Barcelona's Independent Review Website

La Esqunica
Click here to view map Tapas is everywhere in Barcelona but really good, inexpensive Tapas is difficult to find. The 20 minute trip out to Virrey Amat at the end of the blue line is well worth it if this is what you are after. At La Esquinica, the price is low, the portions are so large that the waiters won’t let you order more than they think you can eat and the hectic, bustling atmosphere is, for the lack of a less patronising word, authentic and fun. Its value for money is indicated perhaps most clearly by the nightly queue outside the door and the ticketing system in operation. Don’t let that put you off. Either turn up near opening time to be one of the first batch of diners, or prepare yourself for a wait - it was around 30 mins when we went on a Tuesday night - we took a ticket and went for a drink- but at other times we have walked straight in. For about €10 each we had a good bottle of house red, pan con tomato, calamari, croquettes and pinxos which may not sound like a lot of food for two people but the waiter’s recommendation not to order any more turned out to be wise. On other visits the Chorizo, garlic mushrooms and Pimientos Padron, have been very good too. Once seated you might at first be surprised by the noisy atmosphere, with waiters shouting across the room to one another as they whistle past your table, but then La Esquinica is not the place for romantic seclusion. The brusque waiting style, simple decor and friendly hubbub are the core of its charm and really make your time their memorable. The food is very good quality and exceptional value considering some of the prices you can pay for much smaller, less appetising dishes in town. La Esquinica will, without doubt, become a regular fixture in my choice of dining venue.

Address:

Passeig de Fabra i Puig, 296, 08031

Area:

Outskirts

Nearest Metro:

Virrey Amat

Opening times:

Tues-Sun

Price range:

€10-€15 pp

Food types:

Tapas