Best tapas in Barcelona Eixample: where to actually eat

Best tapas in Barcelona Eixample might sound like a one right answer kind of question. One would think al least, but here’s the deal: Eixample is huge. Grid-like streets, endless corners, and a food scene that swings from old-school bodegas to sleek designer spots.

If you want to find the good stuff — the spots locals hit for a proper tapas session — you need a little guidance. Because in between the tourist traps and overpriced modern “concept” joints, there’s a solid core of bars and restaurants doing tapas the right way. And that’s what this guide is about.

Ready to eat? Let’s hit it.

Why tapas in Eixample?

First off, Eixample isn’t a traditional tapas neighborhood like Gracia or the Gothic. But that’s exactly why the scene here is interesting — you’ve got everything from lifelong bares tapas Eixample Barcelona with tiled floors and cañas, to polished places that serve modern takes on Catalan classics.

Also: space. Unlike the tight corners of the old city, here you’ll find bigger bars, proper seating, and plenty of room to stretch out with friends and a bottle (or two) of cava.

Bottom line: when locals want reliable, good-value, unfussy tapas — especially in the evening — Eixample is an easy choice.

The best tapas in Barcelona Eixample: local picks

Best tapas restaurants in Eixample Barcelona: where to sit and savor

If you’re looking for a sit-down experience, these tapas in Eixample Barcelona deliver. You’ll get a proper table, good service, and a menu where tapas shine.

Classic Catalan taverns serving bravas, bombas, grilled meats, and seasonal veg.
Neo-taverns with fusion twists — think tempura artichokes or oxtail croquetas.
Wine-focused tapas spots where the pairing matters as much as the plate.

These are places where locals book ahead, where the food is consistent, and where you can happily spend an entire night ordering round after round.

Best tapas in l’Eixample Barcelona: bar hopping

On the other end, casual assistance is the authentic Spanish way of consuming tapas. Just take a walk around in the neighborhood without corners and you’ll probably find one of the food in l’Eixample Barcelona. How casual? sitting in a stool, ordering a drink, and watching beverages and dishes coming and going.

Mandatory spots are:

Barra-only joints where the action happens at the counter.
Bodegas still pouring house vermut and slinging killer conservas.
Modern bars where the playlist’s as good as the pintxos.

Pro tip: the later it gets, the more the locals fill these places. Post-9pm is when Eixample really wakes up for tapas.

Best tapas restaurant Barcelona Eixample: spots worth booking

If you want one of the best tapas restaurant Barcelona Eixample experiences — the kind you tell friends about later — go for:

Seasonal, chef-led tapas bars doing short daily menus
Hidden gems on side streets that don’t advertise much but have a loyal following
Old-school taverns with no-frills decor but next-level product sourcing

In short: places where what’s on your plate matters more than how it looks on Instagram

What to order: Eixample tapas essentials

You’ll spot certain dishes again and again across bar tapas Eixample spots. Here’s what locals always order:

Patatas bravas: test a bar by their bravas. If the sauce hits, stay.
Iberian ham: top-quality jamón is worth the splurge here.
Croquetas: go beyond ham — mushroom, squid ink, or seasonal fillings are excellent.
Grilled squid or octopus: a must if you see it on the specials board. One of the best tapas in Xampanyet you can find.
Anchovies and olives: the perfect salty start to any session.
Seasonal vegetables: artichokes, padrón peppers, or wild mushrooms when in season.

And of course: cava, vermut, or a cold caña to keep the flow going.

How locals do a tapas night in Eixample

The classic move? Start early-ish (around 8pm), hit one of the bares tapas Eixample Barcelona for a first round of drinks and plates. Then move to another bar — maybe something trendier or with a bigger wine list.

After two or three spots, if the vibe’s still good, shift to a best tapas restaurant Barcelona Eixample for a proper sit-down late dinner. The whole thing should feel unhurried, social, and flexible — that’s the point of tapas.

And yes — this is why so many locals favor Eixample over the Gothic or Born for a tapas night: fewer tourists, more locals, and way better odds of grabbing a table when the night hits full swing

Final word: best tapas in Barcelona Eixample? Just go eat

So what’s the Eixample tapas experience? Honestly — it depends on the night, your mood, and how hungry you are. But that’s what makes the Eixample scene fun. With us, making a guided food tour Barcelona

You’ve got:

Proper best tapas restaurants in Eixample Barcelona for sit-down nights
Great-value bares tapas Eixample Barcelona for spontaneous bar hopping
Sleek, chef-driven tapas in l’Eixample for food-focused evenings

Pick your vibe, grab some friends, and dive in. The grid’s waiting — and the good stuff is usually just around the next corner. . Remember to get to know all the info you need to know with our tapas articles.