25 Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona in 2024
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Looking for the best tapas bars in Barcelona?
Barcelona is known for its incredible tapas bars. From small, family-owned restaurants to larger, more upscale experiences, Barcelona has something for everyone. I live in Barcelona and can tell you first hand that tapas are the most popular foods to eat here!
In addition to its delicious food, Spanish tapas also come with a lot of history and tradition. They serve as a way to keep conversations going between friends and family and have become an integral part of Spanish cuisine.
Skip the guess work and plan the best Barcelona Tapas and Wine Small Group Walking Tour
⭐ 4.7/5 Stars
🏆 Barcelona Tapas and Wine Small Group Walking Tour
✓ 9 tapas dishes and wine
✓history tour
Planning a trip soon? Here are my favorite Barcelona travel resources
- Book your accommodations at Booking.com
- Find hostels at hostelworld.com
- Book your tours at GetYourGuide
- Book rental cars at discovercars.com
25 Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona
1. The Sopa Boba
The Sopa Boba, conveniently situated in the center of Eixample, offers a unique variety of tapas. Boasting fantastic aesthetics, you’ll find yourself surrounded by cool-blue tile, indoor and outdoor seating, and a beautiful bar along with fantastic service.
In addition to classics, they offer a rotating menu with dishes like salmon tataki with orange, pesto pistachio burrata and avocado with smoked pico de gallo.
Closed on Saturday and Sunday, stop in for the perfect weeknight date spot.
😋I recommend: Sweet Chili Softshell Crab
📍Location: Carrer del Bruc, 115
2. Lokal Bar
Whether you’re in the mood for smoothies, brunch, tapas or dinner, Lokal Bar will not disappoint. Before becoming an expat in Barcelona, Lokal Bar was the first stop I’d make on each of my Barcelona visits.
With exposed brick, tasteful decor and plenty of wine, the ambiance of the atmosphere is just as fantastic as the mouth-watering tapas. In addition to traditional tapas, you will find that this Barcelona tapas restaurant offers plenty of meat and fish dishes, along with salads and burgers.
😋I recommend: Tuna Tataki with Guacamole
📍Location: Carrer del Bruc 118
3. Casa Amalia
Whether you’re looking for the perfect date-night spot with your boo, or just looking for a top-notch dining experience, check out Casa Amalia.
Located next to the popular Mercat de la Concepcio, Casa Amalia specializes in innovative dishes rooted in Catalan culture with freshly sourced ingredients. With plenty of seating options inside and outside, you’re still going to want to book a reservation so you don’t miss out on this local gem. I still have dreams of the “popeye’’, spinach fritters topped with organic honey.
😋I recommend: Canelons, Popeye
📍Location: Ptge del Mercat, 14
4. Elsa y Fred
Elsa y Fred is always on the top of my restaurant recommendation list that I share with friends, family and clients, and for good reason! In addition to their incredible menu, this restaurant is located in the heart of El Born, a lively neighborhood with plenty of great bars and cocktail restaurants.
You’ll find a lively environment with classic tapas, tostadas, sandwiches and top notch postres.
After this fantastic meal, check out some of the great nightlife that El Born has to offer. You also might run into this area while you're on some of the best food tours in the city.
😋I recommend: Iberian ham croquettes
📍Location: Carrer del Rec Comtal, 11
5. El Casal Cafe Bar
Fancy some fresh oysters and great wine to go along with your tapas? Then look no further than El Casal Cafe Bar. Tucked away in a quite Born street pocket is one of the best tapas in Barcelona. El Casal Cafe offers authentic dishes in a relaxing atmosphere with a lovely outdoor terrace.
Classified as an oyster bar, the menu contains plenty of delicious tapas like their camembert with homemade chutney. Try to save room for dessert as their chocolate brownie is a 10/10.
😋I recommend: Homemade mussel croquette with smoked chili mayo
📍Location: Pl. De Victor Balaguer, 5
6. Paco Meralgo
Paco Meralgo is more than a restaurant, it’s a culinary experience. Located in Eixample, in a cozy but busy atmosphere, you’ll find a large tapas menu with plenty of seafood plates.
Efficiency is key and the service is fast yet thorough. Try their Bomba Paco Meralgo, fresh red prawns fried in garlic, razor clams or choose between grilled and baked scallops. Finish strong and have some of the best Creme de Catalana or tiramisu for dessert.
