Varmuteo - Tapas, Vermouth, and Local Charm
Varmuteo, located in Sant Antoni, is the sister establishment to Alapar (read my review here: it’s a favorite restaurant of mine!), but with a whole different vibe and menu. It has moved from its previously much smaller space across the street, but remains just as charming, and now also sports a sidewalk terrace.
Varmuteo, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The name already gives it away: it is a place to go for a glass of good vermouth (or several!) and delicious small dishes to share. The drinks menu is extensive, and I recommend asking for specials, especially when it comes to vermouth. If you’re not sure what to order, the friendly team will help you pick the right one according to your taste. If vermouth is not your thing, you can opt for a glass of wine or a nice caña.
Varmuteo, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The menu is what you would expect at a bar of this caliber. It’s all dishes or tapas you'd enjoy with your vermouth but taken to another level. They ferment, pickle, and marinate everything in-house, and what might look ordinary on paper is elevated yet still very affordable.
Varmuteo, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The atmosphere is buzzing and welcoming. It’s busy but friendly, and a perfect place to go for a drink and a snack. But you might end up staying a little longer than you planned because it’s just that nice!
Liquid olives at Varmuteo, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The menu is divided into several parts. Para Varmutear implies snacks to go with your drink, and ranges from olives to high-quality anchovies to their version of the ensaladilla: the Sandwich de rusa, and more. Make sure to order the liquid anchovies: a homage to famed restaurant Tickets that used to be very close by.
Varmuteo, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Then we have the part dedicated to Planchaditos: scrumptious sandwiches. The sobrasada and cheese is seriously addictive, the roasted chicken and cheese one comes with a spicy dip, and the confit pork jowl with cheese and mustard (in the photo above) is one of a kind.
There are also sections in the menu dedicated to gildas, and another one to oysters, so add that to your order! Finally there is a section for dishes to share, with news like the Varmuteo version of bravas (so crispy!), incredible chicken croquetas, a tortilla, fried shrimp… You won’t go hungry here.
Flan at Varmuteo, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Under no circumstances can you leave without ordering the flan for dessert. It’s incredibly creamy, and I highly recommend getting one just for yourself, you will not want to share..!
Varmuteo is so darn charming; the drinks are great, and the food is even better. It is a must-visit for any fan of tapas and vermouth, so add it to your To-Go list now!
Varmuteo, C. de Vilamarí, 2, 08015 Barcelona (Sant Antoni).
