The best of Barcelona's authentic bodegas (before they disappear)

I have visited Barcelona several times by now, and it’s not a secret that the city is full of life, unique flavors, and tradition! That’s why on my 3rd visit, despite being short, I fell in love with the city and its different authentic restaurants, pubs, and “bodegas” like it’s called locally. It’s mainly where locals go for tapas and a drink, some of the last places to enjoy the true and authentic Catalan essence.

What I love the most about those places is that they aren’t just bars or restaurants. They’re places with a lot of history, they are one of those time-tested places where time seems to stand still. The atmosphere is family-friendly, the prices are fair, and the cuisine is 100% local. But sadly, these places are disappearing, victims of gentrification, and that’s why today I’m showing you my favorites.

Table of content hide

1 1. Bodega La Puntual

2 2. Can Cisa / Bar Brutal

3 3. Bodega Vidrios y Cristales

4 Conclusion: Visit Them Before They’re Just a Memory

1. Bodega La Puntual

If you’re looking for a bodega that’s only authentic but also has a great location, the Bodega La Puntual is a must-visit. Situated in Carrer de Montcada in Ciutat Vella, just a few blocks away from Lugaris holiday beach apartments Barcelona and the Ciutadella Park.

It was founded back in the ‘20s, and the place maintains its family-friendly atmosphere, as well as a menu packed with Catalan classics like anchovies in vinegar. Don’t expect luxuries or modern touches: here, simplicity and flavor are the key. I loved how the walls are filled with jams, other sausages, and garlic. The tables are wooden, and you can find a ton of different casks and barrels around the dark wood counter, showing the wear and tear that only years of use can produce.

The attention is top-notch here, and the waiters are very attentive. Make sure you ask for a local drink, it will be accompanied by olives and a slice of orange. Also, try some of the star dishes that include the typical bread with tomato and Iberian ham, which is made with freshly toasted country bread, and pickled anchovies.

Here, the friendly people from El Born (the neighborhood) gather to chat, grab a bite or just enjoy a beer.

2. Can Cisa / Bar Brutal

Also located in Ciutat Vella, on Carrer de la Princesa, and just a few blocks away from the Picasso Museum, you’ll find Can Cisa, a bodega that has somehow evolved without losing its soul. Nowadays, it shares space with Bar Brutal, which adds a different touch to it.

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Despite that, it still maintains the traditional bodega spirit that made it popular, and as soon as you enter, you will notice the old shelves full of bottles, a bar packed with old wine barrels, and fake animals all around. The menu is a true tribute to the traditional local produce, you can find anything from tapas to dishes with different cheeses, different jams, cured meat, and seafood.

I highly recommend that you try the cod fritters, crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and served with homemade mayonnaise that makes them irresistible. But what really stands out here is the wine list, which has options from small Catalan wineries that you won’t find anywhere else.

3. Bodega Vidrios y Cristales

Next, hidden in plain sight on a narrow street in the Pg. d’Isabel II of Ciutat Vella is a bar that only a local could recommend. The Bodega Vidrios y Cristales looks like it has frozen in time for ages, despite not being open for that long. They opted to recover the classic format of the traditional neighborhood bodega that characterizes serving good conservas, salted fish, and other classic dishes.

It maintains the old charm intact: barrels, casked everywhere, hanging hams, and a time-worn wooden bar. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, it feels like going to an old friend’s house. The menu is short but hearty, with dishes like the olives, herring, dried tuna, cured bonito loin, and fried potatoes. If you’re feeling brave, order the house wine or a vermut that is served perfectly with olives or salted anchovies.

Conclusion: Visit Them Before They’re Just a Memory

Back in 2024, a bodega called Bar Salvat, which had been open since 1880, closed for good, leaving a lot of history behind. Sadly many places like this that have been around for ages are disappearing, that’s why you need to visit one before it’s too late. The bodegas are part of the city’s history, and each one has its own story, flavor, and soul.

If you want to experience the true essence of Catalonia, act quickly: many of these places are endangered by high rents and overcrowding.

So, you know: order a vermouth, share a tapa, and enjoy it like a local!