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Tapas Triumph: My Barcelona Binges

The second part of my Barcelona journey is here, and it's all about the glorious, chaotic world of tapas. As I moaned about in my Madrid post, I just didn't get the tapas scene there. But Barcelona? Barcelona is the tapas kingdom I was promised. And let's be real, I’m already planning my return just for another shot at the city’s culinary magic.

Here’s the rundown on my tapas-fuelled escapade:

Tapeo Bon

This place is, without a doubt, the single best tapas experience I’ve had in all of Spain. Sorry, Madrid, but it's true. Stepping inside, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a top-tier tapas joint: a small, bustling, and wonderfully chaotic space that buzzes with the kind of energy that makes you feel like you've just been invited to the world's best dinner party.
Amazing mini burger, sorry for out of focus picture 
The food, though. The food is just on another level. The foie gras burger is a religious experience. It’s a tiny, perfect morsel of a mini-burger, but each bite is a flavour explosion of juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned goodness. It’s the kind of thing you finish and immediately want to order another, but you know you shouldn't, so you can make room for more gloriousness. The pork rib is another dish that has taken up permanent residence in my memory. The charred, smoky flavour and the unique succulence of the Iberico pork had me seriously contemplating licking the bone clean. Don't judge me, you would too. The deep-fried anchovies and aubergine were also fantastic – fresh, well-seasoned, and crisp.
This is the best ever pork rib!
The only slight misstep for me was the “broken egg” dish. I know it’s a classic and many people swear by it, but for my palate, the combination just didn't sing. Still, one small blip in an otherwise flawless meal.

Ratings
Food: 4.5/5 - The foie gras burger and Iberico pork ribs are legendary. 
Service: 4/5 - The staff were friendly and spoke good English, which is a rare bonus. 
Decor: 4/5 - A perfectly chaotic and authentic tapas bar vibe. 
Value: 4.5/5 - The incredible quality for the price makes this an absolute steal. 
Overall: 4.75/5 - An unforgettable dining experience that will have me coming back for more.

Estimated Cost per Person: €30 - €45

La Flauta

Modern chic design, very different from the other 2 tapas
Next up, La Flauta. This is another popular spot, but the vibe is a little different. It's more modern, more chic, and definitely more spacious. You can actually sit down comfortably without feeling like you're playing a game of elbow-to-elbow combat. The standout feature here is the food display bar, which is a glorious sight to behold. You can just point and choose your next culinary adventure.
Good prawn, slightly pricy
The food is good, don't get me wrong, but it’s not the mind-blowing experience of Tapeo Bon. It’s solid, reliable tapas. My biggest gripe, however, was the service. It was a bit of a mixed bag. It seemed like only a few staff members spoke English, and getting our order in felt like a marathon. It’s worth a visit if you're in the neighbourhood, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.

Ratings
Food: 4/5 - A solid, reliable selection of tapas that are consistently good. 
Service: 3.5/5 - A bit of a gamble, with some staff being less attentive than others. 
Decor: 4/5 - More modern and spacious, offering a comfortable dining experience. 
Value: 4/5 - Good quality food at a reasonable price for the area. 
Overall: 4/5 - A decent option for a quick, casual meal if you're nearby.

Estimated Cost per Person: €35 - €55

Paco Meralgo

And finally, Paco Meralgo, a spot that proves the Spanish truly do eat late. We rocked up at 10 PM and still had to queue for 45 minutes! I can't imagine it can happen in England for a proper restaurant. The energy inside was electric. Everyone was having a great time, and the place was buzzing with a great, lively energy. The staff were absolute troopers, super professional and friendly despite the late, frantic rush.
Looks ordinary but taste really good
The food was, again, good but not life-changing. The squid croquettes were a highlight – crispy, hot, and bursting with flavour. The veal carpaccio with foie gras was a delicious combination. The one that missed the mark for me was the garlic beef filet. It smelled incredible and looked fantastic, but the flavour just wasn't there, and it was a tad too oily for my liking. That said, the menu is massive, so you’re guaranteed to find something you'll love.
Decent scallop but nothing can beat Llurito

Disappointing garlic beef filet


Ratings
Food: 4/5 - A long menu with great options, but some dishes lacked a little flavour. 
Service: 4.5/5 - Despite the chaos, the staff were incredibly friendly and efficient. 
Decor: 4.5/5 - A fantastic and buzzing atmosphere that feels both authentic and exciting. 
Value: 4/5 - Slightly higher price point compare to others. 
Overall: 4.25/5 - A great choice for a lively night out with an extensive menu.

Estimated Cost per Person: €35 - €55

Verdict: Barcelona’s tapas scene is a chaotic, vibrant joy, and Tapeo Bon is the undisputed champion of the city.


Restaurant Information

Tapeo Bon (there are 2 branches) 
Address: Carrer de Montcada, 29, 08003 Barcelona, Spain 
La Flauta (there are 3 branches) 
Address: Rambla de Catalunya, 91, Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain 
Website: https://www.laflautagroup.com 

Paco Meralgo 
Address: Carrer de Muntaner, 171, 08036 Barcelona, Spain 

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Location: Barcelona, Spain

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