Table Of Contents

1. Map of Gracia Tapas Tour
2. Visitor Tips
3. Where to Stay in Gracia?
4. How to be a Respectful Tourist
   • A Taste of Gracia
5. What to Order?
6. Gracia Tapas Tour
   • Sol Soler
   • Can Codina
   • Ginger & Seltz
   • Bar Roure
   • Bar Bodega Quimet
   • Bodega Neus
   • Demo Gastrobar
   • Bar But
   • Mendrugo Bar

Map of Gracia Tapas Tour

Visitor Tips

Gracia is one of the neighbourhoods in Barcelona most affected by housing shortages and overpriced markets due to the influx of Airbnbs throughout the area. My friends who live in Gracia and welcome me to their home every summer are experts on the topic, as graffiti stating “Tourists Go Home” is often a common sight in the neighbourhood. Barcelona is set to ban tourist rental apartments through Airbnb by 2028. This might leave you wondering if you’re welcome in the area at all as a tourist. However, the crux of this issue surrounds soaring apartment rent thanks to tourists and day-tripping tourists coming into the city and, as Mayor Carlos Velázquez Romo stated, “leaving nothing behind for the city.” So what can you do to be a good tourist in the city, especially in a precious barrio like Gracia?

Where to Stay in Gracia?

Well, first, stay in hotels! Staying in local hotels helps reduce the pressure on the housing market, as they do not remove residential housing options from locals. One of the best hotels in the area is Sonder’s Hotel La Casa del Sol, a charming hotel with a cozy atmosphere, offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace ($). Casa Bella Gracia is a stylish, eco-friendly boutique hotel in Barcelona’s vibrant Gracia neighbourhood. It blends contemporary decor and traditional Catalan elements, ensuring a memorable and sustainable stay for its guests. If you wanna splurge, Casa Fuster Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel located in a historic modernist building, offering elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning views ($$$).

How to be a Respectful Tourist

Secondly, and this will be an easy one for the contents of this tour, spend money in the areas you visit. Give back and indulge in the area’s foods and drinks to ensure you contribute as you visit. Be mindful of noise, especially in residential areas. Avoid making excessive noise late at night. Dispose of trash properly and recycle when possible. Keep the city clean for both residents and other visitors. With all this in mind, you can be assured you are the best kind of tourist rather than a “bad tourist” as possible while visiting these incredible spots.

A Taste of Gracia

In the early morning, you’ll wander along narrow alleyways that are so quiet you could hear a pin drop; with their shutters closed and windows shut, it looks almost empty. But come the afternoon, when the city begins to wake up from their siesta, the neighbourhood comes alive as the shutters are opened, the brightly coloured interior is revealed, and the diners explode onto the streets. Tapas, bars and restaurants are abundant in Gracia. Each offers their take on this quintessentially Spanish cuisine. But I’ve done my best to select my favourites that we come back to time and time again!

What to Order?

For the most part, picking the best Tapas spot is more about the vibe than the uniqueness of the food. Most tapas joints serve a pretty similar menu, consisting of traditional Spanish dishes, but there are a few standout items at different spots along the way that I’ll be sure to point out. In Gracia, compared to the more tourist areas, menus tend to be all in Catalan or Spanish. You can always whip out your handy Google Translator to help understand what to order, but some of my favourites that you can’t go wrong with are pan con tomate (crusty bread with fresh tomatoes), patatas bravas ( crispy potatoes topped with spicy tomato sauce and aioli ), croquetas (deep-fried breadcrumb-coated rolls with different fillings) and Tortilla Española (Spanish omelette made from eggs, potatoes, and onions).

There is also Pimientos de Padrón (grilled green peppers), Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil), Jamón Ibérico (cured ham made from Iberian pigs), alcachofas fritas con miel (artichoke hearts deep-fried and drizzled with honey), Banderillas (gherkins, peppers, olives, pickled onions and anchovies places on a small skewer), Manchego cheese, and caracoles (snails are cooked in a savoury broth with chorizo, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs).

Gracia Tapas Tour

Sol Soler

Located in the lively Plaça del Sol, Sol Soler is a beloved spot for locals and visitors. This was one of the first places we came to when we arrived in the neighbourhood, and it became the spot we went to almost every night after work to enjoy a tinto de verano on the patio. Tinto de Verano is a refreshing Spanish drink perfect for summer instead of sangria. It’s made with red wine and lemon-lime soda, and often, different spots add their unique blends, like a Sol Soler, where they add in some vermouth!

While the patio is always lively, I also adore the interior for its authentic decor, warm wooden tables and chairs, traditional Spanish tiles, and eclectic wall art that adds a cozy, homey feel. Soft, ambient lighting enhances the ambiance, creating an inviting space to relax and enjoy your meal.

