6 Best Authentic Tapas Bars in Barcelona

Last Updated on October 21, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: December 5, 2017

From charming old bodegas and cafés to stylish, modern restaurants, the choices for enjoying tapas in Barcelona are endless. With so many options, it can be overwhelming, which is why we have compiled this list of the 6 best authentic tapas bars in Barcelona to make choosing one easy!

Cova Fumada

Cova Fumada is a tiny family-run bodega that’s 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, and it has barely changed since opening its doors in 1944 by the Pla family.

What to Order: Believe it or not, the most well known Catalan tapa was created 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

No list of authentic tapas bars in Barcelona would be complete without this famous place, El Xampanyet. Tourists and locals alike flock here daily to sample what’s on offer that day.

Lined with colored tiles, barrels and antiques, it truly is a little slice of Barcelona history–especially since it’s been run by the same family since the 1930s. This is definitely one of the most authentic tapas bars in Barcelona!

What to Order: El Xampanyet is famous for its cava and vermouth. 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!

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. Cheap and tasty, this is one of our favorite authentic tapas bars in Barcelona.

What to Order: 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 has only three: vino tinto, blanco or rosado!

Insider’s Tip: 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! Not to mention, their prices are more than reasonable—especially when you consider the quality of their food!

What to Order: Enjoy cannelloni stuffed with blood sausage and possibly some of the best calamari around.

Insider Tip: It’s only natural that this little place gets very busy, so if you want to avoid a long wait, make sure to make a reservation.

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.

What to Order: From their famous tomato bread, pa amb tomaquet, to their perfectly spiced patatas bravas, you’ll want to come back every night for more. 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. You’ll love discussing the menu at Bar Pinotxo with Juanito, and 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.

What to Order: At Bar Pintotxo, try the chickpeas made Juanito and his cheerful crew; they’re said to be the best in the city! At El Quim, try some huevos rotos since Quim is known as the “defender of the eggs”.

Address: La Rambla, 91

Now that you know some of the best places to eat tapas in the city, you just need to know what to eat! Learn how much to budget for food each day in Barcelona, and watch the video below to learn all about some of our favorite tapas.

Experience Barcelona’s Tapas for Yourself

Want to experience the wonderful tapas of Barcelona on a guided tour? Take all the guesswork out of choosing the right tapas bar or looking over the menu and join us on our next Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour!

This isn’t just another tapas tour. It’s a crash course in Catalan culture and history—shared in beloved local bars, tucked-away plazas, and over some of the best food and wine in town. Our expert guide will help you experience it all like a local!

Featured Review: Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Our tapas tour with Ariana was absolutely fantastic. She was the best guide imaginable — incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and a true storyteller…The tour itself was amazing — we visited a great variety of locations, each with its own character and deep connection to the history of traditional tapas. It was the perfect mix of food, culture, and storytelling. We can’t recommend Ariana and this tour enough!”
– Tylar on Viator

Tapas in Barcelona FAQs

Where is the best place to get tapas in Barcelona?
Some of the best places to enjoy tapas in Barcelona are found in the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods: El Born, Gràcia, and Poble-sec. These areas are packed with local bars serving everything from traditional Catalan bites to creative modern small plates. For a truly authentic experience, skip the tourist traps along La Rambla and head to local favorites like El Xampanyet, Bar La Plata, or Tapeo in El Born.

What is a must eat in Barcelona?
When it comes to must-eats, you can’t miss pa amb tomàquet (toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil), bombas (crispy potato croquettes filled with meat), patatas bravas, and fresh seafood dishes like grilled prawns or octopus. For dessert, finish with crema catalana, the local version of crème brûlée. These dishes capture the heart of Catalan cooking, with simple, fresh flavors.

How do locals enjoy tapas in Barcelona?
Locals typically enjoy tapas as a social experience, moving from bar to bar and sharing a few small plates with each drink. They often start with a vermouth or cava, order a few signature dishes, and linger over conversation. The key is to go slow, savor the food, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm that defines Barcelona’s dining culture.

Is it customary to tip at tapas bars in Barcelona?
Tipping in Barcelona isn’t mandatory, but it’s always appreciated. Locals usually leave 5–10%, or simply round up the bill for good service. At casual tapas bars, leaving a few coins on the table is perfectly acceptable, while at nicer restaurants, a slightly larger tip is a thoughtful gesture.