The “smallest” Spanish Specialty
When you say “Spain” lots of things might run through your mind: siesta, tourism, Ibiza, guitar, football and many more… Yet there’s another thing that contributes to the food culture of Spain, something small yet influential: the national Tapas! These appetisers you spread on bread don’t only make the Spanish full, but also create a social atmosphere from the end of the day at work till late hours when Spanish people begin to eat. How? Come and join me as I tell you what I think about the best tapas bars of Barcelona.
You need to understand Spanish food culture to appreciate Tapas
In contrast to many other European countries, the Spanish don’t have their dinners around 7-8 in Spanish culture. Your reservations might be around 9.10 even 11, because nightlife is quite active in Spain, especially in Barcelona. Closing their shops in the afternoon for siesta, Spanish people get rested during the day and feel awake in the evening. So, they prefer to eat dinner rather late. In the rhythm, the Spanish finish working by 6 and they popularised the tapas as an appetiser while drinking with their friends; so that they don’t have to wait long for food till dinner. In this day and age, Tapas is not only a simple food, it’s also a national food that helps young businessmen to socialise and interact with each other at food bars.
The Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona
With its endless traffic, dynamism and lively people, Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia Region, is the place where you can have the simply made, plain yet influential Spanish food with no doubt. Especially during summer days, it’s known as the city that does not sleep. Even 4 in the morning, the famous street La Rambla can be full of crowds. These are the best 4 Tapas bars in my opinion:
Ciudad Condal Tapas Bar
Ciudad Condal is one of the most popular Tapas bars in Barcelona. The reason is simple: They sell good quality tapas in the middle of the city centre for quite good prices. Also, their wines are quite good. I got around to taste some of these tapas. The ones I remember as the best are fried green peppers marinated in rock salt, soft calamari, sirloin tapas, jumbo shrimp shashlik, and grilled octopus in sauce. This place presents the best examples of tapas culture. The food is served fast and warm. If you ask a waiter “What’s best to try here?”, they recommend you the risk-free warm specials such as calamari, potatoes and tuna fish. I think you should not pay attention to this much and take a risk. Especially in a town like Barcelona, don’t forget that you will never be disappointed by sea food. I suggest that you make a reservation before going there to secure a place at this bar highly popular by tourists.
Address: Rambla de Catalunya, 18, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone:+34 933 18 19 97
Quimet i Quimet Tapas Bar
This small place outside the city centre of Barcelona, in between small streets, will enchant you with its huge wine cellar in the entrance. By decorating the place with wine bottles instead of any other décor, they created a different kind of ambiance. Bystanding here, you have the chance to taste some of the best tapas of Barcelona. Instead of classic tapas like octopus, calamari or beef tapas you eat with some bread, I encourage you to be more courageous and direct your attention to different tastes. Personally, the best tapas here are tapas with salmon and honey and yogurt, and another delicious tapas with caviar, shrimps and salted pepper. Focus your attention to the freshness of ingredients, especially the freshness and quality of seafood. Please push yourself to be more courageous to try new tastes. You’ll witness how these different tastes will lift up your mood! Check their hours before you set off. Don’t get caught up on siesta!
Address: Carrer del PoetaCabanyes, 25, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone:+34 934 42 31 42
Cal Pep Tapas Bar
The most important factor that differentiates this place from others is that, here at Cal Pep, seafood is served on your plate as a dish, whereas at many tapas bars, tapas food comes as an appetiser to eat on top of your bread. They are very successful with their different types of shellfish. There’s also a restaurant next to the bar for customers who don’t want to hang out at the bar. Grilled calamari has tails like the ones I’ve had at Michelin starred restaurants and tastes very soft. The taste of tartar made of tuna fish and their sausage made of duck liver still linger in my mouth. Compared to others, it will be a more expensive experience, but trust me it will worth it.
Address: Plaça de les Olles, 8, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone:+34 933 10 79 61
La CovaFumada Tapas Bar
As soon as you step inside, it’s one of those places you’ll ask yourself, “Is this the right place?”. No, it’s not the wrong place, and I’m not writing about the wrong place either. You’ve come to the right place ,and soon you’ll be tasting the best seafood in Barcelona. I’ve always believed in the power of these down at heel places. It always charms you somewhere you don’t expect. This place has a similar potential.La CovaFumada is a seafood heaven. They’ve been serving good quality grilled and fried seafood here for years. It enticed me both of the times I’ve been there. Their quality has been consistent. My favourites are sauced mussels, grilled octopus and marinated sardines. It’s really fun to share your table with local Spanish people. These most warm-hearted Europeans will welcome you with a smile on their face. You can raise up your Cava glasses and propose a toast in Spanish: “Salud!”.
Address: Carrer del Baluart, 56, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone:+34 932 21 40 61
