12 Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter You Must Try

Are you on the hunt for the best tapas spots in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter? Look no further!

As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve had lots of time to explore the narrow streets of this historic area and discover some incredible tapas restaurants. 

In this post, I’m sharing my top picks for the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, along with insider tips to help you make the most of your tapas experience. 

Whether you’re looking for an old school institution to enjoy traditional favorites or feel like trying something new, this guide has got you covered. 

Ready to find out where to eat the best tapas in the heart of Barcelona? Let’s get started!

Eating tapas is one of the top things to do in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona and really shouldn’t be missed when visiting! 

Here are my top recommendations for the best tapas restaurants in (or near) the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona:

1. Tapeo

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Online Here

Starting at the top of the list of best restaurants for tapas in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter has to be Tapeo–my personal favorite!  It’s located just adjacent to the Gothic Quarter near the Picasso Museum. 

While the space is pretty tight inside, it has a very nice ambiance and you’ll get to see the chefs preparing the dishes from the open kitchen right at the end of the bar.

And what I love about Tapeo is that along with serving classic Spanish cuisine and Catalan dishes, a lot of their tapas have a modern twist.  

The standout dish is definitely the Iberian pork ribs with honey and mustard, which are so tender and flavorful that they are literally falling off the bone!

Some of my other favorites are the Iberian ham croquettes, patatas bravas, and the tempura asparagus with romesco sauce.  They also serve grilled octopus, truffled eggs, Iber-burgers, and more. 

And of course, you simply must order a pitcher of wine or cava sangria to pair with your meal! Since seating is very limited, you’ll definitely want to make a reservation or go early to get a spot.

2. Bar Cañete

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Online Here

Bar Cañete is another one of my top favorites and one of the most popular tapas restaurants in Barcelona.

Reservations are a must, and you’ll probably need to book several weeks in advance. When I arrived for a lunch reservation right at opening, there was already a line outside!

The atmosphere is fun with a lively bar in the front and more seating in the back, and the staff are very welcoming and friendly.

Some of the standout dishes I’ve tried include the croquetas, seafood salad, spicy potato bomba, duck cannelloni, and oxtail with mashed potatoes.

But the one that impressed me most was the squid sandwich with garlic butter. It was definitely one of the best bites I’ve had in Barcelona!

3. El Xampanyet

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Not Accepted 

If you’re looking for a classic Catalan tapas experience where you can try some of the most famous foods in Barcelona, El Xampanyet is a must-visit.

Located right across the street from Tapeo, this popular spot is known for its lively atmosphere and friendly, family-run vibe. 

Although it’s often packed, the wait is totally worth it. I would recommend getting there before they open at 7PM or be prepared to wait a bit.

One of the most popular dishes here is the pulpo (octopus), which is perfectly tender and flavorful, as well as the botifarra (sausage), tortilla with chorizo, and razor clams.

The house-made cava (Spain’s version of champagne) flows freely here, so make sure to pair your meal with a glass (or two!). 

And what really makes El Xampanyet special, aside from the delicious food, is the lively energy and excellent service. It’s the kind of place where you’ll quickly feel like a regular.

4. Bar del Pla

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Call +34 932 68 30 03

Bar del Pla is a no-frills spot tucked away in El Born and perfect for those who want to share small plates with friends while trying a mix of traditional and experimental tapas. 

It has a great atmosphere with a very local feel, and the staff are always friendly and full of energy, which makes the experience feel a lot more authentic.

One thing I love about Bar del Pla is their use of natural wines, which pair really well with their dishes. They actually have shirts that say “F**k Sangria, Drink Natural Wine”, so I wouldn’t recommend trying to order a sangria here! 

Some of my favorite tapas on the menu include the croquetas, zucchini flower, and the roasted meat cannelloni. And the pan con tomate (tomato bread) is probably the best I’ve had in Barcelona! 

It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, sampling as many plates as you can. Seating can be limited, so I’d recommend making a reservation if you want to avoid waiting.

5. La Plata

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Not Accepted

Bar La Plata is a true classic in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, and it’s one of those traditional tapas spots where simplicity reigns supreme. 

The menu is super basic, with just a handful of traditional dishes that haven’t changed since it opened in 1945. But each one is packed with flavor and has that traditional Catalan touch. 

Some of the standout dishes are the fried anchovies, pan con tomate, botifarra sausage, and fresh tomato salad. They are so simple yet so delicious! 

The local vibe here is unbeatable, and it’s been a favorite of locals and celebrities, including Anthony Bourdain, Bono, and Jamie Oliver. 

If you’re craving affordable tapas and house wine in an authentic, no-frills setting, this is the spot. Be sure to grab a seat early, as this tiny bar only has a few tables and fills up quickly!

6. Bodega Biarritz 1881

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Not Accepted

Bodega Biarritz 1881 is one of the best tapas bars in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter that delivers a truly unique dining experience. 

The concept is simple but fun. You’ll get a surprise menu based on your preferences, with options for meat, fish, and veggie tapas.

The prices are also pretty reasonable, around €40-€50 for two people, which includes a generous selection of signature dishes and local delicacies. 

While there’s often a long line outside, the wait is worth it, as you’re treated to really good food and a lively atmosphere once inside. Make sure to arrive early or be prepared to wait a bit! 

7. Bodega La Palma

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Call or WhatsApp +34 933 15 06 56

Bodega La Palma is a classic spot in the Gothic Quarter with an old school vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

You’ll notice the large barrels at the entrance and the rustic details throughout the two-level space.

I sampled the cannelloni, patatas bravas, and croquetas, including one made with peas and mint that was better than it sounds!

The wine list is full of affordable local options, which makes it a great place to try something from the region without spending much.

Be sure to end your meal with crema catalana, a famous Catalan dessert that’s the perfect sweet finish.

8. Eldiset

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Call +34 932 68 19 87

Eldiset is a really nice wine bar and tapas spot tucked away in the Gothic Quarter, perfect for a casual night out in Barcelona.  It’s more upscale with a modern setting and a sleek timber-lined bar.

One of the things that stands out at Eldiset is their selection of cava and wines, but they also have several innovative tapas on the menu. 

The fried camembert (cheese) is really popular, as well as their croquettes.

The atmosphere is laid-back and not too loud, which makes it easier to still have a conversation while enjoying great food and drinks. 

It can get busy on weekends, so I’d suggest calling to make a reservation or arriving early to grab a seat.

9. Casa Lolea

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Online Here

Casa Lolea is a really charming tapas spot in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter that’s famous for its signature sangria bottles and red polka-dot decor. 

I went there before a flamenco show at Palau de la Musica Catalana and really loved the quaint and homey atmosphere.

The tapas are not only delicious but also unique, with small dishes that feel creative with fresh ingredients. I tried the tortilla española, octopus, and patatas bravas–which were all very tasty!

But probably the best thing is their variety of sangria options, which range from classic red to other refreshing flavors, and they’re not too sweet like you might find elsewhere. 

It’s a great place to relax, share plates, and enjoy the atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend booking in advance to fully enjoy your time without feeling rushed, as this place can fill up quickly!

10. L’Alcoba Azul

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Not Accepted

La Alcoba Azul is a bit of a hidden gem in the Gothic Quarter, perfect for a relaxed evening of delicious tapas and drinks. 

The warm, rustic decor with stone walls sets the mood for a laid-back dining experience, and while the space is small, it’s filled with charm. 

The tapas menu offers some standout dishes like cod carpaccio, lamb tostada, and stuffed peppers, all packed with flavor.

And you can tell they really put a lot of attention to detail in both the food and the cocktails. 

While it gets busy (especially on weekends), the wait is totally worth it, and they even have jazz music to keep you entertained.

11. Cal Pep

📍Location: Google Maps
📅 Reservations: Online Here (Only for 5+ people)

Cal Pep is one of the most famous tapas bars in Barcelona, and it’s the kind of place where the experience is as memorable as the food. 

There’s no menu so your server brings out dish after dish, each one a surprise based on your preferences. 

They’re known for their fresh seafood tapas, with the fried calamari and clams being some of their most popular dishes. 

What sets Cal Pep apart is the interactive atmosphere with counter service, where you share plates, chat with fellow diners, and savor every bite. 

The energy at the bar is really lively, but be prepared for a wait, especially if you arrive after opening time. It’s not the cheapest place to eat, but for a special meal, it’s well worth the splurge. 

12. Bar Celta Pulperia

📍Location: Gothic Quarter and El Born
📅 Reservations: Not Accepted

If you’re craving authentic Galician-style tapas, Bar Celta Pulperia is a great choice. 

There are 2 locations (one in the Gothic Quarter and one in El Born) and the focus is on amazing food rather than fancy decor.

What Bar Celta is known for is the seafood, especially the Galician octopus (pulpo) and razor clams, which are cooked to perfection. 

The menu is simple but packed with flavor, offering everything from hearty sausage dishes to traditional patatas bravas. 

The prices are pretty reasonable for seafood, and they have a good selection of wine and beer to pair perfectly with the tapas.