Bar Alegría - Modernist Charm
Bar Alegría is a modernist tapas bar that first opened its doors in 1899 and is hands down one of my favorite tapas bars. It has a long history, and not long ago, it was taken over by a dynamic team headed by Tomàs Abellan (son of famed Carles Abellan) and gently renovated and reopened. And we love what they have done with it.
Bar Alegria, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Bar Alegria, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The bar still holds a wonderful spirit of forgotten times, with a beautiful decor. You can sit upstairs, downstairs, or on the spacious terrace that sprawls onto the sidewalk. The staff is lively and friendly.
Bar Alegria, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Bar Alegria, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Bar Alegria, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The menu includes tapas classics, and lately, they have also added interesting innovations to it. Within the classics, I am a big fan of the famous bikini (a nod to chef Carles Abellan, Tomàs’ dad) and the truffle tortilla. You can see all the seasonal creations on the blackboard, ranging from a wonderful smoked albacore tuna (from Rooftop Smokehouse) with ajoblanco and grapes to truffle artichoke with a delicious surprise inside, a steak tartare with avocado, just to name a few.
Bar Alegria, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Feeling adventurous? Then the sweetbread might be something for you, served with a rich demi glacé and a pumpkin puree.
Bar Alegria, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Bar Alegria, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Make sure not to forego the desserts. The delicious La Viña-style cheesecake is very much recommendable, as is one of my favorite desserts: creamy chocolate with toasted bread, olive oil, and salt.
Bar Alegria, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
If you like to pair your dishes with wine, there is a very helpful sommelier that will guide you through the suggestions. They have plenty of interesting natural wines to choose from, also by the glass.
Bar Alegría gets very busy, so make sure to book in advance. You can book online through their webpage here.
Bar Alegría, C. del Comte Borrell, 133, 08015 Barcelona (Eixample).
