Tasting pinchos is, alongside tapas and paella, one of the gastronomic experiences you cannot miss when visiting Barcelona. Pinchos are small bites, similar to tapas, served on slices of bread. They come in all kinds of flavors and are very affordable, which makes eating pinchos even more fun. On this page, I will explain more about the pinchos culture in Spain and provide you with a list of my favorite pintxos bars here in Barcelona.
What are Pinchos?
Pinchos (also known as pintxos) are small bites served on a crunchy slice of baguette, often held together with a toothpick. That’s where the name “pincho” comes from, as it means “spike” in Spanish. By the way, you need to keep the toothpicks, as they are counted at the end of the meal, and the bill is made based on the number of toothpicks.
Pinchos come from the Basque Country, where it’s a tradition to hop from tavern to tavern enjoying delicious pinchos along with a glass of white wine (Txakoli), red wine (Rioja), or a small beer (zurito).
According to legend, pinchos were first created in the 1930s in a bar in the town of Donostia. There, they were initially used as a way to attract customers. They placed a snack on top of a slice of bread with a toothpick and offered the snacks on the street to lure new customers in.
In the Basque Country, they take pinchos so seriously that there are even pincho competitions!
What Types of Pinchos Exist?
There are all kinds of pinchos. From simple and traditional, like a ‘pincho de tortilla’ (a slice of bread with a piece of potato omelet), to the most refined and haute-cuisine experiments, which aren’t even served on a baguette.
Most pintxos bars always have an assortment of pinchos ready behind the counter. These are often the cold pinchos, though some can also be heated.
Bars that specialize in pintxos, however, offer not only a selection of cold pinchos but also a menu with special (hot) pinchos. These are usually a bit more expensive but also tastier!
Here are some typical pinchos you will encounter in Barcelona, which I can recommend:
- Pincho de tortilla: a slice of bread with potato omelet.
- Pincho de croqueta: a slice of bread with a Spanish croquette.
- Pincho de ensaladilla rusa: a slice of bread with Russian salad.
- Pincho de queso: a slice of bread with cheese like goat cheese or brie, often with other toppings.
- Pincho de chistorra: a slice of bread with sausage, accompanied by red pepper or caramelized onion.
- Pincho de anchoas y pimientos rojos: a slice of bread with anchovies and red peppers.
- Pincho de huevo y gamba: a slice of bread with egg salad and a prawn.
- Pincho de salmón ahumado: a slice of bread with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
- Pincho de escalivada y boquerón: a slice of bread with roasted vegetables and anchovies.
- Pincho de gilda: a skewer with anchovy, green olive, small gherkins, and green pepper.
- Pincho de jamón ibérico y tomate: a slice of bread with serrano ham and tomato.
- Pincho de morcilla: a slice of bread with blood sausage, quail egg, and piquillo pepper.
Fun fact: sometimes you’ll also see pinchos without a toothpick. We call those montaditos.
How to Order Pinchos?
Pinchos are ordered in rounds. You go to the bar and ask for a plate. Then, you look at the selection behind the counter and ask the waiter to serve you some pinchos (or grab them directly if possible). The warm pinchos are usually offered by the waiters as they come out of the kitchen.
Generally, you start with three or four pinchos per person. If they are delicious, you can order a second (or third and fourth) round until you’re full.
In most establishments, you need to keep the toothpicks that are in the pinchos. They will be counted at the end of the meal, and the bill is based on the number of toothpicks.
A pro tip is not to stay in just one pinchos bar, but to eat at multiple restaurants to try different local specialties. This works very well, for example, on Carrer Blai in Barcelona, where many pinchos bars are located within just 500 meters.
How Much Do Pinchos Cost?
Pinchos are generally very cheap. The simplest pinchos start at €1, but for more elaborate ones, you’ll quickly pay €3 each.
Usually, all the pinchos in a bar have the same price, or they are listed under different price categories: this can be seen in the color or size of the toothpick.
If there is a menu, the prices per pincho will be listed there.
What is the Difference Between Pinchos and Tapas?
