Best Tapas in Sitges
- Maria DiCicco
- Apr 30, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: May 5
If you've followed me on Reddit, or asked me what to do near Barcelona before a cruise, you have probably heard me talk about Sitges. It's a seaside gem just 23 minutes from the Barcelona airport teeming with nightlife, especially around tapas time.
When I last visited I had only researched where to eat a good seafood lunch in Sitges, and hadn't thought about the evening hours. I figured a typical tapas crawl would be in store, and that anywhere and everywhere would be available.
Boy was I wrong!
The tapas scene in Sitges is nearly cutthroat for a table, and you have to make your plans in advance. Don't make the same mistake I did - come prepared with reservations, or at a minimum, an idea of where to have that pre-dinner snack you've been dreaming about.
Here I give you, the best tapas in Sitges!
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The Best Tapas in Sitges
Sitges is a very popular town for short stay travelers wanting a hotel near the Barcelona airport for the night, and it is also a welcoming town for the LGBTQ+ crowd, and a beachier version of the also gay-friendly Chueca neighborhood in Madrid.
In Sitges, bars with seafront views and people-watching sidewalks are plentiful, so deciding where to go is based moreso on where your nose leads, and where there’s space for you.
The streets spilled out with people from all walks of life, with family-friendly places everywhere, and kids enjoying the tapas nightlife until 10pm or later without a blink from other bar crawlers.
Shops stayed open, doors were crammed with people, and being a part of the street scene was just as fun as enjoying the food inside.
Book a food tour to take the guess work out, or just wander with my suggestions below.
Pro Tip: Make your own DIY tapas crawl with my fun printable Spanish Tapas Crawl Bingo game! It's basically a scavenger hunt for foodies - 18+ only! It's perfect for group nights out on the prowl in Sitges. |
That said, make reservations when you can at these places, or pop in and hope to grab a spot at the bar or a coveted table.
Our first stop, we really enjoyed the welcome we received at La Picara. With a homespun feel, our host from Chile was a lovely woman with excellent English, ushering us through the menu and some very charming conversation.
Although the service was impeccable and warming, there is another reason to visit - their cod mousse dip. Yes, it may sound unappealing, but think of it as a warm fish dip.
The cod mousse was whipped ever so finely, with only garlic as an added ingredient. With a touch of spice peppered on the top, this dish was a stellar start to our tapas crawl around Sitges.
When we stepped in here, we were unfortunately met with a crowd and a denial to stay because of how busy it was. But as I looked around as happy diners, and even spoke to a few to find out what they were eating, I wished I had booked a table in advance.
With dozens of montaditos (bread with something on it) available at the counter, I peeped a delicious “something with cheese on it” that a couple from Atlanta was eating. They weren’t sure what they ordered, but it sure looked good to me.
A little off the main drag, you’ll stroll quietly through the dark and narrow alleys of Sitges until you see a crowd forming at the bottom of a hill. This is where you will find arguably some of the best tapas in Sitges.
Receiving numerous awards for their tapas, this place was undoubtedly popular. Dozens of people with only drink in hand loitered about outside waiting for a table to become available inside their traditionally cute dining hall.
Inside, we saddled up to the standing-room only bar for some copas and cañas (small beers) along with whatever piqued our interest on the menu.
We didn’t go for the traditional picos (nibbles) like patatas bravas, croquettes or the like (more on Spanish tapas here), instead we chose the more unique items on the menu.
For instance, we tried the Pumpkin Fagottini with goat cheese (a savory pastry), the Finding Nemo (a cup of tuna tartare), the chicken curry and the Cheek (a pork cheek with apple compote, not pictured).
Of course this menu was served to us in both English and French, so I don’t have the Spanish names. You’ll find that in Sitges you will hear more English and French than Spanish, which is rather disappointing from an authenticity perspective, but it provides for an easy last night’s stay to a vacation where you may have exhausted your Google Translate app.
Bottom line, check this place out for the food and buzzy atmosphere.
Things to Do in Sitges: Planning Your StayBook your airport transfer to Barcelona Airport:Private Transfer from Airport Barcelona to Sitges Book a nice place to stay:Try a Tour from Sitges:Full Day Private Sailboat Tour from Sitges Paella Class, Winery and Bike Ride with Hotel Pickup from Sitges |
Other Tapa Bars in Sitges
These other places looked good when we were walking by. We passed several courtyards and cozy corners but didn’t catch the names. Many places were quite empty, in fact, so it would be reasonable to say you could walk in at a whim at just about anywhere else in town than the ones above.
It is possible to also visit through an organized tapas walk, which could be fun if you are traveling solo or want to meet other people.
Put these on your list if you like basque cuisine (ciders, cod, meats):
Put these on your list if you want beach vibes and waterfront views:
Need More Sitges Information?
Learn more about the town of Sitges, where to stay, tours, things to do, places to eat and more at my separate Sitges guide.
Traveling to Spain with Kids?
Be sure to check out my children's activity book, "Scavenger Hunt Spain: A Kid's Travel Journal". Inside, find challenges, activities, drawing and writing prompts and more. Educate your children on the culture, language, food, landmarks and excite them for your travels.
Check it out here on Amazon to look inside or purchase.
Looking for the Best Barcelona Tours?Don’t show up to these iconic sites without a ticket, you’ll be met with intolerably long lines and no frame of reference. Get a guide, enjoy included transportation (where applicable), and make the most of your Barcelona stay with these top tour options to Barcelona’s main attractions: The Iconic Barcelona Sites
Barcelona for Foodies |
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