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Situated on Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes in the heart of the Poble Sec neighborhood, Quimet & Quimet is a true Barcelona classic. The tiny, standing-room-only bodega has stayed in the same family for four generations. Shelves packed from floor to ceiling with bottles, tins, and jars create the perfect backdrop for what many consider the city’s most authentic tapas experience.
Family Origins
Quimet & Quimet traces back to 1914, as a humble wine shop where the the great-grandfather of the current owner sold the wine he produced in a village near Montserrat. More than a century later, this fifth-generation family business has become a beloved symbol of Barcelona’s tapas culture. Today, Joaquim (Quim) Pérez and his family continue to honor their great-great-grandfather’s vision.
Intimate Atmosphere
Step inside Quimet & Quimet and you’ll see why it’s become such a cherished Barcelona institution. There is just enough room for about 15–20 people to stand shoulder to shoulder around a polished wooden counter or lean on a barrel. The walls are stacked floor to ceiling with over 500 bottles of wine, vermouth, and spirits, echoing its roots as a wine shop. The vibe is lively and warm, with locals, tourists, and even celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Ferran Adrià all squeezing in for a quick bite and a drink.
Quim and his family keep things flowing with impressive efficiency, crafting beautifully layered montaditos while chatting with guests. Sharing plates often spark spontaneous conversations among strangers, adding to the place’s infectious energy.
Montaditos and More
What makes Quimet & Quimet truly special is its devotion to turning preserved foods into culinary art. Instead of treating canned goods as second-rate, they celebrate the rich tradition of conservas, sourcing the best tinned seafood and delicacies to create sophisticated, flavor-packed tapas. The menu features white clams, fresh anchovies in vinegar, spider crab, cockles, baby squid with onion and artichokes, or even sea urchin with chips.
Langostinos con piquillo
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Beyond seafood, their inventive small plates also highlight Iberian pork cheek, pickled quail, and foie gras, showcasing just how versatile this little bodega can be. The stars of the show are their montaditos, tasty open-faced sandwiches that layer premium conservas with fresh ingredients like cheese, caviar, roasted peppers, or honey. One bite might be salmon with Greek yogurt and truffled honey, while another pairs anchovy with creamy Nevat cheese and sweet tomato jam.
Wine and Vermouth
At its core, Quimet & Quimet remains a true bodega. The house vermouth, crafted from a family recipe passed down through generations makes the perfect companion to their montaditos. An impressive wine selection includes standout Catalan wines alongside exceptional bottles from across Spain and beyond.
Practical Details
Quimet & Quimet is strictly first-come, first-served, no reservations. They’re open Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:00 and again from 18:00 to 22:30. Located in the heart of one of Barcelona’s most authentic neighborhoods, it’s a great spot to kick off an adventure.
Address: Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25, 08004 Barcelona | View Map
Neighborhood: Poble Sec
Phone: 934 42 31 42
Price Range: €€€€€