Barcelona Visitors Guide

Esquerra de l’Eixample

Left Side of the Eixample

Restaurants

Albe Barcelona

Lebanese tapas with a cozy, neighborhood feel.

Albe is a great example of Barcelona doing other cuisines really well. The menu is built for sharing, the flavors are bold and comforting, and it’s easy to settle in for longer than planned. If you can, ask for seats by the window. It’s the best spot in the room and perfect for people-watching while you eat.

Ali

Exceptional Turkish cooking in a relaxed, welcoming space.

Ali is one of those places that surprises people. The food is consistently excellent, deeply flavorful, and clearly made with care. It’s not flashy, just very, very good. A reliable choice when you want something comforting and memorable.

Billy Brunch & Garden

Popular brunch spot with a hidden back garden.

Billy Brunch is busy for a reason. The food is solid, portions are generous, and the space is larger than it looks. Weekends can be chaotic, but weekdays are much easier with little to no wait. If you’re eating here, try to sit out back. The garden makes all the difference.

Bodega Borràs

Classic Catalan bodega experience.

This is a proper old-school spot. No frills, no trends, just traditional food and a room that feels unchanged in the best way. A great place to experience the more timeless side of Barcelona dining.

Cervecería Catalana / Vinitus / Flauta

Reliable, crowd-pleasing tapas.

These three are essentially the same restaurant under different names. They’re popular, busy, and very consistent. Not a hidden gem, but a solid choice when you want classic tapas that everyone will enjoy. Expect crowds and fast-paced service.

Cervecería Catalana: Open map

Vinitus: Open map

Flauta: Open map

De Cruz Morales

Butcher shop by day, restaurant by day too.

This one is special. De Cruz Morales is first and foremost a butcher, and their restaurant reflects that. The meat is exceptional, simply prepared, and deeply satisfying. It’s a very Barcelona kind of place and feels wonderfully local.

Disfrutar

Three-Michelin-star molecular gastronomy and one of the best restaurants in the world.

Disfrutar is not just dinner, it’s an experience. Reservations need to be made far in advance, the meal lasts four to six hours, and it’s a serious investment of time and money. In 2024, it was named the best restaurant in the world and the best restaurant in Europe. If you can secure the Living Table chef’s counter, it’s even more special. This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of meal.

Glug

Natural wine bar with small plates and a cozy, lively atmosphere.

Glug is always a good idea. Great natural wines, comforting food, and a room that feels alive without being chaotic. It’s one of those places that quietly becomes a regular because it never disappoints.

Malparit

Modern Catalan cooking with a strong wine focus.

Malparit consistently hits the sweet spot between fun and serious. The bar seating is excellent, the food is reliable and well executed, and the wine list makes it very easy to stay longer than planned. Works equally well for a proper dinner or a more spontaneous night out.

Mediamanga

Japanese-inspired comfort food with a casual vibe.

Mediamanga is fun, approachable, and easy. It’s a great option when you want something relaxed that still feels a little different from typical tapas.

Mont Bar

Refined tapas with a Michelin star.

Mont Bar is tapas elevated. The dishes are thoughtful, polished, and beautifully executed. It’s a great choice when you want something fancier but still rooted in small plates and sharing.

Pepa Bar a Vins

Wine-focused bar with an old library feel.

Pepa feels intimate and a little romantic, with shelves of bottles and a cozy, intellectual atmosphere. It’s a great spot to slow down, drink something interesting, and snack thoughtfully.

Robata

Japanese and sushi-focused restaurant.

Robata is dependable, well-executed, and a good option when you want Japanese flavors without fuss. A nice change of pace from Spanish cuisine.

Suru

Tiny, very Catalan hideaway near the market.

Suru is easy to miss and that’s part of the appeal. Small, local, and unpretentious, it’s a great place to sneak away from the busier streets and feel like you’ve found something just for yourself.

Mesa Lobo

French-influenced bistro with Nordic restraint.

Mesa Lobo is elegant without being stiff. The cooking is precise and seasonal, and the room stays calm and welcoming. A favorite for long dinners and meaningful conversations.

