Paco Meralgo
Paco Meralgo
Michelin SelectedSelected by the Michelin Guide inspectors as a restaurant offering good cooking.Paco Meralgo is the full name Alta Taberna Paco Meralgo, a long-running tapas address in l'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample. The kitchen serves quality seafood, creative montaditos, and daily market specials in a lively bar setting with continuous service from lunch through midnight every day except December 25.
Background
About Paco Meralgo
The Story
Paco Meralgo, officially Alta Taberna Paco Meralgo, has established itself as one of Barcelona's most consistent and popular tapas addresses in the Eixample Esquerra. Its name comes from a fictional origin story about the invention of the tapa, told with humour on the restaurant's website. The Michelin Guide has listed it as a Selected restaurant, and Google users have left nearly 6,000 reviews at 4.5 out of 5, among the highest review counts in our Barcelona guide.
The Cuisine
The kitchen at Paco Meralgo delivers quality tapas and seafood in the 'alta taberna' format, a step above a standard bar, but rooted in the same sharing and grazing culture. Michelin inspectors highlight the steak tartare montadito as a must-order, and note tempting seasonal suggestions beyond the regular menu, along with good wild fish and rice dishes at lunchtime. The approach combines traditional Catalan and Spanish tapas classics with market-driven daily specials.
The Team
Paco Meralgo is run by the same group behind the Grupo Olive restaurant portfolio in Barcelona. The kitchen team delivers consistent quality across a busy split-service format open seven days a week from lunch through late evening.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Paco Meralgo Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Selected
Diner Ratings
4.5
5,922 reviews
Yelp
4.3
164 reviews
Professional recognition includes Michelin Selected and Macarfi food 7.0/10. Diners rate it 4.5/5 on Google (5,922 reviews) and 4.3/5 on Yelp (164 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book Paco Meralgo
Booking
Paco Meralgo is open daily, with continuous service from 13:00 through midnight. Reservations are required and can be made through the restaurant's own website. Given its popularity, booking ahead is strongly advised, especially for weekend lunch and dinner service.
Experience
Paco Meralgo Dining Experience
Google describes Paco Meralgo as a cozy tapas bar with a buzzy vibe and stool seating. The overall feel is casual and lively, suited to groups sharing plates over drinks.
Navigate
Paco Meralgo Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Paco Meralgo is located at Carrer de Muntaner, 171, in the l'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample neighbourhood. The restaurant sits on one of the Eixample Esquerra's main north-south streets, within easy walking distance of Hospital Clínic metro and the commercial heart of the district. Paid parking is available in the area.
Nearby
L'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample is one of Barcelona's central residential and commercial neighbourhoods, defined by the grid of wide boulevards that Ildefons Cerda designed in the 19th century. The area is well connected by metro and bus, and its streets are lined with a mix of modernist architecture, local shops, and a strong dining scene.
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Details
Paco Meralgo Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:00–00:00 |
| Tuesday | 13:00–00:00 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–00:00 |
| Thursday | 13:00–00:00 |
| Friday | 13:00–00:00 |
| Saturday | 13:00–00:00 |
| Sunday | 13:00–00:00 |
Paco Meralgo hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Required. Bookings available through the restaurant website.
Good to Know
Social
From pacomeralgobcn on Instagram
Amigos comiendo, mirando a Barcelona. Postales PacoMeralgo.
El Steak Tartar es la prueba irrefutable de que la gastronomía es arte y cultura. Poco se imaginaban los jinetes tártaros que su sistema para conservar y romper las fibras de la carne se refinaría hasta nuestros días. El aderezo, a base de encurtidos y salsas con marcado sabor agridulce y notas
Don Linares haciendo sus cábalas en un corner de la barra. Nada escapa a su control para que os sintáis como en casa. Pasen y dejen que la crew PacoMeralgo se ocupe del resto.
En casa, la Rusa lleva un extra de mahonesa para que la yema rallada se adhiera a su anatomía..Dos bastones la flanquean para el punto 'crunchy' tan necesario.
Trufa a cascoporro. Sobre una tortilla apenas cuajada, el canelón de pularda o donde se te antoje. No la dejes pasar que sus días de gloria son cortos.
No son calçots, tampoco tequeños. Las berenjenas fritas con miso y miel de caña hermanan diferentes culturas gastronómicas. El Califato de Córdoba de Abd al-Román III se extiende hasta las islas niponas en un fritura perfecta. El toque de barita lo pone una vinagreta de frambuesa que aporta notas á
Questions
Paco Meralgo FAQ
What is Alta Taberna Paco Meralgo?
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Alta Taberna Paco Meralgo is the full name of Paco Meralgo, a popular tapas restaurant in Barcelona's Eixample district. The 'alta taberna' format means it's a step above a standard bar but still rooted in Spanish sharing and grazing culture, serving quality seafood, creative tapas, and grilled meats in a lively atmosphere.
Can I see Paco Meralgo's menu online?
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Yes, you can view Paco Meralgo's full menu on their website at restaurantpacomeralgo.com. The à la carte menu ranges from €2-37.60 and includes sections for tapas & snacks, seafood, montaditos, meats, and desserts, with tapas typically costing €5-20 per dish.
How do I make a reservation at Paco Meralgo?
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Reservations at Paco Meralgo are required and can be made through their website at restaurantpacomeralgo.com. Given the restaurant's popularity with nearly 6,000 Google reviews, booking ahead is strongly advised, especially for weekend lunch and dinner service.
What are Paco Meralgo's opening hours?
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Paco Meralgo is open daily with continuous service from 13:00 to 00:00 (midnight). The restaurant operates seven days a week including Sunday and closes only on December 25, offering uninterrupted kitchen service through the afternoon and into the evening.
How do I get to Paco Meralgo by metro?
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The closest metro station to Paco Meralgo is Provença (L6/L7/S1/S2), which is an 8-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can use Urgell (L1) which is 11 minutes on foot, or Hospital Clínic (L5) which is also 11 minutes away.
What dishes should I order at Paco Meralgo?
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Michelin inspectors highlight the steak tartare montadito as a must-order dish at Paco Meralgo. The restaurant is known for its quality seafood including Palamós prawns, fresh oysters, and wild fish specials, plus creative tapas like the signature Bomba Paco Meralgo and seasonal vegetable medley with romesco.
Where can I find Paco Meralgo on Instagram?
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You can follow Paco Meralgo on Instagram at @pacomeralgobcn. They also have a website at restaurantpacomeralgo.com and can be reached by phone at +34 934 309 027 for reservations and inquiries.