I heard that Bar Tapeo is one of those stalwart tapas bars in El Born where you’re guaranteed a decent bit of octopus, sticky ribs, and ample amounts of Spanish plonk. It’s a recipe for a good day out. Tucked away in the vibrant El Born district, just steps from the Picasso Museum, Tapeo del Born has been serving up elevated tapas since 2010. Founded by chef Daniel Rueda (alumni of the famed Tapaç24), this intimate spot blends tradition with innovation, earning a loyal following among both locals and in-the-know travellers. (Me apparently). Inside, there’s a blonde wood bar that stretches along the room and takes centre stage, with a neat cluster of tables for two lined up against navy blue back walls. It’s cosy and very date-night-y. Toward the back, you’ll spot that open kitchen with a mandatory leg of jamón, chefs in whites, and snapback Bar Tapeo caps. The smells wafting from that direction had me dribbling.
Vino seco blanco seems to be the weapon of choice this holiday €4.50.
The pulpo €16, or grilled octopus, arrives expertly dismantled – tentacle cut into thick slabs and seared on the plancha until the sugars in the protein caramelise just right. A dusting of paprika never hurts, and we found ourselves dredging each piece through the sweet chickpea purée like it was second nature.
The Iberian pork ribs €8, glazed with honey and mustard, offer a virtuous interplay where silky, melting fat meets a heavily sugar-lacquered coating. It’s a sticky, indulgent bite – and a sharp reminder that I’ve already spent a small fortune at the dentist and have no desire to relive the skull-rattling hum of a dental drill anytime soon. Edible? Yes. But for me, just a touch too sweet.
The grilled boneless pig’s trotters with prawns €14 came as thick discs of gelatinous pigginess that dissolved on the tongue – though unfortunately, they left behind an oil slick that lingered in all the wrong ways. The grilled prawns, shell-on and skilfully sliced in half, revealed their full anatomy, primed for prising. There’s good stuff to be had, especially if you’re willing to chase down that rich, briny head fat.
Verdict
When did I go? March 2019
The damage: Expect to pay £30/45 per head with booze
The good: All in, Tapeo del Born delivers flashes of brilliance and a solid sense of place, but not every dish hits the mark – come for the atmosphere, the octopus, and a few standout bites, but be prepared to navigate the occasional sugar overload or oily misstep.
The bad: Annoyingly, Tapeo didn’t quite deliver the thrill. The octopus felt like a jaw workout nobody asked for, the ribs hit your taste buds like a sugar candy shop gone rogue, and the trotters left you wondering if you accidentally signed up for an oil slick tasting. Not exactly a smooth ride.
Rating: 3/5
Would I go again? Most probably to try some other dishes
Address: Carrer de Montcada, 29, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Web: http://www.tapeoborn.cat/tapeo-del-born.html
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