Can Codina

Can Codina is another one of those spots we couldn’t resist. Even when there was a line to get inside on busy nights during the Gracia Festival, we would patiently wait out our turn to get inside to enjoy the cozy, rustic traditional decor, with a touch of traditional Catalan character with vintage pictures of the old neighbourhood lining the walls, that gives it a homely feel.

Even when it’s super busy, the ambiance is relaxed and laid-back with many regular patrons, and you feel like you’re dining with friends. In addition to their fantastic, yet paired back, selection of tapas, their bar game is on with shelves lined with an impressive selection of local wines, spirits, and my favourite, the vermouth de la casa.

Ginger & Seltz

Unlike many other spots on this list, Ginger & Seltz is a haven for all dietary preferences, offering a modern twist on traditional tapas with a menu that features a variety of vegan and vegetarian tapas. While most tapas menus have only a couple of vegan and vegetarian items, such as pan con tomate or Padron peppers, this spot invites everyone to explore its diverse range of international and Spanish flavours.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ginger & Seltz (@gingerandseltz)

And don’t worry about bringing non-vegans to this point; they also serve many fish dishes, such as the phenomenal Galician cockles with kimchi cream. I’m not a vegan or vegetarian, but I LOVED their jackfruit nachos and vegan “sashimi.”

Bar Roure

Bar Roure is a classic tapas bar tucked away in a quiet corner of Gracia. It is a local hot spot with an unpretentious setting, good prices, and hearty dishes. One of my favourite tapas to order here is the caracoles, a traditional Spanish dish featuring snails—the Spanish version of escargot! The snails are cooked in a rich, savoury broth with chorizo and simmered until tender.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @barbs_bcn

If you want to try a few different things, go for the set lunch menu, which features a first, second and dessert course selected by the chef with seasonal ingredients. A great way to try a new dish!

Bar Bodega Quimet

Bar Bodega Quimet is a small, charming spot known for its delicious, old-school tapas and vintage Spanish style. The variety of dishes, while not overwhelming, offers unique tastes and experiences that stand out from traditional tapas bars. The beef cheek is a highlight, melting in your mouth. The staff are helpful and polite, making you feel welcome and like a local, not a tourist. This is an excellent spot for an authentic tapas experience with reasonable prices and a welcoming atmosphere. If you are interested in vermouth, their selection is fantastic, with barrels piled high along the walls.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Olivia Snaije (@oliviasnaije)

Bodega Neus

Bodega Neus is a beloved little gem in Gracia, known for its fantastic service and delicious food at very reasonable prices. This cozy spot offers a great selection of Catalonian wines and standout dishes like the Catalan bomb, tuna with wasabi sauce, and truffle omelette. The tapas, including stuffed olives, oxtail, patatas bravas, smoked salmon, mussels, squid, and anchovies, are highly recommended. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. It’s a must-visit for authentic, well-prepared tapas in a welcoming atmosphere.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bodega Neus (@bodega_neus)

Demo Gastrobar

Demo Gastrobar is one of the more sophisticated dining experiences on the list with its gourmet tapas. The bar opens onto the peaceful and playful Plaça de Narcís Oller, making sitting out on the patio or just inside a perfect place for local people watching. The menu features creative dishes that blend traditional flavours with modern techniques. Highlights include the must-try Ensaladilla Rusa, a perfect steak tartare, and otherworldly fried eggs. The lamb burger is a standout and highly recommended by diners. The menu features a great selection of natural wines and dishes that showcase high-quality ingredients and creative culinary touches.

Bar But

Bar But in Barcelona is a neighbourhood treasure offering a delightful dining experience with top-notch service and delicious, original dishes. The intriguing menu features creative twists on classic Spanish favourites, such as truffle brie, patatas, bravas waffles, and artichokes with pancetta. The counter seating provides an excellent view of the food preparation, adding to the experience. With super friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place you’ll want to return to.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The ShopKeepers (@the_shopkeepers)

Mendrugo Bar

Mendrugo Barcelona is a standout dining destination that promises an unforgettable culinary experience. This restaurant is celebrated for its innovative menu that combines traditional Spanish flavours with contemporary flair. Guests rave about the expertly prepared dishes, which include fresh seafood, succulent meats, and creative vegetarian options. The ambiance is both chic and cozy, perfect for a special night out or a relaxed meal with friends. With attentive service and a carefully curated wine list, Mendrugo Barcelona is a must-visit.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mendrugo Bar (@mendrugobcn)

Exploring the Gracia barrio through its tapas is an adventure you won’t want to miss. From the vibrant plates at Sol Soler to the creative dishes at Demo Gastrobar, each spot offers a unique taste of Barcelona’s culinary magic. So, whether you’re a foodie on a quest or just looking to enjoy a casual meal with friends, the tapas bars in Gracia have something special for everyone. Grab your friends, pick a place (or a few), and enjoy the delicious journey through this charming neighbourhood.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Tasty Tapas Guide to the Gracia Barrio in Barcelona first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.