Where to go for the best tapas in Barcelona

Summer is coming up which means your annual influx of visitors is about to begin – or at the very least, aquaintances holidaying in Barcelona and looking for restaurant recommendations. If you’re struggling for inspiration when it comes to dinner destinations, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up our favourite tapas restaurants in Barcelona to suit every budget!

El Tomás de Sarrià

This small bar in Sarrià is well away from the usual tourist hotspots. It’s famed for its patatas bravas, reputedly the best in Barcelona which is quite a claim to fame! The rest of the menu is typical bar tapas, and it’s always full of locals.

15€p/p

Carrer Major de Sarrià, 49

Roots and Rolls

Roots and rolls is a newcomer on the Barcelona tapas scene and has become extremely popular in a short space of time. It is a 100% vegan restaurant that does sushi and other asian-type cuisine, all served in tapas style. It sounds a little weird and it is, but the food here is delicious and absolutely worth trying. For any vegan sceptics who think this type of food is unsatisfying, think again!

20€ p/p

Consell de Cent 401

O’toxo Tres Hermanos

Serving tapas Galician-style, this restaurant has a traditional feel with exposed brick walls and legs of jamón being carved on the bar. The tapas menu features all the greatest hits in generous portions and at a good price, and there are a couple of set tapas menus that are good value for money. The waiters are charming and service is fast, and the small restaurant is usually busy which makes for a good atmosphere.

20€ p/p

Carrer del Carme

Bar Resolis

It is off the beaten track, but Bar Resolis is worth seeking out for its tapas menu and its shabby chic interior. Make sure you order the entraña tapas – it’s the standout dish on the menu. It’s a good idea to make a reservation if you’re planning to go on a weekend night as it really fills up quickly from 9pm. A good place for groups of friends, the kitchen closes at midnight but the bar is open until 2.30am.

20€p/p

Carrer de la Riera Baixa, 22

Nou Candanchu

This tapas joint has an enviable location on Plaça de la Vila de Gracia, the central square of Gracia, a neighbourhood just outside the centre which has retained a village feel, despite how central it is. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and the terrace of Nou Candanchu is the perfect spot to watch the world going by. The service can be a little slow but the food is worth the wait!

25€ p/p

Plaça de la Vila de Gracia 9

El Sortidor

First opening its doors in 1908, El Sortidor is a fine example of Modernista architecture which features so heavily in Barcelona’s cityscape. Its stained glass doors, old Catalan fridges and marble topped tables make for a lovely dining space, and the service is great. The menu features lots of traditional tapas but there are some surprises in there too! If you’re getting dessert go for the chocolate mousse – you won’t be sorry!

25€p/p

Plaça del Sortidor, 5

Pa i Trago

This family-run restaurant in Sant Antoni has been serving up the same classic Catalan dishes since 1965 – a great choice for tapas traditionalists and anyone interested in Catalan cuisine. Make sure you order a portion of the cannelloni!

25€ p/p

Carrer de Parlament 41

Chicha Limoná

Located on Passeig de Sant Joan de Borbo, Chichi Limoná serves up the most delicious cocktails as well as an inventive tapas menu. The lamb and the mussels in particular are must-orders. It’s a great option for a night out, as they are open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, meaning you can have a sobremesa that goes on until the wee hours!

35€ p/p

Passeig de Sant Joan 8