Beauty Has a Backstory
Barcelona is home to thousands of tapas bars and bodega-style restaurants. However, among them, a select few stand out as truly famous. If you ask, “Famous for whom?”—you have a point. Their fame mainly reaches tourists, visitors from abroad, and a small but passionate local foodie minority. Yes, these few special tapas bars may not exist solely for tourists, but they are undeniably touristy.
The reality is that many restaurants in Barcelona—especially those in the city center—are not just tourist-friendly but are entirely designed for tourists. The sheer number of such places is astonishing. They exist across a broad price range and in various categories, from fast food to fine dining. But in the end, they all share the same goal: attracting tourists, serving one-time customers. After all, isn’t that both the fate and the dream of restaurants in touristy cities?
However, being a restaurant that only caters to tourists is an entirely different matter. And the places we are discussing in this article do not fall into that category.
So, let me emphasize again, without fear of repetition: These few special tapas bars may not be designed exclusively for tourists, but they are undoubtedly touristy—because this is Barcelona! It’s a tourist city, after all… Here are a few examples, though not all of them:
Now, here are a few reasons why you might want to visit—or skip—these places.
Everyone Recommends Them!
If you are even slightly interested in food, a self-proclaimed gastro-tourist, or simply someone who enjoys good dining and happens to be in Barcelona, you probably don’t want to leave the city without visiting these places. They come highly recommended, not only by influencers on social media but also by reputable food critics—and, most importantly, by trusted friends. You’ve likely added them to your itinerary long before even considering asking AI for suggestions. It’s that obvious. So let’s not waste any more time.
But There’s a Line at the Door!
This is my second key factor. Whether you perch at the bar, stand, or squeeze into a tiny table, you must first conquer the line outside. Yes, some of these places have small dining rooms, and they take reservations for those tables—but the true experience is at the bar. Otherwise, you won’t really get the full taste of these places.
Hopefully, you’ll find some enjoyment in waiting in line. If not, an hour later, when you’re still far from the entrance, frustration may start creeping in. Perhaps you’ll even consider giving up. Your friends or family will try to lift your spirits.
“You wanted to come here, right?”
“But the line doesn’t seem to move. Those who go in don’t come out!”
“You’ve been planning this for months—now’s not the time to quit.”
“Maybe we should come earlier tomorrow, before they open?”
“Who knows when we’ll be back in Barcelona?”
“No, tomorrow we’re in Sitges—we won’t have time.”
They’re not Overpriced-At Least Not Compared to Their Fame
Compared to other wildly popular spots, the prices here are not outrageous. Sure, they’re not cheap, but they’re not extortionate either. And don’t say, “After all this hype, would it even matter if they were expensive?” Maybe you’d still go, even if the prices were sky-high. But thankfully, that’s not the case.
When you realize the prices are reasonable, a certain warmth spreads through you. It feels like you’re being treated as an actual person—not just a tourist to be fleeced.
The Food is Actually Delicious
You’ll see for yourself when you get there. And you’ll be surprised. And relieved. Because lately, haven’t you noticed? At most of the trendy, hyped-up places you’ve visited, mediocrity has taken over.
But not here.
The dishes are well-balanced. The flavors are spot on. The tapas are fresh. The ingredients are high-quality. Even the olive oil is good!
And don’t roll your eyes and say, “This is Spain, of course the olive oil is great.” That might have been true once -but not anymore.
Quimet & Quimet Opens at 6:00 PM—No Lunch Service!
They only serve in the evening. But finding another place in Barcelona that opens this early? Not so easy. We were there by 5:30 PM!
Arriving just 30 minutes early saved us from waiting in line for hours. Perfect for my impatient style. Sure, I’ve mellowed a bit in Barcelona, but I’m still not enlightened enough to stand in line for an hour just for food. That day will come…
Of course, even if you arrive early, there will already be people ahead of you. Don’t worry—you’ll still be one of the lucky few who make it inside on the first round. And those still stuck in line? They’ll look at you with envy.
Right on time, the red door creaked open. We finally stepped inside. Taking a deep breath, we claimed a spot at the bar—right in front of the mise en place, where the tapas are prepared. Like everyone else, we stood. There are no seats.
Inside, the place fits about 25 standing customers. Only those at the bar get to watch as the tapas are assembled. The ingredients are prepped in advance. A large part of the menu revolves around top-quality conservas—mussels, anchovies, and house-made delicacies. Two young chefs work swiftly, hands flying as they build montaditos (small sandwiches) and tapas, one after another.
Everyone is happy with what they’re eating. So am I.
Years of experience come together on these small plates, where simple yet high-quality ingredients are wrapped in olive oil, balanced with sauces, and transformed into something greater than the sum of their parts.
Three to five small plates—some tapas—are enough. No need to overdo it. Don’t try to taste everything. Even the waiters gently discourage over-ordering.
“You won’t be staying for more than an hour, right?”
“Let’s make sure there’s enough left for those waiting outside.”
The way they say it is subtle, polite, and even charming. They’re right, and they’re handling it well. This is how they keep the experience authentic and sustainable. They know the importance of turnover—this is likely why they open so early.
But they never sacrifice quality for efficiency.
They don’t rush to cash in on their popularity. They don’t dilute what makes them special. They don’t do what most places in the food industry do—killing the golden goose for short-term profit.
Eat whatever you like—you won’t be disappointed. At least half of what you try will stay with you. If you need a starting point? Go for the montaditos. Two or three, no more. Then, a few tapas. We had the ones in the photo. I can’t choose a favorite. They were all excellent.