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Whether it’s lemon-infused calamari or patatas bravas drenched in spicy tomato salsa, fresh prawns or sticky dates wrapped in bacon, all of us have a go-to dish when it comes to tapas. When done well, tapas combines fresh ingredients and rich flavors with a light culinary touch. Those searching for such a establishment in Berlin should be sure to take note of the following places, which are the holy grail of Spanish dining in the city.

On Egin

Restaurant, Spanish, Mediterranean, European

Patatas Bravas
© Charles Haynes/Flickr
On Egin occupies a spot on Wildenbruchstraße in a neighborhood which, let’s face it, isn’t short on places to grab some Spanish food. That said, this really is up there with the best and well worth a visit when the next tapas-craving hits. This restaurant is warm and welcoming, but it retains a certain elegance that makes it the ideal place for a date or a special occasion. With a good selection of seafood dishes, it would be a shame not to try the béchamel croquettes or the octopus, which is mouth-wateringly good. The red wine is also truly delicious, and stopping at one glass is a challenge, so good luck!

Gastón

Wine Bar, Bar, Restaurant, Tapas

Just around the corner from On Egin is Gastón, another one of Neukölln’s offerings to those in need of delicious seafood. The atmosphere at Gastón varies depending on the hour, but the tapas are consistently good and won’t disappoint. The tortilla should be at the top of everybody’s list when it comes to ordering – it’s flavorful, creamy, and surprisingly filling. For something lighter, both the marinated sardines and the prawns in garlic are a great choice and go perfectly with a glass of the house white. It probably won’t come as a surprise considering it’s a Spanish restaurant, but there’s more of a buzz in here later on in the evening, so best to leave dinner until 9pm or 10pm (and consider booking ahead).

Bar Raval

Bar, Restaurant, Spanish, Tapas

barraval_bar
© Bar Raval
With a reputation that precedes it, Bar Raval was always going to be good. This tapas joint boasts sleek interiors, friendly service and, of course, excellent traditional Spanish food. The eggplant tempura and the meatballs are regular favorites, and the olives really shouldn’t be overlooked. Add some bread and dipping oils into the mix, and it’s impossible not to leave here feeling completely full. Though the prices are a little towards the higher end of the scale, the overall experience is worth it and this is most definitely the place to go if you consider yourself a tapas connoisseur.

Las Primas

Restaurant, Spanish, Mediterranean, Pub Grub

Las Primas, Berlin
© Ben Sutherland/Flickr
Situated on the corner of Wrangelstraße and Falkensteinstraße in Kreuzberg, Las Primas is great value for money with good vibes and a wide variety of dishes to choose from. The staff is friendly, and the interior is typically Berlin; laid-back, grungy, and unpretentious. Although it’s also known as a gay bar, Las Primas’ culinary identity dominates. It’s always packed with people ready to indulge in quality Spanish tapas – those who are only heading in here for a drink will definitely find themselves the victims of major food envy. When it comes to the food, there are no false moves. The sausages in pastry are a must-try, as are the usual suspects of gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas, and calamari.

YOSOY

Bar, Restaurant, Tapas, Spanish, Mediterranean, European, Fast Food

YOSOY Tapas Bar & Spanisches Restaurant, Berlin
© HimmelrichPR/Flickr
This tapas restaurant is the perfect place to stop after a weekend shopping session around Mitte’s Weinmeisterstraße. Take a moment, grab a glass of wine, and choose a couple of dishes to replace all those calories burned trying on clothes. The atmosphere is lively, and naturally it attracts a lot of tourists, but finding a spot to sit and relax never seems to be a problem. As for the menu, the spinach pastry in blue cheese sauce is delicious, and the ham croquettes are second to none.

About the author

Caitlin Hughes is a content strategist and editor with a BA in English Literature. Having grown up in Wales, she moved to Berlin after graduating from Cardiff University in 2013. Her free time is mostly spent exploring Berlin's rich and exciting food scene, and making the most of the city's lively bar & cafe culture.

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