Porta

Argentine-owned brunch spot with a sunroom.

Argentine-owned and worth seeking out. A quaint sunroom juts into the sidewalk — perfect for a relaxed brunch with a glass of wine. We love the owners and have even had them cater for us.

DeLaCrem

Favorite gelato spot.

A favorite gelato spot. It can get busy, so just hang out, enjoy your company, and wait your turn — it’s worth it.

Website · Google Map

Drinks

Curtis Audiophile Café

Vermut, vinyl, and a DJ-driven atmosphere.

Curtis is part listening room, part vermutería, part night out. It’s intimate and intentional, and reservations are recommended. A great place to start or anchor an evening.

Sips

One of the best cocktail bars in the world.

Sips has earned its reputation. The drinks are inventive and precise, and the back room offers a more immersive experience. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through Instagram.

Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar

Classic cocktails with a cozy interior and outdoor tables.

Small inside but perfectly formed. Hemingway is easy, comfortable, and dependable. A great place to settle in for one drink that often turns into two.

Morro Fi

Neighborhood vermutería.

Grab a vermut, and if it’s full, order one para llevar and enjoy it on a nearby bench. This is Barcelona at its simplest and best.

Garage Beer Co.

Our favorite brewery in town.

Garage consistently makes excellent beer and keeps things relaxed and welcoming. A great stop for something casual and well-crafted.

Tandem Cocktail Bar

Our local bar.

Tandem feels timeless. Classic cocktails, calm energy, and the kind of place that becomes a regular without effort.

Bodega Picarol

Quick vermut stop with real bodega energy.

Perfect for a short pause and a glass of vermut. Simple, local, and exactly what you want it to be.

Ideal Cocktail Bar

Classic cocktails in an elegant space.

Ideal leans traditional and polished. A good choice if you want something calmer and more refined.

Vertical

Intimate wine bar with a thoughtful, well-curated list.

Vertical feels calm, intentional, and grown-up. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, drink something interesting, and actually talk. A favorite for quieter evenings and a great counterpoint to some of the louder wine bars around the city.

Coffee

The Roast Club

Coffee and quick breakfast.

Reliable coffee and an easy stop when you need something fast and good.

Lady Babka

Bakery specializing in babka.

The poppyseed babka is the standout here and a personal favorite. Worth going out of your way for.

Ripa

Takeaway-only bakery.

Everything is good, and it’s hard to leave with just one thing. Perfect for grabbing something on the go.

Billy Café / Billy Brunch

Walk-up coffee and full-service restaurant.

Good for a quick coffee or a longer brunch. There’s usually a wait, but it moves quickly.

Bonsai Coffee

Neighborhood specialty coffee shop.

Simple, well-made coffee and a calm place to pause.

La Papa Barcelona

Relaxed coffee spot with good pastries.

A comfortable stop when you need caffeine and a break from walking.

Blackbird Coffee

Second location, solid stop.

A second location, and a solid stop on your way to wherever you’re headed next.

Markets & Bakeries

Baluard

One of the best bakeries in Barcelona.

Exceptional bread and pastries, with multiple locations around the city. Always worth stopping.

La Castafiore

Fresh Italian pasta shop.

A great place to pick up handmade pasta and sauces. Simple, high quality, and very tempting.

Additional information about Esquerra de l’Eixample

Mercat del Ninot

Local neighborhood market.

A traditional market with excellent meat, seafood, cheese, and produce stands. Less touristy than some of the bigger markets and very much part of daily life here. Google Maps: Open map

Dreta de l’Eixample

Right Side of the Eixample

Restaurants

Compartir Barcelona

Creative Mediterranean cooking from the Disfrutar team.

Compartir delivers much of the magic of Disfrutar in a more relaxed and approachable way. The food is rooted in tradition but executed with creativity and precision, making it ideal for sharing and lingering. It’s still special, still Michelin-recognized, but far less of a commitment than its three-star sibling.

Rooq

Fried chicken sandwiches done right.

Rooq is casual, satisfying, and very easy to love. The fried chicken sandwiches are the star, and it’s the kind of place you go when you want something comforting and unfussy. Bonus points for the owner’s ECU connection.

