Eating tapas is a quintessential thing to do when in Barcelona, and the variations are aplenty so there will always be something to try every day. Call it a lifestyle maybe, and we really love how the Spanish indulge in the art of waking up late and lingering around tapas bars when the whole world is hard at work.

We bar-hopped every day when in Barcelona, ate more tapas in one week than we ever did in our whole lives, and our perceptions will never be the same again. Because apart from the interesting creations that we would never otherwise get in Singapore, eating tapas and sipping wine in Barcelona is an exceptionally sexy thing to do – especially when you sit outdoors on tree-lined paths, and when you have Latino music looping in the background

Here is our guide to Barcelona’s Top 11 Tapas Bars that you must try at least once in your life.

BAR PINOTXO

Ask anyone where the best tapas could be found and they would tell you Bar Pinotxo. Despite being internationally recognized and loved by its locals, Bar Pinotxo remains small and humble. The eatery is found in the local La Boqueria Market’s entrance and only 14 seats are available. The place is packed to the brim throughout the day and the process of queueing and waiting for a seat is an arduous journey undertaken only by the diehard foodies.

The bamboo clams and grilled prawns tapas are cooked to perfection and indeed, no other tapas we had after could match up to Bar Pinoxto’s superior standards. The downsides would be the waiting time and costly menu.

Carrer la Rambla, 89, 08002 Barcelona
Tel: +34 933 17 17 31
Mon to Sun: 6am – 4pm
Nearest Metro: Liceu

BILBAO BERRIA

Lively, vibrant and full of energy, Bilbao Berria is a fun tapas bar to dine at. Choose pintxos from the bar – they have an amazing selection with anything from egg sandwich to Jamon with fried green pepper and octopus & potato skewers. So many kinds of deliciousness on sticks, that’s how we’d describe it. Wash down everything with a jar of sangria. Life is perfect.

You can also order main course such as Paella with Seafood (€12.50), Stewed Codfish (€15), Oven Roasted Lamb Back (€17.50) from the kitchen.

Plaça Nova, 3, 08002 Barcelona
Tel: +34 933 17 01 24
Daily: 8am – 12 midnight
Nearest Metro: Liceu/Jaume L

CERVECERIA CATALANA

This is our absolute favourite tapas restaurant in Barcelona. Locals and tourists alike flock to Cervecería Catalana every day for tapas and drinks. It is perpetually crowded during meal times, so your best bet is to get here early. Otherwise, you have to be prepared to stand in line for at least 30-45 minutes. We would suggest getting a seat at the tapas bar because not only is the queue shorter, you can also catch all the actions unfolding right before your eyes.

Do not leave Barcelona without having a meal at Cervecería Catalana.

Carrer de Mallorca, 236, 08008 Barcelona
Tel: +34 932 16 03 68
Mon to Sat: 8am – 1.30am
Sun: 9am – 1.30am
Nearest Metro: Passeig de Gràcia

COMBAT CIUTAT

Conveniently located in the heart of Passeig de Gràcia, Combat Ciutat has established itself as the leading tapas restaurant in Barcelona for its exceptional tapas in a lively atmosphere.

Get the Assorted Tapas (€15.65) – with prawns, clams, green pepper, fried small fishes, and potato croquette – to share. The Baby Squids done in Andaluz style is also a must-try.

Rambla de Catalunya, 18, 08007 Barcelona
Tel: +34 933 18 19 97
Daily: 8am – 1.30am
Nearest Metro: Passeig de Gràcia

EL QUIM DE LA BOQUERIA

Other than Bar Pinotxo, another tapas bar at La Boqueria Market that deserves a mention is El Quim de la Boqueria. Located at the back of La Boqueria market, El Quim de la Boqueria is not as prominent as Bar Pinotxo, but once you walk to the end of the market, it can be spotted easily.

What the tiny stall lacks in size, it more than makes up for it with a wide variety of food. Highlights here include the freshly grilled fish and seafood – almost everyone will get the Razor Clams (€15) and Baby Octopus (€13.95), but the Mussels a la Mariniere (€8.95), in particular, deserves a special mention. The mussels are super fresh and perfectly cooked.

