Tapas were invented for people – like us – who prefer to casually graze over sample-sized dishes rather than sit down to a large main meal.
Although there is a dispute about the origin of these tasty morsels, the Spanish have perfected the art of tapas. Unsurprisingly, there are countless bars for tapas in Barcelona serving a variety of these culinary treasures.
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During our many visits to Spain, we were always on a mission to find fantastic tapas – and we feel we hit the mark in Barcelona!
Tapas in Barcelona Explained
As one of the top things to eat in Barcelona – there is no shortage of tapas for visitors to try.
The term ‘tapas’ covers a broad range of appetizers. They usually accompany wine (or other alcoholic beverages) and are often combined to form a leisurely meal.
Tapas can be cold or hot, gourmet or simple, pre-made or made-to-order, served in a single portion or on a plate for sharing.
Although certain regions of Spain are known for serving specific styles of tapas, all of the popular variations can be found at tapas bars in Barcelona.
Pintxos Barcelona
Our initial introduction to Spanish tapas was during our visit to the Basque region – first in Hondarribia, then in San Sebastian, where tapas are called Pintxos (PEEN-chos).
We delighted in the experience of indulging in the creatively crafted, bite-sized tapas that were proudly presented atop the bar.
That left us very eager to do the same on return trips to Spain – and went on to discover some of the best pintxos in Barcelona!
Seville-Style Tapas in Barcelona
Another popular style of tapas in Spain are small meals – which are similar to main entrees, but served in two-bite portions.
Although this style of tapas is more prevalent in Seville and the Andalusia region, we found many of the top places to eat in Barcelona offering them, as well.
Cheap Eats Barcelona
In general, tapas tend to be less expensive than a sit-down dinner. Simple tapas often cost just a couple of euros – and some restaurants include them with the purchase of a drink.
Just be sure to ask if they are indeed free, as everything delivered to your table is not always gratis.
Hand-crafted tapas made with unique ingredients cost more – and making a dinner out of these can add up to more than a main meal!
Fortunately, Spanish house wine is rarely expensive and usually delicious. We happily grazed on Barcelona tapas during consecutive evenings out without breaking our budget!
7 Best Places For Tapas in Barcelona
Our picks of the best places to eat in Barcelona for tapas is based on our own personal experiences.
In addition to listing the top Barcelona places to eat tapas, we offer our recommendations on what to order (if available). We also include a helpful map at the end of the article.
Hungry for Spanish tapas, yet? We absolutely are! So without any further ado, let’s get to our choices for the top tapas in Barcelona.
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#1 Quimet I Quimet
Regularly ranked as the best tapas restaurant in Barcelona, Quimet I Quimet is a must-try!
The matchbox-sized, standing-room-only Barcelona tapas bar is a family-run establishment that opened in 1914 as a wine bar and countless bottles still line the shelves today.
Even though Quimet I Quimet is tucked down a lane in the El Poble-sec neighborhood, its popularity is evident.
We arrived shortly before opening to ensure we got a table, but found the shutters closed and the area eerily quiet.
However, when we returned a mere 15mins later, there were patrons already overflowing out the door and down the sidewalk!
We were able to squeeze in at the bar, which provided a front-row seat of the action. The bartenders and chefs were working non-stop – pouring wine and whipping up hand-made tapas.
Known for serving montaditos (small sandwiches), the Quimet I Quimet tapas chefs create unique flavor combinations from a short list of ingredients.
What To Order: The signature tapa on our visit – which we can wholeheartedly recommend – was the smoked salmon on bread, topped with yogurt, honey and truffle.
#2 La Tasqueta de Blai
When searching for the best tapas in Barcelona, many end up on Carrer de Blai. Lined with Basque-style tapas bars displaying an array of picturesque pintxos perched atop the bar, this area is a Barcelona foodie haven.
While the mouthwatering morsels at any of these popular Barcelona restaurants can easily tempt you through the door, we suggest finding La Tasqueta de Blai.
The casual eatery offers dozens of perfectly-presented choices. Even better, each selection typically costs about 2 euros, making them some of the best cheap tapas in Barcelona!
Drink orders are placed with waitstaff, but the tapas are self-serve. Simply grab a plate, peruse the offerings and take whatever looks appealing.
Some pintxos are better warm (especially tapas with meat or egg), so ask the bartender to heat your selections if you would like.
When you have had your fill, the waitstaff will count the number of toothpicks left on your plate and you will be charged accordingly!
Recommended Tapas: The assortment here is constantly changing. Each time a tray is emptied, a new one with different tapas replaces it.
Therefore, it is pretty much impossible to suggest a single dish. Instead, just keep an eye out for any specialty Barcelona tapas – which are usually hot out of the oven.
#3 Abirradero Craft Beer and Tapas
One of the best bars in Barcelona for craft beer, Abirradero also has excellent tapas, too. In addition to their tapas menu – which features potato wedges, falafel and calamari – they offer burgers and boards.
To be completely honest, though, we went to Abirradero for the beer. The brewpub features an astounding 40 taps – 20 of which they use for their own craft beer that is brewed just around the corner.
We originally had not planned on eating here, but after seeing plate after plate of tempting tapas being taken to neighboring tables, we couldn’t resist ordering a few for ourselves.
