Barcelona’s Sants neighborhood is a hidden gem that often gets overlooked by tourists, but it’s a must-visit destination for foodies. Located in the southwest of the city, Sants is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a rich cultural history, known for its strong community spirit and laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals to enjoy a leisurely meal or drink with friends.
In this post, we’ll take you on a gastronomy tour of Sants, showcasing some of the neighborhood’s best tapas bars, restaurants, and culinary hotspots. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to experience the local cuisine, Sants is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
We’ll start the visit at Sants Market, a modernist building designed by the architect Falqués i Urpí in the mid-19th century. It serves as the perfect place to blend in with the locals as you explore the food stands and tantalize your taste buds for your upcoming culinary journey.
Next, you can head over to Bodega Montferry, a classic Sants spot that offers the best of Catalan “vermuteo” recipes. A must-try is the special sandwich “entrepà” they prepare daily, which keeps the locals on their toes.
We continue our journey by visiting the El Vapor Vell, an old factory considered to be the oldest steam industry preserved in Barcelona. This former textile factory serves as a cultural asset of national interest and houses a library and school. Close by are the Cotxeres de Sants, a cultural and recreational center that offers a plethora of events and activities throughout the year.
Next, we’ll head to Plaça Osca, the terrace-bar lovers’ paradise in the Sants neighborhood. This bustling square is a meeting place for locals, and its bars and restaurants offer a variety of tapas to choose from.
Just a few meters away, at carrer de l’Espanya Industrial, 14 is La Perla Negra, a cozy retro-looking bar that serves classical tapas and delicious seafood treats like fresh oysters and prawn carpaccio. The service is friendly and the wine selection works as a charm with their gastronomy offer.
We’ll then take a stroll to the Parc de l’Espanya Industrial, a park that was once a vast textile mill. It is now home to a number of sculptures and a boating lake where you can observe various birds. The giant metal dragon by sculptor Andrés Nagel is a popular attraction here.
For those who want to taste typical Catalan cuisine, head over to Bar-Bodega Bartolí, an old local bar that offers delicious dishes like Faves a la catalana and cargols en salsa (snails!) at affordable prices. Fresh and local produce.
Next, we visit Vermut i força al Canut, another great spot in Sants that offers a great selection of Catalan wines and amazing tapas like “Morro fregit,” a type of homemade bacon.
Another local gem is Trencalòs Vermuteria, (Vallespir, 73) offering a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic diner with your favorite person. The bar boasts an excellent selection of craft beers and vermouths, carefully curated to satisfy the most discerning palate.
But it’s not just the drinks that make Trencalòs Vermuteria a standout establishment. The bar is also dedicated to offering quality tapas, with a menu that combines traditional flavors with modern twists. From their famous Croquetas to the Brandada de Bacallà, a traditional cod paste, each dish is carefully crafted to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression. Locals in the know recommend trying the Ensaladilla Russa, a refreshing salad made with potatoes, carrots, green beans, tuna, mayonnaise, and egg, or the Lacón, a mouth-watering ham-like delicacy that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Usually busy, try to avoid peak hours.
La Europea is a trendy vermutería in the heart of Sants (Vallespir, 96) that’s perfect for those looking for a hipster relaxed atmosphere. The bar offers a modest yet carefully curated selection of food and beers. While the food menu may be limited to typical bar snacks like Nachos, Chicken Wings, Hummus, and Saucy Potatoes, each dish is well prepared and pairs perfectly with the bar’s drink selection. The service is top-notch, with friendly staff and ideal for those who like small and laid-back vibe bars.
La Mundana, a posh Spanish tapas bar with an international twist, is the perfect place for those who want to experience something unique. You may find it challenging to get a reservation at this popular spot, but it’s definitely worth the effort for their delicious food like Korean ribs and Iberian tonkatsu.
Finally, we end our journey at M. Pl. del Centre, a great place to relax and unwind with a drink after a long day of exploring Sants.
Note: This post only scratches the surface of the many great bars and establishments you can discover on our app, Barcelona City Walks. Whether you’re looking for a traditional vermutería or a modern craft beer bar, our app has you covered.
Buen provecho!
