A Foodie’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona: Best Tapas Bars & Restaurants

Last Updated on February 3, 2026 by Cassandra Gambill | Published: November 1, 2013

Although our love for Madrid is profound and eternal, we also adore the capital’s big rival: Barcelona. It’s different, it’s modern, it’s got a beach, and it also serves up fab food. Eating in Barcelona means experiencing Catalonia’s “sea and mountain” cuisine: a fusion of fresh seafood and earthy ingredients from the region’s hilly hinterland. But enough talk. If you’re wondering where to eat in Barcelona, read on for a a list of (in our humble opinion) the best tapas bars and restaurants in Barcelona.

How do locals eat in Barcelona? Here’s our insider’s guide to eating like a local in Barcelona.

Cal Pep

You’re nobody until you’ve queued for a spot at Cal Pep (yes, either reserve a table, or get there early and be prepared to wait for a seat at the bar). Frequented by locals and tourists, this place has become a reference point for Barcelona’s tapas scene, serving up delicious monkfish, baby squid with chickpeas and whatever tasty morsel caught the chef’s eye at the market that morning.

Quimet i Quimet

Tiny, always-packed and family-run, Quimet i Quimet keeps things oh-so-simple. Behind the bar Señor Quim creates an avalanche of delicious cold tapas – some of the city’s best – with ingredients pulled directly from cans. In Spain, canning is considered an excellent way to conserve certain products, especially seafood. A couple of mouthfuls here will make you a canning convert.

La Paradeta

Is this one of the best restaurants in Barcelona? Or is it a fishmongers? Aha! It’s both. At La Paradeta you browse mountains of fresh fish and seafood on ice, take your pick, then it’s passed to the kitchen for cooking. Yep, it’s that fresh. Add a bottle of chilled white wine, and you’re in seafood seventh heaven.

Casa Delfín

Relax on the buzzing terrace of Casa Delfín sipping cava (Spain’s answer to champagne, with most of the stuff coming from Catalonia) and grazing on market-fresh, deliciously rustic dishes that wonderfully capture Catalonian cuisine.

Want to learn more about cava before you check out Casa Delfín? Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about cava.

Vaso de Oro

Eating in Barcelona (and Spain) is all about informality. Elbow your way to the bar at Vaso de Oro, grab a drink, and just start ordering. And this down-by-the-beach grill joint is a testament to that approach. It’s narrow, it’s bustling, it’s loud. And you can’t leave without trying their grilled steak.

La Cova Fumada

Feel like going local? This neighbourhood tapas bar opened in 1944, and hasn’t (thankfully) changed much since. La Cova Fumada is famous for their bombas (literally “bombs”, spicy potato and chorizo balls that explode in your mouth) and morcilla amb citrons (blood sausage and chickpeas).

La Plata

Another rustic tasca with zero pretensions is La Plata. This place is famous for its tomato & onion salad, fried anchovies and its botifarra (a Catalonia pork sausage) served on bread.

Tapeo

Now for something a little more modern: Tapeo. Chef Daniel Rueda gives traditional dishes a 21st-century tweak at this casual, yet classy, tapas bar. It’s all good, but special mention goes to the beef cheek and the grilled squid.

La Pubilla

This small restaurant near the Mercado de la Llibertat in Gràcia is one of our favorites. La Pubilla is market-fresh cuisine done right and the menu changes often. Reservations are highly recommended, as the place is small and the locals are in the know!

Try their famous “desayuno con tenedor” (farmers’ breakfasts) or for their lunch offerings. La Pubilla closes at 5pm and doesn’t reopen for dinner.

Taste the Best Tapas in Barcelona on Tour

Our Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour is the way to taste—and truly understand—Barcelona’s tapas culture. You’ll wind through the Gothic Quarter’s tangled alleyways, stepping into century-old taverns that make this city so unforgettable. Along the way, taste 10+ iconic tapas, sip vermouth, cava, and regional wines, and uncover the stories that shaped Barcelona itself.

Featured Review: Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The information, the food and wine, and especially our guide Feliciano were outstanding and exceptional. They were able to accommodate us all, food allergies and walking needs.”
– Alice on Viator

Best Tapas Bars & Restaurants in Barcelona FAQs

What makes tapas culture in Barcelona unique?

Barcelona’s tapas culture blends Catalan tradition with innovative culinary flair. You’ll find both classic small plates, like patatas bravas and pà amb tomàquet, and creative interpretations that reflect the city’s vibrant food scene.

Do I need reservations for top tapas bars in Barcelona?

For popular or highly rated tapas bars and restaurants, it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially on weekends. While some casual spots welcome walk-ins, reservations help secure a table and avoid long waits during peak dining hours.

What should I order when trying tapas in Barcelona?

Start with classic staples like patatas bravas, croquetas, bomba (meat-filled potato croquette), and escalivada (roasted vegetables), then explore local favorites like pimientos de padrón, grilled seafood, or house-special pintxos paired with a glass of Spanish wine like Rioja or Cava.

Is tapas eating in Barcelona casual or formal?

Tapas eating in Barcelona ranges from casual bar hopping at counter service spots to refined, sit-down restaurants. Many locals enjoy a relaxed flow of small plates and drinks, moving from bar to bar to do a “tapas crawl”.

Can I find vegetarian or gluten-free options at tapas bars?

Yes, many tapas bars in Barcelona offer vegetarian and gluten-free choices, including grilled vegetables, pimientos (sometimes spicy green peppers), olives, and gluten-free versions of traditional dishes. Always check with staff about ingredients to ensure your dietary needs are accommodated.