Mercado de La Boqueria
Les Rambles, 91, 08002 Barcelona
Tel: +34 933 01 98 10
Tue to Sat: 7am – 4pm
Nearest Metro: Liceu

LOLITA TAPERIA

Amongst the numerous tapas restaurants in Barcelona, Lolita Taperia – opened by Joan Martinez, Albert Adrià’s ex-partner at the former Inopia - stands out for its funky and modern interior. It is fun, bustling and offers the quintessential Spanish tapas experience.

The tapas bar has retained some of Inopia’s classics like the super addictive Aubergine with Molasses (€4.90) and the sublime Tuna Loin (€9.90) in a refreshing ponzu sauce.

Carrer Tamarit, 104, local2-4, 08015 Barcelona
Tel: +34 934 24 52 31
Tue to Thu: 7pm – 12 midnight
Fri & Sat: 1pm – 4pm, 7pm to 12 midnight
Nearest Metro: Poble Sec

PACO MERALGO

Paco Meralgo came highly recommended by a local and indeed, we had an excellent meal there. The classy tapas bar serves a huge variety of tapas ranging from a simple Chicken and Ham Croquette (€1.35) to Fresh Anchovies in batter (€5.35), Patatas Bravas (€3.8), and Deep Fried Baby Squid (€11.55).

Carrer de Muntaner, 171, 08036 Barcelona
Tel: +34 934 30 90 27
Daily: 1pm – 4pm, 8pm – 12.30am
Nearest Metro: Diagonal

QUIMET & QUIMET

Quimet & Quimet is a tiny tapas bar. There are no seats, so you wait for your turn to get a spot at the crowded bar, and then fight – no, we are not kidding – to get the attention of the staff to order your food. Settle down with a glass of sangria or cava, or both.

There are many tapas to choose from, but one of the most popular options that everyone orders is the Salmon, Yogurt and Truffled Honey Sandwich.

Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes
25, 08004 Barcelona
Tel: +34 934 42 31 42
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 4pm, 7pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 4pm
Nearest Metro: Paral·lel

SEGONS MERCAT

The recommendations of Spanish locals brought us to Segons Mercat restaurant, an innovative tapas place located in the district of La Barceloneta. It was one of the restaurants to be bestowed a Certificate of Excellence in 2013 by Trip Advisor for its remarkably fresh tapas and attractive prices.

The delectable squid ink paella completely surpassed our expectations – it was one of the best we ever had. Wine starts at €3.50 per glass and two course set lunches start from €10 per person.

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes
552, 08011 Barcelona
Tel: +34 934 511 698
Mon to Fri: 1.30pm – 5pm, 8pm – 11.15pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Metro: Barceloneta

TAPAS 24

Tapas 24 may not be the cheapest tapas bar in Barcelona, but it is still worth a visit. It has the usual tapas like Bravas (€3.50), Iberian Ham Croquette (€2.50) and Fried Anchovies (€8.50), but you have to try the signature dishes which include Bikini Black Truffles Sandwich (€8.90), Mc Foie Burger (€9.50) and the divine Ous Estrellats al Gust, which is quite simply smashed eggs with potatoes – deceptively simple yet it hits all the right spots. We’d do this dish any time.

Carrer de la Diputació, 269, 08007 Barcelona
Tel: +34 934 88 09 77
Mon: 8.30am – 11pm
Tue to Fri: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, 8.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Nearest Metro: Passeig de Gràcia

TICKETS BAR

Known as the tapas restaurant of Barcelona, Tickets Bar is the new tapas bar of world-renowned chef Ferran Adria, and new as it may be, it has already won countless accolades and is enjoying fame at its peak now. For many foodies who have never had the chance to try the now-defunct El Bulli, Tickets Bar is your ticket (pun intended) to sample some of El Bulli’s signature dishes in carnival-like setting.

Reservations at Tickets Bar open two months ahead, plan ahead if you want to have a meal here.

Avinguda del Paral·lel
164, 08015 Barcelona
Nearest Metro: Paral·lel

Spain is indeed unlike any country that I had ever visited; its rich tradition and interesting culture can never be mimicked nor replaced. Spanish cuisine is such a joy to explore! My gastronomical odyssey across Barcelona was a fulfilling one as I dug into fragrant paella and tranches of fresh seafood tapas.

