Curated for peripatetic eaters and appreciated by cosmopolitan travellers, The Barcelona Taste offers a culinary tour of one of the world’s most colourful cities. Managing Director, Kenny Dunn, explores enticing experiences that tickle the taste buds.
THE BARCELONA TASTE
As the lively capital and largest city of the autonomous region of Catalonia, Barcelona is frequently hailed as the ‘Paris of Spain’, where visitors can immerse themselves in its vibrant atmosphere and every corner reveals a new layer of creativity and diversity.
This enchanting city boasts a captivating fusion of architectural styles and influences, blending ancient Roman and Gothic structures with bold modernist designs.
Its galleries are adorned with masterpieces of art, both historical and contemporary, reflecting a rich cultural tapestry.
Additionally, the city’s world-class culinary scene captivates food lovers from around the globe, and one notable experience is The Barcelona Taste – a remarkable food tour company and pioneer of tapas tours, established in 2009.
Kenny Dunn, Founder of renowned gastronomic tour operator Eating Europe, recently acquired The Barcelona Taste, where he is Managing Director.
Dunn developed his passion for food whilst living in Rome and continues his mission to share a slice of local life and unforgettable food stories across Europe.
The Barcelona Taste offers various tours through the city, including the Food Lover’s Guide to Barcelona After Dark (After Dark) tour through the Gothic Quarter.
On this tour, participants not only explore the enchanting streets of the Gothic Quarter but also dive into the rich culinary heritage of Spanish and Catalan culture, savouring the distinct flavours and unique dishes emblematic of the region.
“Catalan cuisine is simple when it should be and bold when it wants. It’s ingredient-driven and very sociable; meals are not rushed – they’re shared,” introduces Dunn enthusiastically.
“Catalan cuisine is simple when it should be and bold when it wants. It’s ingredient-driven and very sociable; meals are not rushed – they’re shared”
Kenny Dunn, Managing Director, The Barcelona Taste
AN EPICUREAN ADVENTURE
The concept of The Barcelona Taste aims to immerse visitors in the city’s authentic flavours by showcasing local dining traditions through friendly, welcoming small-group tours.
“Barcelona is one of Europe’s best food cities, but most visitors end up in the same obvious spots. We began with a simple idea: make it easy to eat like locals do, with small gatherings, great venues, and food that actually feels like Barcelona.
“The After Dark tour exists because the city changes at night – the Gothic Quarter gets quieter in the streets, busier in the bars, and the whole thing feels more intimate. It’s the perfect setting for tapas, wine, and that ‘we’re really here’ feeling,” he entices.
Steeped in history and culture, the Gothic Quarter elevates the dining experience with its inviting ambience and charm.
As night falls, the area transforms into a captivating tableau where shadows dance across cobblestone streets, weaving an air of mystery and intrigue.
This romantic atmosphere invites diners to fully immerse themselves in an exhilarating gastronomic sensation in this timeless enclave.
“The Gothic Quarter makes the night feel cinematic, but in a real way. You’re walking through medieval streets and hidden little squares, then you step into places that locals genuinely go to after work.
“It also slows people down. The neighbourhood almost forces you to wander a bit, which is exactly how an evening in Barcelona should feel,” Dunn explains.
SAVOUR THE SCENERY
Leading guests on an engaging journey to embark on an edible adventure through the heart of the city, these tailored tastings feature experienced, passionate guides.
Gourmands will sample a delightful array of regional delicacies and local specialities at handpicked eateries, each offering a unique window into Barcelona’s food scene.
As travellers explore the city to discover new dishes and celebrate its strong flavours and enticing aromas, food tourism emerges as an unforgettable, enriching vacation activity.
However, the Gothic Quarter is a popular destination for culinary and history enthusiasts alike.
“On the After Dark tour, you’ll taste a mix of local favourites and tapas classics, plus the kind of pairings people don’t expect until they’re here, like vermouth as a serious local ritual and cava that actually feels tied to the place,” states Dunn emphatically.
Wander through the famous labyrinthine streets, dominated by Gothic architecture, such as Casa Batlló – a fairytale masterpiece by the iconic Catalan Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, characterised by his unique, innovative style.
The air is imbued with history, as majestic spires cast dramatically solemn silhouettes and mysterious alleys open up into picturesque squares full of tapas bars and authentic Catalan cuisine.
TAPAS AND TWILIGHT
Offering unique features and distinct dishes of its own, the After Dark tour differs from other Barcelona culinary experiences.
“The tour is built for the evening, and it has a strong flow; it’s not just hopping between bars – each stop is chosen to build the story and the appetite,” outlines Dunn.
“A few things stand out: it’s a proper tasting, not a bite here and there; people leave full and guests get the classic flavours, but not in a boring way. However, the finish is a real highlight and the moment people remember most.”
The flourishing finale that Dunn alludes to is a sumptuous array of Catalan desserts, beautifully paired with sparkling cava, all set within the enchanting ambiance of a 14th-century wine cellar – where every wall seems to whisper tales of the past.
This tour offers a delightful selection of sweet treats that harmoniously blend traditional recipes with influences from convent kitchens and the rich aromas of Arab cuisine.
Furthermore, storytelling weaves a captivating thread throughout the Gothic Quarter, illuminating each bite and bringing every corner to life with history.
“Food tastes better when you understand what you’re eating and why it matters here. We keep the history and stories tight and relevant, never a lecture. The Gothic Quarter makes it easy because you’re literally in the oldest part of the city, so you feel the layers of Barcelona as you walk between tastings,” Dunn observes.
“The moments people talk about are usually the vibe, that first drink when the group clicks, stepping from quiet streets into a buzzing spot, and the feeling at the end that you experienced Barcelona properly”
Kenny Dunn, Managing Director, The Barcelona Taste
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
When selecting the local restaurants and food vendors featured in the tour, The Barcelona Taste has its own method, often discovering hidden gems.
“We choose venues the same way you’d recommend places to a friend – quality, consistency, and the feeling that the place belongs to the neighbourhood. We avoid anything that’s built purely for tourists.
“Hidden gems are usually simple. It’s not secret nor shouting at you with big signs and photos – it’s the kind of place locals keep going back to because it’s good, not because it’s famous,” Dunn points out.
Guests can expect to gain insights and memorable experiences from the After Dark tour, enhancing their understanding of the location.
“Diners leave with confidence, understanding how locals order, what to drink, how to spot a tourist trap fast, and what ‘good’ looks like in a tapas bar.
“The moments people talk about are usually the vibe, that first drink when the group clicks, stepping from quiet streets into a buzzing spot, and the feeling at the end that you experienced Barcelona properly,” highlights Dunn.
Guests can anticipate unexpected elements of the tour, with aspects of Barcelonian cuisine that might astonish them.
“Two things surprise people a lot – firstly, how refined tapas can be when it’s done well; It’s not just ‘small plates’.
“Secondly, the drinks – most people come expecting sangria, only to discover vermouth and cava as locals actually enjoy them,” he passionately concludes.