Walter Ponce
Paco Meralgo is a lively tapas bar on Carrer de Muntaner in Barcelona’s Eixample, close to Avinguda Diagonal. It serves Spanish and Catalan tapas, montaditos, fresh fish and seafood, and with its two symmetrical bars, wood panelling and a few strategically placed tables overlooking the street, it is one of Barcelona’s benchmarks for eating a little of everything, and all of it good quality. It is also listed in the Michelin Guide.
Paco Meralgo has an intentionally sought-after tapas bar and tavern atmosphere, which hides something more. All the non-bar tables are narrow, designed for sharing everything. The setting may suggest a quick meal: enter, order, drink, eat, exit. Partly wrong. There were six of us and we had lunch for more than two hours. The balance between those who want a quick bite and those who want a proper sit-down meal is very well found, and it is not always easy to make those two kinds of diner coexist in the same space.
The service matches the setting: lively waiters, always ready with a joke, experienced but keeping the relaxed, informal touch of a bar. As a curiosity, watch the waiters, they are real artists.
What makes Paco Meralgo different
The name is a play on words: said out loud, “Paco Meralgo” sounds like “pa’ comer algo”, Spanish slang for “to eat something”. That sums up the idea: a tapas bar where you can drop in for a few bites or sit down for a long meal, with carefully chosen products, especially fish and seafood, and dishes cooked to order in front of you.
Paco Meralgo menu: what to order
When a friend recommended Paco Meralgo to me some time ago, he warned me about the spiciness of one of the dishes. He thought it was the bombas. Luckily it wasn’t: they were soft, good, very good.
The patatas bravas are really good. Some people at our table found the sauce too spicy, but in my view it is quite balanced.
The Russian salad is good but not one of my favourites here. The salmon tartare with soy is good, nothing more. The less modern, more classic bar dishes shine much more.
The steak cubes with black pepper were cooked just right and the meat was tender, but they didn’t wow me enough to praise them further.
For dessert, the tiramisu stands out for its texture and presentation, and the montadito de Madagascar, iconic of the place, is bread with oil and chocolate: very balanced and well thought out.
Good wines, but the list lacks a more affordable range in keeping with the type of food served.
Is Paco Meralgo worth it?
Yes. Paco Meralgo is one of the best places in Barcelona for good tapas: a casual and fun atmosphere in a warm setting, with montaditos, half portions and always-fresh fish and seafood, made and served on the spot. Sit at the bar or at the raised tables with stools, you choose. Let yourself be surprised by the originality and quality of the dishes.
The tapas cost more than in many other bars, but the quality of the ingredients and the cooking make it worth it. My rating is five stars overall, with five for service, food and portions, four for location and three for price.
Nearby on Carrer de Balmes, L’Olivé is my go-to for a classic Catalan sit-down meal, and you can find more ideas in my list of where to eat in Barcelona.
Where is Paco Meralgo? Address and getting there
Address Paco Meralgo: C/ Muntaner, 171, 08036 Barcelona
Website Paco Meralgo: https://restaurantpacomeralgo.com/es/el-restaurante/
Instagram Paco Meralgo: https://www.instagram.com/pacomeralgobcn/
Carrer de Muntaner 171 is in the Eixample, near the junction with Carrer de Còrsega and close to Avinguda Diagonal. The nearest metro station is Hospital Clínic (L5), and the Provença FGC station is also within walking distance. Many bus lines run along Muntaner and Diagonal. Passeig de Gràcia, with Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, and the neighbourhood of Gràcia are both a short walk away.
When to go
It is usually very crowded on weekends, so it is better to call and reserve a table. Like most popular tapas bars in Barcelona, it is busiest at weekend lunch and from around 21:00 in the evening. Arriving early at lunchtime or for an early dinner can help you avoid the longest waits. Check current hours before you go, as schedules change.
Tapas glossary
- Tapa: a small portion, for one or two people.
- Media ración: a half portion, bigger than a tapa.
- Montadito: a small slice of bread with a topping, a classic bar bite.
- Bombas: potato balls filled with meat, breaded and fried, usually served with allioli and a spicy sauce. A famous Barcelona speciality from Barceloneta.
- Bravas: fried potatoes with spicy sauce.
- Ensaladilla rusa: Russian salad with potato, tuna and mayonnaise.
How to order tapas like a local
- Order in rounds. Start with a few dishes and add more as you go.
- Share everything. Tapas are designed for the middle of the table.
- Sit at the bar if you want to watch the cooks at work.
- Ask for the specials. Fresh fish and seafood often change daily.
More photos
FAQ
What are Paco Meralgo reviews like? My review gives it five stars: excellent classic tapas, lively service and a fun atmosphere, with prices a bit above average.
What should I order at Paco Meralgo? Classic bar dishes like bombas, patatas bravas, the montaditos and the fresh fish and seafood. Save room for the chocolate montadito.
What does the name Paco Meralgo mean? It is a pun on “pa’ comer algo”, which means “to eat something” in colloquial Spanish.
Where is Paco Meralgo in Barcelona? At Carrer de Muntaner 171 in the Eixample, close to Hospital Clínic metro station.
Do I need a reservation? It is recommended, especially at weekends, when the bar gets very busy.
Can I eat at the bar? Yes. You can eat at the bar counters or at the tables.