😋I recommend: Baked Scallops
📍Location: Carrer del Muntaner, 171
7. Taverna El Glop
If you’re worried that an American expat might not lead you to authentic restaurants, think again. Taverna el Glop is not only one of my favorite paella and tapas bar in Barcelona, it’s also a favorite of my Catalan friends. Though I prefer to head to Valencia for my paella.
Hidden in the heart of Gracia, this local gem has traditional decor and authentic dishes. With plenty of great tapas dishes like stuffed aubergine and grilled veggies with romesco sauce, the seafood paella is the real treat. Arguably, the best paella in Barcelona.
😋I recommend: seafood paella
📍Location: Carrer del Sant Lluis, 24
8. Restaurant Zed
A cozy and quaint spot only several blocks from Gaudis' Sagrada Familia, this is the perfect bar de tapas Barcelona has to grab a bite at after a busy day sightseeing. The exposed brick and great light creates a calming atmosphere that is truly something special.
With loads of creative and delicious dishes to choose from, enjoy everything from croquettes, carrot and lime mousse, pasta fresca to chocolate coulant in an exposed brick atmosphere with plenty of great light.
😋I recommend: beef tataki
📍Location: Carrer del Valencia 399
9. Cafe Adonis 1940
Only one block from the popular Sant Joan street, Cafe Adonis 1940 is a neighborhood favorite that is constantly filled with locals no matter the time of day. With a fantastic terrace and two floors of indoor seating, Cafe Adonis is the perfect casual environment.
You’ll be able to find all the traditional tapas as well as a taste of home with items like nachos and fried chicken fingers. If you’re experiencing jet-lag, or just ready for tapas well before lunch, Cafe Adonis 1940 opens daily at 930 and could be the perfect fix.
While Cafe Adonis is great for tapas, it's also one of my favorite places to stop for a cup of cafe con leche in the morning.
😋I recommend: nachos with queso and guacamole
📍Location: Carrer del Bailen, 188
10. Babula Bar 1937
Babula Bar 1937 is tucked into the cozy Pau Claris Street, only one block from Passeig de Gracia. The atmosphere is perfectly decorated and is beautiful, but dark and moody, for more cozy vibes.
Their cocktail list includes plenty of traditional favorites like margaritas and bloody marys but with a twist. The perfect spot for solo travelers to enjoy a yummy drink and classic tapas. The food menu offers plenty of dishes like salmon and steak tartar, bravas, ceviche, pulled pork and burrata, all served artistically with impeccable precision.
😋I recommend: Mushroom Ravioli
📍Location: Carrer del Pau Claris, 139
11. La Jabata
Another local favorite tapas spot, La Jabata is located in what’s known as Paralel. Offering homage to their original founders, La Jabata prides themselves on sharing food and laughs in a joyful environment.
Find a large menu offering plenty of tapas, seafood, sandwiches, desserts and drinks. They even have a food section with lighter, lower calories options for the health conscious. It's worth visiting for the seafood alone. It's some of the best I’ve had in Barcelona and you definitely need to try their sangria!
😋I recommend: Prawns, Mussels
📍Location: Ronda de Sant Pau, 15
12. Tantarantana
Head to Tantarantana in El Born for classic Mediterranean & Catalan dishes. Enjoy these fantastic tapas in their sleek dining room or soak up the Barcelona sun on one of their two terraces.
Dishes like roast chicken croquettes, beetroot hummus and mushroom risotto with truffle creps are always crowd favorites. I’d definitely recommend saving room for dessert as the chocolate mousse is incredible. Jet lagged and zapped for energy? No problem, as they also offer delivery.
😋I recommend: Mushroom risotto
📍Location: Carrer d’ en Tantaranana, 24
13. Talisman Food & Drinks
Craving a more quiet and intimate experience? Head to Talisman Food & Drinks for a delicious meal in a relaxed setting. Find a lovely interior with plenty of beautiful plants and natural lighting.
With plenty of wonderful choices on their drink menu, you may have a tough decision between all the fantastic wine, cava and cocktails offered!
Start off with a fresh caesar or caprese salad. Choose between traditional tapas like patatas bravas or larger paella dishes. No matter what you choose here, you will not be disappointed!
