Whether you’re new to the Spanish tapas scene or a seasoned tapas-hopper, the first bite of any tapas dish will have you obsessed with this rich culinary experience for a long time. A tapas tour is a good enough reason to visit Barcelona as the Catalan capital is a vibrant hub of delicious Spanish cuisine.
Tapas are small plates of food, hot or cold, and can be combined to make an entire meal. Despite being bite-size, their flavours are immense. Tapas typify the charisma and character of Spanish food, and for that reason, they are considered iconic.
Going out for tapas with friends is a favoured practice in Barcelona; it is an essential way of life for the native Catalan. Not only would you eat like a local, but it is the perfect way to get acquainted with the city as in our 4-day introduction to Barcelona tour. Therefore, when in Barcelona, tapas tasting is a must. So are you ready to experience the ultimate tapas extravaganza most authentically?
If you need more convincing on why you should tour Barcelona’s tapas scene guided by an expert local guide, read on because these are bites you won’t regret!
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The History of Tapas
Tapas have been synonymous with the Spanish way of life for centuries. Although a firm staple within Spanish cuisine, its origins are more elusive.
Some say King Alfonso X of Castile ate small plates of food alongside lots of wine whilst successfully recovering from an illness. Consequently, he ordered all taverns to serve food with alcohol. Others contend that King Felipe III introduced a law that small dishes must be served with drinks to curb drunkenness.
Yet many associate the origins of tapas with the Spanish verb “tapar”, which means “to cover”, paired with the fact that a “tapa” is also the Spanish word for “lid”. This links to the age-old practice of covering drinks in bars with a slice of bread, a small piece of cheese or ham to prevent dust and swarms of flies from entering one’s glass.
For a long time in Spain, tapas were not a full meal but a light snack or appetiser eaten in bars and accompanying a drink before a late dinner. Today, on the other hand, Spaniards happily “tapean” – eat a variety of tapas as their main meal. Join one of our tours like this 7-day scrumptious northern Spain tour to delve deeper into its delectable history told by an expert guide!
What Makes Tapas Barcelona’s Essential Dish?
No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a plate of delicious tapas. Below are four reasons why a Barcelona tapas tour is obligatory for your next Spanish holiday.
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There’s Something for Everyone on a Tapas Tour
From simple to hearty, gluten-free to dairy-free, vegetarian to vegan, tapas can settle any needs – even if you’re a picky eater! Tapas are an amalgamation of exquisitely rich flavours.
You can indulge in cured meats such as melt-in-the-mouth jamón Iberico (Iberian ham), earthy jamón Serrano, or spicy chorizo, deliciously paired with cheese boards consisting of creamy Manchego, the classic Tetilla, and the slightly salty Mahón.
Seafood enthusiasts can eat an array of crispy deep-fried seafood, including calamares a la romana (calamari), chipirones (fried baby squid), and boquerones fritos (fried anchovies), often served with a fresh lemon slice and an aioli dip.
Vegans and vegetarians can savour crunchy pan con tomate or bread with fresh tomatoes (vegan), golden brown, spicy patatas bravas (vegan), zingy Padrón peppers sprinkled with sea salt (vegan), veggie croquetas, and more!
Favourite local dishes include explosive bombas (fried potato croquettes with ground beef), bunyols de bacalla (minced cod fritters), esqueixada (salad with cod, tomatoes, onions, black olives, and sometimes anchovies and boiled eggs), and the popular tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette).
Keep in mind that any Barcelona tapas tour with Designer Journeys is adaptable to dietary needs. Simply connect with our experienced Local Designers in Spain and let them know about any food allergies or dietary requirements to maximise your Spanish food experience.
Small Plates & Social Dining
Bond with your family and friends by picking out delicious food together. Barcelona’s tapas make the perfect sharing feast, especially if you struggle with picking one dish from the menu or if you wish to experiment with a variety of satisfying flavours.
With tapas as the centrepiece of the table, the ambiente (ambience) is also warm and unforgettable. Whether you are standing or sitting, conversations will be endless, laughter continuous, gossip relentless, and friendships strengthened – this is the tapas culture (paired with a few glasses of Cava, of course)!
