Introduction
Its our pleasure to guide you through the selected district of Barcelona characterized with gothic architecture, narrow streets and a rather lively atmosphere. A major bonus when learning more about this area, is the chance to come across many tapas bars. Here in this guide, you will be able to accompany us on a tapas culinary tour around the Gothic Quarter and discover the sorts of dishes and beverages.
1. What are Tapas?
For the uninitiated when it comes to tapas let me make something very clear first. Tapas are appetizers, consisting of a small serving of food that people take while they are having drinks to accompany their foods and drinks. Tapas are widely used in Spanish cuisine and culture and, surprisingly, Barcelona has excellent options among all sorts of tapas. Though there are so much of lip smacking flavors available here in the form of these small plates, you can experience all the varieties in one sitting as they come in combinations.
2. Exploring the Gothic Quarter
This neighborhood consists of winding alleyways containing delightful cornerstones the most excellent tapas bar in town. The best way to begin your quest is simply walking around the unique and rather gloomy alleys and watch active spots with colorful stews.
2.1 Bar del Pla
Bar del Pla is yet another tapas bar that is located in the middle of the Gothic district. With the wooden and warm decoration this is a great spot to start your tapas culinary tour. Try not to measure their mouth-watering patatas bravas, which are delicious fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce, the wide range of Spanish cheeses among which your can choose.
2.2 El Xampanyet
The second best pub on our list is El Xampanyet which is a traditional tapas bar with a boisterous atmosphere. Well, this place is famous for great variety of cold cuts and seafood meals and that’s why it is really popular among people in Murmansk and tourists. One must also perfectly order the bombas from the house which comprises soft mashed potatoes shaped into ball like structures and filled with meat and served with a kind of aulimo sauce.
2.3 La Plaça
La Plaça is an interesting restaurant located in a very unpretentious square. This is a new concept in tapas bars as they prepare them with a little twist while using fresh and locally available produce. Make yourself taste their delicious Iberian ham croquettes and their tasty roasted octopus dish.
3. Pairing Tapas with Drinks
Who doesn’t like a drink to accompany their tapas – or vice versa? Barcelona also gives a number of choices of complement with the meal.
3.1 Vermouth
When it comes to eating tapas, it is said that locals prefer Vermouth. This aromatic and herbal fortified wine is enjoyed on the rocks with a slice of an orange and an olive. It has a nice bitter note that blends perfectly well with richer forms of tapas cuisine.
3.2 Cava
Cava, a sparkling Spanish wine, often referred to as the champagne of Spain, is again a great wine for tapas. This type of wine brings class to the meal you are having. For instance, it’s clear and light for seafood tapas such as anchovies and prawns.
3.3 Craft Beer
If you like beer, Barcelona boasts more than fine craft beer. Most tapas bars provide a variety of local brewed beers; they can be light and citrus or bitter and hoppy. Due to this, one should ask the staff of the premises for recommendation based on the customer’s preferred taste.
4. Practical Recommendations on Having the Best Tapas in Gothic Quarter
Arrive early: Gothic Quarter tapas bars are rather popular, so to avoid having to wait you will have to arrive earlier than expected.
- Try a variety: Never hesitate to diversify the selection of tapas which one can order. Barcelona is famous for its great variety in flavors, so, therefore, it is great to try different kinds of food.
- Ask for recommendations: The personnel tending towards tapas bars are often jovial and best of all informed. Never be shy to ask for suggestions based on what you like or do not like about the property.
- Share with friends: Taps are socially consumed and therefore one should gather some friends and order several kinds of tapas.
- Embrace the culture: Tapas are in a unique way not only the food but also are an experience. Spend your time calmly and strolling, and of course enjoying the noisy spirit of the Gothic Quarter.
Conclusion
Tapas bars: The best places for tapas in Barcelona are indeed found withing the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. No matter if you are the fan of the local cuisine or just a traveler who wants to taste something traditional, this inspiring district offers a quite a number of tapas bars worth visiting. Its gives you the list of old and the new fashion of taste where you can find everything unique according to your taste. So gather some people, get prepared to put up your forks and spoons and let the flavors of Gothic guide you through the streets of tapa bars.
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