Sartoria Panatieri

Thoughtful, ingredient-driven pizza.

Sartoria Panatieri is often mentioned among the best pizza spots in the city, and for good reason. The dough is excellent, the toppings are intentional, and everything feels carefully made. A great option when you want pizza that actually feels special.

Gringa All Day

American comfort food done right.

For when you’re just jonesing for an American meal. Chicken and waffles, and all the comfort food you didn’t know you needed in Barcelona.

Website · Google Map

Coffee

Brew Coffee

Specialty coffee in a relaxed setting.

Brew is a reliable stop for good coffee while exploring the neighborhood. Straightforward, consistent, and easy to pop into between walks.

Lot Roasters

Specialty coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate, roasted and made in-house.

Lot Roasters roasts its own coffee and makes its own chocolate on-site — you can watch both happen from the counter. The coffee is excellent, and the vibe in this place keeps growing. Our favorite stop when we’re heading north out of town, but also worth stopping in when you’re just walking by.

Drinks

El Nacional

A grand, unexpected food hall worth seeing once.

El Nacional is impressive the first time you walk in. While it’s not where we’d spend an entire evening, it’s absolutely worth stopping in for a drink just to experience the space. Go in, look around, have one drink, and move on.

Old Fashioned

High-end whiskey and classic cocktails.

If you’re looking for rare bottles and serious pours, this is the place. Yes, you can get high-priced Pappy here. It’s intimate, polished, and unapologetically focused on the drinks.

Markets & Bakeries

Baluard

One of the best bakeries in Barcelona.

Baluard consistently delivers excellent bread and pastries and has several locations across the city. A staple worth revisiting whenever you’re nearby.

La Cava Cakery

The best cupcakes you’ll ever have, period.

This place is not subtle and doesn’t need to be. The cupcakes are indulgent, perfectly executed, and genuinely memorable. If you like sweets, this is a must.

Colmado Quílez (Liquor Store)

Large, well-stocked specialty liquor store.

This is the go-to spot when you want a serious selection of wine and spirits. It’s expansive, well curated, and easy to lose time browsing. Great for picking up something special or restocking for a longer stay.

Additional information about Dreta de l’Eixample

Colmado Quílez (Gourmet Deli)

High-quality deli and gourmet food shop around the corner.

Same name, different space, and equally worth visiting. This location focuses on gourmet foods, cheeses, prepared items, and excellent pantry staples. An ideal stop if you’re cooking or building a picnic. Google Maps: Open map

El Gotic

The Gothic Quarter

The old city with tons of history and great shops & restaurants. Calle Laietana separates El Gotic from La Ribera & Las Ramblas separates it from Raval. This area is worth wandering around and getting lost, grabbing a drink, then getting lost again. Make sure to see the Roman Walls and Jewish Quarter.

Restaurants

La Alcoba Azul

Great tapas in the Gothic Quarter.

You’ll know it by the giant melted candle. Great tapas, atmospheric, and an easy stop when you’re wandering through the Gothic Quarter.

Wander and discover

Let this neighborhood surprise you.

Gòtic is one of those places where the best move is to wander. The narrow streets around the cathedral hide plenty of small, good restaurants that don’t always show up on lists. Rather than chasing a specific reservation, walk, peek inside places that feel busy with locals, and trust your instincts. Some of our best meals here have been unplanned.

Coffee & Bakeries

Dumas

Specialty coffee tucked into the old city.

Dumas is a reliable stop when you need a proper coffee while exploring the maze of Gòtic streets. Small, focused, and very welcome when you’ve been walking for a while.

Coto

Modern café with good coffee and a relaxed feel.

Coto offers a calm break from the intensity of the neighborhood. A nice place to reset, grab a coffee, and plan your next wander.

Right Side

Specialty coffee and light bites.

Right Side is an easy, dependable stop for coffee in Gòtic. Good for a quick pause before heading back into the crowds.

Additional information about El Gòtic

Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

(including El Born)

A favorite–old windy streets. You will get lost here for sure, but that’s okay. So many cool places to wander into.

Restaurants

Bar del Pla

Casual, dependable neighborhood restaurant.

