This place is definitely legit, no English menu was a first clue, after visiting the Picasso museum we stumbled upon this little gem. I rarely get impressed with a tapas place that may seemed tourist traps, but this place is not. Locals eat here, having knowledge of Spanish was helpful, if not no worries your server will assist you. One tip get there early just as they open, the place get quite crowded, and you my not get a table. The tapas are like mini bombs of flavor, there was not a bad dish here. If in Barcelona, this place is a must, and don't forget their champagne, it's their own. read more

The most traditional tapas place you might find. Be prepared to wait in shoulder to shoulder crowd and even share a table if you care to. I was almost reluctant to stay when I got there but was so glad I stayed upon my daughters unwavering persistence and patience. Once seated the service was amazing the tapas are not the ones that impress you when you look at them but they seemed very authentic and were delicious. The bread and their oil is a must have. Share a table order tons of tapas, bread, wine, dessert. Eat, drink-up, have plenty of silly conversations and leave tipsy. See a Flamenco show two doors down and walk and enjoy the area. read more

Literally everything is good here. All the hot plates are delicious. Authentic, decently priced, and the waiters speak english and actively engage with you. WARNING: the wait is long and you might have to stand. Make sure to put your name down on the counter otherwise you're gonna wait for nothing. read more

El Xampanyet - Tapas Bars Near Me - Barcelona, B

This is my favorite tapas spot in all of Barcelona, hands down. Definitely make a point to stop by here if you're interested in a crowded but authentic tapas experience in Barcelona. I've been here many times over the years and it's always delicious and a bit of an adventure. Yes, it's in tourist books but most of the patrons are locals. The cava is especially cheap at 1,50€ a glass so I'd recommend starting with at least a glass (or two) of cava. The menu is written in Spanish, though, if you aren't comfortable with Spanish you can easily get by with a waiter by looking around at the tables near you (which isn't hard since the space is pretty cramped) and pointing to whatever looks good. Agree with Yelpers that the classics, bread with tomato (garlicky yet sweet), jamon (generous amount that just is so fatty and delicious) and anchovies on slices of baguette (pickled anchovies that are perfectly vinegary) are all great. I've also found that any of their seafood specials have always been delicious and more of a medium-sized plate - squid with beans, octopus, shrimp - all very fresh and full of flavor and a little less heavy than standard tapas fare. It is a little more expensive on average than some of the other tapas spots in this neighborhood, but, I think the food is far better quality. When you arrive at the restaurant, it's going to be crowded, but, try to make eye contact with a server and stay near the restaurant (or in the tiny hallway in the back) so that you're certain to get a table / some stools when some open up! You can also order some cava and take in the crowded yet fun atmosphere while you are waiting. Once you have a table, they won't rush you out, so take your time exploring the menu. read more

This place was busy/crowded/loud but had amazing tapas and great cava! I am definitely gonna bring my friends here when they visit Barcelona! read more

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Crowded bustling lively and fun! Had the house wine casa Estevel which was wonderful and the bread anchovies squid and potato and little red peppers with marscapkne at the bar. We also had the jamon the pork and beef with peppers. Everything was hot fresh and full of flavor! A great wonderful find- love it when we find these small spots that have great food and bustling atmosphere. And the wait staff was incredibly friendly including the owner and tapas Bar workers! Makes me want to come back again and makes a tourist feel so welcome! After going on a tapas tour yesterday we found this to be the best tapas yet in Barcelona.... read more

Best tapas restaurant in Barca. Get the steak and shoshito peppers! Passed by this place on the way to the Picasso museum, and knew it was a winner by the fact that the place was packed with locals. Little to no room to move and a wait for seating but the place was amazing. Food was incredible. Everything we ordered tasted good. That desert with the alcohol dipping shot was amazing, and you take the shot after you finish all 3 deserts. When you tip, they ring the bell. And the staff all hustle to accommodate the quick pace of new customers, and do a good job. Can't go wrong with this place. Everything besides the limited seating was 10/10. Definitely best tapas I had in Spain! read more

This tapas place came highly recommended and it didn't disappoint. The bartenders run the show from the minute u walk in. The cava and small plates were great. The atmosphere was fun and service excellent. We can't say enough. Highly recommended. read more

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It's a very a small but popular place among tourists. The prices are quite high. 15 euros for a plate of 6 small shrimps, 8.5 euros for grilled octopus, 16 euros for couple pieces of steaks. read more

