Barcelona is one of the world’s great gastronomic hubs. You will find cuisine from all over the world in the city and there are certainly no lack of places to enjoy authentic Spanish tapas. Choosing the best of the bunch is always difficult but here’s our lowdown of some of the best spots to enjoy authentic tapas in central Barcelona.
CERVECERÍA CATALANA
A classic when it comes to tapas in Barcelona! With a great variety of tapas to choose from, you can never go wrong with Cerveceria Catalana. They have all the classics like tortilla de patatas and pimientos de padrón, but they also switch it up with new options to choose from every few days. You can also enjoy plenty of tasty ‘pintxos’, as you please. The ambiance is very enjoyable and a bit touristy, but in a city like Barcelona and a place like this that’s unavoidable.
You can enjoy your tapas on a date or with friends while you sip on a tasty sangria jar that comes in various flavors or a nice cold beer. They don’t take reservations, so you might have to wait a bit to have a seat. But it is definitely worth it. You can also have a livelier experience if you catch a seat at the bar. Cerveceria Catalana is definitely not a place to miss out on.
Carrer de Mallorca, 236
BAR CAÑETE
This place is hands down one of our favorites when it comes to ordering the pulpo a la gallega tapa in Barcelona. A classic and very famous place to go and enjoy seafood tapas, which they are renowned for, but they also have other wonderful options on their seasonal menu. You can sit at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere, or you can get a dining table behind the bar.
Ordering the arroz del dia is always a good choice, always juicy and very tasty. The buñuelos de bacalo and berenjenas fritas are among some of the most popular options in the menu. There are also items like croquetas de bogavante and alcachofas fritas that you can never go wrong with. We recommend that you make a reservation as with a place like this, showing up last minutes is not really a good idea.
Carrer de la Unió, 17
CERVECERÍA EL VASO DE ORO
This wonderful place with over 50 years of history is more than just your average bar, they have some of the best tapas in Barcelona. Its concept is that of a stand-up bar, even though they have a few small tables to informally sit at. They’re more about moving around and socializing than just being still. You can go straight to the counter and order yourself a delicious tapa as well as a beer.
Located in the Barceloneta area with its old school flair and vibrant energy, Vaso de Oro will have you enjoying yourself from the moment you walk through the door. Don’t miss out on ordering the classic tapas, such as the patatas bravas, calamares a la Andaluza and the tasty morcillas. If you have a bigger appetite you should definitely order the solomillo with foie, which is a house favorite. One last thing you should know: the beer is brewed in house!
Carrer de Balboa, 6
EL NACIONAL
Located in Passeig de Gracia, right in the centre of Barcelona, this very, very popular multi-restaurant venue in Barcelona is a favorite among tourists and also locals. Here you have a variety of gastronomic options to choose from and none compete with one another. There are restaurants for all types of foodies: meats, fish, a deli, wine and cured meats, an oyster bar and more. Most importantly there is one which specializes mainly on tapas.
At La Tapería you can savor such amazing and authentic cold and hot taps dishes like: ensaladilla rusa and salmorejo, gambas al ajillo and chistorra artesana a la sidra. Besides the tapas you can enjoy paellas which are to die for with a variety of different ingredients. El Nacional will not let you down when it comes to a good time. They always know how to satisfy a customer’s needs with all the delicious options available.
Passeig de Gràcia, 24 Bis,
BORMUTH
Known for their tasty and affordable tapas, Bormuth, which is located in the picturesque Born neighborhood, has a great vibe. With its big terrace and wonderful interiors, you will have it tough when it comes to deciding what part to sit at. They have low vintage tables and a home-like vibe that showcases their attention to detail, making you feel right at home.
A perfect spot anytime of the day, but especially in the afternoon for delightful drinks and tasty tapas, Bormuth has a bit of everything for everyone. They have an extensive menu which will keep you guessing on what to order next, so always save some space. They have the perfect balance of price and quality with all their menu options and besides the yummy tapas you can enjoy nice vermouth. Craft beers are also popular and available here.
Plaça Comercial nº1
Enjoy! And there are plenty of other places in Barcelona where you can find excellent and delicious tapas. So don’t forget to take a look at the latest info for your area. And if you’d like to take a look at some of the other best sites in Barcelona while you’re here then don’t forget to take a look at our eBike tours.
