El Xampanyet
El Xampanyet
Repsol SoleteRepsol's Solete distinction recognises casual dining spots, street food, and neighbourhood gems with outstanding quality.El Xampanyet is a historic family-run cava bar on Carrer de Montcada in El Born, operating since 1929. Famous for its house sparkling cava and Cantabrian anchovies, the bar preserves its original blue ceramic tiles, marble tables, and zinc counter. Next door to the Museu Picasso.
Background
About El Xampanyet
The Story
El Xampanyet has been a Barcelona institution since 1929, operated by the same family for nearly a century. The bar takes its name from its house sparkling cava, the 'xampanyet'. Located on Carrer de Montcada next to the Museu Picasso, it has remained virtually unchanged since opening, with its original blue ceramic tiles, marble tables, zinc bar counter, and wine barrels. The bar closes for the entire month of August, a traditional practice for old Barcelona establishments.
The Cuisine
The kitchen team serves traditional Catalan tapas alongside the house cava. The signature tapa is Cantabrian anchovies, served as a generous saucer-sized portion. Other offerings include tortilla, jamón ibérico, pimientos de padrón, patatas bravas, chorizo, and boquerones. House cava at around 2 EUR per glass. Around 30 EUR per person without drinks.
The Team
The kitchen team is the family that has run El Xampanyet since the 1930s, now in its third generation. Google reviewers give it 4.7/5 from 5,600 reviews.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
El Xampanyet Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Tapas, aperitif, charming, Catalan, cava since 1929
Perfect for drinks and a light bite, day drinking, cheap eats, classic establishment
Diner Ratings
4.7
5,600 reviews
TripAdvisor
4.5
2,881 reviews
Professional recognition includes Repsol Solete con Solera, Macarfi food 7.0/10, and recommended by The Infatuation. Diners rate it 4.7/5 on Google (5,600 reviews) and 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor (2,881 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book El Xampanyet
Booking
No reservations accepted. El Xampanyet is a walk-in only tapas bar. Arrive at least 30 minutes before opening (noon or 19:00) to secure a spot, especially on weekends. The bar is always packed.
Reserve
Experience
El Xampanyet Dining Experience
A time capsule of old Barcelona with original blue ceramic tiles, marble tables, a zinc bar counter, and wine barrels lining the walls. The small space is always packed and buzzing with conversation, with regulars and tourists mingling at the bar and few small tables. Scenes often spill out onto the narrow medieval street.
Navigate
El Xampanyet Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Carrer de Montcada in El Born, one of Barcelona's most aristocratic medieval streets. The bar sits directly next to the Museu Picasso, which occupies five palaces on the same street. The neighbourhood is the heart of Barcelona's medieval mercantile quarter.
Nearby
Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera, commonly known as El Born, is one of Barcelona's most vibrant medieval neighbourhoods in Ciutat Vella. Carrer de Montcada is the historic street of nobility and merchants, now home to the Museu Picasso and a string of bars and galleries. The area is a top destination for tapas crawls and cultural sightseeing.
Nearby Restaurants
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Plant-based wine bar where chef Maximo Cabrera applies a biologist's eye to vegetable cookery in a small, dinner-only El Born room.
Orvay
Tapas & Wine
Creative tapas and natural wine bar opposite Santa Maria del Mar in El Born.
Cal Pep
Seafood Tapas
Seafood tapas bar from chef Pep Manubens where daily market offerings set the menu.
Bar del Pla
Market Cuisine
Market cooking from chef Jordi Peris in Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera.
Details
El Xampanyet Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 19:00–23:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00–15:30 & 19:00–23:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00–15:30 & 19:00–23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00–15:30 & 19:00–23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00–15:30 & 19:00–23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00–15:30 |
| Sunday | Closed |
El Xampanyet hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Not accepted
Good to Know
Social
From el_xampanyet on Instagram
Un munt per gaudir aquests dies de Pasqua! Estem oberts de 12h a 16h. Excepcionalment tancarem el diumenge 4 d'abril.
Avui volem compartir la foto dels fundadors. El 6 d'octubre de 1929, l'Esteve va obrir un bar al carrer Montcada, un mes després es casava amb la Victoria, la qual va començar a vendre anxoves. Així va nèixer El Xampanyet. . #elxampanyet #elborn #laribera #mercatdelborn #boss
Diumenge! La hora del vermut amb unes bones escopinyes. #elxampanyet #elxampanyetbarcelona #elborn #aperitivo #vermuteando #domingoespetacular
La base d'una muntanya d'anchoves. Te les podries menjar totes? . #elxampanyet #elxampanyetbarcelona #elborn #barcelona #barcelonacity #foodporn #anchoas #anchovies #anchoasdelcantabrico #recordguinnessworld #recordguinness #mountainlovers #anchovymountain #tower
Un clàssic. Les anxoves del xampanyet i una copeta del mateix.
Questions
El Xampanyet FAQ
Can I make a reservation at El Xampanyet?
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No reservations are accepted at El Xampanyet - it's walk-in only. Arrive at least 30 minutes before opening (noon or 19:00) to secure a spot, especially on weekends, as the bar is always packed.
What is the signature dish at El Xampanyet?
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The signature tapa is Cantabrian anchovies, served as a generous saucer-sized portion.
How do I get to El Xampanyet in El Born?
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Take Metro L4 to Jaume I station (4-minute walk) or Barceloneta station (10-minute walk). The bar is located at Carrer de Montcada, 22, directly next to the Museu Picasso on one of Barcelona's most historic medieval streets.
How much should I expect to spend at El Xampanyet?
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Around 30 EUR per person without drinks. House cava starts from around 2 EUR per glass.
When is El Xampanyet closed?
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El Xampanyet is closed on Sundays and the entire month of August. Monday is evening only (19:00-23:00), Saturday is lunch only (12:00-15:30), and Tuesday-Friday offers both lunch and dinner service.
How long has El Xampanyet been family-run?
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El Xampanyet has been operated by the same family since 1929, now in its third generation, approaching its centennial.
What is the atmosphere like at El Xampanyet?
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It's a time capsule of old Barcelona with authentic 1929 interiors including blue ceramic tiles, marble tables, and wine barrels. The small space is always packed and buzzing, with scenes often spilling onto the narrow medieval street - expect to stand at the bar.