Patatas Bravas in Barcelona: A Catalan Classic

Only two kinds of people don’t go wild for fried potatoes: people who’ve never tried them and complete and utter sociopaths. For those of us who have seen the light, Barcelona is the place to be since their interpretation of patatas bravas is nothing short of divine. 

What is Patatas Bravas?

Patatas bravas is Barcelona’s answer to fried spuds with spicy sauce. Served throughout Spain and the Iberian peninsula, patatas bravas are a typical appetiser and tapas dish. But unlike the Spanish who sinfully roast the potatoes they use for their patatas bravas, the good people of Catalonia fry them, coating them in extra virgin olive oil and cooking them until golden.  

Patatas bravas are coated with a paprika-based brava sauce and topped with a generous dollop of garlic mayo (allioli). Some regions also add tomato, but this is simply wrong and these regions are to be avoided. Many tapas bars in Barcelona will also serve a bottle of spicy sauce on the side to satisfy the spice junkies and troll unsuspecting tourists. 

Trying delicious Patatas Bravas in Barcelona on a Tipsy Tapas Tour

Best Patatas Bravas in Barcelona

By far the best way to try patatas Bravas in Barcelona is on a Tipsy Tapas Tour. This unique food and drink tour fully immerses you in the city’s tapas culture as you and your foodie group explore the El Born and Gothic Quarter. 

You’ll taste all the classics, including croquettes, patatas bravas, pinchos, paella and more while sampling wine, beer, vermouth, and cava. Spaces fill up fast, so secure your spot today!

If you’re staying for a few days, you’ll want to explore some tapas places for yourself. Here are our favourite spots for Patatas Bravas in Barcelona.

Anchovies and Patatas Bravas: two classic Barcelona tapas dishes

Bar Tomás

• Major de Sarrià 49, 08017, Barcelona

Rumoured to serve the best patatas bravas in Barcelona, Bar Tomás is a must for potato pilgrims. What you’ll find here is a far cry from the contemporary nouvelle cuisine-infused influence you’ll find in other tapas bars. On the contrary, its asymmetric, oily potatoes, are rich, filling, and no-nonsense delicious and its brava sauce is bound to take your breath away.

Fàbrica Moritz

• Ronda Sant Antoni, 41, 08011. Barcelona

The uber-trendy brewery Fàbrica Moritz serves two kinds of patatas bravas: “ours” (Catalan-style) and “theirs” (Spanish/Madrid style). The former comes drizzled with allioli and spicy oil while the latter is served with mayonnaise and spicy tomato sauce. Everyone will have their preference, but anyone who goes with the latter is wrong. 

Senyor Vermut

• Major de Sarrià 49, 08017, Barcelona

Situated in the centre of the Eixample district, this bar is beloved by locals for very good reason. Senyor Vermut's exclusively Catalan menu excels in local tapas and drinks — especially Vermut as the name implies. Their patatas bravas are nothing short of outstanding and were recently voted the best in Barcelona by an adjudicating panel. Come here for a glass or red vermouth or an icy draft beer and snack the evening away on a selection of tapas. 

Barcelona-Style Patatas Bravas Recipe

This classic Catalan recipe takes just 30 minutes and is bound to go down brilliantly next time you make tapas. 

• Serves: 4 people
• Calories: 812 calories per person 

Patatas Bravas Ingredients:

For the Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Bravas Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp hot paprika (or cayenne pepper)
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp tomato paste
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Aioli Ingredients:

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste

Patatas Bravas Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before preparing the potatoes. Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes, toss these cubes in olive oil and salt, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning them halfway through.

2. While the potatoes are cooking, start making the bravas sauce. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the smoked paprika, hot paprika, and sweet paprika, and add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and stir well. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

3. Now it’s time to prepare the Aioli. Whisk the egg yolk and Dijon mustard together in a mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and emulsifies. Add the lemon juice and minced garlic, and whisk until smooth. Season with salt to taste.

4. Assemble the Patatas Bravas by placing the roasted potatoes on a serving platter, spooning the bravas sauce over the top, and drizzling the dish with aioli.

5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Bite into Tapas & More on a Barcelona Food Tour

Barcelona is best enjoyed in convivial company, and no experience delivers this like our Tipsy Tapas Tour. Book your tour today and indulge in the best of Catalan food and drink. 

Drinking Red Wine on a Barcelona Food Tour