During your trip to Barcelona, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to one of the favorite dishes of locals and tourists alike: patatas bravas.
A culinary icon in the city, this dish can be enjoyed in almost any establishment.
However, some are better than others.
Today, I'm taking you to the best places to eat patatas bravas in Barcelona.
Patatas Bravas in Barcelona: article summary
What is the history of patatas bravas?
Although paella is arguably Spain's most famous dish, it's an ideal luxury and festive meal for family and friends together. If you'd like to find out more about Spain's most common and popular everyday dish, look no further than the patatas bravas.
This emblematic dish was born in Madrid long after Spain conquered the Inca Empire in 1542 and brought back this vegetable.
The original recipe consisted of irregular bite-sized pieces of fried potato, which were dressed in a spicy tomato sauce and served piping hot. "Bravas" refers to the heat and spiciness of the sauce.
There's something so comforting about a plate of fried potatoes matched with the dynamism of gravy. What's more, it's accessible, affordable and available in virtually every tapas bars of the country.
Patatas Bravas in Barcelona: Bar El Tomà s de SarriÃ
They are the originals, the pioneers of the bravas movement in the city. Creators of the "ailloli + spicy oil" formula, they are constantly imitated. If you have to choose a place to eat your patatas bravas, it's Barcelona's El Tomas.
The friendly staff will advise you on the various dishes you wish to order. Of course, the establishment also offers tapas and other traditional Catalan dishes.
What are the opening hours?
The facility opens :
- Monday to Saturday 12.30 to 4 p.m. and 6.30 to 10 p.m.
The establishment is closed on Sundays.
Senyor Vermut
If their bravas are like those at Bar Tomás, this establishment offers a different and sometimes better version. Perfect aillolis and a very spicy sauce, reminiscent of the original Espinaler sauce, accompanied by vermouth.
Patatas bravas are usually garnished with green chillies. There's always a queue at the door, but it's worth the wait. In fact, it's one of the best-rated places to eat patatas bravas in Barcelona.
What are the opening hours?
If the establishment closes on Mondays, it remains open:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Thursday noon to 4 pm and 6 pm to 11 pm
- Fridays and Saturdays noon to 11 p.m.
- Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Patatas Bravas in Barcelona: bar Omar
Chef Omar is a true legend in Barcelona. Having set up his own establishment a few years ago, you'll be amazed at his very personal and extraordinary version of patatas bravas.
To concoct this dish, he uses "Monalisa" potatoes and covers them with a spicy sofrito, made with a shrimp head sauce and adds saffron aioli. In this establishment, you can also find paella bravas, the ultimate fusion of Mediterranean cuisine.
What are the opening hours?
The facility opens :
- Tuesday to Saturday 1:30 to 3:15 p.m. and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
The restaurant closes on Mondays.
L'Informal by Marc Gascons
The sophisticated technique that Michelin-starred chef Marc Gascons applies to bravas is a kind of lasagne recipe, in which he compresses and cooks the potatoes in a vacuum. Then, he cuts them lengthwise to obtain these fantastic dipping sticks.
Served in a luxury hotel, they are quite expensive, but I think you should try them at least once in your life. Indeed, it's a different way of eating patatas bravas.
What are the opening hours?
The restaurant opens :
- Wednesday to Sunday 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.
Patatas Bravas in Barcelona: barra del gourmet
Perfect for those who don't want their bravas too spicy, but can't get enough of the famous tapa. An unusual spoonful of aioli, with a creamy, yellowish texture and lots of egg yolks.
The red sauce is a beautiful tomato sauce, drowning chunks of potato so big you have to cut them up to get them into your mouth. This restaurant is always packed with tourists. I therefore advise you to bookIf you don't, you'll find yourself in an interminable queue.
What are the opening hours?
The facility opens :
- Tuesday to Saturday 1 to 4 p.m. and 8 to 11 p.m.
By now, you're familiar with the main places to eat good patatas bravas when you're in Barcelona. If you don't have time to try them all, I suggest you select one and go there. You'll be able to taste one of the dishes for which Barcelona is famous.
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