The good way to discover 5 of the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona is by word of mouth. It’s all too easy when taking time out from your family villa in Barcelona to just go with the crowds in the main tourist areas, here are a few alternatives, so that you can experience truly authentic Catalan tapas dishes.

 

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La Cova Fumada

It may be off the tourist beaten path but don’t overlook La Cova Fumada. It’s a family run tapas bar which is incredibly popular with city residents. Serving some of the best varieties of seafood tapas there is plenty to whet your appetite. The bar doesn’t have any signs outside, just a large set of wooden doors, but don’t be put off, it’s buzzing with locals inside. The large chalk board menu details the specials and tapas dishes, football posters adorn the walls, it’s laid back and relaxed. If you want to take a break from cooking in your Catalonia villa rental and wish to indulge in some authentic tapas this is the place to visit.

Quimet i Quimet

It’s a small bar but the tapas are worth squeezing in for. House specialities include the montaditos (small sculpted tapas served on bread) or you can try a fusion of Asian/Mediterranean tapas with toppings such as salmon sashimi with honey, soy and cream cheese. Alternatively, if you enjoy fish dishes, the cod, black olive pate and passata will go down a treat. Arrive early if you want to find somewhere to sit or stand inside.

Gata Mala

Gata Mala offers you a dish of tapas for free when you order a drink, it’s a great way to sample the delicacies and decide if you wish to indulge in a larger ración. Portions are generous, they are reasonably priced, friends can share ibérico ham and manchego cheese and a bottle of wine which keeps the costs to a minimum.

 

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La Esquinica

You may have to queue for a while to get into La Esquinica especially on the weekends when it’s busy with locals. Tapas are generous in size, try the ensalada rusa, or the patatas bravas, and the anchovies – the menu is extensive with pinchos kebabs and a variety of meat and fish dishes.

Las Delicias del Carmelo

Located close to Park Güell, Las Delicias serves incredible plates of tapas and would be a perfect stop off point if you have been visiting the famous Gaudí park. The calamares (deep fried squid) and croquettas de pollo (chicken croquettes) are firm favourites here, if you feel more adventurous try something you wouldn’t make yourself in your vacation villa in Barcelona such as baby octopus served with salsa verde or snails cooked in tomato sauce.

If you are renting a villa in Barcelona you don’t have to stay in and cook every night, there are many reasonably priced tapas bars and restaurants across the city just waiting for you to discover them.