By Isabella Falero
Being a foodie and all, naturally, a restaurant is the first thought when thinking about fun places to visit in Barcelona. The cuisine is probably one of the top reasons why you would take a trip to Spain. Tapas, bocadillos, vino, paella, etc. you name it, and Spain does it…and very well.
If you are looking for the most authentic Spanish food in Barcelona, El Xampanyet is where you should visit.
It is merely a hole in the wall with tapas cooked to perfection. Don’t be fooled – crowds of people form after noon every single day just to get a taste of what’s offered inside.
Not only is the food delicious, but El Xampanyet offers an experience that no other tapas bar can. It is that tradition and freshness coupled with typical Spanish personalities that make this restaurant come to life.
The hustle and the bustle inside and outside the doors are what draw you in the most, but the decades of history and success are what make you want to stay.
El Xampanyet’s History:
Established in 1929, El Xampanyet has been in the family for almost 100 years now. They have been serving real, fresh, authentic Spanish tapas for a while, so you know it’s legit.
“This place is my heart and soul,” said Jordi Riera, whose family has owned the restaurant for more than three generations. “My two daughters and wife even stop by from time to time to help me serve, cook or even bartend. I love being more than just the owner. I love connecting with those who eat my food.”
What an odd name you might be thinking? El Xampanyet gets its name from the Catalan word xampanyeria which means champagne bar, or cava bar, in Spain.
Cava is known to some as cheaper champagne, but it is actually a diverse delicacy of Spain. It can be drunk for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Most vineyards in the region of Catalonia specialize in cava.
El Xampanyet actually makes its cava in-house. The barrels of this delicious sparkling beverage can be seen lining the interior of the restaurant. It is a must-try…and very inexpensive. Grab a glass – or a bottle – and enjoy!
What to Expect:
If there’s one thing about this restaurant that’s daunting, it’s the crowd of people elbowing to get in. To avoid long wait times, arrive right when the restaurant is opening, as they don’t take any reservations. They actually don’t even have a list once you get to the front! The hostess (who doubles as a waitress) simply remembers who is next; interesting tactic, but hey, it works!
“It’s really simple: I pick something about the people in line that stands out to me, and I remember them that way,” says Celia Pinedo, the hostess, on the waiting situation. “To be honest, sometimes I forget who is next, but it’s a fun game to play!”
If you can’t make it during opening time, you’ll simply have to stick around and wait your turn! It might be an hour plus, but that’s all part of the El Xampanyet experience.
This restaurant has gained lots of acclaim since being featured on many foodie shows, blogs, and podcasts. Ever heard of Chef’s Table on Netflix? Season 5, Episode 4 (from 32:32) titled "Albert Adría" includes the Barcelona famous chef visiting the restaurant for a quick mid-day pick-me-up. Due to these features on popular mediums, El Xampanyet has gained worldwide acclaim and sees visitors from across the globe, hence the long wait times.
You might even be seated at the same table as a stranger, as they just want to get you in at any cost! Don’t worry though; this isn’t at the expense of poor or rushed service.
Also, because of the large mass of people body to body and overall chaos, this is the perfect place for pick pocketers to take advantage of you. So hold on to your belongings real tight and never let your guard down because you won’t see them coming.
The Food:
Once you’ve made it inside, the real fun begins. Although the place is jam-packed, the servers are very attentive and helpful.
Before even taking a look at the menu, the hostess will probably ask if you like champagne. Your answer should always be yes even if it’s a lie. Out comes their famous house cava bottle for a mere 10 euros!
Hope you speak Catalan! Employees at El Xampanyet barely speak English, only Spanish and Catalan. The menu is also in Catalan, with dishes ranging from codfish, to snails, to Jamon Iberico. Honestly, anything on the menu is incredible. Ask the waiter for the chef’s sampler if you want to try a little bit of everything!
The menu highlights a lot of typical Spanish tapas and cuisine. You can’t go wrong with any choice, but if you’re overwhelmed with the options. Your waiter would be more than happy to recommend you some dishes, or better yet, let them know your food allergies, and they’ll keep bringing food out.
“What we do here at El Xampanyet is provide not only a great service, but an experience you’ll remember forever,” explains Mauricio Sanchez, a chef at the restaurant. “And my responsibility is to cook great food that represents who we are as a restaurant and a country.”
All of the dishes are tapas. There are no appetizers and main courses, everything is practically the same size. You can order certain things individually, however. Plates are rather inexpensive for the amount you’re getting and it all tastes amazing!
The pan con tomate, a very simple, yet classic dish is to die for. Try the stuffed red peppers for a cold savory bite. Their tortilla de patatas has a twist being cooked with chorizo and it works so well. You also can’t go wrong with thinly sliced Jamon Iberico, which is extra fresh here.
For a heavy plate, try the beef tenderloin with Padron peppers. It is the softest piece of meat you’ll have in a while, and you’ll be willing to hop on a plane back to Barcelona just to have it again.
Their chickpeas with Jamon are to die for and so are the calamari in tomato and garlic sauce. In conclusion, try it all!
El Xampanyet is all about authenticity. It is not so much about the presentation or the spectacle of the dish, but about the flavors and the freshness of the ingredients. Pictured are some of Spain’s most typical tapas. Everything is made to share, as typical tapas are.
There you have it! Next time you find yourself starving and in the El Born/Gothic Quarter area, pay this fun place a visit! Or even hop on a plane to Barcelona, because the food – and the company – is that good!
¡Buen provecho!
More About the Restaurant:
El Xampanyet
Carrer de Montcada 22, Barcelona 08003, Spain
Hours:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday – Saturday: Noon – 3:30PM, 7:00PM – 11:00PM,
Sunday: Noon – 3:30PM
Phone: +34 933 197 003
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