Anyone seeking the best tapas in Barcelona should steer clear of Las Ramblas and head to either Tapeo del Born or Tapeo Bar - both owned by the lively and innovative chef, Daniel Rueda. While the food amazes at either location, the atmosphere of each couldn't be more different.

Tapeo del Born

Tapeo del Born is located in the oh so trendy Born neighborhood. It has all the markings of 21st century tapas, with a sleek white bar, micro stools, and a "peer-in" kitchen where just a thin sheet of glass separates diners from half a dozen men chopping, sauteeing, and frying up wondrous treats, including tangy, crispy ribs that were dressed in addictive honey and mustard sauce.

Tapeo Bar

Tapeo Bar located at Carrer dels Assaonadors, 25, is a hole in the wall restaurant with a half dozen cafe tables and plain-jane wooden seats. On the same night when Born patrons jostled for their space at the bar, only a few tourists had wandered into this location, not far from the Picasso Museum. But Chef Carlos Calle, whom Chef Daniel regards "like a brother," is also whipping up magic at this smaller and considerably lower key spot.

Here my group ordered a wide assortment of tapas, including rich pork cheeks that were slow cooked to tender perfection, stunning snails enlivened by vinegar rather than the garlic-butter standard, and diminutive oxtail sandwiches served with red wine dipping sauce. We even indulged in a couple surprisingly wonderful desserts including a tasty chocolate truffle served with a dainty glass of toffee-rich Pedro-Ximinez sherry.

Great tapas in Barcelona

So, whether you want to brag about your amazing tapas in the trendy Born neighborhood, or you want to experience one of Barcelona's best kept secrets, Tapeo has two ways to keep the delicious and innovative tapas coming.