Best tapas bars in Barcelona | Our top picks

There’s nowhere quite like Barcelona. Stylish, bold and always buzzing, this is Catalunya’s capital of cool – and one of the best places to eat in Spain. From hole-in-the-wall joints to sleek wine bars, Barcelona tapas bars deliver big on flavor. These are the best tapas bars in Barcelona – from traditional taverns to modern spots shaking up the classics.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Barcelona, your essential guide for visiting Barcelona.

What are the best tapas bars in Barcelona?

Any solid Spain itinerary should include serious time for eating, and Barcelona is one of the country’s best cities for it. Tapas here go beyond the basics – it’s not just patatas bravas and olives. You’ll find smoky grilled octopus in a no-frills corner bar, tuna tartare on crispy rice in a minimalist spot in Eixample, or house-pickled anchovies washed down with vermouth in El Raval. The best tapas bars in Barcelona combine local ingredients with big personality.

Tapas culture in Barcelona isn’t about one perfect dish or a single famous chef. It’s about hopping from place to place, trying a little bit of everything, and letting the night stretch on. Some of the best spots are decades old, with handwritten menus and tiled walls. Others are sleek, modern, and packed with locals on a Thursday night. Both deserve a spot on your list.

Debating Madrid or Barcelona? Madrid nails the traditional tavern scene, but Barcelona wins on variety, creativity, and coastal produce. It’s one of the most exciting food cities in Spain, and the Barcelona tapas bar scene is a big reason why.

For anyone wondering about the best places to visit in Spain, start with the bars. They’ll tell you everything you need to know.

1. Bar Pinotxo

• Carrer del Compte d'Urgell 1, Mercat de Sant Antoni, Stalls 18–21

If you're searching for one of the best tapas bars in Barcelona, start at Bar Pinotxo. Now based in the Sant Antoni market, this legendary counter still draws loyal locals, chefs, and curious foodies with its no-fuss, all-flavor approach. No printed menu, no reservations – just fast, friendly service and seriously good food.

Kick off with a grilled sandwich and a glass of cava, or dive into daily specials like chickpeas with morcilla, fried baby squid, or a thick slice of tortilla. Prices run €10-20 per dish, and everything is made to order, right in front of you.

Even after its move from La Boqueria, Pinotxo hasn’t lost its edge – or its energy. Pull up a stool (if you can find one), chat with the staff, and enjoy one of the most authentic tapas experiences in the city.

2. Tapas, 24

• Carrer de la Diputació, 269, L'Eixample

Tapas, 24 is chef Carles Abellan’s answer to classic tapas done with sharp technique and zero pretension. Just off Passeig de Gràcia – a street also lined with some of the best places to stay in Barcelona – this retro-style basement bar-diner pulls in locals, tourists, and off-duty chefs alike.

The menu leans traditional but never dull. Expect patatas bravas, bombas, and chorizo with fried eggs alongside calamares a la romana dyed black with squid ink, or the now-iconic McFoie burger – yes, foie gras in a bun. Prices range from €20 to €30 per plate, and portions are generous enough to share.

It’s walk-in only and packed at peak hours, so expect a wait. But it moves fast, and the buzzy, casual vibe is all part of the experience. A solid pick for anyone craving elevated tapas in a central, energetic spot.

3. Bar La Plata

• Carrer de la Mercè, 28, Ciutat Vella

Bar La Plata has been serving the same four tapas since 1945 – and no one’s complaining. This tiny spot in the Gothic Quarter is all about standing at the marble counter with a glass of cheap red, chatting over plates of anchovies, tomato salad, fried sardines, and butifarra (Catalan sausage).

The anchovies – fresh or marinated – are the standout, served with crusty bread and a splash of olive oil. The wine comes straight from the barrel, poured without fuss into simple glasses. It’s messy, loud, and full of charm.

Eating here is about as local as it gets, and that’s exactly why it belongs on any list of the best things to do in Barcelona. It’s quick, affordable, and packed with old-school charm – the kind of place you remember long after the wine’s worn off.

4. Cal Pep

• Plaça de les Olles, 8, Ciutat Vella

Ask around for tapas bars in Barcelona, and Cal Pep comes up fast. This El Born institution has built a reputation on ultra-fresh seafood, a buzzing atmosphere, and Pep himself, still working the counter, cracking jokes, and calling the shots.

There’s no printed menu. Just grab a stool (after queuing – always queuing), let the staff guide you, and watch the chaos unfold. Dishes fly out of the open kitchen: fried baby shrimp, grilled sea bass, squid with chickpeas, Catalan sausage. It’s fast, loud, and packed every night of the week.

