Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona
In Catalonia, tapas are more than just food, they’re a way of life, especially in Barcelona. Late afternoons and evenings are often spent enjoying small portions of traditional Spanish dishes, bringing people together to share tasty bite-sized snacks.
Just because you’re a visitor doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy tapas like a local. We feature plenty of authentic tapas stops on our Barcelona food tours, so you can dine just as the Catalans do.
Beyond highlighting the city’s most iconic tapas dishes, this article also explores how to enjoy tapas in a way that’s both budget-friendly and genuinely local. Barcelona has no shortage of high-priced, tourist-heavy spots, but with the right tips, you can enjoy incredible tapas at great value, in places where locals actually eat.
Best Tapas To Try in Barcelona
Not sure which signature tapas dishes to try on your trip to Barcelona? Here’s our handpicked list of the city’s most iconic bites, each one rooted in local tradition and beloved by Barcelonians.
- Patatas bravas – A must-order at any tapas bar. These golden, crispy potato cubes are smothered in spicy brava sauce and silky garlic aioli, creating the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. It’s one of the most satisfying bites you’ll find in the city.
- Pa amb tomàquet – Simple, rustic, and incredibly addictive. Toasted bread is rubbed with ripe Catalan tomatoes, drizzled with fruity olive oil, and finished with a touch of salt. It’s the foundation of Catalan cuisine and when done well, unforgettable.
- La bomba – A local favorite from the Barceloneta neighborhood. This hearty, deep-fried potato and meat croquette is served with both brava sauce and aioli, giving you a rich, savory bite with just the right kick. It’s impossible to stop at one.
- Escalivada – A smoky, slow-roasted mix of peppers, onions, and eggplant soaked in high-quality olive oil. Served warm or at room temperature, it’s a melt-in-your-mouth vegetable dish that highlights Catalonia’s Mediterranean roots. A fantastic option for vegetarians.
- Calçots with romesco sauce – A seasonal Catalan treasure. These tender grilled green onions are peeled at the table and dipped into earthy, nutty romesco sauce. It’s messy, fun, and an essential experience if you’re visiting during calçot season.
- Truita de patates – Catalonia’s take on the iconic Spanish omelette. Expect a thick, custardy slice made with soft potatoes, eggs, and olive oil. When cooked right, the center stays slightly creamy, comfort food at its finest.
Best Neighborhoods to Eat Tapas
Follow our neighborhood and area guide on the best neighborhoods to eat tapas and dine like a true Barcelonian!
Gothic Quarter
The bustling heart of Barcelona’s old town is the Gothic Quarter. Think quaint streets, stunning Gothic architecture, lively crowds, and, of course, endless places for tapas to hop between, even some with sweet tapas and desserts. Here, you can dig into authentic Catalan tapas at both trendy modern spots and family-run joints.
If you really want the local experience, join our Barcelona Gothic Quarter Tapas Tour, where you’ll sample classics like jamón ibérico along with a few delicious surprises along the way.
El Born
El Born has a reputation for its great tapas and its medieval avenues brimming with character, packed with tapas bars, some hidden behind historic buildings, others right on the cobblestoned streets where the action is.
Our Barcelona Tapas & Wine Tour takes you through this district, along with the Gothic Quarter and Barceloneta, giving you a taste of a few neighborhoods in one outing.
Poble Sec
Skip the tourist crowds and head to Poble Sec, a laid-back neighborhood that’s still close to the city center but often flies under the radar. It has a real local vibe and gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Barcelona.
The best way to experience Poble Sec is by joining our Barcelona Poble Sec Tapas Tour. We’ll bring you a list of traditional taverns from our tapas bar map and itineraries, serving up some of the best Mediterranean dishes!
Eixample
Eixample might be best known for its art nouveau architecture and upscale shopping, but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover a wealth of specialty and fusion tapas bars tucked between its elegant streets. Many of them are trendy and modern, ideal for anyone with a taste for quality and creativity in food.
Barceloneta
Fancy some tapas along the coast? Head to Barceloneta, a lively seaside area packed with places to grab a drink and snack by the Mediterranean. Once a popular fishing neighborhood, these days it’s a go-to for evening eats, but you can still spot fishermen bringing in their catch of the day in certain areas.