Suggested Item: Desiring something unique, we tried a heaping helping of Shropshire cheese fermented in their own Encantada Gruit Beer. Full of flavor, the salty, creamy snack matched perfectly with the beers!
#4 Colmado (Bermu)
We couldn’t resist the charm of this inviting corner spot in L’Eixample with chalkboard signs and hanging hunks of Iberico. The cozy interior has a few wine barrel tables clustered together in the back.
For us, it was one of those unexpectedly cool spots that was frequented by locals more than tourists. Rare for Barcelona, right?
The menu features typical tapas and a nice selection of Spanish meats and cheeses – as well as sandwiches, salads and a few mains. We lingered over a meal of shared tapas and wine.
Platters of delectable local cuisine – including meats, cheeses, roasted peppers, stuffed mushrooms and a tomato spread – were brought to our table in a steady flow.
What To Order: Try the Iberico ham or the tomato marmalade…and maybe even one glass of vermut. This is an incredibly popular drink in Barcelona!
Update: There’s been a name and ownership change and it’s now called Bermu. If you happen to pop-in, let’s us know how it was!
#5 Fabrica Moritz
The Moritz beer company was established in Barcelona in 1856 – and they still make it fresh in the heart of the city today.
The original factory houses a brewery, as well as a restaurant, bar, museum, gift shop and a wine room. More than just for drinking beer, Moritz has a massive menu, including top-rated tapas.
Although certainly commercialized, we couldn’t pass up the chance to try the local beer (we recommend the half dark-half light combination). Since we were drinking local, we tried some of the classic tapas, too!
Recommended Tapa: Patatas Bravas is a quintessential Barcelona dish…and many claim that Moritz makes the best in the city.
The piping hot potatoes are served two ways. From Here (Catalan style, which includes a spicy aioli sauce) or From There (Madrid style, with mayo and ketchup).
#6 La Boqueria Barcelona Tapas
La Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria – or just La Boqueria – is Barcelona’s best market. The place dates to the year 1217 and still reigns as the top place to find the best food in Barcelona.
Each stall has decorative displays of local sweets, produce, meat, cheese and seafood. And, several small tapas bars are mixed in with all the vendors.
The two most popular tapas bars here are Bar Boqueria and El Quim, both of which rarely have open seats, as was the case on our visit.
Being too hungry to wait for an available spot, we simply ordered quick tapas on the go (like jamon and queso croquettes). In hindsight, we really wish we had waited to eat at El Quim.
What We Should Have Ordered: The house specialty at El Quim is Eggs with squid – and we can’t wait to try them on our next trip to Barcelona!
#7 Irati Taverna Basca
Located down an alley, just steps off Las Ramblas, IRATI is a Basque-style tapas bar in the heart Barcelona.
The restaurant features two sections: The tapas bar in the front and table service in the back, with a complete menu of entrees.
We were only looking for a glass of wine and a snack, so we sat at the bar and quickly made new friends.
The selection of pintxos was excellent – although most included fish (our one hang-up about tapas in Spain). Rather than being put off by our pickiness, the helpful staff identified the ones that were sans-fish.
Suggested Tapas: Whatever catches your eye! Unlike some famous restaurants in Barcelona, the bar staff here were attentive, friendly and helpful. So, if you are a beginner at tapas and pintxos, just ask!
Barcelona Tapas Bar Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Barcelona Tapas Restaurant Map!
Barcelona Food Tours
Bar-hopping for Barcelona tapas can be an intimidating experience. Letting a guide lead you deeper into the Barcelona foodie scene makes it simple!
Join fellow travelers for a Barcelona Tapas Evening Walking Tour that features a fantastic introduction to Catalan cuisine. Stroll through iconic neighborhoods and learn how and what to order.
See Barcelona on two wheels on this Electric Bike Tour with Tapas and Drinks! Let a local lead the way through the best neighborhoods along with regional specialties – including Vermut, wine and tapas!
This Small-Group Tapas and Wine Experience features stops at four restaurants – and offers both midday and evening excursions.
Tips For Your Barcelona Trip
Now that you know where to eat, we have some more helpful advice for your getaway to Spain. Be sure not to miss a thing by using our Best Barcelona Itinerary and Self-Guided Walking Tour!
Before You Go to Barcelona
- Don’t forget to pack lightweight and comfortable walking shoes. I (Sarah) have traveled with these trainers by New Balance and Reef. Kris prefers wearing trail shoes by Merrell.
- Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera. We travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes amazing photos and is an excellent budget camera.
- Get (and stay) organized for your holiday to Barcelona by using our Travel Planning Printables. We also encourage you to read our advice for Planning a Trip To Europe.
- Visiting Barcelona in the winter? We did, and loved it! Check out our complete guide to Christmas in Barcelona.
- Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want a great day bag to organize and secure all of your daily travel items.
- Trip insurance may help with unexpected events (like lost luggage, canceled flights or getting sick). Consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Spain! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Looking for more travel advice for Spain? Check out our Spain Itinerary – including Madrid and Seville. Plus our complete Basque Itinerary and list of Things To Do in Santander for Northern Spain.
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