A lively Catalan tapas bar in Perpignan's old quarter serving pinchos, Catalan charcuterie, manchego, and local wines from Roussillon in a buzzing, convivial atmosphere. One of the best spots in the city for an informal evening of Catalan flavours.
La Traca is a lively Catalan tapas bar and wine bar in the old quarter of Perpignan, Occitanie's Catalan capital in the Pyrénées-Orientales, serving the pinchos, shared plates, and natural wines of the Roussillon in a consistently convivial atmosphere. The name 'La Traca' references the Catalan festival firework tradition, and the energy of the bar matches the name: small tables, shared plates arriving at pace, and a wine list built to encourage grazing and conversation. The food is Catalan in spirit: plancha-grilled pinchos with Roussillon peppers and anchovies, cured longanissa sausage and fuet from Catalan producers, manchego cheese and Catalan house bread with tomato (pa amb tomàquet), and a selection of seasonal small plates built around whatever arrived at the market. The wine selection is entirely Roussillon-focused: Côtes du Roussillon and Côtes du Roussillon Villages for reds, Rivesaltes and Muscat de Rivesaltes for sweet aperitif options, and Banyuls for a meditative after-dinner glass. Prices are honest and the format encourages ordering several small items rather than a structured two or three-course meal. The bar is only open in the evening. It is one of the best venues in Perpignan for an informal Catalan evening before or instead of a full restaurant dinner.
Signature dishes
- Plancha de pinchos catalanes — €14
- Cured meats and Roussillon wine selection — €16
Good to know
- Known for
- Catalan tapas and Roussillon wine bar experience
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 6PM–11PM; closed Sun–Mon
Location
9 Rue Fabriques d'en Nabot, 66000 Perpignan, France
42.6983, 2.8948 View on map
Highlights
- Catalan pinchos and shared plates — a cross-border food tradition in the heart of Roussillon's capital
- Pa amb tomàquet (Catalan bread with tomato and olive oil) — the essential Catalan table bread
- Roussillon wine list: Côtes du Roussillon, Rivesaltes, Muscat, Banyuls across price points
- Lively, convivial atmosphere in the old quarter — perfect for an informal evening before dinner
- Longanissa and fuet Catalan cured meats from local Roussillon producers
Tips for visiting
- Order several small plates to share rather than a structured meal — the format rewards grazing
- A glass of Banyuls sec with the anchovy pintxo is the classic Roussillon pairing
- The bar opens at 6 PM — arriving at opening allows a quieter start before the crowd builds
- La Traca is closed Sunday and Monday; Thursday through Saturday are the most animated nights
- Combine with dinner at a nearby Perpignan restaurant: the bar is ideal as an aperitif hour rather than a full meal
Accessibility
The bar is in the old quarter of Perpignan on a narrow medieval street. The street surface is cobblestone and may present difficulty for wheelchair users. The bar interior is small and can be crowded in the evening. Wheelchair access is likely limited — contact the bar before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
What are pinchos or pintxos?
Pinchos (Spanish spelling) or pintxos (Basque) are small one- or two-bite items — typically bread with a topping, or skewered items — that form the tapas tradition of the Basque Country and neighbouring regions. In Catalan cuisine, similar grilled small plates are found throughout Roussillon and Catalan Spain.
What is pa amb tomàquet?
Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) is the foundational element of Catalan cooking: a slice of rustic bread, rubbed with a halved ripe tomato and drizzled with olive oil, then salted. It is the universal bread of the Catalan table and the base for countless other preparations.
Is the bar suitable for a full dinner?
The bar is best suited to an aperitif hour of shared plates and wine rather than a three-course dinner. The portions are designed for grazing. Visitors wanting a full seated dinner would complement a visit here with a nearby restaurant.