Where to Eat Tapas in Barcelona

Tapas in Spain—few culinary traditions are as widely known around the world as this duo. Enjoying a few (or many) tapas—classic Spanish small plates—really is a must-do for anyone visiting the region. And the tapas in Barcelona are so varied that you’re sure to find some favorites. From pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato, olive oil, and salt) to tortilla española (traditional egg and potato omelette) to patatas bravas (fried potatoes in spicy sauce) to gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), the city offers countless options that will delight your taste buds.

The History of Tapas

The history of tapas is disputed, but the word derives from the Spanish verb "tapar," which means to cover. One theory suggests that the tradition of tapas began with people covering their drinks with food items like slices of bread or meat to protect from flies. According to another legend, King Alfonso X recovered from an illness by drinking small amounts of wine with little portions of food. As a result, he decreed that all taverns must serve small plates together with the alcohol they sold to customers. 

Regardless of the origins, eating tapas is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. Pica pica, the art of sharing small portions of food accompanied by alcohol, is a culinary and social tradition that unites all Spaniards (and visitors). You can take your pick between decades-old institutions serving traditional dishes, no frills spots offering an in-and-out dining experience, and trendy bars serving tapas with a creative twist. We’ve compiled a list of the best tapas bars and restaurants to try in Barcelona.

Traditional Tapas

For a traditional tapas experience, you can’t do much better than Quimet i Quimet in Poble-Sec. The iconic institution is one of the oldest in Barcelona; it opened as a wine bar over a century ago in 1914. In addition to a fantastic wine and beer selection (or vermouth if you so desire), the restaurant also serves high-quality tapas, specializing in conservas, which are preserved foods like sardines, clams, and tuna belly served with inventive accompaniments, as well as small dishes made from fresh seafood. Be warned that this beloved bar is quite popular, so prepare for standing room only. We just think it lends to the air of conviviality. 

Bar Ramón in Sant Antoni is another authentic, old-school Catalan tapas bar, dating from 1939. The restaurant offers a great atmosphere, with blues and jazz playing in the background, and delicious seafood—we recommend the chipirones a la Andaluza (fried baby squid) and the pulpo (octopus).

La Cova Fumada in Barceloneta has some of the best tapas in Barcelona. Feel like an insider at this hole-in-the-wall, family-run restaurant—it doesn’t have a sign nor does it take reservations. María Pla, the grandmother of the current owners, is the creator of the bomba, a meat-stuffed mashed potato ball that has become a Catalan specialty. 

Bar Cañete in Raval is another excellent choice for traditional tapas in Barcelona. The open kitchen allows visitors to see the chefs in action. Order dishes like seafood croquetas (fritters), chipirones con mongetes (baby squid with white beans), fried anchovies, and jamón Ibérico (worth the hefty pricetag, jamón Ibérico is produced only in Spain and sure to change the way you think about ham). The restaurant also has a wonderful wine selection.

For a no-frills pica pica experience, head to Bormuth in El Born. Savor some homemade vermut (vermouth) and order tapas like the buñuelos de bacalao (cod fritters), patatas mojo picón (spicy potatoes), and grilled cuttlefish.

Jai-ca in Barceloneta is a busy and friendly tapas bar that has been delighting customers since 1955. The specialty here is seafood. We recommend the anchovy with fried fish bone (the house specialty), Andalusian style squid, stuffed mussels, and the bomba.

Cal Pep offers authentic Mediterranean tapas and a lively atmosphere. The small restaurant is always packed and with good reason—the food is excellent. There is no menu, but trust that the seafood will make your mouth water. 

Don’t rule out tapas as a breakfast option either! For a quick, no-frills breakfast, head to Barcelona’s most famous market, Mercat de la Boqueria, and have a seat at the counter of the iconic Bar Pinotxo, which has been serving hungry Barcelonians for decades. With no set menu, you’ll enjoy whatever the owner is cooking up that day. Nevertheless, you’re sure to have some of the best tapas in Barcelona, even for the most discerning tapas aficionados. Another option in the market is El Quim de La Boqueria, offering traditional Catalan dishes like fried eggs with squid as well as dishes inspired by the local produce. With the location in the busy market, just make sure you get there early to avoid a wait.

Tapas with a Modern Twist

At the popular Bar del Pla in El Born, enjoy innovative takes on traditional tapas in a cozy atmosphere. The chefs use local produce and create delightful, often innovative, dishes like squid ink croquetas, pa amb tomàquet, tuna tartare and oxtail served with foie gras. The Bar del Pla’s recently opened sister restaurant, Pepa Pla, holds its own with delicious dishes like duck magret and mussels with lemon.

Also In El Born, Michelin-rated chef Carles Abellan’s Tapas 24 fuses traditional and modern, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. The restaurant is often packed, and with good reason: the tapas like the foie gras burger, chicken croquetas, and the ham and cheese truffle “bikini” sandwich are bursting with flavor.

Although most of the dishes we’ve mentioned contain meat or seafood, anyone following a vegan or vegetarian diet isn’t completely out of luck. Those avoiding meat can head to Cremat 11, known for modern tapas and delicious cocktails. While plenty of meat-based dishes are served, the restaurant also offers a vegan menu, a rarity for Barcelona. We highly recommend this spot for brunch.

In El Raval, Dos Pebrots, helmed by Michelin-rated former El Bulli head chef Albert Raurich, offers masterfully prepared Mediterranean-inspired tapas like octopus, cured fish, sow’s udder, and a pine nut omelet. A great way to enjoy tapas from a master at a slightly more wallet-friendly price point.

Lolita Taperia in Sant Antoni, led by Joan Martinez, a former colleague of renowned chefs Albert and Ferran Adría, offers an elevated take on traditional tapas. Try the favetes amb tòfona (baby beans with avocado and quail egg), albergínies amb melassa (eggplant with molasses) and peix fregit (deep fried fish).

Extra Bar offers a creative take on tapas in Barcelona, and its regularly changing menu does not disappoint. If you can manage to find a place in this tiny bar, you’re in for a treat. The menu changes frequently and, though fairly limited, does not skimp on the flavor. With Catalan and Asian influences, the small restaurant offers innovatively prepared dishes like panko-breaded croquetas, ceviche, and setas (mushrooms) a Thai curry twist.

Teòric Taverna Gastronòmica in Eixample is an up-and-coming restaurant trendy among Barcelona foodies. The chefs prepare seasonal produce and the specialty is mar i muntanya (surf and turf). Order rice with cod, and the roasted cauliflower, and pair your food with some organic wine.

In Sants, La Mundana is worth a visit, offering traditional Catalan tapas as well as creative dishes with Japanese, French, and Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy some vermouth and try the patatas bravas, the carpaccio de gamba (shrimp carpaccio), and razor clams—you won’t be disappointed.

Mont Bar is another great choice for tapas in Barcelona. The food is fresh, local and organic, and the restaurant has an excellent wine selection. Enjoy creatively prepared small plates like the sandwích de pies de cerdo y camarones (pork feet and shrimp sandwich), fresh oysters, soufflé de berberechos (cockles souffle) and steak tartare.

There are so many fantastic tapas bars to choose from in Barcelona. If you’re not sure where to start, join our Barcelona Tapas Tour in Poble-Sec led by a local chef or culinary expert. And while you’re in town, check out our other private and small group tours of sites from the Sagrada Familia to the Picasso Museum.