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I would recommend coming here just for the cava - at 1,50€ a glass it's a good price for a fun experience in a fun little bar. However, I have to say that everything else seemed pretty expensive... for two glasses of cava, two mini cheese-stuffed Italian peppers (1€ each!), and 4 or 5 boquerones en vinagre, I was charged 11,50€. I didn't love that they offer you food without clarifying that it's not free or showing you the menu to see prices. All in all, fun, but not an obligatory stop on your Barcelona visit. read more

Forget about the Picasso Museum, just go to this toothsome place, eat and drink Cava. Barring that go to Vinya del Senyor, a block away, for a grander wine selection read more

Do yourself a favor and go!!!! Also get the chickpeas, yummy! We enjoyed the atmosphere and food so much we went back a few days letter. When we come back to Barcelona, this will be our first stop. read more

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Oh what I would give to eat their pork/padron peppers one more time.... This place was probably the highlight of our time in Barcelona - we showed up around ~12PM right as they opened (which in Spain is considered REALLY early), and we managed to get lucky and snag a seat. Everything here was really good - some other highlights include the tomato toast, razor clams, and the iberico ham. Service was on point too - the waiter was a young, suave filipino guy who suckered me into drinking an entire bottle of cava for lunch. +1 I'll definitely be back again! read more

Wandering the streets of Barcelona will allow you to stumble upon hidden gems. For my buddy it was the Picasso museum and for me it was this place. I am not really into strolling around in silence and looking at some dead guy's "masterpieces" so I stumbled into El Xampanyet to drink and nibble. The tapas are on clear display and you can't help but to dive right in. The friendly faces behind the stand up bar poured me a beer from the tap which was covered in ice and the sampling began. Tuna, anchovies, sardines, olives, and mussels. All were outstanding and really affordable. The second generation owner was in the building and chatted me up a bit a gave me a stellar suggestion of where to grub on the best paella in Barcelona. Apparently this place has been around for almost 100 years and it's sure to be around for 100 more. A return trip is in the works for Barcelona and El Xampanyet is at the top of the list for a quick beer and a bite! read more

Absolutely the place to go if you want to experience a local feel !!! Great food we meet the granddaughter who is running the restaurant 100 % a must go . You have to want to meet people it's going to be packed but if you have a personality and charm you'll be heard and taken care of !!!! read more

El Xampanyet - Tapas Bars Near Me - Barcelona, B

This is a very busy tapas place in El Born. I think I ended up walking up to the counter from the back of the bar to order from the young woman working there. She was pretty helpful. We ordered everything from mussels to salmon, tuna, anchovies. Everything came out nicely presented on our plates. It's very hectic at 2pm so there might be a little wait outside. Everyone surrounding us seemed to be a local which was a good sign but I'm sure it's touristy too. Be careful in this neighborhood. The area is near the Picasso museum in the alleys but it's a popular place for the pickpocketers to hide. Almost happend to us after we ate here and they are very sneaky. Luckily, we didn't have anything on us. read more

A very typical Tapas Bar, right in the heart of El Born--just down the way from the Picasso Museum and across from Tapeo, another restaurant I highly recommend. El Xampanyet is easy to find. It's the place PACKED with people, some spilling outside onto the street. You'll hear the crowd too. Hungry locals and tourists shouting their orders, each louder than the other, so the workers hear them. Be prepared to be loud and maneuver your way through tight spaces. A well placed elbow or two will help create some space. Sometimes eating tapas is like boxing out for a rebound. The lady and I entered during their lunch rush. Though it seems like every minute they're open is one rush or another. We put on our game faces and worked our way to the bar. On the counter is a display of a few tapas, plus they have a menu to look over. We spotted a couple things in the display case and ordered those and two beers while we looked at the menu. The counter is the best place to stand (don't expect to sit down) because you can chat with the workers and also see all the dishes the kitchen is pumping out. That always helped us decide what we wanted to order. When we saw something that looked good, we'd ask about it and then end up ordering one for ourselves. After downing some Stuffed Potato Bites and an Artichoke dish, we ordered a Tortilla de Chorizo. Oh my, easily one of the best Tortillas I've had in my life. My mom would be butthurt to hear that, but it's true. It was cooked perfectly, so the egg was a tad runny in the middle, and the chorizo added a ton of flavor. We regretted (still to this day, TBH) not going back again while in Barcelona. You'll regret not trying it at least once. Trust me. I want to move to that neighborhood just to be close to El Xampanyet. It's gotta be amazing being a "regular" there. read more

