Barcelona Tapas Food Tour

Explore Catalan Tapas culture in one of Barcelona's vibrant neighborhoods
From US$436 semi-privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
Various Restaurants in Poble-Sec
Photos & Highlights
  • Barcelona tapas tour led by a culinary expert or chef
  • Learn about local tapas tradition and enjoy ample tastings
Select a date
Tour Description
Spain is synonymous with tapas, but are tapas a culinary tradition of the fervently nationalistic region of Catalonia? Long before the Andalusians from the south brought their gazpacho and the hot new chefs were topping tapas with wasabi, there was a local tradition of “pica-pica,” or enjoying some nibbles over a glass of vermouth before a meal. On this 3-hour tapas tour in Barcelona, our expert guide, a culinary insider or chef, will shine a light on this tradition, taking us on a delectable tour of top tapas purveyors around the trendy, up-and-coming Poble-Sec area. Together, we will reveal the basis of Catalan tapas and see how they have evolved with the influence of the rest of Spain and its recent avant-garde culinary movements.

Barcelona Tapas Tour in Poble Sec

To picar in Catalan means to eat small portions of different types of food, such as olives, croquettes, cheese, or fuet sausage. Ideal places for this are the bodegues, Catalan “taverns.” We will begin our mouth-watering private tour in a Poble-Sec tavern. Settling in at a traditional-style (though modern) bodega, we will learn the basics and possibly even make our own pa amb tomaquet (tomato bread) to be sampled with a variety of cheeses and locally produced vermouth. While this traditional Spanish libation has remained a local favorite, vermouth has enjoyed a recent resurgence outside of Spain, thanks to the craft cocktail movement, inspiring the rest of the world to sit up and take note. This sweet, fortified wine is traditionally enjoyed over ice and pairs well with Catalan tapas. 

Tapas Tastings with an Expert

Following our introduction to Barcelona's approach to tapas, we will then head to one or two other local spots, perhaps one where the friendly owner puts an innovative twist on favorites such as bomba, potato balls with spicy meat. We might also stop in at the neighborhood favorite “Quimet y Quimet.” The current owners are the fourth generation proprietors, serving up possibly the world’s best montaditos, or small sandwiches. We will taste for ourselves their wonderful made-to-measure creations.
"Our tour was fabulous. Our guide knew the history and food of Barcelona, and her knowledge was unbelievable. We visited several food venues that were different and unusual. We would have never found these on our own. She asked us what we liked and did not like, but we trusted her to order for us so as to expand our experience."

Tapas Tour Take Aways

Our final spot will highlight Barcelona as a cosmopolitan city. Over the last century, people from all parts of Spain, especially Galicia and Andalusia, flocked to Barcelona in search of work, bringing their culinary traditions along with them. We may stop in at a hip Basque bar serving up seasonal pintxos, tapas on bread, traditionally from the region on the opposite side of the country, which now rivals Catalonia's once steadfast hold on the contemporary food scene. This will give us the opportunity to discuss how these outside elements are shaping Barcelona today, creating fusion approaches to classic favorites. We'll part ways full of knowledge and locally made tapas. 


Booking Instructions

This walk is adaptable for anyone with allergies or other dietary restrictions. Please indicate these in the notes when booking so your guide can be prepared.


Looking for more Barcelona bites? Try our Barcelona Food Tour in the famous La Boqueria Market.

FAQ about the Barcelona Tapas Tour

This tour takes place around dinner time. Will the tapas tastings be enough for dinner?
The various tastings on the tour are significant and can be considered a replacement for a sit-down meal.


I'll be going to Madrid after my time in Barcelona. Do you have any tapas tours there?
In Madrid, you may like our tour Savoring Madrid: Tavernas and Tapas.


I have dietary restrictions. Can I take this tour? 
We will do our best to accommodate you if you are on a small group tour by ordering appropriate items. However, taking a private tour would allow us to tailor even more fully to your needs. Please note that we cannot guarantee that the foods prepared in restaurant kitchens will not be subject to cross-contamination.
Experts
Vicky Vicky
Local Guide
Esther Esther
Local Expert, Gastronome
Maria Maria
Local Guide
Brendan Brendan
Local Guide
Alessandro Alessandro
Local Expert
Elisabet Elisabet
Local Guide
Philippe Philippe
Local Guide
Angelo Angelo
Local Guide
Teresa Teresa
Chef
Where You'll Start
(4.79) 209 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Maria was very personable and passionate about the food scene in Barcelona. She took us to some amazing local spots where we had the opportunity to enjoy delicious tapas and local spirits. She sprinkled in some history and culture and showed us one of the local markets along the tour. We definitely recommend this tour and Maria to others, it’s a great way to kick off your visit to Barcelona!
Our family of three - myself, my husband and our 21 year old daughter - had a great night with Vicky despite the pouring rain! She kept us going and smiling the whole time! And took us to four different places in the area. We enjoyed all and did not go hungry!! We ate and drank well! We definitely would not have understood tapas without her explanations and guidance. We took that knowledge and used it again and again during our time Barcelona. Even our daughter who had been in Barcelona for two months learned a lot and explored a new area of the city. I highly recommend this tour and Vicky. I would suggest doing it at the beginning of your visit too because you can use everything you learn to make your entire stay more enjoyable.
We had an informative and lovely evening with Teresa, exploring the wines and tapas of the Catalonia region. As a professional chef, she was able to describe the ingredients and preparation methods that gave us insight into the foods we were enjoying. She was also very accommodating with some dietary restrictions our group had and made it fun for everyone. Our experience was easy and enjoyable - exactly how a Friday night in Barcelona should be!

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