There was a time when going for tapas meant snacking on plates of greasy potatoes and deep-fried calamari rings to soak up all that cheap wine—not so anymore. While the classics still feature on tapas menus across Spain, a new generation of chefs are adding fresher, more elaborate creations to their repertoires. In addition to all the usual suspects, like patatas bravas, Padrón peppers, and fried whitebait, these days you can also expect to find anything from steak topped with foie gras to seasonal mushrooms or fresh oysters on tapas bar menus.
The word tapa comes from the Spanish word for ‘lid,’ and refers to the bread snack that barkeeps used to place on top of drinks to protect them from the flies. These days, tapas are instead defined as small dishes meant for sharing; a concept that encourages you to order two to three dishes per diner in a bid to sample as many items as possible in one sitting. These are Barcelona’s best tapas bars right now, from the recently opened to the tried-and-true, the bustling market stalls to the big-name chef joints—and everything in between.
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Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