A "running of the bulls?" That's how crazy crowded the streets get for a spot inside El Xampanyet... Because of it's popularity , I encourage you to arrive early or prepare to wait. I arrived at 6:52pm (they open at 7pm nightly) and the security gates were still locked down and no one was in sight yet, but when I returned just 10-15 minutes later, the bar area was already packed with people (locals always know better) and luckily, one single table left for me and my group to occupy. Within minutes after my arrival and all throughout the evening, stampedes of people surfaced, eagerly waiting for a smidgen of space to dive into some divine tapas and delicious, delicious cava. Must Do's: - House Cava (similar to Champagne) - Prawns (Gambas) - Razor Clams (cannot get these in the States!!) - Spanish Tortilla (actually their name for an omelette made with eggs, potatoes, onions..and so good!) - Ham (Jamon) - Olives stuffed with anchovies - Canned pickled white asparagus - House Dessert w/shots of Muscat Located steps away from the Picasso Museum...this place can appear hidden during the day....but by nightfall...El Xampanyet is a pleasantly lively, chaotic zoo...in a good way. A "must try" when visiting the Born district. read more

It's super small. and so delicious. Please. Go. Here. Eat everything. drink the cava. And please please keep this place the gem that it is. read more

This was such a great little restaurant. We went there on our first night in Barcelona during our trip. We had spent the afternoon exploring the Gothic Quarter, drinking in the architecture and letting our imagination run wild with images of life in old city. When it was finally dinner time, we discovered El Xampanyet just down the street from the Picasso Museum. It looked very crowded and lively from the outside, and luckily for us, a couple of seats had opened up at the bar. It's all about the tapas at this restaurant. We sat at the bar and ordered tapas after tapas. Everything was delicious. Not to mention, it seemed like they had a never-ending supply of their house cava. El Xampanyet is one restaurant I recommend everyone to dine at if they are visiting Barcelona. We'll definitely go back the next time we're in the city. read more

House cava, Yes please !! Their cava is just mouthwatering and best I've tried by far. It's madness inside and -- to no surprise -- the place is packed within minutes their door opens. Located in the heart of El Born, on the same block as Picasso museum, it is definitely a must while in Barcelona. I can't even handpick anything from food because it's all pretty outstanding. You'll see dozens of pinxtos and marinated seafood variety, and there is a whole hot dish menu not to be missed, with Catalan specialties like snails and rabbit. read more

​​don't sleep on El Xampanyet! One the absolute food highlights of our trip. The name means "champagne" in Catalan and you must get the a carafe of the house-made cava on tap which is dirt cheap and delicious. Right down the street from the Picasso Museum but I recommend going around 10pm. It's CROWDED but so worth it and part of the fun. The place is well-known (mentioned twice in the novel The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron) and adored by locals and visitors alike. ​​ ​​We met the owner, Joan Carles Ninou, whose father founded the establishment in the 1930s. He spoke to us at length in our mixed Spanglish and was so hospitable, sending us dessert on the house. We loved the butifarras sausage pinchos, egg tortillas, his mother's lamb pasta recipe, and the dessert chocolate with sea salt and olive oil. Joan owns another restaurant, La Puntual that we didn't get a chance to visit but I'll assume is also stellar read more

I know it doesn't need to be repeated but truly: one of the best dining experiences you'll ever have and the best food in Barcelona by far. Definitely have a bottle (or two) of the house cava. It's phenomenal. We got there early so had no problem with lines or crowds (though it was full and had a queue by the time we left a half hour later). We had: - Goat cheese stuffed peppers (ordered these twice) - Jamón (buttery, silky, fatty, delicious) - Manchego (it's not JUST cheese, it's the best damn cheese you'll ever have) - Tuna and sardine with olive with black pepper on bread - Tuna rolled in hot red peppers on bread - Potatoes with cheese, creme fraiche, and bacon (we ordered these twice they were so good) - Salmon with roasted red peppers and garlic - Tuna on leeks with pine nuts (the FLAVOURS!) Every dish was perfect. Not to mention the fact that the traditional toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil you find everywhere in Barcelona was better here than anywhere else. The service was quick, attentive and full of humour, and the price was right. The decor was simple, rustic and modest. Make sure to get there right when they open and you shouldn't have a problem with crowds. read more