Bar del Pla is relaxed, welcoming, and consistently good. It’s an easy choice when you want something unfussy but well executed, especially after wandering the narrow streets nearby.

Cal Pep

Classic Barcelona institution.

Cal Pep is famous for a reason. It’s lively, fast-paced, and built around excellent ingredients. Reservations are recommended if you want a table, but sitting at the bar is part of the experience. Expect energy, crowds, and very good food.

El Set

Charcuterie, wine, and simple tapas in a lovely space.

El Set is calm, warm, and thoughtfully put together. The charcuterie trays are excellent, the wine list is strong, and it’s a great place for a slower, more intimate meal. Reservations are available and recommended.

Narciso

Italian sandwiches done right.

Narciso is casual, quick, and incredibly satisfying. The sandwiches are the star, and it’s an easy lunch stop while exploring El Born. There’s also a location in Left Eixample, but this one fits the neighborhood perfectly.

Coffee

Hidden Café

Great coffee and a solid place to work.

Hidden is a favorite for good reason. The coffee is excellent, the space is comfortable, and it’s one of the better spots in the area if you need to sit down and get some work done.

Nomad Coffee

One of the most influential specialty coffee names in Barcelona.

You’ll find Nomad coffee all over the city, but their Born locations are great places to experience it directly. High-quality roasting, consistent execution, and a strong local following.

Xiloteca

Specialty coffee with a calm, focused vibe.

Xiloteca is small, thoughtful, and very much about the coffee. A good stop when you want something quiet and well made.

La Cigarra

Classic café with character.

La Cigarra feels old-school in the best way. A nice place to slow down, grab a coffee, and soak in the neighborhood atmosphere.

Drinks

Collage

Craft cocktails with a rum-forward focus. And the place both my Dad and Father-in-law said they had their first craft cocktail on the trip where we decided to move to Barcelona!

Collage has evolved into a rum-driven cocktail bar, and it works. Creative drinks, cozy space, and a slightly off-the-beaten-path feel that suits the neighborhood well.

Dr. Stravinsky

One of Barcelona’s most respected cocktail bars.

Inventive, serious, and beautifully executed. Dr. Stravinsky is a destination for cocktail lovers and worth seeking out even if you’re not nearby.

El Xampanyet

A Born classic.

Order a bottle or two of their famous in-house sparkling xampanyet and enjoy the chaos. There are no reservations, it gets crowded, and it’s absolutely worth it.

Pro tip:

If you can’t get into El Xampanyet, grab a spot at the bar or outside at Bodega La Puntual next door (bar or outdoor seating only). Same owners, and you can order the xampanyet there.

Paradiso

Deli in front, speakeasy in the back.

Paradiso is playful, creative, and very well executed. Getting in is part of the fun. Expect inventive cocktails and a memorable experience.

Story

Home of one of the best vermut de la casa in the city.

Story is relaxed and very easy to love. Order the house vermut and settle in. A perfect stop before or after dinner.

Additional information about Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

Especiarium

Wine and vermut bar with a neighborhood feel.

Especiarium is unpretentious, friendly, and a great place for a glass of something interesting without the fuss. Google Maps: Open map

El Raval

The Outskirts

Dirty, grungy, awesome. But know where you are and keep your wallet tucked away! There is no vibe like a weekend night Raval vibe.

Restaurants

Dos Palillos

Japanese-inspired tasting menus from the team behind Dos Pebrots.

Dos Palillos is refined, creative, and quietly exceptional. The experience blends Japanese techniques with Mediterranean ingredients, and the execution is precise without feeling stiff. A great option when you want something special but still intimate and personal.

Dos Pebrots

Mediterranean cooking with historical inspiration.

Dos Pebrots is thoughtful and inventive, drawing from ancient Mediterranean cuisines and techniques. The menu is creative but grounded, and the space feels calm and intentional. A great place to slow down and really enjoy the food.

Makan Makan

Southeast Asian cooking in the heart of Raval.

Makan Makan is more of a lunch spot and a great excuse to explore a grittier, more authentic part of the neighborhood. Bold flavors, comforting dishes, and a very local feel. Go hungry and embrace the setting.

