Ten Best Tapas Restaurants in Barcelona by Lisanne from FoodJungle BCN
Ten Best Tapas Restaurants in Barcelona by FoodJungle BCN
Dutch transplant Lisanne has been living in and loving Barcelona for the past 7 years. A food industry veteran, Lisanne has worked on collaborations with various chefs and loves giving recommendations to friends. Out of this, she created FoodJungle BCN. Here her passions come together perfectly. FoodJungle loves tasty food, good wines, and surprising concepts. This ranges from very simple to more sophisticated.
Barcelona has so many restaurants but which ones are the good ones? Lisanne has developed a Food Guide. This guide features 150+ restaurants categorized by type of cuisine, food tours in different neighbourhoods, a bucket list, and much more. Their recommended spots are accessible and loved by both locals and visitors of Barcelona.
FoodJungle has compiled a list of the 10 best tapas restaurants in Barcelona – the classics as well as some welcome new additions!
Bar Bodega Quimet in Gràcia.
Bar Bodega Quimet (€)
(no website)
Carrer de Vic, 23, 08006, Gràcia
Bar Bodega Quimet is one of the best spots to eat authentic Catalan tapas in the charming Gràcia neighbourhood. The Quimet family has been running this restaurant for generations, and their expertise shines through. While you’ll find the characteristic traits of a traditional winery, they aren’t afraid to innovate when needed. Expect classic dishes like patatas bravas and pulpo, but don’t miss out on their delicious anchovies. It is heaven for vermouth lovers and those craving a nice cheese board. Carlos and Myriam extend a warm welcome, making you feel right at home from the minute you walk in. Whether you’re seeking an evening of delicious tapas, fine wines, and great company, Bar Bodega Quimet delivers it all.
The much loved Bar del Pla in El Born
Bar del Pla (€€)
instagram.com/bardelpla/
C/ de Montcada, 2, 08003, El Born
Bar del Pla is a cosy restaurant in the heart of Barcelona’s El Born area. It’s a popular spot among both visitors and locals alike. On the staff’s t-shirts, you’ll find the bold statement, ‘Fuck Sangria Drink Natural Wine,’ making their wine preferences clear. While we’re not huge fans of natural wines ourselves, we love their shirts, and they also serve traditional wines. The menu offers tasty Catalan food and traditional dishes with an unexpected twist. Our favourites include thinly sliced mushrooms with wasabi, Thai mussels, cauliflower tempura, and meatballs with squid. The staff are wonderfully fun and helpful, adding to the overall dining experience. Whether you are with friends, on a date, or flying solo at the bar, Bar del Pla welcomes all. Remember, reservations can only be made by phone at (+34)932683003. (Bar del Pla on Foodie in Barcelona in 2017 here – you will be shocked at the prices!)
One of everything at Jai-Ca in Barceloneta
Bar Jai-Ca (€)
instagram.com/barjaica/
C/ de Ginebra, 14, 7-9, 08003, La Barceloneta
You’ll discover this tapas bar in the heart of La Barceloneta. The atmosphere is lively, so keep in mind it can get a bit noisy at times. The people who come here are a mix of visitors and locals, which is always a promising sign. It’s wise to make a reservation, but you can also grab a seat at the bar while you wait for a table. The place exudes authenticity and charm, with colourful décor, including tables adorned with their parrot logo and wooden chairs. We highly recommend trying the mussels, meatballs, and their sensational “bomba”. However, the unexpected star of the show is their filleted anchovy, where even the backbone is fried and served to eat—a surprisingly delicious treat! Enjoy your evening here at a very reasonable price.
Clams at Bar Mila
Bar Mila (€)
instagram.com/barrestomila/
Carrer de Milà I Fontanals, 19, 08012, Gràcia
The Gràcia neighbourhood has a new gem, and we are smitten with it! Bar Mila offers typical dishes like fuet, manchego, and anchovies, but their pasta with ragu, tortilla, and mussel croquettes are absolute must-tries. Even though it’s got that old-school charm, the bar got a makeover while keeping its unique features. Now, it’s got a cool vibe, especially with that vinyl record player. Owner Miguel is incredibly friendly and runs the place with genuine passion. Whether you are looking to enjoy drinks, and bites, celebrate a special occasion, or simply hang out with friends, Bar Mila is the perfect spot. Given its popularity, especially among locals, it’s wise to make a reservation by calling (+34)687377108.
The writing on the wall at Bar Remedios in Eixample
Bar Remedios (€€)
instagram.com/barremedios/
C/ de Muntaner, 212, 08036, Eixample
You can’t miss Bar Remedios on this tapas adventure—it’s a newbie you will want to check out. Their name is boldly splashed across the wall as you walk in. Inside, it’s cosy and compact, with seating options ranging from regular tables to window spots, and they even have a terrace—a rare find in a good tapas place. Their menu puts a modern spin on traditional tapas dishes, and we’re hooked on their truffle bikini, croquettes, and steak tartare. Oh, and don’t leave without trying their famous cheesecake for dessert! The service is friendly, and they’ve got a decent wine selection too. With its inviting atmosphere and tasty menu, it’s wise to make a reservation for this amazing night out.