Best tapas I had in Spain, hands down! Though it took quite awhile to get a table, the wait was totally worth it. One of the guys who greeted us even saved some fancy desserts for us for when we were finished with our meal. The cava flowed pretty freely, and the pan de tomate kept coming. As a mostly-vegetarian, I had LOTS of options, which was great! Artichokes, tortilla de patata, little red peppers stuffed with cheese, jamon (of course), and the best tuna I've ever tasted in my life. And the dessert was so heavenly, I can't even describe it! Biscotti-ish biscuits and flaky pastry with honey-wine for dipping. Insane. read more

We had no idea where to eat and we were walking around when we stumbled upon this place. It was packed... So we figured we would try it. We only waited about 5 minutes when a standing spot at the bar opened. The waiter was so fun and nice! It was amazing that you could see all the products, so we literally just pointed at what looked good! The waiter was great and helped us out, giving suggestions and telling us to get a combo plate of cheese and meat... That way, we got a lot more variety. We ordered a bottle of their house made cava..... I highly recommend it! AMAZING and inexpensive! I work in wine in California so I definitely appreciate a good wine, and this hit the spot! It was the perfect tapas lunch. We got olives, jamon, 2 cheeses, potato omelette, bread, variety of desserts (which included a dessert wine to dunk biscotti in) and a bottle of cave for............... 35 euro! We were stuffed and so happy. Especially if you want to go to the Picasso museum ( which we did after) go to this restaurant! read more

El Xampanyet - We had so much fun! Get the house made cava! - Tapas Bars Near Me - Barcelona, B

Best tapas. Well worth the wait and the standing room only. This was my first time visiting Spain and I visited this spot twice. Affordable prices and delicious food. read more

Right smack dab next to the Picasso Museum, this tapas bar is known for their *tada* CHAMPAGNE. Their tapas offerings are consistently good, much better than they need to be given the real estate they occupy, and you can catch live flamenco next door. It's always crowded, but it's a fun crowd. You'll have a great time. read more

El Xampanyet - Assorted tapas: Potato and chorizo, salmon salad, jamon Iberico, sardine - Tapas Bars Near Me - Barcelona, B

My friend who lives in Barcelona loves this place! It's her favorite restaurant and she gets special treatment because she is now a regular. The owner Juan Carlos is there and makes sure his customers are happy. Try the calamari with veggies and the steak and fried green peppers. Sounds like usual food fare but they do it soo good. Just try to order beyond what your see on their tapas display. Also their baked potatoes with chorizo. I was so glad I order tomato toast to eat up all the sauce from the calamari plate. Of course you must get a bottle of their homemade Cava which is Spanish sparking wine. The whole bottle for 9 euros! read more

El Xampanyet - Pimentos and meat - Tapas Bars Near Me - Barcelona, B

If you want to experience the cuisine of Barcelona in a comprehensive way then you must visit Xampanyet. Don't be intimidated by the crowd, work your way in somehow and start ordering. Everything and I mean everything is delicious from croquettes to sardines you will be blown away. I especially love the tapas style omelette. Order plenty of cold Estrella to wash it all down. read more

Best tapas! We definitely felt like we were in Barcelona at this place and this was one of our first places to eat after we landed. It's loud with people laughing and talking and ordering but that just made the place better. Definitely a fun crowd and feels like they have many regulars come in because I saw the owners hug a bunch of people. Or maybe that's how he greets people who knows... ;) You will see a lot of people lingering outside probably waiting for a table. My friend and I waved him down and was able to get a table pretty fast. LOVED that as soon as we sat down we said we wanted some cava and in one second bam! Bottle of. Love how they drink here. Our style and cheap too! All the tapas were so simple yet delicious and so flavorful. Loved the sardines on toast, jamon on bread, calamari, shrimps (were amazing order these for sure!), olives.. croquettes.. Cheese stuffed peppers .. Everything cheese was delicious. At the end we were drinking with the people next to us and the owner were super nice! Drunk happy and had money to go drink more at the next bar! Yay us! read more