The Paella Club

Hands-on paella cooking class.

This is less a restaurant and more an experience, and it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll cook paella from start to finish, learn the techniques, and eat very well along the way. Book in advance. It’s tons of fun and a must-do, especially with friends or family.

Coffee & Bakeries

Dalston Coffee House

Australian-style coffee with a relaxed vibe.

Dalston is a solid stop for well-made coffee and something small to eat. Easy, dependable, and very welcome while exploring Raval.

Departure Coffee Co.

Specialty coffee with a clean, modern feel.

Departure is focused on quality and consistency. A good place to reset with a proper coffee in the middle of the neighborhood.

OSS

Minimalist coffee bar with serious coffee.

OSS is small, focused, and very much about the coffee. A great stop if you care about what’s in the cup.

Karma

Neighborhood café with a casual feel.

Karma is easygoing and comfortable. A good place to sit for a bit, have a coffee, and watch the neighborhood move around you.

Sip

Specialty coffee with a minimalist approach.

Sip is consistent, calm, and well executed. A good place for a no-nonsense coffee break.

Lodetto

Italian-inspired bakery and café.

Lodetto is a great spot for pastries, coffee, or a light bite. Refined but relaxed, and a nice counterbalance to the energy of Raval.

Drinks

Caravelle

Brewery, café, and brunch spot.

Caravelle is versatile in the best way. Coffee during the day, beer later on, and a relaxed atmosphere throughout. A good anchor spot in the neighborhood.

Two Schmucks

One of the best cocktail bars in Barcelona.

One of the best cocktail bars in Barcelona — and they’ll be the first to tell you so. Ranked in the World’s 50 Best, and deservedly.

Website · Google Map

Additional information about El Raval

Gracia

An old suburb that is now part of Barcelona, it is a super cool area with good restaurants, narrow streets, & squares to grab a drink and some tapas. They take siesta seriously, so best after about 5 pm or so.

Restaurants

Berbena

Small, intimate restaurant with exceptional cooking.

Berbena is currently one of our favorite restaurants in the city. The space is tiny, the food is outstanding, and everything feels thoughtful and intentional. Reservations are a must. If you can, ask for the chef’s table. It’s a special way to experience the meal and see the care that goes into every dish.

Pompa

Casual neighborhood restaurant with a lively feel.

Pompa is easygoing and fun, with food that feels generous and comforting. A great option when you want something relaxed but still very good, especially for an easy dinner in Gràcia.

Brabo

The best steak. Just the best.

Brabo is all about the meat, and it delivers every time. Sit downstairs if you can. The ambiance is better and makes the experience feel more complete. This is where you go when you want a proper steak and zero compromises.

Fonda Pepa

Traditional Catalan cooking with handwritten menus.

The menu here is handwritten in Catalan. Ask them to translate and trust whatever you choose. It’s one of those places where everything works, and the experience feels deeply local and very Gràcia.

Magatzem de ses Illes

Balearic-inspired cooking with a relaxed, neighborhood feel.

This is one of those quietly great places you’re happy to have in your back pocket. The food is excellent, and the vibe is intentionally casual. Not fancy, not trying to be. Just really good, and very easy to return to.

Formatgeria

Exceptional cheese shop.

Not a restaurant, but absolutely worth a stop. Incredible cheeses, knowledgeable staff, and perfect for building a picnic or bringing something home.

Tangana

Creative, modern cooking in a relaxed space.

Tangana blends contemporary ideas with comforting dishes, all in a space that feels very much of the neighborhood. A solid choice for dinner when you want something interesting without formality.

Parallelo

One of the two best gelato spots in Barcelona.

Parallelo is excellent and dangerously easy to return to. Rich flavors, great texture, and also available on Glovo if you’re staying in. A must-stop dessert in Gràcia.

Coffee & Bakeries

Cosa

Neighborhood café with a calm, welcoming feel.

Cosa is an easy place to start the day or take a break. Good coffee, friendly energy, and a very local crowd.

Duo

Stylish café with well-made coffee.