“Para compartir” (to share) is the essence of Spanish tapas. In other words, it is more than just delicious food; tapas embody a crucial social ritual at the crux of Spanish culture.
Variety is the Spice of Life in Barcelona
Every tapas venue in Barcelona encapsulates this phrase as menus burst with an array of intermingling flavours, dishes are countless, and tapas bars and restaurants are likewise numerous – you can spot a tapas venue on almost every street corner in the Catalonian city! You’ll notice this even on our short whistle-stop Barcelona tour.
Variety in tapas menus is the key to successful tapas restaurants, and the variety in tapas restaurants makes Barcelona’s food scene incredible.
With an overwhelming amount of options, you may not know where to start when it comes to which tapas bars and restaurants you should visit in Barcelona. Yet a telltale sign of a must-visit, authentic restaurant is when it’s oozing with locals.
Spice up your trip with these authentic Catalonian tapas venues:
- Quimet y Quimet – Tiny but always packed, this historic bar is renowned for tasty, high-quality Spanish tapas and wine, and an ambience that is second to none. With interesting flavour combinations, polite service, and over 500 bottles of wine scaling the walls, you’ll find yourself returning for a second visit. The salmon with truffle honey is highly recommended!
- Bodega Quimet – A snug, quaint gem full of character, that is tucked away in Barcelona’s Gràcia neighbourhood. This bodega, authentic and charming, guarantees a satisfying meal of fresh tapas sourced from local ingredients. The octopus here will blow your mind!
- La Cova Fumada – In the middle of La Barceloneta with no sign on the door, you’ll find an all-time favourite, family-run (since 1944!) tapas bar. Boasting reasonable prices and an authentic, fun ambience consisting of crowds of locals, La Cova Fumada should not be missed. Their Barceloneta’s bombas are a must-try!
- Vaso de Oro – A classic tapas venue boasting a lively atmosphere, friendly service, and a stylish interior, this cervecería is well worth the visit. Order simple and delicious tapas with a tall glass of home-brewed beer! The solomillo (sirloin steak) con foie is a favourite.
- Can Maño – Seafood lovers will especially enjoy this old-school jewel hidden in the narrow streets of the city, presenting fresh, scrumptious seafood brought in by local fishermen. Tapas portions are great and prices are affordable. Locals love it, and so will you!
Barcelona’s Tapas & Date Night Go Hand in Hand
When travelling with your partner, it can be easy to get lost among fast-paced schedules. So it is vital to slow down, and the best way to do so is by sharing a romantic meal.
Tapas is a fantastic date night choice whilst on holiday with your significant other in Spain. Why not even pair tapas and wine for a never-ending night which you could experience on this 4-day gastronomic Barcelona tour. Crisp Catalonian wine particularly adds a certain depth to a plate of tapas – it’s an aspect that should not be forgotten about!
There are many reasons why an evening Barcelona tapas tour is the right way to do it.
- Tapas are easy and fun. Simply pop them into your mouth for a no-mess meal.
- Tapas are versatile – casual or fancy, the choice on how to dine is yours.
- Tapas are very romantic: share plates and connect with your partner over different flavours.
- The ambience in Barcelona’s tapas bars and restaurants is second to none. An intimate setting can be shared at a table in the corner of a dimly lit room. Or join in on the fun in a crowded bar.
- Tapas dishes are filled with aphrodisiacs to inspire a sensuous evening: olives, oysters, and even aioli and churros!
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Organising a tapas tour in Spain can be stressful. But take it one small plate at a time and begin by getting in touch with our expert Local Designers who are ready to make your trip to Barcelona anything but ordinary! They can craft your perfect itinerary and secure the best tapas tours in the city. Whether it be a walking tour, an evening tour, or a tour intertwined with Catalonian history, they will have excellent insider tips and knowledge, ensuring that you will spend wonderful Spanish nights and days with delicious food.
Or, be inspired by one of our fully-customisable Barcelona tours. You can also design your own trip to Barcelona with the help of Designer Journey’s expert Local Designers. You’ll be able to discover and feast on Barcelona’s best-kept tapas secrets sooner than you think!
