A line is not always a good sign in Barcelona. A crowd is often an indication of a restaurant catering to the tourists; look closer and you can often see people holding the same guidebook.
In some ways, Bodega Oliva falls into that category. Located in the Gothic Quarter, a few feet from Placa Real, it is one of the best reviewed tapa bars in the tourist district and often pops up in tourist guides. (Top 50 in the city on Trip Advisor!) Yet, Bodega Olivia is the real deal, a cozy tapa bars that delivers an authentic experience, even though it is perennially packed with tourists.
There is often a line, but it can be a lot of fun. Hostesses serve wine to people waiting, which can turn into a lively communal event as the Gothic Quarter’s nightly menagerie flows past. On a recent visit, we chatted up couples from Germany and Ireland, and took turns exploring the local shops.
“Cozy” is the operable description for Bodega Oliva. There are only a handful of tables and 10 bar seats squeezed into the narrow space, which has the old time you’d expect from an old bodega. The atmosphere is fun, lively; the close quarters brings people together
Many of the menu items may look familiar, but each comes with a twist. The pan tomate, the Catalan staple, was peppered with pumpkin seeds. The meatballs came in a tasty vermouth sauce. We resisted the urge to reorder the Basque chicken, which fell off the bone.
They don’t take reservations. Open 6 to 10 p.m., Thurs.-Mon. (site shows it’s closed Tues. and Wed.)
It doesn’t look like Bodega Oliva has a website, but it can be found on Instagram.
Click on map for directions:
