The best tapas bars around Rambla Catalunya in Barcelona

Tapas is basically every foodie’s dream: lots of small portions of delicious things to eat. We’ve tested several of the best-known bars on and around the Rambla Catalunya, a pretty, bustling tree-lined street in central Barcelona. It wasn’t easy, but we were prepared to make the sacrifice for you…

Best tapas bars: La Cervecería Catalana, the most famous one

One of the stars of the Barcelona tapas scene, La Cervecería Catalana hardly needs any introduction – but if you want to find out more, see our article on the subject. The focus here is on freshness, taste, and low prices!

• The fame of the venue means that you’ll struggle to find a space if you visit at “conventional” Spanish times. Try 11am – noon or around 7pm, when things are quieter.

How much?

Tapas from €1.50 – €10
When? Monday – Friday, 8am – 1.30am; Saturday and Sunday 9am – 1.30am
Why? For the top-quality products
Where? Mallorca, 236 (on the corner with Rambla Catalunya)

Best tapas bars: Ciudad Condal, the most central one

Ciudad Condal is another of Barcelona’s most renowned tapas bars. The concept and the quality of the products are similar to those at Cervecería Catalana, which explains its success and the crowds which flock there. That’s only to be expected – the food is delicious!

• The bar is prettier and more welcoming than at the Cerveceria, and it’s in a more central location (5 minutes from Plaça Catalunya).

• As at Cervecería Catalana, pick your times carefully to avoid a long wait for service.

How much? Tapas from €1.50 – €10
When? Monday – Sunday, 8am – 1.30am
Why? For the setting and the top-quality tapas
Where? Rambla Catalunya, 18 (on the angle with Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes)

Best tapas bars: Vinitus, the newest one

A stone’s throw from la Rambla is a new(er) tapas bar which is growing in popularity by the day. The two tapas bars mentioned above should be proud of the latest addition to their family (which includes Cervecería Catalana, Ciudad Condal, la Flauta and Vinitus). Visit, and it’s easy to see why.

The tapas are as tasty as those you’ll find at Cerveceria Catalana or Ciudad Condal, but in addition, there’s an impressive wine list – a whole wall of the main dining area is filled with bottles.

Our favourite dishes included:

• The pulpo a la gallega, gallician squid (see photo), which is meltingly tender
• The attractive and tasty grilled vegetable platter
• The cuttlefish (navajas), perfectly seasoned
• The regional specialities, including black rice, paella and fideuà – there’s something different every day.

And that’s only a tiny part of what’s on offer… there’s definitely something for everyone here!

• The bar is quieter around early lunchtime. Around 8pm, on the other hand, it’s absolutely packed – so you’ll need to be very patient if you want to get served!

How much? Tapas from €1.50 – €10
When? Every day, 12pm – 1am
Why? For the wine list and the freshness of the products
Where? Carrer del Consell de Cent, 333 (on the corner with Rambla Catalunya)

Best tapas bars: La Bodegueta, the most authentic one

La Bodegueta has been present in Barcelona since the early 1940s, and it’s a tapas bar de toda la vida – in other words, it’s a classic! Tucked away in a basement, like any self-respecting cellar bar, it’s fairly hard to spot amongst all the shops along this busy street.

• Highlights include the picturesque setting and authentic atmosphere, with wood, wine barrels, bistro tables and brick walls adding to the bar’s charm.

La Bodegueta serves tapas all day long, accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or a cup of coffee. For a quieter experience, we recommend visiting around early lunchtime.

Last time we visited, we particularly enjoyed the tender and tasty anchovies. We were less convinced by the  “pulpo à la gallega” (a typical Gallician squid dish), which was too salty for our liking.
How much? Tapas €5 – €10
When? Monday – Friday 7am – 1.45am, Saturday 8am – 1.45am, Sundays and public holidays 6.30pm – 1.45am
Why? For the authentic atmosphere
Where? Rambla Catalunya, 100 (at the corner with Carrer Provenza)

What if they’re all full?

Fear not! If your stomach just can’t wait any longer, you’ll find the Lateral, a sophisticated restaurant with beautiful lighting next door to Vinitus – click on the link to view our article. The Lateral also serves top-quality, budget-friendly tapas.

Fans of Bellota Iberico ham may want to try Andreu, at the top of the Rambla Catalunya. Their hams, sandwiches and salads are spectacular – we’re getting hungry just thinking about them!

So – ready for a tapas bar crawl? We are!