Best Tapas in Barcelona | Eating Europe

Aside from paella, tapas might just be Spain’s most iconic export. These pint-sized snacking plates are the focal point of my Barcelona food tours, and feasting on some meat, seafood, or veggie-based tapas is an unmissable cultural experience.

Tapas were traditionally served as accompaniments to drinks, a tradition which is very much prevalent in Barcelona today. While tapas come in several forms, including the skewered variety called pintxos in the Basque region, Barcelona has a slew of signature tapas dishes, from bar bites to à la carte options.

In this article, I’ll give you all the insider information about where to find the best tapas in Barcelona, along with recommendations for must-try dishes!

Where to Find the Best Tapas in Barcelona

Bodega Biarritz 1881 – Gothic Quarter

Photo credit: Bodega Biarritz 1881 – Gothic Quarter

Bodega Biarritz 1881 plates up some of the best tapas in Barcelona. It’s a warm, rustic eatery offering a bunch of surprise dishes for a set price, and the staff can tailor the experience to suit your tastes.

Bodega Biarritz 1881 – 08002 Barcelona – Open every Monday, Thursday to Sunday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, closed every Tuesday and Wednesday.

La Alcoba Azul – Gothic Quarter

Photo credit: La Alcoba Azul – Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is easily one of the top neighborhoods for tapas, and I’m especially fond of La Alcoba Azul. From the varied menu and cozy, stone-covered walls to the ambient jazz music, this place is a true gem.

La Alcoba Azul – 08002 Barcelona – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Quimet & Quimet – Poble Sec

Photo credit: Quimet & Quimet – Poble Sec

If you visit one tapas bar in Barcelona, make it Quimet & Quimet. This standing-only spot has an extensive wine list, including some terrific vermouth, and bite-sized open sandwiches approved by the late Anthony Bourdain.

Quimet & Quimet – 08004 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, closed every Saturday and Sunday.

Cerveseria Catalana – Eixample

Photo credit: Cerveseria Catalana – Eixample

Based on the user and expert reviews I’d read, I was expecting Cerveseria Catalana to have some of the best tapas in Barcelona. This sleek but bustling venue didn’t disappoint, and their seafood offerings were particularly memorable.

Cerveseria Catalana – 08008 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 1:00 am and every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am.

Vivo Tapas – Eixample

Photo credit: Vivo Tapas – Eixample

For a more upscale experience, check out Vivo Tapas. The elegant decor, live singers, and refined tapas dishes set this place apart from most restaurants in the city.

Vivo Tapas – 08008 Barcelona – Open every day from 12:30 pm to 1:00 am.

Tapas You Can’t Miss

Patatas Bravas

Photo credit: Leo Gonzales licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic (no changes made)

Patatas bravas is a must-try food in Barcelona, consisting of cubed potatoes that are fried and doused in a zingy tomato-based sauce. Some venues will also serve patatas bravas with a creamy garlic sauce in addition to the classic tomato sauce.

Bombas

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution 3.0 Unported (no changes made)

Bombas is among Barcelona’s signature tapas dishes. In a nutshell, these are deep-fried, ball-shaped treats stuffed with mashed potato and a mixture of meats and vegetables. You’ll sometimes find these presented alongside a spicy dipping sauce.

Pan con Tomate

Photo credit: Ewan Munro licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (no changes made)

Pan con tomate is a simple but delicious 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 one of the most beloved tapas dishes in the country. The ultra-thin but intensely flavorful slices are delectable on their own or with crusty bread.

Croquetas

Photo credit: Jonathan Pincas licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic (no changes made)

Croquetas are considered to be one of the best tapas dishes in Barcelona. Hearty and satisfying, these deep-fried delights boast a crunchy breaded exterior and a creamy filling, often made from ham and cheese.

Tortilla

Spain’s take on an omelet, tortillas are made from a mix of eggs, potatoes, and onions. Although sometimes enjoyed hot, many tapas bars serve this dish cold.

Gambas al Ajillo

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A popular seafood tapas dish, gambas al ajillo is prepared by cooking prawns in a sizzling blend of garlic and olive oil. Chili flakes or paprika may be added depending on where you try it.

Padrón Peppers

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Padrón peppers are a tapas favorite. All that’s added to these mild, smoky peppers is a dusting of salt and a dash of olive oil.

Tapas with a Twist: Modern Takes on a Classic

Some of the eateries serving up the best tapas in Barcelona are those that put their own spin on this time-honored dining tradition. If you’re in the market for something on the quirkier side, I have a few recommendations for tapas bars and restaurants I think you’ll find to your liking.

The somewhat peculiar combination of fried eggs and baby squid is a must-try at El Quim de la Boqueria. Those with a love of Middle Eastern flavors will love the small bites at Ziryab Fusió Tapes Bar, while the team at Aiueno specializes in Japanese-inspired tapas.

How to Eat Tapas Like a Local

Below is some practical information for tapas dining in Barcelona!

Tapas plates are typically small in size, so ordering multiple dishes is the norm.
Sharing dishes with your companions is a must for the most authentic experience.
Tapas can be enjoyed at any time, though most locals do so in the early evening before dinner or later into the night. However, vermouth hour, which runs from approximately 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, is a popular time for locals to sip on vermouth while snacking on some tapas plates.
Patrons at old-school tapas bars tuck into tapas while standing at the bar, though more modern establishments will often have seating areas.

Final Thoughts: A Tapas Crawl Worth Savoring

Immerse yourself in Catalonia’s incredible dining scene by enjoying the flavorful food, laid-back ambience, and communal vibe associated with the region’s capital. To find the best tapas Barcelona has to offer, be sure to hop between traditional joints and contemporary spots during your stay!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/

Bodega Biarritz. (n.d.). Bodega Biarritz. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.bodega-biarritz.es/

La Alcoba Azul. (n.d.). La Alcoba Azul. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://la-alcoba.com/en/la-alcoba-azul/

Quimet & Quimet. (n.d.). Quimet & Quimet. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://quimetiquimet.com/en/

La Flauta Group. (n.d.). La Flauta Group restaurants. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.laflautagroup.com/en

VIVO Tapas. (n.d.). VIVO Tapas. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://vivotapas.com/en/

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). El Quim de la Boqueria – Restaurant reviews. Tripadvisor. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d1080763-Reviews-El_Quim_de_la_Boqueria-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

Eating Europe. (2022, December 12). Barcelona food guide: The 20 best dishes and drinks to try. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/barcelona-food/

Ziryab. (n.d.). Ziryab fusion tapas bar. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://ziryab.es/

AiUeno. (n.d.). AiUeno – Japanese cuisine in Barcelona. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.aiueno.com/