Tapas are small dishes that are often eaten with a knife and fork. Pinchos, on the other hand, are small bites on a stick, usually served on a slice of bread and eaten by hand.
You can eat both tapas and pinchos as an appetizer or snack, or as a full meal if you order several rounds.
These days, many bars and restaurants serve both tapas and pinchos, while others specialize in just one or the other. In any case, you will not lack pinchos or tapas in Barcelona!
👉 Read more here about eating tapas in Barcelona.
My Favorite Pinchos Restaurants in Barcelona
1. Irati
This Basque tavern in the heart of Barcelona is a great place to eat pinchos. They offer a large selection of both cold and warm pinchos. Unlike other places, here the warm pinchos are made continuously and freshly served to the customers.
Address: Carrer del Cardenal Casañas, 17
Metro: Liceu (L3)
2. Golfo de Bizkaia Born
A highly recommended tapas bar that also serves pinchos is Golfo de Bizkaia in the Born district. This is the perfect place to get acquainted with the delightful tapas culture in Spain. High stools, plates full of pinchos behind the counter, and a cozy atmosphere all around: the perfect ingredients for an ideal tapas experience!
Address: Carrer de la Vidrieria, 12
Metro: Barceloneta (L4)
3. Euskal Etxea
Euskal Etxea is another great spot for pintxos in downtown Barcelona. This pintxos bar has both a bar and a restaurant area at the back, where you can order Basque dishes for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is always lively, and many locals love to come here to enjoy delicious small bites with a drink among friends.
Address: Placeta de Montcada, 1
Metro: Jaume I (L4), Barceloneta (L4)
4. Maitea Taberna
Maitea Taberna is an informal and authentic Basque tavern in the Eixample district. Here, in addition to traditional pinchos, you can also try other dishes from the Basque Country. And all this among the locals! If you’re not yet familiar with Basque cuisine, this is the ideal place to start.
Address: Carrer de Casanova, 155
Metro: Hospital Clínic (L5)
5. La Tasqueta de Blai
La Tasqueta de Blai is a classic from the pincho street Carrer Blai. The selection of tapas and beer here is very large and varied, and you can sit either inside or outside on the terrace.
Address: Carrer Blai, 17
Metro: Paral·lel (L2 and L3)
6. Blai Tonight
This simple yet cozy tavern is located on the famous Carrer Blai and is a popular spot for eating pinchos. Here you will find all the well-known types of pinchos at a very reasonable price.
Address: Carrer Blai, 23
Metro: Paral·lel (L2, L3)
7. Koska
Another great spot for pinchos on Carrer Blai is Koska. At this pinchos bar, you can choose from many pinchos and tapas dishes and enjoy them on the terrace.
Address: Carrer Blai, 8
Metro: Paral·lel (L2, L3)
8. Blai 9
For a more modern version of pinchos, head to Blai 9. Here they serve various creative pinchos like mini burgers, pinchos on blinis, wraps, and fried filo dough. They also have a tapas menu.
Address: Carrer de Blai, 9
Metro: Paral·lel (L2, L3)
Pinchos in Barcelona: Tips & Tricks
- Spaniards mainly eat pinchos in the evening as a snack or appetizer. They casually go to a bar and enjoy a few bites, which could be pinchos or other tapas, along with a nice drink.
- Eating pinchos is inexpensive, but for a full meal, you’ll likely need around 7 to 8 pinchos per person, which, combined with drinks, may cost you around €10.
- A traditional pincho bar usually doesn’t have comfortable chairs: people typically eat standing or sitting on high bar stools. The atmosphere is a bit noisy, but that’s all part of the experience!
- If you want a pincho to be heated for you, just let your waiter know. The pincho will be heated in the microwave.
- Keep in mind that in many places, you are expected to keep the toothpicks until the end so they can tally your bill.
- There are several restaurant chains specializing in pinchos, such as Txapela, Lizarran, and Sagardi.
- For the best pinchos experience in Barcelona, visit the famous Carrer Blai in the Poble Sec district. This street is known as Barcelona’s pinchos street, and it’s lined with countless bars where you can enjoy small bites.
