasts an elite wine menu that has something for all.

The rustic decor, flavorsome food, and live acoustic music will make your evening at Ziryab quite pleasant. So don’t forget to tip them.

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Bastaix

This small, locally run wine bar and tapas restaurant in Barcelona is next to the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. While it doesn’t have outdoor seating, it still offers views of the church. For the best spot, come here mid-afternoon and request the only table they have at the window. 

The menu changes frequently, but some items are almost always on the menu in some variation. The Chorizo in Cider is a great snack item to eat while you look through the wine menu. Various pata negro (Iberian ham) and manchego cheeses are also on offer, but definitely ask what is their special dish when you arrive.

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Els Gats

Els Gats has been one of the most popular hangout places for icons like Picasso. Back in the days, El Gats was a renowned and highly chosen Barcelona bar and restaurant that still has a bohemian vibe to it. The restaurant’s artsy surroundings and sparkling charm invite several tourists and locals. It is best known for tapas and has an extensive menu of delicious versions of this popular Spanish food. 

On your visit, you can choose from several options including, Patatas Bravas, Croquetas de jamón ibérico, tomate seco y parmesano, Croquetas de berenjena, Gyoza de carne y shiitake, and more.

The best time to visit there is between 1 and 4 pm when you can also enjoy a three-course meal on the menu.

Tip: Consider coming on Saturdays as they have more gourmet versions on the menu, and you will get to enjoy significant snacks from Spain.

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