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This place was the ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT of my visit to Barcelona. ABSOLUTE. HIGHLIGHT. Two MUST ORDERS: the shrimps (Las gambas) & the champagne (xampanyet). The shrimp just freaking MELTS in your mouth and is so fresh, you could swear they just pulled it off a boat. If I had the chance to go back, I would absolutely order 5 plates of the shrimp, no problem. SERIOUSLY though, forgot what any other review has said- GET THE SHRIMP. You will thank me later, I promise. In other news, their house cava and champagne are both wonderfully fruity and light. As a burgeoning wine-o (read: recent college grad attempting to become more classy), these two beverages were a true highlight of our entire trip in Spain. Tl;dr shrimp and champagne. Get this, turn your phone off, stop reading and get this NOW. read more

Wow, I had a great time here last night -- cheap cava, great tapas, wild atmosphere, and personable service. Highly recommended. Pro-tip: make sure you don't shake bottles of cava if you're taking any to go. We had a glass bottle explode on us during transport haha read more

We tried this restaurant based off a recommendation but the wait was too long. We tried again a few days later and arrived 15 minutes before opening to ensure we got seats, and it was well worth it. Not everyone waiting outside was able to sit immediately, but I can understand why they stayed and waited until they did. The staff are super friendly and ensure a constant flow of food. They inquire about your tastes and before you know it you are sharing delicious tapas! The pork tasted like ribeye. The pasta and mashed potatoes are unique and amazing. Their house cava is also wonderful. Plan accordingly, but make this a must on your visit to Barcelona. read more

Great food, great service, great cava. The pork pluma was amazing. Best meal in Barcelona.

Simply incredible tapas, and a nice house cava! Anything you order for tapas plates will be wonderful....but you simply MUST try the small red peppers stuffed with goat cheese and drizzled with olive oil. I would say they are divinely delicious...but the words don't even do them justice. Yum!!! A must-try while in Barcelona...and don't forget a bottle of the house Cava while you are there!!! read more

Ohhh yess! My friend recommended this place to me and I set out looking for it! She said she had to go here twice while she was in Barcelona so I had to try it! It's located in a little street and is super small with a ton of people! All the locals go here so it must be good right?! Yup!! The owner and staff were so friendly! We had to eat standing at the counter while we waited for a table to open up and they just asked us if we wanted to try something and place it in front of us. Whoo! Best way to try new things! The anchovies and the tomato bread here are spectacular! So is everything else we had here - we didn't have a dish we didn't enjoy! The octopus was probably my least favorite but the potatoes with chorizo and cheese, the tuna, the Jambon - it was all spectacular! My first try of Spanish anchovies and they got me hooked! We had the house cava and it was yummy! We ordered 9 glasses of the sparkling for a little over 12 euros! Now that's a deal! I would definitely recommend this place for the food and experience! But beware, you'll be packed in cause they're limited in seating! read more

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Best cava and tapas I've ever had. Let your server choose for you, they know what they're doing. We got there and waited in line at 7 on the dot just as they were opening so we were seated right away, but if you're any later be prepared to wait (it's worth it though!). read more

We came towards the end of a late lunch an made our orders quickly to get really get into it. We kept it simple with the potato bites, an artichoke dish, and a chorizo tortilla which was amazing. We opted for beer instead of the cava (definite mistake as it seems to flow non-stop) but have another Barcelona trip planned at the end of summer and definitely plan on going back... maybe if I close my eyes, and click my heels three times I'll be there already... read more

This place had the best tapas in Barcelona period. I tried many other tapas restaurants in town but also in several other cities in Spain and Portugal, they do not come close to this place, I would go back in a heartbeat if I was in town. The wait is worth it. read more

We stayed in El Born and didn't realize that Xampanyet was a few blocks away. Samantha Brown featured this place on the Barcelona episode and we just had to try it. It's on the block where the Picasso Museum is located. It gets crowded so go early or late. We found a spot at the bar and cava was served immediately. The bartenders are awesome. Attentive and always making suggestions without being pushy. I'm not an anchovy fan but since Samantha Brown had it, we had to try it too. I bit salty and sour from vinegar but I did enjoy it. They gave us a sampler of the seafood. Excellent and we ordered more mussels. Jamon on bread was great but the star of the night was the tomatoes. Omg. Have to get the tomatoes. 3 glasses of cava and all the tapas came out to $27 euros. We didn't even check prices. Just start pointing or let them make suggestions. A really great Barcelona experience. read more