Affordable Tapas in Barcelona: Bar Celta Pulperia

When I think of Spanish cuisine, paella is the first thing that comes to mind. But as soon as I arrived in Barcelona, my friend insisted I try Tapas — something I wasn’t too familiar with. At first, I thought Tapas was the name of a single dish, but I soon learned it actually refers to a variety of small plates, often served as snacks or appetizers — a bit like bar bites — with endless options to choose from.

We had just landed in Barcelona and were starving, so we set off to find a tapas place. Unfortunately, every spot was either fully booked or required a reservation. After wandering around for over an hour, we finally found a tiny restaurant willing to take us in (thank goodness!) — Bar Celta Pulperia, located near Parc de la Ciutadella, not far from the beach. The place looked humble, cozy, and affordable — just what we needed.

The interior was simple and bright, though a bit cramped. The bar was lined with mouthwatering dishes that were calling our names. Since the menu was in Spanish and I was a little lost, I let my friend do the ordering… and I also shamelessly peeked at what people next to us were having. 😂

Sangria: Of course, first things first — you have to start with a glass of local Sangria! A fruity red wine punch — sweet, aromatic, and refreshing. It’s perfect for people who don’t usually drink alcohol, as the wine flavor is quite light thanks to all the fresh fruit. Super easy to drink!
Langostino Cocido: This literally translates to “boiled prawns.” The prawns were fresh and naturally sweet — simple yet satisfying. A squeeze of lemon really brought out the flavors. Not a complex dish, but it was all about the freshness!
Pulpo Pequeno: Grilled octopus, seasoned with just olive oil and paprika. The octopus was tender and chewy with just the right amount of heat. It was such a simple dish, yet incredibly flavorful. A local Spanish couple sitting next to us recommended it — and I had been eyeing their plate the whole time anyway! It definitely didn’t disappoint.
Calamars Romana: Unfortunately, the calamari rings were a letdown. The batter was way too thick and the squid inside was rubbery — like chewing on an elastic band. Wouldn’t recommend this one!
Pan Con Tomate: At first glance, I thought this tomato bread had jam on it — and I was afraid it would be overly sweet. But it turned out to be freshly grated tomatoes on crispy toasted bread. The tomatoes added a refreshing tang, and the bread still had a good crunch. A very classic and refreshing Spanish starter.
Truita De Patates: A Spanish potato omelet — hearty, filling, and simple. Nothing fancy, but it’s perfect to wrap up the meal if you’re still feeling a little hungry.

Even though this was a last-minute decision after being turned away by several restaurants, I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty and affordable everything was at Bar Celta Pulperia. Spain really is a country that knows good food — and even a casual tapas bar like this one can impress!

My only regret? I couldn’t try every dish on the menu — there are just too many tapas, and not enough stomach space. Guess I’ll just have to come back. 😉

📍Bar Celta Pulperia
Carrer de la Princesa, 50, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain