The Best Pintxos to Try in Barcelona

They might be synonymous with cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao, but the pintxos in Barcelona could easily contend with the varieties found in the Basque Country. These skewered tapas-style bites can be found in various bustling bars throughout the Catalan capital and have seamlessly merged with the city’s traditional culinary culture.

Pintxos have become a key feature of my Barcelona food tours, and over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about where to find the best pintxo bars in Barcelona and how to order and eat them like a local. I’ve used all of my experiences and knowledge to create this in-depth guide for your next visit!

What Are Pintxos? A Bite-Sized Tradition with Basque Roots

Many describe eating pintxos as a way to enjoy haute cuisine in miniature, which is a pretty apt way to explain these intensely flavorful appetizer-sized delights!

The name ‘pintxos’ is derived from the Basque word ‘pinchar,’ meaning ‘to pierce,’ as these bite-sized snacks are held in place on a piece of sliced baguette or plate with a skewer. Although they’re now considered a gastronomic phenomenon, they started as simple snacks to feed patrons embarking on bar crawls, tracing their history and origins to the early 1900s.

Pintxos are somewhat similar to tapas, but pintxos tend to be pre-prepared and, in some instances, self-served, which isn’t generally the case for tapas.

How to Eat Pintxos Like a Local: Etiquette, Tips & Tricks

When you step into a bar selling pintxos in Barcelona, you’ll notice that most people eat standing up while mingling and chatting with others.
In general, both hot and cold pintxos are displayed on countertops, and you can simply grab a plate and help yourself.
Ensure you hold onto all the toothpicks, as this is required to calculate your total.
Pintxos are typically eaten with your hands rather than with cutlery.
Do as the locals do and hop between a few bars to sample a diverse range of pintxos, but keep in mind that you may face a short wait in some establishments.

The Pintxos Scene in Barcelona: Neighborhoods & Culture

You won’t have to venture too far to find delectable pintxos in Barcelona. That said, a handful of streets and neighborhoods are particularly renowned for their quality, pint-sized offerings.

One such spot is Carrer de Blai in Poble Sec, home to many superb pintxos bars, including La Tasqueta de Blai and L’Atelier de Blai. Another must-visit area is Sant Antoni, where you’ll find vibrant haunts like Bar Restaurant Pinotxo and Anardi.

I’ve also secured some stellar pintxos in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. It’s not a district that’s especially revered for pintxos, but I’ve found some fantastic Basque-Catalan fusion bites in hotspots like El Pintxo de Petritxol.

If you’re lucky, you may even arrive in time for a pintxos festival or event, such as El Poble-Sec’s Pintxo Week or Tapantoni in Sant Antoni!

From Anchovies to Artichokes: What’s on a Pintxo?

After sampling countless types of hot and cold pintxos, many of which featured unexpected ingredients, I quickly learned that no two servings are quite the same. However, some toppings are particularly popular, and I’ve listed some of the must-try styles below, from meaty favorites to vegetarian and vegan options.

Jamón ibérico
Padron peppers
Tortilla de patatas
Smoked salmon
Crab
Truffle oil
Grilled vegetables
Mushrooms
Saffron artichokes
Gilda (anchovies, olives, guindilla pepper)
Bacalao
Chistorra sausage
Cheeses (such as Manchego or blue cheese)
Quince

What to Drink with Pintxos: The Art of Perfect Pairings

I recommend coupling your pintxos with some classic Spanish beverages for a more elevated experience. Most bartenders can give you some suggestions based on the type of food you’re hoping to try, such as cava to cut through the richness of fried foods or a light-bodied red to balance savory cured meats.

In fact, many bars I’ve visited offer ‘pintxo-pote‘ deals, allowing you to sample a pintxo and a drink for a set price.

Some of my favorite combinations include:

Txakoli and seafood-based or salty pintxos
Vermouth and anchovies
Tempranillo red wine and jamón ibérico
Verdejo white wine and mild seafood
Spanish cider and rich, creamy cheeses

Takeaway Tips: Visiting Pintxos Bars in Barcelona

Some bars offer takeaway pintxos, but you’ll need to confirm this with the staff.
If you’d like to learn more about the city’s pintxos culture, consider joining a tour or bar crawl with a local guide.
Many of the top spots for pintxos in Barcelona are busiest at night, but at weekends, they can be just as lively around lunchtime.
It’s not uncommon for bars to use seasonal ingredients for pintxos, meaning the time of year can sometimes determine what type of pintxos are available.
In most cases, you’ll have to count how many toothpicks you’re left with for the bartender to provide you with the bill.

Final Thoughts: Let Pintxos Lead You Through Barcelona

If savoring a variety of flavorful pintxos and hopping from bar to bar while doing so wasn’t a Barcelona food experience you had planned, I hope this guide has changed your mind. In Barcelona, every bite tells a story, and pintxos make sure it’s a delicious one!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/

La Tasqueta de Blai. (n.d.). La Tasqueta de Blai. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.latasquetadeblai.com/en

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). L’Atelier De Blai – Barcelona restaurant reviews. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d7066647-Reviews-L_Atelier_De_Blai-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

Pinoxto Bar. (n.d.). Pinoxto Bar. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://pinotxobar.com/

Anardi. (n.d.). Anardi Restaurant. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.anardi.com/en/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=GMB

El Pintxo de Petritxol. (n.d.). El Pintxo de Petritxol. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://elpintxodepetritxol.es/

Dunn, K. (2022, December 12). Barcelona food guide: The 20 best dishes and drinks to try. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/barcelona-food/