From patates braves to ham and cheese croquettes, Barcelona has many different types of tapas to satisfy your cravings after a long day exploring Gaudi's architecture on Passeig de Gràcia or popping in and out of shops on La Rambla. As a city known for its extensive cuisine, the options of these delicious appetizers to share can be overwhelming. With the expertise of our own local food guides from La Gourmeteria by El Nacional here's our gastronomical guide to the most authentic tapas. Learn the background of these historical establishments, as well as the most popular dishes they are recognized for today. We've chosen our 6 best tapas in Barcelona for a flavourful and genuine experience that will keep you ordering more!
1. Calçot croquettes - Quimet d'Horta
Originally known as 'the parrot bar,' Quimet d'Horta (Plaça Eivissa, 10) has an interesting history dating back to 1927 when a parrot named Juanito attracted customers to the bar in Horta to hear him sing. Although this bar was founded many years ago, it has retained some of the same features like being the neighbourhood destination for homemade coffee. Aside from coffee, Quimet d'Horta is known for having over 80 different types of sandwiches and a wide variety of tapas. The calçot croquettes are a must-try due to their specialty in Catalonia. Calçots are a milder version of what others call green onions or spring onions, and are found in many tapas and dishes in Catalonia. Quimet d'Horta combines the subtle onion flavour of the croquette with an orange sauce that complements the calçot with a bolder taste for a satisfying tapa experience.
2. Sausage and mushroom - Bar Brusi
For a truly authentic experience, nothing can beat Bar Brusi (Carrer Llibreteria, 23). Located just down the street from the Barcelona Cathedral, this quaint restaurant used to be a clothing store and is now a Spanish food sensation. An older woman, Montserrat, is the face behind all of the delicious cooking, and customers get a front-row seat while she prepares the food in the dining area. Some of the well-loved dishes include tripe, potato and zucchini omelets and a sausage and mushroom plate. While these might not be the traditional tapas, the food contains the feeling of a home-cooked meal that does not disappoint. Bar Brusi also serves classic tapas like pa amb tomaquet (bread with tomato) and truita, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
3. Seafood tapas - La Cova Fumada
A family-owned restaurant started in 1944, La Cova Fumada (Carrer Baluard, 56) not only offers some of the best tapas in Barcelona but also has a lot of rich history. This Barceloneta restaurant and its recipes have been passed down over three generations, with some adjustments to the menu over time. But one thing that will never change is the family's secret recipe for la bomba - literally, "the bomb". This tapa is special to La Cova Fumada because María, the grandmother of the current owners, invented it. Due to the seaside location of La Cova Fumada, there are also many excellent seafood tapas such as calamar, octopus and cod fish. There are options for every taste bud!
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4. Medlar with anchovies - Quimet & Quimet
As you walk through the iconic red doors of this family business, you will find Quimet & Quimet (Carrer Poeta Cabanyes, 25) one small room where people come to gather and converse, surrounded by walls lined with every bottle of wine you might desire. This place is very special because it is standing room only, making it very lively and easy to make friends with the locals who frequent the bar. All of the food is served cold at the bar, adding to the novelty of the establishment. One of their most popular dishes is salmon with yogurt and truffle honey, creating a mixture of savoury and sweet. For those who are adventurous to try something new, the medlar with anchovies dish features a blend of the sea with fruit, cheese and olive tapenade. Quimet & Quimet's unique tapa combinations will create a flavourful experience like no other.
5. Classic patates braves - La Esquinica
If you are a fan of the classic patates braves, you have found the right place. The potatoes here are so fresh, combining beautifully with the creamy allioli sauce for a little bit of spice. Although La Esquinica (Passeig de Fabra i Puig, 296) is famous for its patates braves, it also has a wide variety of over 50 tapas giving it the name "the Mecca of tapas". Beginning in 1972, La Esquinica was not always so popular. Initially, it was just a small restaurant with six staff members on the corner of Carrer Montsant and Carrer Cadí, giving it the name “La Esquinica.” The bar has since relocated and grown to include a terrace now so customers can enjoy their tapas in the fresh air. What more could you need than patatas bravas on a sunny day?
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6. Squid curls - Bar Jai-Ca
Calling all seafood lovers! Bar Jai-Ca (Ginebra, 13) delivers its fish right from the boat to the kitchen, creating the freshest dining experience. This Barceloneta bar has been a family business since 1955, maintaining its authenticity by using the original wooden bar and tile decor with a modern ambience. Bar Jai-Ca strives to create unique plates using its array of seafood, such as the squid curls with a fried egg, a fan favourite. Another popular dish is the cooked Galician-style octopus, flavoured with paprika and seasoned oil. For those who are less seafood inclined, they also serve their special Jai-Ca potatoes, ham croquettes, spicy sausage and more. Their attention to delivering a high-quality dining experience has earned them the title of some of the best tapas in Barcelona.