I have listed 5 must-visit restaurants in Barcelona, from an internationally acclaimed tapas bar with over 100 years of history to a relatively new designer ice cream stop that is taking Barcelona by storm.

PINOTXO

Ask anyone where the best tapas could be found and they would tell you Pinotxo. Despite being internationally recognized and loved by its locals, Pinotxo remains small and humble. The eatery is found in the local La Boqueria Market’s entrance and only 14 seats are available. The place is packed to the brim throughout the day and waiting for a seat is an arduous journey undertaken only by the diehard foodies.

The bamboo clams and grilled prawns tapas are cooked to perfection and indeed, no other tapas we had after could match up to Pinoxto’s superior standards. The downsides would be the waiting time and costly menu.

Mercat de la Boqueria
466-470, Barcelona, Catalunya
Tel: +34 933 171 731

CAN MAJÓ

Can Majo is a fancy Spanish restaurant owned by a dedicated family since 1968. The two generations currently work hand in hand to offer their patrons the freshest and most delicious seafood.

Awarded a Certificate of Excellence in 2013 by Trip Advisor and located just a stone’s throw away from Barceloneta Beach, Can Majo is a very popular dining destination and advanced bookings are strongly recommended. Remember to try their house specialty, caldero de bogavante, which is a succulent lobster stew served with fragrant paella rice.

Almirante Aixada, 23
08003 La Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +34 932 21 54 55

CUINES SANTA CATERINA

Seated in the newly renovated Santa Caterina’s market is Cuines Santa Caterina, a lovely restaurant with an interesting concept. This bustling restaurant is divided into several small sections based on their cuisine but most dishes have been tweaked to cater to its Spanish residents.

Do not be fooled by the dishes’ simple appearances and inexpensive prices, as they are amazing taste wise. Even the specially concocted juices left an unforgettable impression. Must-order items include fried egg with baby squid (€13.80) and mushroom stuffed raviolis (€10.80). Reservations are not taken at this place but the divine food is worth the wait.

Avinguda de Francesc Cambó
16, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +34 932 68 99 18

VIOKO

Stepping into Vioko is like entering a miniature version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The only difference is that Vioko specializes in gelato instead of chocolates. However, Vioko also sells a wide selection of beautifully wrapped sweet treats such as truffles, macarons and candies, which are ideal as souvenirs.

Vioko’s interiors are incredibly chic, making the experience more sensational than ever. There are 36 different gelato flavours and the rich-textured ice cream had no tinge of artificial ingredients. A taste of heaven starts from only €2.80, voilà Vioko!

Passeig de Joan de Borbó Comte de Barcelona
55 08003 Barcelona
Tel: +34 932 21 06 52

SEGONS MERCAT

The recommendations of Spanish locals brought us to Segons Mercat restaurant, an innovative tapas place located in the district of La Barceloneta. It was one of the restaurants to be bestowed a Certificate of Excellence in 2013 by Trip Advisor for its remarkably fresh tapas and attractive prices.

The delectable squid ink paella completely surpassed our expectations – it was one of the best we ever had. Wine starts at €3.50 per glass and two course set lunches start from €10.00 per person.

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes
552, Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +(34) 934 511 698

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

Barcelona is an amazing city. The weather is perfect, the locals are friendly, the shopping is great, and of course, I like the fact that people here love dining till late.

Whenever I go to a city that I really like, I always find myself envisioning a future staying there. After spending the first day in the capital of Catalonia, I told myself: “I could live in Barcelona!”

It has always been my dream to visit Spain, and eat Spanish tapas while bar-hopping. I managed to go to some of the eating spots that a few readers recommended when I mentioned on twitter that I was heading to Barcelona.

For the first two days, we mostly ate at the (touristy) restaurants along La Rambla as we were staying in the area at Hotel Espana. That’s so wrong. I know I know. But luckily for the next three days, we ate pretty well, and some of the tapas restaurants were spectacular.

A local told us that Paco Meralgo (c/ Muntaner 171. 08036 Barcelona, Spain Tel: 93 430 90 27 Metro: Hospital Clinic) was a place worth trying, and after getting her assurance that it wasn’t a tourist trap, we managed to navigate our way there.

They serve a huge variety of tapas ranging from a simple Chicken and Ham Croquette (€1.35/piece) to Fresh Anchovies in batter (€5.35), Patatas Bravas (€3.8), and Deep Fried Baby Squid (€11.55).

