
The Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona
Barcelona is a foodie heaven! From the tapas restaurants, cute coffee shops, and array of markets, everyone is bound to find something that they will enjoy. I also already have a full Barcelona guide here where I touch on some of my favorite restaurants, but this article will go into more depth on my favorite places for traditional and unique Spanish tapas!
Tapas Bar Recommendations in Barcelona
Barcelona is full of tapas spots, and with so many to choose from, it can definitely feel overwhelming. I touched on my favorite tapas bars in by Barcelona Guide, but I’ll go a little more into depth here! During my time there, I tried everything from casual, budget-friendly places to a few that were a bit more upscale. Over the summer, I worked on perfecting my go-to tapas order, and I think I’ve finally nailed it. My must-haves are pan con tomate, patatas bravas, croquettes, pimientos de padrón, and of course, jamón ibérico. I also highly recommend trying at least one new dish every time you go—each restaurant puts its own unique spin on the classics, and you never know what you’ll discover!
The best Tapas Bars in Barcelona
Here's your go-to guide for the best tapas in Barcelona, organized by vibe and occasion, with my personal recs, go-to orders, and know before you go tips. Bookmark this for your next foodie night in the city!
🍷 Best for a Fun Night Out or Date Night
📍 Near the Gothic Quarter
This is my top tapas restaurant in the city. It has amazing food (order the chicken wings!) and a fun ambiance. It’s not too expensive but has a slightly nicer vibe if you want a night out. I’ve gone for date nights, as well as with friends and family — it always impresses.
2. Bastaix
📍 El Born
This tapas bar is always a go-to for me and my boyfriend. Located in the heart of El Born, Bastaix has the best food, service, and ambiance. The indoor area is super cozy and they have a nice terrace when the weather’s good. I recommend the Choricito flambéed with rum (it comes out on fire!) and the do-it-yourself Pan con Tomate.
3. Santagustina
📍 Ciutat Vella, tucked into a quiet plaza
My boyfriend and I stumbled on this spot when we were looking for a cute date place and it was such a good find. The sangria was amazing, the jamon croquettes were some of the best I’ve had, and the upscale ambiance made it feel like a special night. It's a little more expensive but totally worth it for a nice date or upscale night out.
🧺 Best for Laid-Back Local Vibes
4. La Bodegueta
📍 Eixample
This one is great for classic and well-prepared tapas. It’s a casual joint with a cozy indoor space, perfect for a casual, authentic Barcelona dining experience. Their menu is inexpensive and full of all the classics that make for the perfect casual stop.
5. Tantarantana
📍 El Born
Tantarantana is a well-known tapas bar in Barcelona and for good reason. It’s warm and cozy inside, with a cute terrace and a tiny upstairs dining area. I love the eggs with potatoes and jamon iberico, and their chicken croquettes are amazing. You should note it’s popular, so you might need a reservation and to plan ahead!
🌊 Best for a Midday Break or a Quick Bite
6. Perikete
📍 By the marina, near El Born/Gothic
This place is right next to the water and has a really fun, authentic vibe; there are jamon legs hanging from the ceiling! It’s perfect for a quick bite while walking by the marina. They have a solid selection of traditional and unique tapas and both indoor and outdoor seating.
7. Bar Del Pla
📍 El Born
We stopped in here midday for a snack and had great patatas bravas. The place has a charming and intimate interior. I had heard great things about it beforehand, and it definitely lived up to the hype. It gets busy at night so I’d recommend a reservation.
Check out some photos and an interactive map of all these great locations bellow!
An Inside Look into Barcelona’s Best Tapas Bars
Plan Out Your Barcelona Tapas Stops
Want to see all these places in one spot? I made a custom Google Map for your own self-guided tapas tour