Hola, foodies and travel lovers! 🌍 Barcelona is a city where every street corner tells a story, through its art, its architecture, and especially its food. Tapas here aren’t just snacks; they’re a way of life, a tradition rooted in sharing, conversation, and celebration. Among the many tapas bars scattered across the city, Tapas 24 has earned a reputation as one of the must-visit spots for both locals and travelers.
Created by Carles Abellán, a Michelin-starred chef and protégé of Ferran Adrià, Tapas 24 takes beloved Spanish classics and reimagines them with flair. It’s casual, fun, and accessible, yet every dish is crafted with the precision of fine dining. I visited the Carrer de la Diputació location in Eixample, near Passeig de Gràcia, and what followed was one of my most memorable meals in Barcelona.
The Atmosphere: Buzzing Energy & Bar-Side Views
From the moment I stepped inside, Tapas 24 felt alive. The design is unfussy – wooden accents, chalkboard menus, warm lighting – but the energy is electric. The space buzzes with the clatter of pans, the hiss of olive oil hitting a hot pan, and the hum of conversations in Spanish, Catalan, and a dozen other languages.
Sitting at the bar was the best decision. From there, I could watch the chefs in action – slicing jamón, searing steak, tossing peppers in sizzling oil. It felt like being part of the kitchen’s rhythm, a backstage pass to Barcelona’s culinary theater. Between bites, I found myself entranced by the constant movement: orders being shouted, plates flying out, cava being poured. With a glass of cava in hand, I felt both diner and spectator, immersed in the city’s heartbeat.
A Feast of Tapas: What We Ate
Each plate at Tapas 24 told its own story, rooted in tradition, elevated with flair. Watching each plate arrive felt like unwrapping a new gift, each one better than the last. Here’s what we sampled, dish by dish:
Las Bravas (Patatas Bravas): Golden, crispy cubes of potato, crunchy on the outside, fluffy inside. Topped with brava sauce that was smoky and slightly spicy, balanced by a dollop of creamy aioli. A humble dish but executed with perfection.
Bikini of Iberian Ham from Maldonado: Forget any sandwich you’ve ever had, this was indulgence in its simplest form! A perfectly toasted “bikini” (grilled sandwich) filled with 100% Iberian ham, gooey cheese, and a touch of truffle. The bread was buttery, the ham luxurious, and every bite melted on the tongue.
100% Iberian Ham (Jamón Ibérico Maldonado): Paper-thin slices of jamón, deep red with marbled fat, rich in flavor. Maldonado ham is acorn-fed, giving it that nutty, complex taste that lingers long after the bite. Eating it at the bar while watching the chefs slice more felt like the most authentic Spanish moment.
Catalan Coca Bread with Tomato (Pa amb Tomàquet): This is Catalonia’s soul in food form. Rustic bread, toasted and rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt. It’s simple, but the freshness makes it unforgettable. Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most profound.
Pimientos de Padrón (Pebrots del Padró): Blistered green peppers sprinkled with coarse salt. Most are mild, but every so often one surprises you with heat. It’s part of the fun, a culinary game of chance locals adore.
Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce: Cooked just right – juicy, smoky, and tender. The chimichurri brought brightness with herbs, garlic, and vinegar that cut through the richness. It was hearty, bold, and one of the standout dishes of the night.
Why Tapas 24 Stands Out
Barcelona has countless tapas bars, but Tapas 24 strikes a rare balance:
- Chef-Driven Creativity: Carles Abellán brings Michelin-level expertise, but without pretension. You taste quality in every bite.
- Accessible & Lively: It’s casual, fun, and packed with locals and travelers alike. You don’t need a reservation, just patience and appetite.
- Perfect Location: In Eixample, just a short stroll from Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). It’s the ideal culinary stop after exploring Barcelona’s architectural wonders.
Bubbly Tips for Visiting Tapas 24
- Go Early or Expect to Wait: This spot is popular and doesn’t take bookings. Aim for early lunch or off-hours to snag a bar seat.
- Sit at the Bar: Watching the kitchen in action adds a whole other dimension to the experience.
- Mix Your Order: Pair classics like bravas and coca bread with gourmet twists like the bikini or steak.
- Pair with Cava or Vermouth: Both balance the salty, smoky flavors beautifully. If you want to drink local, ask for a Catalan wine.
- Budget: Prices are mid-range, more than a traditional bodega but worth it for the quality.
Final Thoughts
Tapas 24 is more than a meal, it’s Barcelona on a plate. From the sizzling bravas to the silky jamón, every dish captured the essence of the city: lively, flavorful, rooted in tradition yet daringly creative.
My favorite moment? Sitting at the bar, sipping cava, watching the chefs at work, and tasting jamón so rich it felt like it melted into memory. It wasn’t just dinner, it was a reminder of why Barcelona is one of the great food cities of the world.
If you’re in Barcelona and want to experience tapas with flair and authenticity, make Tapas 24 part of your itinerary. It’s a taste of the city’s soul, served one plate at a time.
xoxo,
Bubbly 🎈
