Quimet & Quimet – A Barcelona Classic
There are places in Barcelona that everyone talks about, and then there are places that truly deserve it. Quimet & Quimet is definitely in the second category.
Located in Poble Sec, this tiny, standing-only tapas bar has been around since 1914, and is still run by the same family. It’s one of those rare spots where tradition hasn’t been turned into a concept, it simply stays true to its roots.
Quimet & Quimet,Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Why it stands out
Quimet & Quimet is known for its montaditos: small, carefully assembled bites served on bread, often combining ingredients you wouldn’t immediately think to put together. Smoked salmon with yogurt and honey, for example, or combinations featuring preserved seafood, pâtés, cheeses, and vegetables.
The menu is built around preserves, conservas, and high-quality ingredients, much of it canned or jarred, but in the best possible way. Think mussels, razor clams, tuna, and anchovies, alongside cheeses, cured meats, and simple but clever toppings.
There’s no kitchen in the traditional sense, and that’s part of the charm. Everything is about sourcing well and mixing the perfect flavors.
Quimet & Quimet, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The experience
It’s a small space, and it fills up quickly. You stand at the bar or along the wall, ideally with a drink in hand ( highly recommend a glass of cava), and slowly work your way through a few dishes.
The staff move fast, but the services friendly and it doesn’t feel rushed. It’s lively, a little chaotic at times, but in a way that feels very Barcelona.
You don’t come here for a long, drawn-out meal. You come for a few excellent bites, a glass of something, and the great energy.
Quimet & Quimet,Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
What to order
A selection of montaditos, this is where they shine!
Smoked fish combinations (they do them particularly well), cheese, or shrimp
Conservas like mussels or razor clams
A glass of wine, cava, or vermouth to go with it
If it’s your first time, ordering a mix and sharing is the best approach.
Quimet & Quimet, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Good to know
No reservations
Standing only
Expect a wait during peak hours
Cash used to be preferred, but now they take credit/debit cards too
Quimet & Quimet, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Final thoughts
Quimet & Quimet is not trying to reinvent anything, and that’s exactly why it feels so authentic and perfect. It’s a tapas bar built on good products, simple ideas, and decades of doing things the right way.
In a city full of new openings and changing trends, it’s refreshing to return to somewhere that has been getting it right for over a century.
Quimet & Quimet, Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes 25, Barcelona (Poble Sec).
