Tapas Bars
Spanish cuisine is revered all around the world. Dishes such as tapas and paella are very well known everywhere but of course there is nothing quite like eating a country’s cuisine when you are actually in said country. Barcelona has a huge variety of some of the best Spanish and Catalan restaurants in Spain. But tapas is something that doesn’t have to be eaten in a restaurant. Being small finger food it works perfectly as a snack food in bars as well. Indeed the word tapa comes from
the days when these small dishes meant for sharing had to be covered with a “tapa,” or lid, to protect them from the swarms of flies that inhabited the dive bars that served them!
There are certain bars around the city that promote themselves as tapas bars where you get the best of both worlds, a bar environment that serves up some of the best tapas on offer in the city. So here is a run down of the best tapas bars in Barcelona.
Bar Tomás
Carrer Major de Sarrià, 49, Barcelona, Spain
Admittedly this bar is a little far out. But this just means you are far away from the tourist traps in the city centre and you have come to a truly authentic Spanish Tapas bar. It is in the Sarrià neighborhood beyond Gràcia but the journey is well worth it because on arrival fantastic authentic food waits for you. This gorgeous, former village is filled to the brim with great bars, restaurants, and cafes. Bar Tomás is famous for their patatas bravas, or spicy fried potatoes, which people line up down the street to try.
Suculent
Rambla de Raval, 43, Barcelona, Spain
Right in the city centre in Raval is Suculent, one of the best modern tapas bars in Barcelona. It is the place to go if you’re an adventurous foodie! You’ll be spoiled for choice with their incredible mix of beautiful tapas. Each of them a little bit different than what you might expect from a normal tapas bar! Yet, all of them equally delicious. Try their star dish, the steak tartare over grilled bone marrow. Yes I know it doesn’t sound too appetising but it is absolutely delicious!
Bar Del Pla
Carrer de Montcada, 2, Barcelona, Spain
Hidden in a small square in the heart of El Born lies this little gem. They have a delicious selection of mouthwatering dishes. The secreto ibérico is definitely a favorite! Not to mention, their famous bravas, which are also said to be some of the best in Barcelona. However, you’ll just have to take a visit to this local hotspot to decide for yourself!
Cometa Pla
Carrer de Cometa, 5, Barcelona, Spain
Cometa Pla, opened in the summer of 2016, is a 100% organic tapas bar tucked away in the Gothic Quarter in the very heart of the city centre. Being completely organic the food is noticeably very tasty! Though the menu has a bit of everything, you will find that their kitchen mostly focuses on pescatarian and vegetarian tapas. Expect to find organic and natural wines, and taste as many as it takes to find the perfect one! Furthermore, If you’re into their style, visit the slightly more formal Pla, just down the street.
Jai-Ca
Carrer de Ginebra, 13, Barcelona, Spain
After a day of sun and sand at the beach once you start to feel a little peckish head here to cool off with a cold beer and beautiful tapas food. Jai-Ca is a tapas bar in the old fisherman’s neighborhood of Barceloneta by the sea. It is just the tip of the iceberg as far as authentic tapas restaurants in Barcelona go. Specialising in seafood the long list of tempting tapas include things like fried cuttlefish, Galician-style octopus, razor clams and also much more to choose from.
Bormuth
Plaça Comercial, 1, Barcelona, Spain
Bormuth joined the ranks of La Ribera’s restaurant scene a few years ago, and for that we have all gained something! The neighborhood was in need of an ultra-casual tapas bar like this one. They give a lovely nod at Madrileño tradition, something you don’t always find in these parts. Find every traditional tapas ever invented on their menu. I recommend the albondigas, or meatballs, and the fried eggplant and goat’s cheese is also incredible. This bar is very popular so get there early to secure a spot.
El Rincón del Cava
Carrer de Blasco de Garay, 53, Barcelona, Spain
Cava, the beloved sparkling wine of Catalonia, is wonderful for so many reasons. and there is nowhere better to try it than in El Rincón del Cava. This hole in the wall cava bar lies in the heart of the unassuming Poble Sec district, and is a favorite for cheap tapas and even cheaper cava (95 cents a glass!). Even better is that they allow media-raciones, or half-sized tapas, in the case that you want to try them all!
Tossa
Carrer de Nàpols 291, Barcelona, Spain
As well as having a wonderful name this bar is also a stones throw from Sagrada Família church. Considering the quality of the food and it’s location it is surprising there aren’t more tourists here. Reasonably priced and with very friendly service, it has a terrace usually filled with families, but there’s plenty of room inside. Try their delicious homemade croquetas, probably the best in the city: mushroom, foie gras, chicken, cheese and vegetable. Extensive range of very fresh tapas, including stuffed eggs, jacket potatoes filled with tuna and topped with cheese, baby clams, navajas (razor clams), salpicón de marisco (seafood salad), chocos (strips of squid in oil and parsley), sausages and cold meats.
La Xampanyeria
Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7, Barcelona, Spain
Last but certainly not least is this fantastic little tapas bar. A trip to La Xampanyeria is likely to leave you feeling more than a little tipsy when you leave as this popular tapas bar is best known for its cheap glasses of Cava. You can buy a bottle for around 6 euros. Large platters of jam, chorizo or cheese are served alongside bottles of local fizz, with a buzzing atmosphere almost any night of the week. Get there before 5pm for cheaper deals on alcohol and food. Popular among both locals and expats this is definitely worth a look!