Tapas are so deeply rooted in Mediterranean cuisine that the moment you think of Spain, having a chilled cerveza (beer) with tapas on a sunny day, comes spontaneously to mind. Tapas means an appetizer or a snack or a smaller portion of any kind of a Spanish dish served cold or hot. Although there are many stories about the origin and history of tapas, most of the accounts date back to King Alfonso X, who established the tradition of eating tapas with wine between main meals. The culture of tapas remains a well-established tradition to this day and we can't wait to recommend the best tapas bars in the beautiful city of Barcelona.
Here are the 5 Tapas bars we recommend around Barcelona
Bar el Zorrito: Serving traditional family recipes for years, this tapas bar is located in the centre of town and attracts many tourists as well as locals. The atmosphere here is warm and friendly as in most of the bars and restaurants in the city. They serve organic farm eggs, organic cold meat and fresh fish! It is possible to book for parties with friends and colleagues for up to 14 people. Enjoy their homemade croquettes and the incredible quality of the cheese they serve to your family and friends the next time you are in Barcelona.
Bubó Tapas Bar: Bubó is perhaps best known for its artisanal pastries, but its nearby tapas bar is as amazing as its desserts. Located in the pretty El Born district, overlooking the spectacular Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral, this tapas bar offers an excellent menu made from local ingredients by top chefs. A little more expensive, this tapas bar is well worth the detour! The sweet potato bravas gives a twist to the typical patatas bravas and their octopus tapas are a delicious affair! Visit Bubó and mix your tapas platters with small parties and desserts. I would also like to mention their wide variety of cocktails that should definitely be on the list!
Bar Cañete: The Bar Cañete is an excellent choice for anyone looking for seafood tapas. Located in the lively Raval district, this bar is very popular, and you need to book in advance! There is also a more private dining room available on request. Although the bar is best known for its seafood, the meat options are equally delicious. Another attraction is the "Arroz del Día", which means rice of the day, depending on the day different types of flavorful rice are served. The bar is fun with friendly waiters. They also have a dessert menu that offers "Crema Catalan", a famous Catalan dessert.
Perikete: This is a brand-new tapas bar opened in 2017 near Barceloneta beach. Although very new among the famous tapas bars already established, Perikete has been able to gain popularity quite quickly. With the atmosphere of a wine cellar and the Jamón hanging from the ceiling with wine barrels as tables, this tapas place is a must, especially if you want to enjoy quality wine and tapas near the beach. As the beach and the surrounding area are full of tourists all year round, you may find yourself in an overpriced and poor quality restaurant or bar, but in Perikete this is not the case, in my personal experience they serve one of the best pan con tomate, meaning bread with tomato, which is a very simple but tasty traditional Catalan dish! Everything is made in the kitchen and nothing is frozen here as mentioned by the head chef, which can be common in touristy restaurants.
Bodega La Puntual: This is yet another tapas bar with amazing seasonal dishes and oysters. A dish as simple as chorizo on tomato with bread tastes the best at Bodega La Puntual, kudos to their excellent selection of ingredients which is never compromised. The seasonal vegetables during the time of visit are presented as “daily specials”. At the entrance, you will find a bar where you can enjoy cava which is a Spanish sparkling wine same as champagne and oysters. As you enter towards the back, you will find a large dining area to have full meals. Do not forget to try the bread with chocolate topped with olive oil which is an amazing traditional dessert.
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