🥔 Best Vegan Bravas in Barcelona 🌿

Who hasn't heard of Spanish patatas bravas? It's believed that this popular Spanish dish has its roots in Madrid, where it began to be served in bars and taverns in the early 20th century. By default, it is a vegetarian dish consisting of a bunch of potatoes, which might have been fried, boiled in water, boiled in oil, or even baked (depending on the personal homemade recipe), mixed with a spicy sauce and/or mayonnaise or aioli (in Catalunya). But in this guide, I'm going to recommend places in Barcelona where you can enjoy this fantastic tapa in its vegan version. Get ready to lick the plate clean!

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Thanks to the ingenuity of two Madrid establishments, Casa Pellico and La Casona, which unfortunately no longer exist, Spain has been delighting in one of the most internationally recognized tapas since the 1950s and 1960s. This dish was even acknowledged by the UN in 2008 as a typical Spanish delicacy.

The name "patatas bravas" derives from the Spanish adjective "bravo," which translates to "brave" or "fierce." It is believed that this name reflects the bold and spicy flavor of the sauce that accompanies the potatoes.

First, let's talk about the potato itself: it can be prepared in various ways and cut in different styles—fried, baked, or cooked in oil. It can be thinly sliced, thickly cut, or diced. Some even prefer it boiled.

Second, the sauce. There's an interesting history: did you know that its traditional and original recipe featured a reduction of beef broth? Nowadays, the sauce has evolved into countless variations, reflecting the preferences of individual cooks. They generally align with two main camps: those who advocate for the inclusion of tomato and those who argue it's unnecessary, attributing the color solely to the presence of paprika.

Speaking of variations, the inventive folks in Barcelona put their own twist on the dish: they added aioli (mayonnaise with garlic) on top, which intriguingly is served cold, reigniting the debate over patatas bravas.

And if you're curious about a designated day for celebrating this iconic dish, wonder no more. In Spain, February 28th is recognized as National Patatas Bravas Day—a perfect opportunity to savor this culinary delight in bars and restaurants throughout the country.

🥔 The listing

After an exhaustive search, here's a delightful list categorized by neighborhood in Barcelona, where you can indulge in 100% vegan patatas bravas (and the list keeps growing!).

Let yourself be seduced by the wide variety of recipes around the city and enjoy them as a tapa*, perfectly complemented by a beer, wine, or vermouth** (herb-infused wine).

The choices are abundant, and each tavern or bar boasts its own rendition and creative flair. Pick your preferred texture, select your salsa, and dive in! 🙃

*Disclaimer: The photos may differ from the tapas you find in the restaurant, either because the format or recipe has changed according to the season. Please make sure before ordering your patatas bravas that you specify the vegan option you desire.

**All of the Yzaguirre versions and Miró are vegan, but Martini and Campari aren’t.

Gràcia

Atabalats Gastroburgers