Barcelona’s Must-Try Tapas Spot: Cerveseria Catalana

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.

One of the top spots recommended to me was Cerveseria Catalana, a popular tapas bar just off Passeig de Gràcia. Naturally, there was a huge line when we arrived — a sure sign that this place is loved by both locals and tourists. If you’re planning to go, be sure to put your name down for a table. Important note: If you want to sit indoors, check in with the host inside; for outdoor seating, you’ll need to speak with the staff outside.

Even though the place was packed, we only had to wait about 20 minutes for a table indoors, which wasn’t bad at all. The place was buzzing with energy — the kind of lively, slightly chaotic atmosphere that makes you excited for a good meal. The seating was a bit tight, with narrow walkways and closely spaced tables, but it didn’t bother me too much — I was here for the food!

Salpicon de marisco/Seafood cocktail: This is a cold seafood salad — light, simple, and refreshing. Personally, I’m not a big fan of cold dishes, so it wasn’t really for me, but my friend, who was nursing a hangover, appreciated its mild flavor. Definitely a good pick if you’re looking for something light.
Calamares a la romana: Way better than the fried squid I’d had at another place earlier! These were fresh and chewy, with a crispy coating that wasn’t too thick or greasy. A squeeze of lemon added just the right amount of zest. Even my “I-need-something-light” friend couldn’t resist going back for seconds.
Esqueixada de bacalao/Cod: This one surprised me — I didn’t realize it was raw cod until it arrived. It came topped with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and a dash of pepper. The combination of sweet tomato acidity and a unique peppery kick gave it a sashimi-like vibe — it felt like a European take on Japanese raw fish. So unique and memorable!
Tapita de pulpo a la gallega: Ever since I had octopus tapas last time, I’ve been obsessed. This version came with the usual olive oil and paprika — but surprise! There was melted cheese underneath the octopus. It gave the dish a richer, bolder flavor, totally different from the lighter version I’d had before. Still delicious, though! The paprika looked spicy but didn’t add much heat — more for looks than taste.

Cerveseria Catalana offers a vibrant tapas experience, with a mix of traditional and modern flavors that cater to all palates. Yes, it’s crowded and a bit cramped — but the food is absolutely worth the wait. If you’re visiting Barcelona and want a true tapas experience, this spot needs to be on your must-try list. Just be ready to queue — and come hungry!

📍Cerveseria Catalana
Carrer de Mallorca, 236, L’Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain