A taste of tapas in Barcelona
25th March, 2019
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, Spain, is a charming seaside city steeped in culture and fabled architecture.
Her renowned culinary landscape attracts tens of millions of visitors every year. Many masters of Iberian gastronomy, including Albert Adrià and Carles Abellan, were born here. Both chefs have played leading roles in the long and celebrated tradition of Catalan cooking, where simple and tasty ingredients are transformed into remarkable delicacies and served in enchanting settings.
Sited between the sea and mountains, Barcelona is split into barrios perfectly spaced to explore on foot; the ideal scenario to savour the taste of Catalonia in traditional tapas restaurants, accompanied by a glass (or two!) of the city's drink of choice, Cava.
The Club's Concierge team shares some of the top tapas in town…
Boquerones at Bar Cañete
In the heart of the vibrant Raval neighbourhood, Bar Cañete's menu is homage
to the best of regional Spanish produce. It is often featured in
foodie guides and deservedly so; be sure to arrive with an empty
stomach and a full wallet!
Must-try tapa - Boquerones al vinagre de Jerez (mild white anchovies preserved in oil)
Address - Carrer de la Unió, 17, 08001
Berenjena at Tapeo del Born
In Barcelona's Born district, Tapeo del
Born neighbours the world-famous Picasso museum and sits on one
of the barrio's narrow, medieval streets. Their cuisine is
self-proclaimed as being 'a tribute to the frying pan, combining
traditional flavours with a desire to experiment and surprise'.
Must-try tapa - Berenjena con miel (honeyed aubergine)
Address - Calle Montcada, 29, 08003
Tortilla at Cal Pep
Loud, lively and full of foodies, Cal Pep is
arguably one of the worst-kept secrets in Barcelona…and serves up
the best tortilla in town.
Must-try tapa -Tortilla trampera (Spanish omelette with chorizo and aioli)
Address - Plaça de les Olles, 8, 08003
Huevos estrellados at Tapas 24
Elaborate and experimental tapas from Catalonian Carles Abellan, a Michelin-starred chef widely-acclaimed for revolutionising the tapas scene. Tapas 24 opened in 2007 following Abellan's first restaurant opening in Barcelona, Comerç 24, in 2001. Every day over 400 guests visit the tapería, testament to the tastiness of its menu.
Must-try tapa - Huevos estrellados (runny fried eggs, typically served with fried potato)
Address - Carrer de la Diputació, 269, 08007
Queso at Llamber
Modern market cuisine with Asturian roots, trendy Llamber opened in 2012 and sits directly
opposite the popular Mercat del Born. The dishes and experience are
to share, a fusion of Asturian and Catalan classics - and
cultures.
Must-try tapa - Tabla de quesos asturianos y
catalenes de pequeño productor (Asturian and Catalan cheeses from a
selection of small producers)
Address - Carrer de la Fusina 5, Born
Barcelona blends old with new, traditional with avant-garde. From the sea to city, Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia to Jean Nouvel's Agbar Tower, it holds a formidable balance…and its gastronomy is no exception.
¡Buen provecho!