Yes, you’re likely to spend more than at your average bar – a meal can run up to €60 – but the quality is spot on. Cal Pep isn’t trying to be trendy or reinvent anything. It’s just doing what it’s always done: serving some of the best seafood tapas in the city, and doing it well.

5. El Xampanyet

• Carrer de Montcada, 22, Ciutat Vella

Just steps from the Museu Picasso, El Xampanyet is one of the most iconic tapas bars in Barcelona – and it wears that status proudly. Inside, it’s all blue tiles, vintage bottles, and elbow-to-elbow energy. Locals and visitors cram in for glasses of house cava and classic tapas done right.

There’s no subtlety here – just loud conversation, cheap fizz, and generous plates. The Cantabrian anchovies are a must, as are the cured meats, tortilla, and marinated artichokes. Prices for tapas can creep up, but drinks are cheap, and the vibe is hard to beat.

This is more of a pre-dinner pit stop than a long sit-down affair. Swing by before 8 pm to beat the crowds, grab a glass of cava at the bar, and soak in one of the few spots in the city that’s both wildly popular and still feels like the real deal.

6. Vaso De Oro

• Carrer de Balboa, 6, Ciutat Vella

Vaso de Oro is loud, old-school, and packed every night of the week – and that’s exactly why it ranks among the classic Barcelona tapas bars. There’s no menu, no pretense, and barely enough room to stand, but the energy is part of the draw.

Order whatever’s flying out of the kitchen: sizzling chistorra sausage, grilled shellfish, potato salad, or a scoop of tuna with house mayo. Most plates sit between €13 and €22, and everything’s served fast and hot.

What makes Vaso de Oro stand out from other tapas bars? The beer. They brew their own, both light and dark, poured fresh from the tap. It’s crisp, cold, and made to match the food.

This isn’t a place for a quiet bite – it’s for squeezing in, raising a glass, and going all-in on flavor. Old-school in all the right ways.

7. Sensi Tapas

• Carrer Ample, 24, Ciutat Vella

Sensi Tapas brings something different to the table – bold flavors, global influences, and a polished dining room tucked away in the Gothic Quarter. It’s a popular spot with limited seating, so booking ahead is a smart move.

You’ll find a few Spanish staples here, like crisp patatas bravas with a creamy aioli, but the highlights come with an international spin. The Iberian pork tataki is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the curry prawns pack a bright, citrusy kick. Dishes are priced between €5 and €15 and presented with care, without feeling overly fussy.

If you're wondering how many days to spend in Barcelona, factor in at least one night for a meal like this – something a little different from the old-school bars, but still rooted in great produce and big flavors. Sensi is where locals take visitors when they want to impress without going full fine-dining.

8. Dos Palillos

• Carrer d'Elisabets, 9, Ciutat Vella

Few places blur the lines between tapas and fine dining like Dos Palillos. Tucked away in El Raval, this Asian-fusion spot offers one of the most creative takes on tapas in Barcelona. Up front, the vibe is casual – a galley-style bar serving à la carte small plates like steamed dumplings, grilled oysters, and stir-fried prawns. Expect to spend around €30 if you stick to this side.

The back room is where things get more experimental. Here, you’ll find a Japanese-style counter with multi-course tasting menus (€60, €70 or €85) that lean into precision, balance, and bold flavors. Reservations are essential for the tasting menu, and the whole experience runs more like a Tokyo izakaya than a Catalan bodega.

It’s not traditional, and that’s the point. Dos Palillos proves that the best tapas bars in Barcelona aren’t always Spanish – sometimes, they’re just seriously good.

9. Bar del Pla

• Carrer de Montcada, 2, Ciutat Vella

Bar del Pla is one of those places that locals keep returning to – relaxed, reliable, and always packed with flavor. Tucked into a narrow street in El Born, just around the corner from the Museu Picasso, it blends casual energy with sharp cooking.

The menu covers all the bases: crispy Iberian ham croquettes, grilled octopus, tuna tartare, and a rotating daily dish based on what’s fresh at the market. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the staff actually seem happy to be there – a rare combo.

It’s open all day, which makes it especially handy in a city where kitchens often shut between lunch and dinner. Whether you’re in for a full meal or just a few small plates with a glass of wine, Bar del Pla delivers. No tricks, no hype – just proper food done well, in a spot that’s easy to love.

10. La Cova Fumada

• Carrer del Baluard, 56, Ciutat Vella

Opened in 1944 and still run by the same family, La Cova Fumada is a Barceloneta institution that’s stayed true to its roots. There’s no sign outside – just look for the crowd. Locals and in-the-know visitors line up for a seat in this smoky, tile-walled bar where time seems to have stopped.