Duo balances good design with solid coffee. A nice place to pause while wandering through Gràcia.

Nook

Cozy specialty coffee spot.

Nook feels small and personal, with coffee that’s taken seriously. A great stop when you want something low-key and well done.

Balzac

Classic café with old-school charm.

Balzac feels timeless and comfortable. A good place to sit, linger, and watch the neighborhood move around you.

Drinks

Bodega Marin

Old, gritty bodega with vermut and wine from barrels.

This place is as real as it gets. No polish, no pretense, just vermut and wine poured straight from barrels in a room that feels frozen in time. A Gràcia classic.

Elephanta Gin Bar

Gin-focused bar with tasting flights.

Elephanta is fun and a little different. Order a flight of gin and tonics and settle in. A great option if you’re in the mood for something playful but still well executed.

Additional information about Gràcia

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

Just up the hill from Left Eixample, the area around El Parc Turó has lots of nice boutiques and is worth a visit if you’re in town for a bit. Gaze or hike up the hill to Tibidabo and Sagrat Cor for a great view of Barcelona.

Restaurants

Parking Pizza

Modern pizza spot with a lively, stylish atmosphere.

Parking Pizza is consistently good and always buzzing. The pizzas are well-executed, the menu is approachable, and it works equally well for casual dinners or meeting friends. A reliable favorite in this part of the city.

Parking Sótano

Steak-focused restaurant ideal for groups.

Parking Sótano is a great option when you’re dining with a group and want something satisfying and straightforward. The steaks are the highlight, portions are generous, and the space makes it easy to settle in for a longer meal without feeling rushed.

Rabbit’s Bar

Relaxed neighborhood restaurant with personality.

Rabbit’s Bar feels local, comfortable, and easy. It’s the kind of place you end up at because it’s nearby and return to because it’s consistently good. A solid choice when you want something unfussy but well done.

Colmado Wilmot

Neighborhood restaurant with a market-driven feel.

Colmado Wilmot blends the feel of a local colmado with a thoughtful restaurant menu. It’s polished but still approachable, and a great example of how good this neighborhood is for quieter, high-quality dining.

Kina Barra

Counter seating, good food, great energy.

Grab a seat at the counter — it’s the best spot in the house to watch the action and enjoy a great meal.

Coffee & Bakeries

Sip

Specialty coffee with a minimalist approach.

Sip is a calm, focused coffee stop that does the basics very well. A great place to pause, reset, and enjoy a properly made coffee while exploring the area.

Nudes

Bright, modern café with good coffee and light bites.

Nudes is easy to like. It’s comfortable, well-designed, and a dependable stop for coffee or something small to eat while wandering the neighborhood.

Flying Monkey

Beloved bakery known for excellent pastries.

Flying Monkey is worth seeking out. The pastries are consistently excellent, and it’s one of those bakeries that locals happily go out of their way for.

Oz Bakery

Labneh, bread, and a great coffee stop.

A great stop for coffee, but don’t leave without the labneh and bread. One of our favorites.

Ours

Quiet upstairs coffee spot.

The upstairs is a perfect hideaway if you need to open a laptop and get some work done. Good coffee too.

Drinks

Gin Palau

A proper gin bar.

A proper gin bar. Extensive selection, knowledgeable staff, and a good room to settle into for the evening.

Additional information about Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

St. Antoni

Some of the most amazing restaurants in the city, including those from El Barri (The group from the creative director of El Bulli — worth googling)

Restaurants

Benzina

Italian cooking with incredible pasta.

Benzina is all about the pasta, and it’s outstanding. Simple, bold flavors done extremely well. A great choice for a relaxed but memorable meal, and one we happily return to.

COME

Mexican fine-dining with a modern, creative approach and a Michelin star.

COME (by chef Paco Méndez) combines the depth of traditional Mexican cuisine with Mediterranean ingredients and world-class technique. Méndez previously led the Michelin-starred Hoja Santa, and at COME he continues to innovate with thoughtful tasting menus built around seasonal and local produce, bold Mexican flavors, and refined execution. The experience includes welcome drinks and snacks, beautifully plated courses, and an extensive list of Mexican spirits and pairings. This is one of the few Mexican restaurants anywhere with a Michelin star, and a must-visit for a special night in Sant Antoni.

