Tapas in Barcelona

Tapas, everybody has heard of tapas, but what exactly is a tapa? A tapa is a small portion of food that you get when ordering a drink, normally beer or wine. Depending on the bar, it can vary from peanuts to Spanish omelet or even a small portion of paella.

In some parts of Spain (e.g. Granada and Leon), the tapa is free. Unfortunately, this is not the case of Barcelona where you have to pay for them.

Here are some of the best tapas bars in Barcelona:

La Esquinica - C/ Fabra i Puig 192 (Metro L5 - Virrei Amat). Tel. 933582519.
Probably the best tapas bar in Barcelona. It is not located in the city center, therefore you will not find many tourists there. Large amount of tapas, really friendly staff and reasonable prices are the main characteristics.
The place is absolutely packed after 9pm so expect a long queue, so just try getting there before 9pm. Map.

Bar Tomás - C/ Major de Sarrià 49 (Metro L6 - Sarrià). Tel. 932031077.
Probably the best patatas bravas (spicy fried potatotes) in Barcelona. The place looks just normal from the outside however their patatas bravas are simply excellent. Prices are also very reasonable. Map.

Los Toreros - C/Xuclà 3-5 beside Las Ramblas (Metro L1, L3 - Plaça Catalunya). Tel. 933182325.
Typical Spanish restaurant with typical Spanish decoration. Wide of tapas. Localted in the city center. Map.

Tags: barcelona tapas, la esquinica, bar tomas

Restaurants in City Center

Here is a list of some nice restaurants in city center that you will probably not find in any guide, however we strongly recommend them:

Rita Blue: located in Sant Agustí Square s/n next to Las Ramblas. Splendid restaurant with lovely full-coloured environment. Tapas, starters, salads, kebabs, pasta, steak, fish... all high quality. This restaurant is very well known for their exotic cocktails.
Tel. 93 342 40 86
http://www.ritablue.com/

Mercat Santa Caterina: located within Santa Caterina Market next to Catedral. This is a restaurant where all kind of food can be served: tapas, vegetarian food, Mediterranean food, Asiatic food, Indian food, pasta, meat, fish ... Really nice and beautiful place.
Tel. 93 268 99 18 (no telephone reservation possible)

Restaurant RA: located in Gardunya Square (behind Mercat de Boqueria in Las Ramblas). As described in their own website this is a Bar & Terrace restaurant. All food is served in a very attractive and appetizing way. Very friendly staff in a young and international environment.
Tel. 615 959 872
http://www.ratown.com/

La Dolça Herminia: located in Magdalenes 27 next to Via Layetana. Elegant restaurant that offers delicious Mediterranean and Vegetarian food. Highly recommended and with very reasonable prices.
Tel. 93 317 06 76

Julivert Meu: located in Bon Succés 7 next to Las Ramblas. This is non-fashionable restaurant but higly recommended for those who want to live the experience of tasting the Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine.
Tel. 93 318 03 43

El Trillo: located in Carrer dels Angels 3 next to MACBA museum and Las Ramblas. Very small but gorgeous and romantic restaurant. Specially recommended for couples. Mediterranean and Andalucia food.
Tel. 93 443 93 17

Click here for further recommendations.

Tags: barcelona restaurant, el trillo, julivert meu, la dolça herminia, mercat santa caterina, RA

Lluís Domènech i Montaner

Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850 - 1923) , architect, potilitian and writer born in Barcelona. Registered as an architect in Barcelona in 1873. In 1875, became professor and director at the Barcelona's School of Arquitecture (Escola d'Arquitectura de Barcelona).

Along with Antoni Gaudí, one of the representative of the Modernisme Català (Art Nouveau). His most famous works, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and the Palau de la Música Catalana have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Buildings designed by Domènech i Montaner:

Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul (Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau) 1901-1930
Built between 1901 and 1930.
In 1997 it was added as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Address: Carrer Sant Antoni Maria Claret / Cartagena.

Catalan Music Palace (Palau de la Musica Catalana)
Built between 1905 and 1908. In 1997 it was added as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Address: Sant Pere Més Alt 13, Barri Gòtic, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona

Montaner i Simon Publishing House (Editorial Montaner i Simon)
Built between 1879 and 1895.
Currently home of the Antoni Tapies Foundation
Address: Carrer Aragó 255, off Passeig de Gràcia

Fuster House (Casa Fuster).
Built between 1908 and 1911.
Currently home of the 5-star hotel Casa Fuster Hotel
Address: Passeig de Gracia 132

Ramon Montaner Palace (Palau Ramon Montaner)
Carrer Mallorca 278

Thomas House (Casa Thomas)
Built between 1895 and 1898.
It was the workshop and residence of the engraver J.Thomas.
Address: Carrer Mallorca 291

Lleó Morera House (Casa lleó Morera)
Built between 1902 and 1906.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia 35.

Three Dragons Castle (Castell del Tres Dragons).
Currently home of the Zoological Museum.

Click here for a list of places to visit in Barcelona.

Tags: domenech i montaner, modernisme barcelona