Inside, it’s all about fast service, strong vermouth, and deeply satisfying food. The menu is short, handwritten, and changes daily, but regulars swear by the bombas (deep-fried meat-and-potato balls, invented here), grilled sardines, and chickpeas with blood sausage. Don’t expect polished plating or English-speaking staff – just old-school charm and food that’s been perfected over generations.

It’s not glamorous, and that’s the point. La Cova Fumada has a kind of rough-edged magic that newer spots can’t replicate. Come hungry, come early, and don’t be afraid to elbow your way in.

11. La Pepita

• Carrer de Còrsega, 343, Gràcia

La Pepita is a lively, modern tapas bar that’s made a name for itself with bold flavors and inventive combinations. Opened in 2010 in the Gràcia district, it mixes traditional roots with contemporary flair – expect familiar ingredients treated with a creative touch.

The menu includes reimagined tapas like smoked eggplant with goat cheese, tuna tartare with wasabi, or their signature “pepitas” – toasted sandwiches packed with anything from Iberian pork to marinated veggies. There are a few classics, too, but the fun is in the twists. Prices are reasonable, and the space feels both relaxed and polished.

Next door, La Pepita runs a tiny offshoot – Mini Pepita – perfect for a quick drink or a snack while you wait for a table. It’s friendly, fast-paced, and never takes itself too seriously, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting to see where tapas is headed without losing touch with where it started.

12. Bar Cañete

• Carrer de la Unió, 17, Ciutat Vella

Bar Cañete doesn’t try to reinvent tapas – it just does them better than most. Tucked just off La Rambla, this place hums with energy from open to close. At lunch, it draws plenty of tourists, but come dinnertime, the room fills with Catalan voices and the service shifts into high gear.

The menu reads like a greatest hits list – croquettes, Iberian pork, grilled squid, and seasonal vegetables – but every dish lands with precision. Ingredients are top quality, presentation is sharp, and the wine list is just as strong. You can eat at the bar for a lively, fast-paced vibe or tuck into a table for a more formal meal.

For anyone hunting down the best tapas bars in Barcelona, Bar Cañete hits all the right notes. And if you’re working out the best things to do in Spain, this kind of meal – loud, fresh, and unapologetically local – should be high on the list.

13. Bar Velodromo

• Carrer de Muntaner, 213, L'Eixample

Bar El Velódromo blends history, elegance, and a solid menu rooted in Catalan tradition. Restored by the Moritz brewery, this art deco landmark has kept its original charm – polished wood, high ceilings, and a layout that feels more like a European café than a typical tapas joint.

The menu covers familiar ground but with an upscale touch: Iberian pork, grilled vegetables, croquettes, and market-fresh seafood. Everything is made with top-quality ingredients and plated with just enough finesse. You can keep it simple with a few shared dishes or stretch out over a full meal.

Naturally, the house beer – brewed at nearby Fàbrica Moritz Barcelona – flows freely, and the staff are more than happy to help you pair it with your food. It’s a relaxed, grown-up place to eat well, drink well, and soak up a bit of Barcelona’s slower, classic side.

14. Quimet & Quimet

• Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25, Sants-Montjuïc

Quimet & Quimet is a standing-room-only shrine to conservas (tinned seafood), stacked montaditos, and bold flavor combinations that punch way above their weight. This tiny bar in Poble Sec has been family-run for over a century and regularly lands on lists of the best places to eat in Barcelona – and for good reason.

There’s no kitchen. Instead, ingredients are layered cold and finished with house-made sauces, pickles, or roe. Try the smoked salmon with yogurt and truffled honey, or tuna belly with red pepper and olive tapenade. There’s also a strong wine and vermouth selection, including bottles from their own cellar.

It gets crowded – fast. You’ll be eating elbow-to-elbow with strangers, likely while balancing a glass of cava on a ledge. But it’s worth the squeeze. Few places in the city deliver such complex flavors with such minimal fuss.

15. Tapeo

• Carrer de Montcada, 29, Ciutat Vella

Tucked into a narrow street in El Born, just steps from the Museu Picasso, Tapeo is one of those rare spots that pulls off elevated tapas without losing authenticity. It’s modern, polished, and comfortably busy – not chaotic, not too precious.

The kitchen turns out beautifully executed versions of the classics: crispy bomba with spicy sauce, grilled artichokes with jamón, and slow-cooked short rib on parmentier. Portions are generous, the plating is clean, and the flavors are big. Prices are a bit higher than your average corner bar, but the quality holds up.

Tapeo is especially good if you want to avoid the tourist traps while still being in the thick of it. You can book a table or sit at the bar, and service tends to be warm and efficient even when it’s packed. A smart stop for anyone after seriously good tapas in a calm but central setting.