The striking blue facade of Bodega Neus
Bodega Neus (€)
instagram.com/bodega_neus/
Carrer de Benet Mercadé, 24, 08012, Gràcia
This is another gem in Gràcia that you absolutely must visit for tapas. There aren’t many places like this left in Barcelona so we are happy to tell you all about it. When you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by wine barrels hanging from the ceiling, setting the scene for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re popping in for a quick snack and a drink or settling in for a longer dinner, you are here at the right place. The service is excellent, and you can tell that the staff works with so much passion and fun. This enthusiasm translates into the taste and quality of the dishes. We’re particularly fans of the tuna, bomba, tortilla, and chocolate desserts. You’ll feel so comfortable here that you’ll never want to leave. Given its popularity, it’s also here wise to make a reservation.
Tapas at Bodega Neus in Gràcia
Classic tapas at the Classic Cal Pep
Cal Pep (€€€)
instagram.com/calpepbcn/
Plaça de les Olles, 8, 08003, El Born
Located in the El Born area of Barcelona, Restaurant Cal Pep is a beloved tapas spot! They are known for their fresh seafood catches and super tasteful dishes. When you walk in you feel right away that this will be a good experience. Specializing in traditional Catalan food, Cal Pep serves up a variety of seafood dishes, from grilled prawns to seafood paella, all made with the freshest ingredients of the day. They also serve traditional tapas dishes like Padrón peppers, tortilla, and jamon croquettes. Take a seat at the bar and prepare to be surprised by the chef’s creations! For a taste of real-deal Barcelona cuisine, Cal Pep will blow your mind. When you are with a small group, it is smart to make a reservation. Seating at the bar is walk-in only.
The busy bar at El Xampanyet
El Xampaynet (€€)
instagram.com/el_xampanyet/
C/ de Montcada, 22, 08003, El Born
You must eat here at least once in your life! When we moved to Barcelona almost 7 years ago, we spent our first evening at El Xampagnet and were immediately hooked. The vibe in this restaurant is incredibly cool, the service is outstanding (they feel like friends right away), the food is delicious, and of course, their house cava is the best. It is one of our favourite places in Barcelona, and we don’t say that lightly. We love the anchovies, tortilla, razor clams, and steak with Padrón peppers, but there are many more classic tapas dishes here for you to experience. And don’t forget to end with their xuixo, so good! Also, don’t be deterred by any queues; they write your name down and will give a seat to you quickly. Have fun, you will love it.
Extra Bar
Extra Bar (€€)
instagram.com/extra_bar/
Carrer del Torrent de l’Olla, 79, 08012, Gràcia
Head to Extra Bar in Gràcia! It is a standout spot in the neighbourhood, and although tiny it is a fantastic experience. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by towering stacks of wine bottles. Despite its small size, it’s packed with delicious natural wines, friendly faces, and amazing food. Forget about a wine menu; just let them know what you like, and they will let you taste their options. The owner’s passion for sharing shines through everything they offer. The menu is simple, written on a piece of paper, and you will see chefs cooking behind the bar. It’s amazing what comes out of that tiny kitchen. Be prepared to wait for a seat, but you can order some drinks while you do. Without a doubt, it’s a must-visit spot. (Extra Bar on Foodie in Barcelona 2019 here)
Fino Bar in Gràcia
Fino Bar (€)
instagram.com/fino_barcelona/
Carrer del Torrent de les Flors, 113, 08024, Gràcia
This place opened its doors not long ago, but it has already won our hearts! It’s small but incredibly cosy. Whether you choose to sit at the high bar or a regular table, you will be treated to super-friendly service. We honestly can’t pick favourites among their dishes, but a few absolute must-tries include the toast with burrata and anchovies, steak tartare, and the mushroom croquette with truffle. And trust us, you’ll want to indulge in the chocolate ganache to wrap up your feast. They serve excellent natural wines here, catering to those who prefer less funky options. It’s also a haven for vermouth enthusiasts.
Previous Guest Posts on Foodie in Barcelona:
Alice’s Best Chinese Supermarkets in Barcelona
Best Pizza in Barcelona
Gaby’s Best Wine Bars in Barcelona
Katya’s Cosmopolitan Guide to Barcelona
Mimi’s Best Korean Restaurants in Barcelona
Manuela’s Best Pastry Shops in Barcelona
I’m sorry but cal Pepe seems to be an institution that has lost its way but , for some reason, people still feel the need to include it. It has seriously gone downhill and far too touristy. No real menu. Just the mass produced crap that they want to serve to naive tourists, unless you are experienced – in which case you’ll go somewhere else. I’d be interested to know when was the last time this writer visited?
Hi Sharon, Lisanne was at Cal Pepe about 4 months ago. She said she had a great evening out and ended up chatting to the people next to her.
I’m glad I found your blog again. We are considering being in Spain for the eclipe in 2026. As always, the food will be a major part of our travels. The tapas look wonderful. ~ Kathleen
HI! Nice to see you here again!