Hola, food lovers! Barcelona has a way of turning every meal into an experience – and nowhere captures that better than El Nacional, the grand gastronomic hall on Passeig de Gràcia where architecture, light, and flavor dance together. Within this striking modernist space lies a world of culinary corners, each celebrating a facet of Iberian cuisine – but the one that beats with the liveliest heart is La Taperia.
Here, dining is performance. From the moment you step inside, the air vibrates with energy: the sound of sizzling olive oil, the clink of glasses, and the cheerful rhythm of waiters calling out the next round of tapas.
The Setting & Decor
La Taperia sits at the lively core of El Nacional, a space originally built in 1889 as a café-theatre before transforming into an industrial garage, and later lovingly restored by Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio. High ceilings framed in wrought iron, patterned marble floors, and vintage glass lamps give the venue a timeless grandeur, while La Taperia itself adds a warm, playful twist.
Its green-tiled walls and mosaic accents contrast beautifully with the brass fixtures and natural wood tables. Lush plants spill over from shelves and columns, softening the industrial lines and creating a fresh, botanical feel – almost like dining in a sunlit greenhouse. Warm amber light filters across marble counters, and behind the open kitchen, chefs move in rhythm, tossing shrimp and plating patatas bravas with effortless grace. The décor reflects the spirit of the food itself: vibrant, alive, and distinctly Mediterranean.
The Experience
I visited on a sunny afternoon and took a table near the open kitchen, the best seat to watch the theatre unfold. Waiters glide through the room, announcing dishes in melodic bursts: “¡Gambas al ajillo!” “¡Solomillo ibérico!”; and diners raise their hands to claim the next sizzling pan. It’s lively yet comfortable, animated yet somehow intimate, a celebration of spontaneity. Here is what we ordered:
Pimientos de Padrón con Sal Gorda
The meal began with blistered Padron peppers, still sizzling when they reached my table. Their skins were charred just enough to release that smoky aroma, then sprinkled with coarse salt. Most were mild, but the occasional fiery one made me laugh out loud, a little game that every local knows.
Patatas Bravas
The patatas bravas were golden perfection – crisp edges giving way to soft centers, drizzled with the restaurant’s signature brava sauce and a swirl of creamy aioli. The balance of heat and richness was pure comfort; the kind of dish you could eat endlessly and still crave one more bite.
Salteado de Solomillo Ibérico macerado con especias morunas
Then came the star of the show – sautéed Iberian sirloin marinated in Moorish spices. Aromas of cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika rose as soon as the plate landed. The meat was tender, almost buttery, each bite layered with warmth and depth. It carried the essence of Spain’s spice routes and Moorish heritage in one delicious mouthful.
Gambas al Ajillo
Next, the garlic shrimp, served still bubbling in clay. The fragrance alone – garlic, chili, olive oil – was irresistible. Each shrimp was plump and sweet, cooked to perfect tenderness, with the oil turning into liquid gold for dipping. I tore a piece of crusty bread and soaked it up slowly, not wanting the moment to end.
Paletilla Ibérica de Bellota
The acorn-fed Iberian ham was presented on a wooden board, thin slices glistening like silk. Deep ruby in color, rich yet delicate in flavor, it melted almost instantly on the tongue, leaving behind a trace of sweetness and nuttiness. You could taste the care and tradition in every slice, Spain’s culinary heritage at its purest!
Pan de Coca con Tomate, Aceite y Sal
And of course, Pan de Coca, the Catalan classic – crisp flatbread rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled in olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt. It’s humble yet essential, tying every dish together like a final note in a song.
Drinks & Pairings
To complement the meal, I chose a glass of Espelt Vailet, a bright white blend of Garnatxa Blanca and Macabeu from Empordà. Its crisp minerality and subtle fruitiness paired perfectly with both seafood and meat. I followed it with a cold Estrella beer, that perfect Catalan balance of refreshment and familiarity – sunshine in a glass!
Ambiance & Service
Service at La Taperia is part of the theatre. Waiters move quickly, always smiling, calling out each dish as it emerges from the kitchen. It’s organized chaos in the best way – spontaneous yet attentive, where every guest feels part of the moment. The soundtrack is a blend of soft jazz, clinking glasses, and the occasional cheer when a table claims the last serving of something delicious. Natural light filters through the high windows, glinting off brass railings and reflecting in glasses of cava. It’s vibrant but never overwhelming, the perfect mix of elegance and authenticity.
Bubbly Tips
- Location: El Nacional, Passeig de Gràcia 24 Bis, Barcelona (in the Eixample district)
- Hours: Daily from noon until late (kitchen closes around midnight)
- Pairing: Try Espelt Vailet for seafood or a Ribera del Duero tinto for the meats
- Best Time: Early afternoon for a slower pace, evening after 8:30 p.m. for full energy
- Language Tip: A cheerful “¡Muy rico!” will always earn a smile
Final Thoughts
La Taperia isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a love letter to Spanish flavor, rhythm, and joy. Between the shimmering green tiles, the golden light, and the laughter that echoes beneath the iron arches, I felt completely immersed in the heartbeat of Barcelona.
Every dish told a story – of fields, coasts, spices, and shared tables. Whether you come for the garlic shrimp, the Iberian ham, or simply the atmosphere, you’ll leave with a full heart and a happy palate.
So next time you find yourself wandering through El Nacional, follow the sound of sizzling pans and raised voices. That’s where you’ll find La Taperia, where the soul of Barcelona gathers around the table.
Which tapa would you try first? Share your favorite Spanish bites in the comments, I’d love to hear!
xoxo,
Bubbly 🎈