Last Monkey

Creative Asian-inspired tapas.

Last Monkey is playful, different, and full of flavor. The small plates are inventive and well executed, making it a fun place to share dishes and try a lot of things. A nice change of pace from more traditional options.

Maleducat

Modern Mediterranean cooking with attitude.

Maleducat has a bit of edge in both the food and the vibe. The menu is creative without being precious, and it’s a good option when you want something interesting but still approachable.

Ocho BCN

Bold flavors and excellent meat.

Ocho is a great place for a hearty meal. If you go, order the Secreto Ibérico. It’s the standout dish and absolutely worth it. Solid, satisfying cooking in a comfortable setting.

Flipa

Tiny sandwich and vermut spot.

Flipa is one of those places you wish was around the corner from your apartment. Excellent sandwiches, great vermut, and zero pretense. Perfect for a quick stop that often turns into a longer one.

Drinks

Meresme

Neighborhood brewery with a relaxed feel.

Meresme is a great spot for locally brewed beer and an easygoing atmosphere. Perfect for a casual drink without overthinking it.

Varmuteo

Classic vermut stop.

Varmuteo is straightforward and satisfying. A great place to pause for a vermut before dinner or while wandering the neighborhood.

Coffee

Origo

Specialty coffee with a loyal following.

Origo is one of Barcelona’s specialty coffee staples. Well-roasted beans, consistently good cups, and a comfortable place to stop while exploring Sant Antoni.

Additional information about Sant Antoni

Moltama

Charming café with excellent pastries.

Moltama is a lovely little stop for coffee and something sweet. Calm, welcoming, and a nice contrast to the busier streets nearby. Google Maps: Open map

Poble Sec

The Dry Village

Visit Blai for some Donostia (San Sebastian) pinxos or on your way to the Olympic stadium.

Restaurants

Deanassus

Modern Mediterranean cooking with a refined touch.

Deanassus is polished without feeling stiff. The cooking is thoughtful, seasonal, and well executed, making it a strong choice if you want something a little elevated while staying close to the neighborhood’s laid-back energy.

Carrer de Blai

A pinxos crawl, not a single stop.

Carrer de Blai is packed with pinxos bars and is absolutely worth wandering. Don’t overthink it. Just stop wherever looks good, grab a few pinxos, and move on. In the more traditional spots, they’ll simply count your used toothpicks at the end to calculate the bill.

This is also a great place to pre-game if you’re heading to an event or a match up on Montjuïc.

Additional information about Poble Sec

Sants

Sants is a train station, but also has some great spots, especially around the places listed here.

Restaurants

La Mundana

Creative Mediterranean cooking with a neighborhood feel.

La Mundana is thoughtful, inventive, and consistently excellent. The menu changes, the flavors are bold, and everything feels carefully considered without being fussy. A standout restaurant in Sants and absolutely worth the trip.

Smash House

No-nonsense smash burgers.

Smash House does exactly what you want when you’re craving a proper smash burger. Simple, indulgent, and very satisfying. You can eat in, or order on Glovo if you want a burger fix at home.

Coffee

Garage Coffee

One of Barcelona’s best specialty coffee roasters.

Garage Coffee is a must if you care about coffee. Excellent beans, well-pulled shots, and a strong local following. A great stop while exploring Sants.

Drinks

La Libreria Cocktails

Intimate cocktail bar with character.

La Libreria is cozy, calm, and well executed. A great place for a properly made cocktail in a relaxed, slightly hidden setting. Perfect for ending the night.

Additional information about Sants

La Barceloneta

Little Barcelona

The beach! Also, a very cool old neighborhood with great old bodegas. The further north you go, the more chill the beach. Go too far north, and the more nude the beach.

Port Vell

This was home of the 2024 America’s Cup. Sail or take a peek all the amazing super yachts. Then, wander back through Gotic or El Born.

Coffee

La Cala

La Cala is s place to grab a coffee on the way to the beach or port.

Additional information about Port Vell

Additional information about La Barceloneta