La Bombeta is renowned as one of the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona. While just around the corner from Passeig de Joan de Borbó and the strip of tourist filled restaurants, La Bombeta retains the original charm of the Barceloneta neighborhood.
The Iconic Bomba
The bomba is a culinary highlight of La Bombeta, consisting of a deep-fried potato ball filled with meat, topped with spicy brava sauce and aioli. These tasty “bombs” are so popular that on a good day, the restaurant can serve over 1000 bombas.
The history of la bomba tapas traces back to the Spanish Civil War era and draws its name from the anarchists’ preferred weapon. During this period, Barcelona was known as “the rose of fire” due to frequent anarchist attacks using small bombs.
Maria Pla, the owner of the La Cova Fumada, created a tapa that resembled these anarchist bombs. She shaped potato and meat croquettes into round balls, then topped them with spicy red sauce to symbolize the bloodshed in the area.
La Bombeta offers more than just its famous bombas. The restaurant provides a wide variety of traditional Catalan tapas, including: gambas a la plancha (grilled shrimp), calamares (fried calamari), patatas bravas, croquettes, grilled squid, and fried octopus.
The atmosphere is quintessentially Barcelona – loud, chaotic, and full of energy. It’s typically packed with locals, with lines often extending out the door.
Practical Details
Address: Calle de la Maquinista, 3 08003 Barcelona
Phone: 933 19 94 45
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