Have you just arrived in Barcelona and don’t know where to start eating? Don’t worry. In this guide we’ll tell you which are the best tapas for tourists in Barcelona, what to order, what to expect, and why Ziryab should be at the top of your list. Because eating well in Barcelona isn’t hard, but eating memorably does require knowing where to go.
What are tapas and why are they a must in Barcelona?
Tapas are small dishes designed to be shared, grazed and enjoyed without rushing. They are the essence of Spanish gastronomy: a way of eating that is, at the same time, a way of connecting with people. In Barcelona, the tapas culture is further enriched by Catalan influence, creating a unique culinary experience that blends local tradition with Mediterranean creativity.
When a visitor arrives in the city for the first time, the offer can feel overwhelming. There are restaurants on every corner, but not all of them deliver an authentic experience. What you’re looking for as a tourist is something that surprises you, that feels genuine and that, along the way, tells you something about the local culture. That is precisely what you’ll find at Ziryab.
The best tapas for tourists in Barcelona: our selection
At Ziryab we believe in Mediterranean fusion cuisine: seasonal ingredients from Catalonia combined with spices and techniques from the eastern Mediterranean. The result is tapas you won’t find anywhere else in Barcelona. Here are the ones you absolutely cannot miss:
1. Apple and ras-el-hanout croquette
Forget the jamón croquettes you find in any bar. Ours is made with apple and ras-el-hanout, a spice blend typical of North Africa, and is served with a turmeric and ginger mayonnaise. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and with an aroma that takes you straight to the Mediterranean.
2. Mediterranean chicken tagine
A classic of the eastern Mediterranean reinterpreted with local ingredients. Our chicken tagine is slow-cooked with aromatic spices, preserved lemon and olives, until the meat is perfectly tender and the broth runs deep — the kind that begs to be mopped up with bread. Comforting, spiced and absolutely irresistible. One of the dishes our guests come back for time and again.
3. Catalan “Llepadits” marinated olives
Our house marinated olives are far more than a simple appetiser. Made with Catalan olives of the Llepadits variety, we marinate them with aromatic herbs, garlic and Mediterranean spices until the flavour is round, complex and completely addictive. The perfect aperitif to begin the Ziryab experience on the right note.
4. Mediterranean cheese and Iberian ham selection
A board designed for sharing and discovering. Cheeses from various Mediterranean origins — fresh, semi-cured and aged — accompanied by slices of acorn-fed Iberian ham, mixed nuts, artisan quince paste and toasted bread. The most pleasurable way to travel across the Mediterranean without leaving your seat.
5. Harissa Bravas
Patatas bravas are a Spanish classic that no tourist should leave without trying. At Ziryab we make them our way: with harissa sauce, the spicy and aromatic pepper paste from North Africa. The result is a bold reinterpretation of an iconic dish that turns the familiar into something completely new.
6. Pan de cristal with tomato and zaatar
Pa amb tomàquet is the most Catalan tapa in existence. We serve it with Jordanian zaatar, a blend of aromatic herbs including thyme, sesame and sumac. Simple, delicious and with a story behind it. The best starting point if it’s your first time at Ziryab.
Why choose Ziryab for your tapas in Barcelona?
There are thousands of tapas restaurants in Barcelona. Why Ziryab? Because we are not just another restaurant. We are a gastronomic experience born from respect for local ingredients and curiosity about Mediterranean cultures. Here are some of the reasons our guests most often highlight:
- 🌿 Seasonal menu: ingredients change according to what the land offers at each time of year.
- 🫙 Options for everyone: we have vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal tapas. Nobody goes hungry.
- 📍 Prime location: we are on Carrer de Grunyí, in the heart of the Born neighbourhood, just a short walk from the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum.
- 🍷 Mediterranean wine list: local wines and bottles from countries such as Greece, Lebanon, Turkey and Morocco, selected by our sommelier.
- ⭐ Over 5,000 positive reviews with a rating of 9.3 out of 10.
The tasting menu: the perfect option for tourists
If you don’t want the hassle of choosing and prefer to live the full experience, Ziryab’s tasting menu is exactly what you need. For a fixed and accessible price (from €25 per person), it includes:
- House vermouth or non-alcoholic aperitif
- House marinated olives
- Selection of dips: labneh, hummus, smoked aubergine, roasted leek with goat’s cheese…
- Hot seasonal tapas
- Main course of your choice (Mediterranean chicken, salt cod, lamb pita…)
- Homemade dessert
- Mineral water included
It is, without doubt, the smartest way to discover Ziryab in a single visit. And if you enjoy wine pairing, ask us about the Mediterranean wine tasting that accompanies the menu.
Practical tips before you visit
When is the best time to book?
Barcelona is a busy city, especially from spring to autumn. We recommend booking your table in advance, particularly if you’re coming on a weekend or during peak season. You can do so directly through our website or via TheFork.
How many tapas should you order per person?
The general rule is to choose between 2 and 3 tapas per person, mixing cold options (dips, breads) with hot ones (croquettes, halloumi, prawns). The bigger the group, the more variety — and the more fun.
How to get here?
We are just a few minutes’ walk from the Barceloneta and Jaume I metro stations (Line 4). Right in the heart of El Born, one of the most authentic and vibrant neighbourhoods in the city.
Conclusion: authentic tapas, unforgettable experience
Tapas in Barcelona are a window into local culture. And at Ziryab, that window also opens onto the wider Mediterranean: Catalonia, the Middle East, the Maghreb, Greece. A cuisine without borders but with a soul.
If you’re visiting Barcelona and want to take home a culinary memory that lasts far longer than a photo, come to Ziryab. Book your table today and discover why we are one of the favourite restaurants among visitors from all over the world.