Barcelona is the heart of Catalonia and is famous for its hardly matched energy, architecture and food. When it comes to Spanish cuisine we should remember that tapas bars are a must to try for every gourmet. And if you are searching for an real bar, you must have to try the oldest tapas bar in Barcelona. Now let’s take a closer look at the origins of the place and its atmosphere, also, the appetizing tastes of tapas that will meet you.

Tapas is a Spanish culture that can devote to a history of bars, and the oldest bar is known as eating culture of discover in the history.

The first tapas bar in Barcelona is called Els Quatre Gats, which means ‘Four Cats” in Catalan. Originally built and run as a hotel from 1897, it is in the centre of the city. It was turned into an art center in the beginning of the twentieth century, and such free-thinking professionals as painters and writers worked there, including Pablo Picasso.

The Charm and Atmosphere

Els Quatre Gats still looks as if it has been lifted in the most part right from a page of the book or even better, directly transported from old Barcelona to the present day. The bar is still modernist in its design and still has stained glass windows, furniture from that time and art nouveau touches. This provides a stylish atmosphere which gives visitors an opportunity to feel and see Barcelona in the 1900’s.

The Picasso Connection

Els Quatre Gats is important in the history of art as a place where artists of the epoch met and Picasso among them. Namely, Picasso was exposed to the bar’s gallery which he used for his first ever solo art exhibit. The bar currently has replicas of some of Picasso art works to mark its history of housing art.

The Tapas Experience

Any trip to Els Quatre Gats must arguably be followed by savouring their scrumptious tapas. Spanish tapas are portioned for sharing and are timeless, especially some of the most popular ones known to date.

Must-Try Tapas

• Pan con tomate: It is indeed one of the simplest pleasures of life Although it is a basic component of the cuisine, This preparation is often done by rubbing ripe tomatoes on toast, followed by a liberal dousing of olive oil. That sums it up, that really defines Mediterranean food perfectly.
• Patatas Bravas: Twice cooked crispy potato wedges accompanied by spicy tomato chutney and garlic mayonnaise. These crunchy pieces are a traditional tapas food.
• Jamon Iberico: It is cured, thinly sliced ham made from cured acorn-fed pigs. Because of the fine grainy structure and the satisfying flavor it has, it can be considered as a very special confectionery.
• Gambas al Ajillo: Garlic and chili pepper fried shrimp. Seafood and aromatic spices are used in preparing this delicious dish and create a good blend when eaten.

Practical Information

If you’re planning a visit to Els Quatre Gats, here are a few practical details to keep in mind:

Location

Café Quatre Gats is located at Carrer de Montsió 3, 08002 Barcelona Spain.

Opening Hours

Day Opening Hours

Monday – Thursday 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Friday – Saturday 1:00 PM – 2:30 AM

Sunday Closed

Reservations

It is recommended to provide a reservation in advance as much as possible, particularly during the high demand for tourism; this way, the guarantee or assurance of bookings and unproblematic dining is provided.

Additional Tips

• Come early especially if it is your first time to be there to see the rich historical backgrounds you can get more time to explore.
• When in this kind of restaurant try ordering different types of tapas with a view to tasting different flavors and textures.
• For the best experience try the tapas with a glass of Spanish wine or some chilled sangria.
• Of course, you should not leave out asking the personnel that knows their products inside out for recommendations of their products.

Going to the oldest tapas bar in Barcelona is an insider’s tour into the art of food and drink, the history of Barcelona and Spain, and the first principles of being Catalan. We invite you to enjoy the best traditional cooking that you will be able to experience together with the atmosphere of the pre-fappismo Barcelona. Do not miss this institution on your travels and do taste the most delicious nibbles in the world – tapas.