Throughout the trip, I’ve tried Paella from different restaurants, but sadly, I didn’t manage to find a good one. Or maybe it is because we were simply too used to the localised version of Paella that we have in Singapore. The hunt for the best Paella continues. Maybe a trip to Valencia (the home town of Paella) next year?

In between meals, we went to the most famous tourist attraction in  Barcelona: Sagrada Familia – a large Roman Catholic church which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi.

Words failed me as I came out from the Metro and saw the Sagrada Familia. It was one of those scenes where time stood still, and you could only stop and stare in awe. “Oh my god. I’m standing in front of the Sagrada Familia. Oh my god. This is something that you only get to see on TV.” *pinch cheek*

And the same thing happened here.

Another tapas restaurant you should go is Ciutat Comtal (Rambla de Cataluña 123, 08008 Barcelona, Spain Tel: 934 156 020 Metro: Diagonal.)

The menu is divided into several categories: Salad (€3-7), Flautas (€4-7), and Tapas (€4-10). A plate of Assorted Tapas (€15.65) came with prawns, clams, green pepper, fried small fishes, and potato croquette. In addition to the platter, we also had Baby Squids done in Andaluz style, which was excellent with beer.

While wandering around, we walked right into a peaceful street protest.

As I’ve mentioned, we stayed in La Rambla – a very popular tree-lined street in central Barcelona – and I really liked the area. (Other than the fact that it’s very touristy.) There were many adjoining streets, and it was really fun to walk randomly into one; it felt as though we were exploring a huge maze, and you never know where you’re going till you get there.

Just a stop away from La Rambla is Passeig de Gracia – a major avenue which is one of the main shopping district in Barcelona. Here, you can find the high-end designer boutiques and restaurants.

Tapas 24 (269 C/ Diputació, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Tel: 934 880 977 Metro: Passeig de Gràcia) was highly recommended and I immediately fell in love with the place when I stepped in. It was modern, unpretentious, and informal; just the kind of place that I’d open if I were ever crazy enough to set up a restaurant one day.

Unfortunately, the food that we had at Tapas 24 was not fantastic. Maybe the chefs had a bad day, maybe we had unreasonably high expectations, or maybe we just ordered the wrong dishes; the food wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be. That said, I can still see myself going back for a meal to try the other tapas when I’m in Barcelona next time.

Spanish Tomato Bread – toasted bread rubbed with fresh garlic and ripe tomato, then drizzled with olive oil and a bit of salt – is something that’s eaten all over Spain.

Among the tapas places that we went to, Cerveceria Catalana (236 C/ Mallorca, Barcelona Tel: 932 16 03 68 Metro: Passeig de Gràcia) stood out for serving good tapas at reasonable prices. It was the best meal that we had in Barcelona.

I’ll go so far as to say it’s a must-try restaurant in Barcelona. Reservations are required, if not be prepared to wait for at least half an hour.

Churros with hot chocolate.

I was so goddamn happy in Barcelona; we were practically high on wine and sangria everyday, and needless to say, we ate a lot. After each meal, we would go shopping at places like Zara, H&M, Pull & Bear, Mango, and Stradivarius. And after digesting our previous meal, we would grab gelato and waffles by the roadside. Then we would continue to shop and make friends with our credit cards.

Shopping, eating, drinking, sightseeing, eating shopping, eating, drinking, and more drinking.

Getting to Barcelona: Singapore Airlines flies seven times weekly from Singapore to Barcelona. For other options, Qatar Airways and Emirates Airline often have promotions on flights to Europe.

Getting to city from airport: The main airport is about 17 km south-west of the Barcelona city centre (Plaça Catalunya). It takes about half an hour to go by bus A1 (from terminal 1), or A2 (from terminal 2). The price of round ticket is approximately €9. (I’d suggest taking the bus. Among the different cities I went to, Barcelona had the most convenient public transport from airport to city.)

Travelling Tips: Barcelona is known as the pickpocket capital of the world, so make sure to look after your belongings closely.

Where to stay: 4 star Hotels at La Rambla start at about €80 a night.

If you are craving for Spanish Food, read my guide to Spanish Restaurants in Singapore