La plata is one of the most emblematic places in Barcelona. When you step in, you can feel the history. This bodega, inherited by Anna, the daughter of the first owners, Jose Marjanet and Joaquina Planes, has been open since 1972.
La Plata, named after the street where it is located in the Gothic Quarter, has lived through all of the changes of this city. Pepe Gomez, waiter of the establishment for 42 years, knows each and every one of his clients and always is serving with a smile. He tells us that he is now serving the third generation of clients since his tenure there.
At La Plata you will only find 3 tapas: The legendary “boquerones,” a small variation of deep fried fish, known to locals as “pescaditos,” the tomato, onion, and Green olive salad – with or without anchovies- and the butifarra, a traditional Catalan sausage. Nothing else is necessary, and everything accompanied by wine from the Penedes region- white, red, or rose- or even with a local favorite, Vermouth. Their suppliers have been the same for almost 50 years: “Why change, if the customers are happy” says Pepe.
The best part about the location is that you can sit at the bar, either inside or on the street, and watch the crowd go by. Don´t arrive late, or you may find yourself without a table!
Mornings: 10 to 15:30
Afternoons: 18.30 to 23:00
Closed Sundays and holidays
Text: Alba Yañez
Photos: Lita Bosch
Translation: Brett Piron