Welcome to El Xampanyet!
This place is mythic and an institution that has survived for almost 90 years here in El Born. And not only has it survived! Its glory days are far from over, if one is to believe the size of the crowd standing having tapas and sparkling Xampanyet wine outside at the wine barrel tables. Now enter in this little gem of a tapas bar that has managed to maintain its genuine spirit despite its growing fame. Even if this place attracts an international crowd, and has been mentioned in the most famous travel guides as well as in Guide Michelin, it is a rustic place and well worth this visit. You will see why in a little bit.
First of all, pay attention; it is very likely that the owners themselves - a very friendly couple - greets you when entering the little tiled, old fashioned seating area. But before you sit down you have to step up to the bar to have a look at today’s tapas! Try not to drawl in front of the heavenly ham, cheeses, olives, tuna tapas and anchovies from the Cantabric sea that fight for space on the bar in front of your eyes. Easier said than done, actually. Then order Xampanyet, the house sparkling white wine, by the glass or the bottle, and experience the perfect match of its flavors with the high quality tapas. A curious thing happens when the noise of people talking and laughing in the tiny space with the tiled walls reaches an almost uncomfortable level; the owner usually hushes the volume down to normal and everybody is happy and able to have a normal conversation again. So enjoy this genuine little spot and prepare for the night out by stuffing your stomach full of delicious tapas and bubbly, before it is time to head on to the next stop of our tour.
Photo El Xampanyet by Salim Virji is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
