By Susanna Borio
Overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant hub of innovation in the worlds of culture, fashion and especially cuisine.
One thing that you can always be sure about Barca is that you’ll have some of the best tapas in the world.
Whether you’re looking for a light bite with your afternoon drink, from a cava to a classic sangria, or a full-blown tapas tasting menu, the jambon, croquetas and pimientos de padron will be better than anything you’ve ever tasted.
But with every road full of tapas bars and restaurants, how do you know which ones are worth sampling?
Here is our selection of the top five places to go to to ensure you will have the best and widest array of options available in the city!
Bar del Pi
Founded in 1927, Bar del Pi has a long historical tradition as a meeting point for musicians, artists and students, which is well represented by the artworks depicting its characteristic decor on the walls.
Fun facts for the historically inclined: in the 19th century it functioned as a brothel and after the Unified Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSUC) was founded in 1936, it became a meeting point for several generations.
If you are seeking a traditional tapas bar while remaining at the centre of the Gothic quarter, this is the place for you!
Now for the food. From the patatas bravas and the tomato and burrata salad to the classic Spanish omelette, featuring eggs and an insane amount of potatoes while still somehow remaining moist. In short, everything on the menu will leave you questioning whether you should order just one more plate.
The highlight was most definitely the squid ink croquetas.
A little predictable, I know. Who doesn’t like balls of fried stuff?
However, out of all the croquetas I have tried, and trust me there have been enough for me to say this, I often find myself reminiscing about how wonderful these tasted. They truly haunt my dreams.
So take a seat outside, enjoy the view of the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi, and an incredible culinary experience!
Cal Pep
Known as one of Spain’s finest tapas restaurants since it’s opening in 1989, Cal Pep is an institution in the city. And for good reason.
While some people prefer to sit in the back room, there is something incredible about sitting at the bar and experiencing first hand the energy of a professional kitchen.
Chef Josep ‘Pep’ Manubens Figueres serves Mediterranean cuisine with their Spanish tortilla regularly cited as the best in Barcelona!
There is no written menu, so all you have to do is trust the staff and they will bring you one incredible plate after the other.
Starting off with a small amuse-bouche of sardines and red pepper on toast, tuna tartar with onion, to the calamari and fried artichokes, this is a fully fledged tasting menu experience you don’t want to miss.
The highlight of their menu for me came in the shape of a beautiful burnt basque cheesecake. If by the end of the meal you feel brave enough to give the dessert a go, which I always recommend you do, there’s nothing better for you to indulge in.
El Xampanyet
El Xampanyet has a long line of people waiting outside, 20 minutes before it opens. This is not only because of the small size of the venue, but also because it’s really one of those places where you WANT to get in. You gotta be in the know to know, you know?
Located just next to the Picasso Museum, this is one of the oldest bars in El Born district, having first opened in 1929, and it has been serving up its own champagne of the same name since.
The bar offers the typical selection of Jamon Bellota, olives, tuna ventresca over leeks vinaigrette and the must have anchovies. Seafood features include razor clams, baby clams, mussels and calamari con samfaina. However, don’t overlook classically Catalan dishes like the chickpeas with cured pork cheeks, baby squid with tiny beans cooked in squid ink or the traditional sausage (not chorizo) on pureed cauliflower. There are no wrong choices across their whole menu.
Typically the older bars in Barcelona were a place where one could spend time with friends over tapas and drinks, usually while standing at the counter, ready to make your move to the next place, and El Xampanyet definitely maintains this vibe. So pull up a stool and wash down some anchovies with a glass of some of the finest sparkling around!
Bar del Pla
This tapas bar specialises in natural wine and a mix of classic tapas and more creative dishes changing with the seasons. You will not find things that a local wouldn’t order, with the servers’ uniform including a t-shirt that explicitly states “f**k sangria, drink natural wine”. If that doesn’t tell you their feelings towards the over-focusing on attracting tourists, I’m not sure what will.
Notable dishes on the menu feature smoked sardine coca, carrillera (simmered beef), sea bass ceviche, mushroom cannelloni with truffle oil, squid ink croquettes, fried zucchini flowers and some exceptional patatas bravas, which I consider some of the best I’ve ever had.
However, the real star of the show is the mushroom carpaccio with wasabi vinaigrette and strawberries. This is not a dish I ever expected to enjoy as much as I did, but it left me truly surprised. Fresh, tasty yet, thanks to the wasabi, uniquely flavoured. A masterpiece.
Another focal point of El Born district, even though you may have to wait around 30 minutes to be seated it’s definitely worth the wait. Just go around the corner, grab a small beer and come back to enjoy some unexpected delicacies.
Bodega Solera
This natural wine bar will possibly be one of the highlights of your culinary journey across Barca. Apparently mainly frequented by locals (always a good sign), Bodega Solera offers a diverse selection of over 200 wines along with authentic Spanish tapas for a genuine taste of Andalusian style and charming decor.
Whether it’s cured meats, cheeses and tomato bread, or olives, gildas, Cantabrian anchovies, piparras and the essential Russian salad, every plate tastes exactly as it should: incredible.
The decor has a typical Spanish wine cellar look, with mirrors, old-timey “provocative” pictures and hams hanging from the ceiling, there is a certain allure to the whole place.
The Andalusian green colour features on the sign, the door and the staff t-shirts, adds to its charm, along with the small round tables, and no reservations motto. Also to note, in the back, the Flores Bar, a smaller bar within the bar dedicated to Lola Flores, with the walls covered with images of her cinematic successes, ‘La Faraona’ in particular.
The real strong suit is the bar’s diverse wine collection with over 650 wines, both natural and traditional available, along with the sherry, vermouth and unpasteurized beer. They accompany each plate perfectly, allowing you to reconnect with Andalusian traditions, while having a great time with quality tapas.
The Curve Magazine 