The Best Cava Bars to Try in Barcelona

If you’re a lover of sparkling wines, stopping by some cava bars in Barcelona is a must. Catalonia’s answer to champagne is always a massive hit on my Barcelona food tours, and there’s nothing quite like the sound of bottles popping, bubbles fizzing in chilled glasses, and bustling bars.

Cava has been around since the second half of the 19th century. Since its invention in the San Sadurní d’Anoia, it’s quickly become a cornerstone of Catalan culture, and sampling some is a can’t-miss Barcelona food experience.

Throughout this guide to the city’s cava offerings, I’ll run through my top travel tips for visiting cava bars, the different varieties to try, and the most iconic cava bars in Barcelona you have to visit!

What Is Cava? Catalonia’s Sparkling Star

Cava is the sparkling wine of choice for Catalan natives. Although it tends to be quite affordable, it’s made using the same wine-making method utilized in champagne production.

A blend of Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada grapes is used as part of the traditional method, or ‘método tradicional.’ During the initial fermentation process, the grapes are separated by variety. They’re then fused together, bottled, and mixed with yeast and sugar, as part of the second fermentation.

While often considered a celebratory beverage for weddings, birthdays, and other get-togethers, it’s become an everyday staple in both swanky and casual bars in Barcelona.

Types of Cava: Know What You’re Sipping

Cava comes in varying levels of sweetness and age, which can affect the taste and suitability of food pairings. Below, you’ll find a rundown of cava styles.

Brut Nature: The driest form of cava that only boasts residual sugar.

Brut: A dry variety with less than 12 grams of sugar per liter.

Semi Seco: This semi-dry wine balances sweet and dry flavors.

Dulce: The sweetest type of cava with 50 grams of sugar or more per liter.

Cava (9+ months): Young cava has a fresh, citrusy flavor profile and a crisp finish.

Reserva (15+): A slightly tart, acidic wine with notes of peach, apricot, and almond.

Gran Reserva (30+): A more intense cava with hints of dried fruit and smoky, toasted tones.

Paraje Calificado (premium single estate): This type of cava comes from specified vineyards known for their quality production.

Young and dry cavas complement light bites, seafood, and mild cheeses, while aged varieties team well with complex, spicy, and deep flavors. The sweetest kinds of cava are best paired with fruit-based desserts or punchy cheeses.

How to Drink Cava Like a Local: Bar Culture & Etiquette

Ensure you choose a cava bar in Barcelona to suit your tastes, as you’ll find a mix of easygoing, standing-only spots and refined, ambient venues.
Cava is usually enjoyed chilled in a delicate tulip-shaped glass.
In some bars, you may be offered some snack plates to accompany your cava.
Though there are very few times of day when cava isn’t readily available, many locals choose cava to drink as a pre-lunch and dinner beverage or at weekends.
If you’re in a group, it’s common to raise your glass and exclaim ‘salud’ before taking the first sip.

Cava and Tapas: The Perfect Pairings

For the complete cava experience, combine your glass of sparkling wine with a suitable tapas dish. Some tasty pairings include:

Jamón Ibérico: The rich, nutty taste of jamón Ibérico goes perfectly with the clean flavors of a dry cava.
Manchego: A young cava is an excellent match for this buttery cheese.
Anchovies: Anchovies’ salty flavors are best accentuated by a dry cava.
Pan con Tomate: The refreshing, zingy nature of a dry or semi-sweet cava makes it an ideal pairing for pan con tomate.
Marinated Seafood: Dry cava suits the savory but acidic tones of marinated seafood.
Parmesan: Aged cava goes down a treat with sharp Parmesan and other tangy cheeses.
Olives: Cut through the brininess of olives with a dry cava.

While you can pair your cava with any food of your choice, the general rule of thumb is to team salty or creamy dishes with a dry cava, reserving the higher sugar varieties for desserts, soft cheeses, and other sweet treats.

Where to Find Great Cava Bars in Barcelona

Photo credit: La Vinateria del Call

Cava bars in Barcelona are open for business pretty much every day of the weekend, and many welcome patrons at any time of day. Nonetheless, if you’re on the hunt for a more local cava bar experience and ambiance, plan for an evening or weekend visit. Those in town during a holiday will also have a superb opportunity for a traditional cava outing.

Many of the most popular cava bars in Barcelona are scattered throughout lively neighborhoods like El Born, the Gothic Quarter, Sant Antoni, and Eixample.

In my experience, the best way to soak in the unique characteristics of each cava bar is to embark on a bar crawl of sorts. That way, you’ll enjoy a diverse mix of cavas and tapas while taking in the atmosphere of these charming districts.

If you’d rather avoid tourist-laden venues and stick to more authentic establishments, I suggest adding these cava bars in Barcelona to your list.

El Born: La Vinya del Senyor has an extensive cava menu and is overlooked by the stunning Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar.
Gothic Quarter: La Vinateria del Call has to be one of the coziest cava bars in Barcelona, with a brick-covered interior and sizable wine cellar.
Sant Antoni: Cellar Florida is a chic but inviting wine bar serving some sensational cava and tapas plates.
Eixample: Can Paixano is a legendary spot for quality cava at affordable prices.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Sparkling Side of Barcelona

The stellar line-up of cava bars in Barcelona is an immense source of pride for Catalans. As such, I recommend sipping cava like the locals do. Enjoy community, conversation, and the slower pace of life while savoring a glass of this treasured sparkling wine. In Barcelona, every bubbly sip is a celebration!

Sources:

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

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/

La Vinya del Senyor. (n.d.). La Vinya del Senyor. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://lavinyadelsenyor.es/en

La Vinatería del Call. (n.d.). La Vinatería del Call. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://lavinateriadelcall.com/en/

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Celler Florida – Restaurant reviews. Tripadvisor. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d10488916-Reviews-Celler_Florida-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

Can Paixano. (n.d.). Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria). Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.canpaixano.com/