Before every restaurant in Berlin started serving small sharing plates, there were Spanish tapas bars. And even now that the word “tapas” is being used to describe everything from Israeli hummus to Vietnamese spring rolls, there’s still nothing like gathering with a group of friends over olives, anchovies, patatas bravas and other classic Iberian bar bites. Here are our favourite tapas destinations in the German capital.
Southern Spanish tapas at Bar Raval
You can’t talk about Bar Raval without mentioning actor Daniel Brühl (he’s THAT german actor. Not Til Schweiger, the other one) who co-founded the tapas joint at Görlitzer Park. The charming shop is now a long-established institution in Kreuzberg, translating the atmosphere of Barcelona and the tapas culture of southern Spain into modern-day Berlin. Lean back and soak it up with a gin and tonic!
- Bar Raval Lübbener Str. 1, Kreuzberg, Mon–Thu 18:00–22:00, Fri 18:00-23:00, Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:00, Tel. 030/53 16 79 54, online
A trip to Spain and Portugal at Picoteo
The best of Spain and Portugal comes together between Prinzenstraße and Kottbusser Tor. At Picoteo, homemade tapas, meat and fish specialties and a wide selection of wines and spirits await you. On warm days, it’s best to eat outside under the trees. Our go-to orders? Patatas bravas, aged manchego with quince jelly, and fried baby calamari. Divine.
- Picoteo Restaurant & Tapas Bar Erkelenzdamm 47, Kreuzberg, Mon–Sat 17:30-00:00 Tel. 030/60 40 74 00, online
Spanish cravings satisfied at Faro
Not far from Schlesisches Tor, Spaniards can find a little piece of home. Between patatas bravas, calamari rings, anchovies and spicy fried chorizo, here you can indulge in tapas heaven. If you’re still hungry afterwards, you can order a fish platter or paella for two. Traditional desserts such as Crema Catalana with toffee mousse and a large wine selection round off the menu. The outdoor seating lets you enjoy the Kreuzberg vibes.
- Faro Schlesische Straße 14, Kreuzberg, Mon–Fri from 11:00 Sat–Sun from 16:00 Tel. 030/36 99 23 40, online
A Portuguese detour at Lisboa Bar
It’s Portuguese, not Spanish, but with delicious fishy tapas like bolinhos de bacalhau (fried balls of potatoes and salted cod with garlic cream) and the sardine paste, paté de sardinha, how could we leave the Boxi bar off this list? Plus a glass of ice-cold vinho verde – sign us up! Come earlier in the day for a traditional croissant or a first-rate pastel de nata.
- Lisboa Bar, Krossener Str. 20, Friedrichshain, Tue-Sun from 17:00, Tel. 030/93 62 19 78, online
Spain meets Brandenburg at Vineria del Este
The ambience is unfussy, the dishes authentic. In addition to fish and seafood, you can also order regional dishes like a roast leg of Brandenburg lamb with baba ganoush. But we digress! Those who love Spanish appetisers will be in heaven with the grilled squid, goat cheese balls, spicy fried chorizo or anchovies marinated in garlic and oil. It’s worth visiting over and over, not only for the good wines and warm service but because the menu changes weekly, retaining only a few selected classics.
- Vineria del Este Bänschstraße 41, Friedrichshain, Tue–Thu 16:00-23:00, Fri+Sat 15:00-23:00, Sun 15:00-22:00, Tel. 030/42 02 49 43, online
Tres Tapas: delicious food, great service
Tres Tapas is the best spot we’ve found for Spanish tapas in Prenzlauer Berg. Right on beautiful Helmholtzplatz, you can indulge in dishes like pickled anchovies, Basque-style chicken and marinated baked peppers, all of which impress with their authentic preparation and freshness. The team is happy to recommend a Spanish Rioja or Chardonnay from the wine list.
- Tres Tapas Lychener Str. 30, Prenzlauer Berg, daily 17:00-00:00, Tel. 030/ 41 71 57 18, online
Tapas on the terrace at Alois S.
Fifty people can be seated on Alois S’s spacious outdoor terrace. The tapas selection is standard, with items on the menu ranging from grilled squid to bacon-wrapped plums. And prices are pleasingly cheap – you can get a mixed plate of tapas from as little as €8. A relatively large selection of bottled beers and Spanish wines is also on offer. Good to know for parents: the outdoor terrace is directly adjacent to a children’s playground with a large sandpit.
- Alois S. Senefelderstraße 18, Prenzlauer Berg, Mon–Fri 18:00-01:00., Sat 17:00-01:00, Sun 16:00-00:00, Tel. 030/44 71 96 80, online
Authentic tapas at El Pepe Tapas Bar
At El Pepe in Wedding, order hot or cold tapas – like Spanish black pudding or pork loin on toast with cheese and aioli – or stick to simple finger food like Serrano ham and anchovies. In addition to the authentic bites, El Pepe has very courteous service. Book a table if you want a guaranteed spot outdoors!
- El Pepe Tapas Bar Prinzenallee 25, Wedding, Mon-Sat 6pm-11pm, Tel. 030/55 64 76 93, online
Vegan tapas at Alaska Bar
The Spaniards love their fish, cheese and aioli – and you can get vegan versions of all of those at Alaska in Neukölln. Carrot “smoked salmon” on sourdough and patatas bravas with Sichuan chilli oil share menu space with classics like croquetas and already-vegan padron peppers. In summer it’s best to eat out on the pavement, migrating indoors for excellent cocktails later. In addition to the normal menu, there are after-work specials on weekdays.
- Alaska Bar Reuterstraße 85, Neukölln, Mon–Thu 17:00-00:00 Fri 17:00-02:00, Sat 12:00-02:00, Sun 12:00-00;00. Tel. 030/23 91 41 38, Facebook
Spain meets Argentina at Carlos Tapas Bar
This Schöneberg gem is the place to go if you want to gorge on Argentinian empanadas, stuffed dough pockets filled with all kinds of goodies (our favourites: ground beef, spinach and tuna) alongside a full Spanish tapas menu, washed down with an ice-cold San Miguel beer. Make a reservation, and come hungry!
- Carlos Tapas Bar Eisenacher Str. 69, Schöneberg, Tue–Sat 17:00-22:00, Tel. 030/30 64 54 53, online