😋I recommend: Patatas Bravas, Ceviche
📍Location: Carrer del Trafalgar, 23
14. Lluritu
Known to be a seafood restaurant, Lluritu offers wonderfully crafted seafood tapas in a beautiful atmosphere with minimalist aesthetic. You won’t find a large menu, but you will find 10-15 dishes done incredibly well, inspired by dishes across the coasts of Spain.
Try one of the seasonal fish dishes, or enjoy regular classics like oysters and scallops. Can’t get into Lluritu? No problem as Lluritu 2 is a second location at Carrer de la Virtut, 11.
😋I recommend: Scallops
📍Location: Carrer del Torrent de Les Flors, 71 or Carrer de la Virtut 11
15. Bodega Neus
Another Gracia neighborhood favorite, Bodega Neus is a charming restaurant that is a favorite among locals. They offer high quality tapas as well as tasty homemade vermouth.
Try their jamon or chicken croquettes, Iberian chorizo or fuet, a popular cured meat - not the best option for vegans though! Their fresh fish skewers are another great option and one of their most raved about dishes. Expect a calm atmosphere, tucked away in a quiet Gracia street, with some of the friendliest service you can find in Barcelona.
😋I recommend: Ensaladilla Rusa, Croquetes de Brandada
📍Location: Carrer de Benet Mercade, 24
16. La Mala Vermut & Tapas
Judging by the name, you can tell already that La Mala Vermut & Tapas takes their vermouth game very seriously, and confirming by my experience, their tapas are just as good! In addition to their extensive drink menu, expect delicious and traditional tapas.
The menu is not massive but everything is done incredibly well. If you’re feeling a bit homesick, try their cajun chicken fingers or gouda cheese balls. No judgment here!
They also have delicious boards. The truffled cheese board is a personal favorite but there are options to meet all taste buds.
😋I recommend: cajun chicken fingers
📍Location: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 146
17. Bandini’s
Bandini’s is an elegant, upscale tapas restaurant conveniently located near the Poble Sec metro station. Easy to walk or bike to! Overall, Barcelona is easy to get around.
Here you’ll find an intimate establishment, beautifully decorated with an extensive wine list, including natural wines, and creative cuisine.
The plates are meticulously curated and the menu boasts dishes like pears and ricotta, and fried cauliflower with yogurt. While the menu does change regularly, you can always expect a truly delightful culinary experience with plenty of variety and locally sourced ingredients.
😋I recommend: Calamari
📍Location: Carrer de Manso, 42
18. Quimet & Quimet
Quimet & Quimet is a 5 generation restaurant known to be specialists in preserves, tapas and wine, and montaditos, a tapa like dish on a small piece of bread.
Located in Poblesec, you’ll find plenty of classic Spanish dishes like anchovies & artichokes and tuna with red pepper.
In addition to tapas, they offer a lengthy, small sandwich menu with creative combinations like salmon with sweet egg, scallops with caviar and cheese, mushroom & truffled oil. There’s a reason this place has been around for so long!
😋I recommend: Any of the montaditos
📍Location: Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25
19. Mr. Porter Barcelona
Located in the popular Sir Victor Hotel, Mr. Porter is a charming and intimate restaurant that makes for a perfect date spot. You will find traditional tapas but also plenty of unique offerings.
I really enjoyed the prawn falafel and their jumbo prawn salad with grilled corn, avocado and dried chili nuts. Their dessert selection has plenty to choose from, like the popcorn creme. If you fancy keeping the night going, you’re in the perfect place to head up to the rooftop for a drink after dinner.
😋I recommend: prawn falafel
📍Location: Carrer del Rosselló, 265
20. Cafe del Centre
Cafe del Centre is the kind of cozy restaurant that feels like you are walking directly into Catalan history as soon as you step through the doors. The establishment is rooted in tradition, clear through their decor, menu and hospitality.
The tables are always full of locals happily enjoying tinto veranos and tapas like tortilla, hummus with sweet potato chips, and smoked cod salad with fennel grapefruit and kalamata olives. Reserve a table if you want to live like a local!
😋I recommend: Bao
📍Location: Carrer de Girona, 69
21. La Pepita
La Pepita is more than a restaurant, it’s an entire experience. Located at the bottom of Gracia, the vibe is always energetic and vibrant. The dishes are both traditional and creative. Enjoy dishes like burrata with pesto and jamon, or my personal favorite, the fried chicken sliders.