Best Tapas Bars
Güell Tapas Restaurant
Situated a short distance from the famous La Rambla in the district of Raval, Güell Tapas Restaurant is a cozy, homely eatery that delivers some of the best tapas in Barcelona. With big portion sizes and fresh ingredients, there’s no better place for a bite when you have a hankering for tapas.
Some of the standout dishes on the menu include the crispy chicken croquettes coated in golden batter. Additionally, don’t miss their juicy meatballs that are so tender and flavorful, they’ll make your mouth water.
Güell Tapas Restaurant (€€) – 08001 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 12:30 am and every Friday to Sunday from 7:30 am to 1:00 am
Restaurante Vivo Tapas
Sample some tapas in an elegant setting at Restaurante Vivo Tapas in the Eixample neighborhood. Creativity takes center stage here, both in their tapas recipes and their famous cocktail mixes.
The menu features many classic Catalan tapas, but there are also plenty of unique options, like the briny salmon tartare served with a tangy wasabi vinaigrette.
Restaurante Vivo Tapas (€€) – 08008 Barcelona – Open every day from 12:30 pm to 1:00 am
La Alcoba Azul
Another one of our recommended tapas bars and restaurants is La Alcoba Azul in the Gothic Quarter, with its dimly lit space, brick walls, and candles. There’s undoubtedly a quirky nature to this place, but you’re made to feel welcome as soon as you walk in, thanks to the friendly staff, making it one of our top tapas bars and restaurants in Barcelona.
Their tapas are split into different categories, including garden and seafood, offering something for everyone. The seafood options, in particular, are outstanding, especially the salty octopus with sweet miso sauce that strikes the perfect balance.
La Alcoba Azul – (€€) – 08002 Barcelona – Open every day from 10:00 am to 1:00 am
La Cova Famuda
Down by the water in Barceloneta, you’ll find La Cova Famuda, which is everything you’d expect from a classic hole-in-the-wall tapas joint that offers an affordable and authentic tapas experience. Cheap plates, relaxed atmosphere, and food that keeps you coming back for more.
When you walk into La Cova Famuda, the first thing you’ll notice is that every second table is eating the cod fritters, and you should do the same. Battered and lightly sweetened, these bites are seriously addictive.
La Cova Famuda – (€) – 08003 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and closed every Sunday
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on the best tapas in Barcelona! This dining style is a cultural and culinary experience every foodie should try. Between the historic neighborhoods and countless establishments steeped in tradition, it’s impossible to go out for tapas in Barcelona and not leave happy.
If it’s your first time in the city, avoid just visiting the big-name tapas bars. We get it! But trust us, wander a little off the main streets and give some of the smaller local places a try. You’ll be amazed at the hidden gems and yummy surprises that you might stumble across.
Sources
The Barcelona Taste. (2025, November 6). Barcelona food tours. The Barcelona Taste. https://thebarcelonataste.com/barcelona-food-tours/
The Barcelona Taste. (2025, November 6). Private group tours. The Barcelona Taste. https://thebarcelonataste.com/barcelona-food-tours/private-group-tours/
The Barcelona Taste. (2025, November 6). Gothic Quarter tapas tour. The Barcelona Taste. https://dev.thebarcelonataste.com/barcelona-food-tours/gothic-quarter-tapas-tour/
The Barcelona Taste. (2025, November 6). Tapas & wine tour. The Barcelona Taste. https://dev.thebarcelonataste.com/barcelona-food-tours/tapas-wine-tour/
The Barcelona Taste. (2025, November 6). Poble Sec tapas tour. The Barcelona Taste. https://dev.thebarcelonataste.com/barcelona-food-tours/poble-sec-tapas-tour/
Güell Tapas Barcelona. (2025, November 6). Güell Tapas Barcelona. Güell Tapas Barcelona. https://www.guelltapasbarcelona.com/
Vivo Tapas. (2025, November 6). Vivo Tapas. Vivo Tapas. https://vivotapas.com/en/
La Alcoba Azul. (2025, November 6). La Alcoba Azul. La Alcoba Azul. https://la-alcoba.com/la-alcoba-azul/
La Cova Fumada. (2025, November 6). La Cova Fumada. La Cova Fumada. https://la-cova-fumada.res-menu.com/
