Tapas Bars. Locals’ Choice

You will find this tiny tapas bar on every list of the best traditional restaurants in Barcelona. They have been serving the same 7-item menu they mastered to perfection since the very opening in 1945. It is a delight even just to stop by to say “hola” to the soul of La Plata, Pepe, who has been working here for more than 50 years. When someone visits me in Barcelona, I bring them here to experience an authentic Barcelona place. We order glasses of vermouth, pincho de butifarra (traditional Catalan sausage spiked to a piece of bread), and anchovies. It is about enjoying the small things.

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This restaurant has earned its fame, in the first place, for its exceptional sandwiches called bacadillos. They offer unique flavor combinations like chorizo (pork sausage and brie), mozzarella and anchovies, or dark breasts. You will find vegetarian options on the menu as well, like mozzarella, avocado, and mango. But I actually love this place for their delicious patatas bravas. They are exceptionally good with a cold glass of cava or beer. Bar Mendizàbal is located in El Raval. And being neighborhood renowned, it is known around locals as Bar of Raval. The bar is tiny and doesn't have much space but there is a covered terrace just across the street in case you would like to dine outside.

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The place is is a locals’ favorite. It is a cozy bar with kind of hipster vibes. Colmado Barcelona offers a wide array of dishes, from tapas classics like the patatas bravas and creamy croquetas to more contemporary plates like tartare and carpaccio. They have nice cocktails and a big selection of wines. If you are looking for an authentic Barcelona experience and don’t know what to choose, during the week, they have a ‘menu del dia,’ which includes a soup, a main dish, and a dessert. I recommend trying their sausages sauteed in white wine and salmon tartar. It is a cool place with a nice atmosphere fit for friends gathering.

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I come to Bodega del Born for one of the best homemade vermouths. Here, it is dispensed from an enormous barrel. I usually pair it with a selection of cheeses and cured meats. And that's all you need for a heart-warming evening. The place is also famous for a local tradition. Here, the visitors write their wishes on colorful paper that, like a tapestry, adorns the bar’s walls. Once a year, leading to the San Joan celebration in June, the bar owners set the notes ablaze, hoping this ritual would bring the wishes to life.

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Bar del Pla is a good choice if you want to experience the blend of tradition and innovation. Here, classic tapas like patatas bravas and anchovies meet inventive creations, such as their cauliflower in tempura or delicious mushrooms and wasabi (trust me: it sounds very weird but actually good). They also have a great selection of organic wines. The menu is divided into local and imported wines. Plus, if you don't know what to choose, you can always ask the waiter. The place is quite popular: so be prepared that you might have to spend some minutes standing in line before sitting down.

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This small family-owned eatery, at first glance, may appear a bit old and run down, but don’t judge the book by the cover. It is a bar of basics. The place is run by a mother-son duo. They are known for their award-winning Catalonia’s classic torrades (traditional toasts). It was founded in 1972, and it reminds me of Barcelona from the past when the city was less touristy, more rusty, and capricious. And that is what I come here for: to see the real city beyond Instagram stories. But keep in mind that it is not a place for a hurried meal. The service can be a bit slow but the food is definitely worth waiting.

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