Discover the top tapas bars in Spain where you can enjoy crispy and delicious fried calamari. This selection highlights establishments that excel in preparing this classic Spanish dish, perfect for an authentic tapas experience. Find your next favourite spot to savour 'calamares a la romana' or 'calamares a la andaluza', ideal for sharing with friends and family in a lively atmosphere. Whether in Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville, we guide you to the most outstanding options for this seafood delicacy.
Reference restaurant in Barcelona
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7 Portes is an iconic Barcelonan restaurant with a long history, still serving high-quality traditional 'Calamares a la romana.' Its mention in February 2025 confirms its enduring appeal and consistent quality.
Classic golden calamari, perfectly crunchy
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Squiddy is a very recent and highly-rated addition to Barcelona's seafood scene, praised for its fresh, crispy, and flavorful fried calamari. Its opening in November 2025 makes it a top, current recommendation for 2026.
Amazing and cheap local eatery
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La Campana is a legendary spot in Madrid, consistently praised by locals and tourists for its traditional and affordable fried calamari sandwiches. Its long-standing reputation and recent mentions in 2024 and 2025 confirm its continued excellence.
Fried calamari is the best ever tasted
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Güell Tapas Restaurant was ranked as a top spot for 'calamares a la romana' in Barcelona in a March 2026 update, based on high Google ratings. This indicates its strong current reputation and customer satisfaction.
Offers visually stunning presentation
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La Candela is a Spanish restaurant and seafood bar in Valencia, recommended for its fish and squid in a March 2026 ranking. This recent mention suggests it's a reliable choice for quality fried calamari.
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Good quality fish and seafood
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Freiduría Las Flores is a traditional and highly recommended fried fish joint in Cadiz, with recent mentions in 2023 and 2025 specifically highlighting its excellent 'chopitos.' It embodies the authentic Andalusian 'pescaíto frito' experience.
Tapas are consistently praised for quality and flavor
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El Xampanyet is a popular Barcelona wine bar highly rated for its calamari and tomato tapas in a March 2026 ranking. This recent recognition confirms its continued quality and appeal for fried calamari lovers.
Praised for fresh seafood
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Nou Manolín is an iconic Alicante establishment, celebrated for its signature 'Calamares a la romana' which are described as addictive. Its long history and recent acclaim in 2025 confirm its enduring quality and popularity.
Creative and delicious pintxos
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Abando Bar & Restaurant is a bustling pintxos bar in Bilbao, recommended in August 2024 for serving some of the city's best 'Rabas.' Its current recommendation highlights its quality and popularity.
Serves fresh fried calamari all hours
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Sorginzulo is a highly recommended establishment in Bilbao, frequently mentioned in recent guides for its traditional 'rabas.' Its popularity, especially on weekends, and its unique offerings like rabas in a bread roll, make it a standout.
Fried calamari that melted in the mouth
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El Viajero del Merkao is highly praised for its fried squid and prawns, earning a spot in a March 2026 ranking. This recent acclaim highlights its current popularity and quality in Valencia's seafood scene.
Offers calamari with delicate batter
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La Tucho has been explicitly ranked as having the 'Best Rabas' in Cantabria in a very recent March 2026 ranking. This direct recognition makes it an essential inclusion for any list focusing on fried calamari in Spain.
Well-known pintxos with deserved fame
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Café Bar Lago is a multi-award-winning establishment for its 'rabas' in Bilbao, consistently recognized for its excellence in the Rabas Competition. Its proven track record makes it a top contender for the best fried calamari.
Authentic taverna/tapas experience
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This centenarian tavern offers a classic 'Calamares a la romana' experience in a historic setting opposite the Royal Palace. Its mention in February 2025 confirms its continued relevance and quality.