Anna’s list of cool cafés

Barcelona is a big city and there are always new places to discover. As I enjoy walking down its streets I often come across new cute stores like coffee shops, bakeries, patisseries and traditional chocolate and “xurros” cafes. I am a list person, so I have decided to make a list of these cute little places so I won’t forget to visit them and try them all as soon as possible!

TRADITIONAL

These are the most traditional, offering the typical “xurros con chocolate” and other home made desserts like “crema catalana”, “arroz con leche” o “pastis de formatge”.

*In case you haven’t noticed, many of these places are located in a small street, called Petritxol. This is a narrow, hidden street, close to the crowded streets of Portaferrissa and La Rambla, crammed with numerous art galleries, bookshops, chocolate shops and cafeterias. Whatever you do in Barcelona, don’t miss it!

FAVORITE CAFÉS

  • Elsa y Fred (Rec Comptal, 11): Just next to Arc de Triomf, in a very authentic neighbourhood, great for romantic walks in the old city’s small street. Ideal for long coffee breaks with a good book or your laptop, plenty of space (except on weekends when it gets crowded) and nice plates for when you get hungry (brunch plates in a great price, dinner plates a bit expensive). Only downsize their coffee is not the best. http://elsayfred.es/ (see my review for more)
  • Brunch & Cake (Enrique Granados, 19): From the same guys as Cup & Cakes, they offer a nice atmosphere with much light and views in the pedestrian street of Enrique Granados and great, huge cakes! I had some “torrijas” for breakfast once which were really really good! (see my review for more). http://www.cupcakesbarcelona.com/
  • Espai Joliu (Badajoz, 95): Used to be a favourite in Poblenou, one of the most awesome places on interior decor if you love plants as I do! Unfortunately, they got a bit overpriced and too hip for my taste… Still, they offer great coffee (they use speciality brews) and various organic cakes options. Facebook page espaijoliu/
  • Granja Petitbo (Paseo Sant Joan, 82): One of the latest additions to my list, has a great design with attention to small details, some nice sofas next to big windows watching the Passeo Sant Joan movement and ecological products. Their Sunday brunch can be veeeery crowded. (see my review here). Facebook page Granja Petitbo
  • Laie (Pau Claris, 85): Antic cafe, on top of a legendary city bookstore, very spacious and “oldie” (not cute or hipster, just pure vintage cafe style).
  • Bicioci (Venus, 1): Bike-themed cafe, with great coffee, fresh juices and snacks, usually quiet as it does not (yet) appear on the “Top 10 cafes” lists and it is hidden in a small pedestrian street. Run by an italian family, small and cozy, also offers pizzas and home made dishes.
  • Mamma’s Cafe (Torrijos, 26): Very cute and with a nice back garden. Especially nice for tea or coffee and cake, all organic. As the name indicates, it can be full of kids some times! http://www.mamascafebcn.com/
  • Nabucco Tiramisu (Pl. Vila de Gracia): Great selection of cakes, teas, fresh juices, nice space inside and great terrace in one of Gracia’s nicest areas for the summer.
  • Giulietta(Pl. Tetuan, 4): Great coffee, nice sandwiches and cakes, usually quite full though and could be crowded with kids on weekends. Better for a quick morning coffee before going to the office. http://giulietta.cat/en/

LET’S GO FOR BRUNCH!

eggs and bacon

I admit it: brunch is my favourite meal of the week! I have been checking the various places offering brunch in Barcelona in the last couple of years, and I am happy to see that they are multiplying and the offer is growing constantly. In fact, they are now so many I lost track!

As there are frequent changes (new places open all the time), keep an eye on Barcelona Food Experience, the reference site regarding restaurants, cafes, bars and eating out in Barcelona, great work and always up to date!

Check also this list of great coffee places in Barcelona, lots of information and ideas!!

Also the page of Mantel a cuadros, full of great reviews with photos and more information.