If you want to keep the night going after dinner, their bar is always a great option that is guaranteed to be plenty of fun.
PS It can be a bit tricky to get a table without a reservation so definitely call ahead of time. Avoid getting stuck waiting hours for dinner.
😋I recommend: Fried Chicken Sliders
📍Location: Carrer de Corsega, 343
22. Bar del Pla
Bar del Pla is another local favorite, this time in the El Born neighborhood. You will quickly be welcomed with open arms into this cozy environment.
Known for their traditional, home-cooked, no frill tapas, you’ll enjoy plates like Thai mussels, tomato flat bread, patatas bravas, crema Catalana, and huevos revueltos, the egg dish you need to try while visiting Barcelona!
Also offering dishes of the day, and a complete bar list, this tapas restaurant in Barcelona will be your new favorite restaurant after visiting!
😋I recommend: Thai Mussels
📍Location: C/ de Montcada, 2
23. El Xampanyet
El Xampanyet is the type of restaurant that has a line waiting for the doors to open. Also located in the el Born neighborhood, the decor is as traditionally Catalan as the food is!
With delicious sangria, cava and wine offerings, you’ll have the perfect drink to wash down some of the best tapas Barcelona has to offer. Find classic dishes like Galician clams, codfish omelets, and chickpeas with pancetta. If you’ve managed to save room for dessert, make sure to try their crema Catalana!
😋I recommend: codfish omelet
📍Location: C/ de Montcada, 22
24. My Fucking Restaurant
This place is a great option for anyone with a gluten intolerance as their entire menu is gluten-free. My Fucking Restaurant is a Mediterranean tapas restaurant with dishes inspired from both Italy and Catalonia.
A bright and airy space located in the Raval neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood, meat and traditional tapas but with a local flare. We love going for the varieties of oysters but everything on the menu is truly incredible.
😋I recommend: Oysters
📍Location: Carrer Nou De la Rambla, 35
25. La Bombeta
Last but certainly not least, La Bombeta. Located near the beach in the Barceloneta neighborhood - perfect if you're visiting in June - this spot is no frills but you quickly become immersed in tradition as soon as you walk through the door. Open for years, the menu is not large but it’s done incredibly well.
Make sure you order a bombeta, that delicious potato meat mixture we’ve discussed already. It is hands down the best you will find.
La Bombeta is always packed but they do turn tables quickly.
😋I recommend: Bombeta
📍Location Carrer de la Maquinista, 3
Where to Stay in Barcelona
There are many places to stay in Barcelona, but these are a few of my favorites. For first timers, try out Gothic Quarter. It's centrally located near the beach (great for August vacations), transit, and nightlife.
For beach lovers, visit Barceloneta and stay in a hotel or rental right on the beach. Gracia, El Born, and El Poblenou are all popular places to stay as well. It really depends what kind of Barcelona vacation you want.
Hostels
One of the most popular ways to travel in Europe! If you're backpacking or just searching for a great budget stay, hostels are the way to go.
There are TONS of top-rated hostels in Barcelona. Hostelworld.com is my go-to for finding hostels in Barcelona, Spain, and Europe.
Best Hotels in Gothic Quarter:
- Catalonia Catedral ⭐9.0/10 | Wonderful
- Duquesa Suites Barcelona ⭐8.7/10 | Excellent!
- Elegant Apartment in Gothic ⭐5/5 | Exceptional!
Best Hotels in El Born
- Mercer Hotel Barcelona 9.3/10 | Wonderful
- Apartment in City Center⭐5/5 | Exceptional
FAQ: Best Tapas Restaurants in Barcelona
Now that you know the 25 best tapas bars in Barcelona, here are some commonly asked questions about finding the perfect meal in the city.
Summary of the Best Tapas Restaurants Barcelona
There you have it - the best tapas bars in Barcelona! Tapas are a brilliant way to tastes many your way through the many regions of Spain. A subjective experience, each restaurant has the opportunity to match tradition with personal twist and creativity.
Skip the guess work and plan the best Barcelona Tapas and Wine Small Group Walking Tour
⭐ 4.7/5 Stars
🏆 Barcelona Tapas and Wine Small Group Walking Tour
✓ 9 tapas dishes and wine
✓history tour
These best tapas bars in Barcelona have options across barrios, price points, and atmosphere preference. Now see how many of these restaurants you can get through on this list during your stay in Barcelona. Salud!