Catering is one of the strongest sides of Barcelona, and one taste that one must not lose is tapas. Cocktail food at its finest, these bite size treats offer a glimpse into the hearty and rich Spanish fare. In this guide, we will show you the most eligible tapas bar in Barcelona so you can taste the exquisite Barcelona flavor without leaving town.

1. La Boqueria Market: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Your tapas initiation should be in La Boqueria Market, arguably one of the oldest and most popular markets globally. Situated at Las Ramblas, this is a very active food market with literally tens of stalls to buy really fresh vegetables, fish, and seafood, not to mention delicious Spanish tapas.

Wander through the market and look carefully for some of the most proeminent tapas dishes such as Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes with Sangfroid sauce), Croquetas ( Creamy baked croquettes) and Jamón Ibérico (Spanish cured ham). It’s interesting to note that the taste sensation and smell are also diversified to make you want for more butter.

2. El Xampanyet: Old World Quaint Spanish Night Spot

If you do not want to miss an authentic Spanish tapas bar, then El Xampanyet is a must visit. It is situated in the Boqueria area, specifically in the newly developed artistic district of El Born) is always overcrowded with the clients.

Ask the waiter for a glass of Cava, their sparkling wine, then go through the extensive choice of tapas. They have a delicious Pimientos de Padrón (fried green peppers) and definitely their flambe and succulent Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp).

3. Quimet i Quimet: A Mecca for Gourmet Tapas

To eat what can be considered tapas among the best of Barcelona’s gourmet bars, you should go to Quimet i Quimet. Located in the Poble Sec district this is a quite a petite and cozy place but ever-popular both among the locals and gourmets.

What makes Quimet i Quimet stand out from the crowd is its truly impressive range of selected and sourced products. Canned seafood, delicious artisan cheeses or homemade jams in glasses – each tapa is a masterpiece. You should probably go for their Montaditos which includes a type of an ‘half-baked’ sandwich with a topping of exciting meals such as smoked salmon topped with yogurt sauce and a touch of truffle honey.

4. Tapas 24: Tapas and a New Angle on Spanish Cuisine

For those tired of the conventional tapas, there is Tapas 24 – a highly recommended new generation restaurant. Tape is an eatery of style and innovation owned by Carles Abellan, famous Spanish chef among locals and foreigners alike.

With such presentation, Tapas 24 is able to introduce something new and interesting into some of the most beloved meals . Don’t miss their unique Bikini Sandwich which is made of decadent Iberian Ham and melt cheese with Truffle or their innovation of Patatas Bravas.

5. Bodega 1900: A Taste of Tradition

Enjoy the authentic Catalonian food in a classic setting visiting Bodega 1900. This bodega, where the famous Spanish chef Albert Adrià is the owner, produces perfect wine and olives, as well as meat and fish dishes.

Savor their large variety of vermouths and try their tapas that consist of Escalivada (grilled vegetables), and of course, the Anchovy “Matrimonio.” You can tell that the blend of spices and ingredients used in this dish will take you straight to the region of Catalonia.

Conclusion

Tasting Spanish bar snacks and pintxos, You are missing Spanish cuisine’s claims to fame in Barcelona, You should sample Barcelona’s tapas offerings. From those small, Old World-style bodegas to today’s fashionable tapas bars, the options are nearly endless. Well, what are you waiting for – gather up your friends, order a couple of tapas, and let yourself be a part of full-flavored Barcelona tapas.

As you can see this list is gross and far from being exhaustive. The tapas is just the beginning, The city of Barcelona has so much more to offer and a part of the joy is finding own favorite tapas places. Savor the yummy meals and learn some of the cultural practices if you are up to going through this culinary tour.