Looking for the best tapas bars in Barcelona? This city was made for tapas hopping. Each neighborhood offers its own take on this beloved tradition—whether you’re exploring the historic streets of the Gothic Quarter, the creative food scene in Gràcia, or the lively bars of Poble Sec and Eixample. From classic Catalan tapas to inventive small plates, Barcelona’s tapas culture is one of the best ways to experience the city. Here are some of my top spots to try—places that are worth seeking out, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning foodie.
El Bar del Pla
There are some places that never let you down—and Bar del Pla, tucked away in the vibrant El Born neighborhood, is one of them.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm welcome and a cozy ambiance. The interior features rustic stone walls, dim lighting, and high stools lining the lively bar. Toward the back, a small dining area with just a few tables offers a more intimate setting.
Shelves lined with bottles of red wine add to the charm, and if you let the wine flow, it will be just as memorable as the food.
But the star of the show? Without a doubt, the beef tartare. It’s served atop thin, crispy “tostadas” generously dusted with coarse salt. The beef is delicately seasoned with truffle oil, lending a subtle richness, and topped with shavings of foie gras that elevate the dish to something truly special. Each bite is indulgent—something to be savored slowly.
After the tartare, dive into the rest of the menu—you won’t be disappointed. The crispy oxtail with grilled foie gras is a standout. Tender oxtail is wrapped in delicate pastry and paired with luscious foie gras, creating a dish that’s both bold and beautifully balanced.
Another highlight is the Iberian pluma, one of the finest cuts from Iberian pigs. Bar del Pla cooks it to perfection—juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. It’s served on a bed of smoked eggplant, which complements the meat with a deep, earthy note. It was our first time trying this cut, and it certainly won’t be the last.
And don’t miss the roast beef carpaccio, another excellent dish that rounds out an unforgettable tapas experience.
Onofre
If you’re spending a few days in Barcelona, there are a few more places you should add to your list. And meat lovers—this one’s for you.
Wandering through the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter (El Gótico), make a point to stop at Onofre, a cozy little spot that specializes in meats and wine. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
To enter, you descend into a warm, softly lit space—a design detail I clearly gravitate toward in restaurants. The lighting is low, the tones are rich, and the space feels intimate. The bar sits right alongside the dining tables, and a staircase leads up to the kitchen. There’s a comforting, homey energy to it, as if you’ve stepped into someone’s beloved neighborhood haunt. You can feel the care behind every dish.
We started with the Iberian ham croquettes—a classic tapas dish, but one that often reveals a lot about a kitchen. These were exceptional. Golden, crisp on the outside, soft and creamy within, and clearly homemade. The moment they were gone felt too soon. We agreed—they were the best croquettes we’d had in Barcelona.
But the real showstopper? The veal, served in a foie gras sauce with a Modena balsamic reduction. While the foie gras flavor is subtle, the veal itself is cooked beautifully—tender, juicy, and full of depth. It’s served atop a bed of potatoes that are just as memorable: silky, perfectly roasted, and with just a hint of sweetness that melts on the palate.
La Alcoba Azul
If you find yourself standing in the middle of a quiet plaza, stomach rumbling, and spot a sign that reads “Bésame en esta plaza” (“Kiss me in this square”), take it as a sign—you’re in the right place.
Just beside you is one of the most charming tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter: La Alcoba Azul (The Blue Room). Tucked between old stone walls, this rustic, underground hideaway oozes character. Cozy wall sconces, eclectic décor, and a warm, bohemian vibe create the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal.
After being closed for nearly a year during the pandemic, La Alcoba Azul has thankfully reopened—at least for now—and it’s just as magical as ever. Their menu offers an excellent range of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tapas, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any choice.
After sampling nearly everything on the menu (in the name of research, of course), one dish stood out above the rest: their babaganoush eggplant with pomegranate cream. Creamy, smoky, and topped with bursts of sweetness, it’s the kind of flavor combination that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over.
Bodega Biarritz
Tucked away in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, Bodega Biarritz is a small, authentic gem that serves up traditional Catalan tapas in a charming and intimate setting.
The atmosphere feels like stepping into a classic local bodega, with rustic decor and warm energy that instantly makes you feel at home. Whether you’re on a date or out for a casual night with a friend, this cozy spot is a perfect pick.
What really sets Bodega Biarritz apart is their surprise menu for two—a delightful tasting experience that removes all the guesswork. Just sit back, sip a glass of their smooth Rioja, and let the dishes come to you. Each course is a small surprise rooted in Catalan tradition, with plenty of vegetarian options and flavors that cater to every palate.
We won’t spoil the details—because that would ruin the fun—but we can say this: you’ll leave full, happy, and ready for a stroll through the old town in search of a nightcap. And all at a price that feels more than fair for the quality and experience.
Quimet & Quimet
A standing-room-only tapas bar that’s legendary among locals and food writers alike. Quimet & Quimet specializes in montaditos—small open-faced sandwiches stacked with gourmet toppings like smoked salmon, yogurt mousse, caviar, or foie gras. It’s also known for an impressive selection of conservas (gourmet canned seafood) and their own house vermouth.
Paco Meralgo
An upscale yet approachable “alta taberna” (high-end tavern) known for impeccably executed tapas using top-tier ingredients. Standouts include Iberian ham croquettes, tuna tartare, baby squid, and fresh seafood specials that change seasonally. The name itself is a play on words—“pa comer algo” (to eat something).
Markets for Tapas and Other Local Flavors
While they aren’t tapas bars in the traditional sense, the markets in Barcelona are an excellent place for casual, counter-style tapas, especially for visitors who want to taste a variety of Catalan and Spanish foods in one stop.
Here you can sample foods like jamón, croquettes, seafood, tortillas, olives, and fresh juices—making them perfect for a walking lunch.
Many neighborhoods have their own market, and many are housed in beautifully restored 19th-century iron-and-glass buildings. Markets often include small bars or food counters where you can grab a coffee, a sandwich, or a plate of tapas—often using ingredients sourced from just steps away.
These are three of the markets to try in Barcelona:
- Mercat de la Boqueria (El Raval): The most famous market in Barcelona. Busy and touristy, but a must-see. Stop at El Quim de la Boqueria or Bar Pinotxo for tapas made with fresh market ingredients.
- Mercat de Sant Antoni (Sant Antoni): A beautifully renovated market with more of a neighborhood feel. While it’s more focused on fresh food than ready-to-eat tapas, you’ll find casual food stalls and bars worth visiting.
- Mercat de la Concepció (Eixample): A local’s market with less tourist traffic, ideal if you want a glimpse of everyday shopping in Barcelona. Grab a quick bite at one of the bars and enjoy the quieter pace.
