CAFÉS AND LIGHT BITES
1. Café Bliss
Hidden down a tiny side street in one of the loveliest Gothic squares in the old city is the delightful Café Bliss. There is a bright terrace, comfortable, inviting sofas and a range of international magazines and newspapers to browse through. It is perfect for coffee, cakes, light meals or a romantic drink in the evening.
2. Café de l’Òpera
La Rambla 74
Kick back at this elegant late 19th-century café while being tended to by vested cambrers (waiters). This former xocolateria (confectionery café) – named after the Liceu opera house opposite – still serves fine gooey delights such as xurros amb xocolata (strips of fried dough with thick chocolate). It’s perfect for people-watching on La Rambla.
Café de l’Òpera on La Rambla
3. Bar Lobo
C/Pintor Fortuny 3 • 93 481 53 46 • Open until midnight daily
This chic café is a popular brunch spot during the day, but it really comes alive in the evenings. From Thursday to Saturday it opens until 2:30am for drinks. The terrace is very popular.
The smart interior of Bar Lobo
4. Laie Llibreria Cafè
Tuck into a generous buffet of rice, pasta, greens, chicken and more at this charming, long-running Eixample café-bookshop (see Laie Llibreria Cafè). You can also opt for the well-priced vegetarian menu, which includes soup, salad and a main dish.
5. Federal Café
C/Parlament 39 • 93 187 36 07 • Closed Sun evenings
The airy Federal Café is a local hipster hang-out serving amazing coffee, brunch and light meals, as well as cocktails in the evening. There is a romantic little roof terrace, free Wi-Fi and English-language magazines to flick through.
6. Bar Kasparo
Pl Vicenç Martorell 4 • Closed Mon and Sun
This laid-back outdoor café serves a varied menu of fresh international fare with an Asiatic twist, such as chicken curry and Greek salad. After the sun dips beneath the horizon, a bar-like vibe takes over, fuelled by beer and cider.
7. Alsur Café
C/Roger de Llúria 23 • 93 624 15 77
Its nonstop kitchen serves brunch, tapas, homemade cakes, sandwiches and salads. Free Wi-Fi, big windows and a warm atmosphere make it the perfect place to work or read the newspaper. There’s also a branch in El Born district and in front of the Palau de la Música.
8. En Aparté
A light-filled café (see En Apartè) serving a good selection of French cheeses and cold meats accompanied by French wines. The crème brûlée is a must and the fixed price lunch menu is good value. There are tables outside overlooking the square.
9. Granja Dulcinea
C/Petritxol 2 • Closes at 9pm
The xocolateries and granjes on Carrer Petritxol have been satiating sugar cravings for decades. Among them is this old-fashioned café with to-die-for delights from xurros amb xocolata to strawberries and whipped cream. In summer, orxates and granissats are on the menu.
Pastries at Granja Dulcinea
10. La Tartela
C/Llanca 32 • 93 105 10 15
A pretty little spot just off the Plaça Espanya, serving cakes, quiches, lasagna and outstanding coffee. It has a few pavement tables and great service.
TOP 10 CAFÉ DRINKS
1. Cigaló
For coffee with a bite, try a cigaló (carajillo), which has a shot of either conyac (cognac), whisky or ron (rum).
A cup of strong cigaló
2. Tallat and Cafè Sol
A tallat is a small cup of coffee with a dash of milk. A cafè sol is just plain coffee. In the summer, opt for either one amb gel (with ice).
3. Cafè amb llet
Traditionally enjoyed in the morning, cafè amb llet is a large milky coffee.
4. Orxata
This sweet, milky-white drink made from the tiger nut is a local summer time favourite.
5. Granissat
Slake your thirst with a cool granissat, a crushed-ice drink that is usually lemon-flavoured.
6. Aigua
Stay hydrated with aigua mineral (mineral water) – amb gas is sparkling, sense gas, still.
7. Cacaolat
A chocolate-milk concoction, which is one of Spain’s most popular sweet drink exports.
8. Una Canya and Una Clara
Una canya is roughly a quarter litre of cervesa de barril (draught beer). Una clara is the same size but made up of equal parts beer and fizzy lemonade.
9. Cava
Catalonia’s answer to champagne is its home-grown cava – Freixenet and Codorníu are the most famous brands.
10. Sangría
This ever-popular concoction of red wine, fruit juices and spirits is ordered at cafés throughout the city.
