There are so many authentic tapas bars in Barcelona! From charming old bodegas and cafés to stylish and modern top-class restaurants and tapas bars, the choice truly is endless!

However, with so many great places to choose from it can be overwhelming! Which is why we have compiled this great list of some of our favorite places to experience traditional, and above all, authentic tapas in Barcelona.

Cova Fumada

This tiny family-run bodega is frequented by those who work at or near the sea. You’ll find it located in the heart of the old fisherman’s neighborhood of Barceloneta. It has barely changed since opening its doors in 1944 by the Pla family. Believe it or not, the most well known Catalan tapa was created right here by local woman Maria Pla at the time of the Spanish Civil War. They still serve the famous Bomba Barcelona today, which is a spicy potato and ground meat croquette, rounded into a small ball. However, there are so many other delightful, hearty dishes to try here, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Address: Carrer del Baluart 56

El Xampanyet

Famous for its cava and vermouth, no list of authentic tapas bars in Barcelona would be complete without this famous place. Tourists and locals alike flock here daily to sample what’s on offer that day. Choose from the long list of tapas on their menu, or better yet, just ask any of the helpful staff behind the counter for their recommendations that day! Lined with colored tiles, barrels and antiques, it truly is a little slice of Barcelona history! Not to mention it’s been run by the same family since the 1930s. This is definitely one of the most authentic tapas bars in Barcelona!

Address: Carrer Montcada, 22

Bar La Plata

They keep things simple at legendary bar La Plata, which opened in 1945! They offer just four tasty tapas—cooked freshly and perfectly every evening since they opened all those years ago. Choose from vinegar-cured anchovies, fried anchovies, butifarra sausage and tomato salad. Wash them all down with wine served in tiny glasses, straight from the barrel. Wondering which wine to choose? It’s as easy as the menu as there are just three! A vino tinto, blanco or rosado! Cheap and tasty, this is one of our favorite authentic tapas bars in Barcelona. Tables can be hard to get, but the best spot is at the bar with Pepe, the manager himself!

Address: Carrer de la Mercé, 28

Tapeo

Want something a little more special and intimate? Look no further than Tapeo, nestled on the famous Carrer Montcada in the Born neighborhood. Here you’ll find very well-done classic tapas and Catalan cuisine with a touch of creativity. It’s not a tourist trap, but rather a top-class local spot where you can find some irresistible tapas!  Enjoy cannelloni stuffed with blood sausage and possibly some of the best calamari around. Not to mention, their prices are more than reasonable—especially when you consider the quality of their food! It’s only natural that this little place gets very busy, so if you want to avoid a long wait, make sure to reserve.

Address: Carrer de Montcada 29

Bar Del Pla

Another one of our favorite authentic tapas bars in Barcelona you’ll find a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Santa Caterina Mercat. Bar del Pla is truly a neighborhood favorite. Their menu is constantly changing with the season—which means incredibly fresh and seasonal tapas whenever you visit. Each and every item on their menu is cooked to perfection, and each as delicious as the next. From their famous tomato bread, pa amb tomaquet, to their perfectly spiced patatas bravas, you’ll want to come back every night for more.

Address: Carrer de Montcada, 2

Local’s Tip: Try their delicious mushroom salad, topped with thinly sliced Spanish cheese, strawberries and a wasabi dressing. Trust us, you will never taste anything quite like it!

La Boqueria Market

The Boqueria market is worth a visit all of its own, however, you will find more than just fruit and vegetable stalls! Bar Pinotxo and El Quim de La Boqueria sit among the half-dozen or so informal eateries within La Boqueria market. The owners of both have created something equally special in both, which is part of what makes them some of the most authentic tapas bars in Barcelona. Juanito and his cheerful crew will talk you through the options found at Pinotxo, which include both traditional and more creative tapas. The chickpeas are said to be the best in the city!

Meanwhile over at El Quim, watch Quim himself, along with his three sons, cook up a storm! Together they create some of the most sensational tapas found in the city. He’s known as the “defender of the eggs,” so it goes without saying that you should order some huevos rotos if you’re stopping by!

Address: La Rambla, 91

Finally, now that we have armed you with some of the best places to eat tapas in the city, there is only one other piece of crucial information you will need! And that is, of course, what to eat! Watch the video below to learn all about some of our favorite tapas dishes.