If you happen to be wandering past a building that has a permanent line of people waiting out the front, then you’re likely to have stumbled upon one of Barcelona’s most popular and intimate tapas bars, Cal Pep. Perennially packed with a mixed crowd of locals and visitors, guests are required to patiently queue for one of their highly coveted bar stools facing the open kitchen action (the best seats). You can otherwise sit at one of the tables in the intimate back dining room to escape the queuing crowd. The spirited chef/owner Pep Manubens has designed a simple yet extensive menu of tapas dishes, along with substantial mains courses which are all prepared in front of you. Sample dishes such as the pimientos de pedron (fried salted green chillies) or the made-to-order tortilla to begin; followed by the trifásico of perfectly fried whitebait, squid and shrimps; the local favourite botifarra sausage with beans; and finish with the house specialty - their rich and hearty seafood paella. The wine list is vast and covers the range of well-known Spanish labels, along with rare vintage wine varietals - don’t be afraid to ask Pep for his recommendations. The atmosphere is frantic and buzzing (bordering on chaotic), so expect an action-packed dining experience.
