Article published on March 16, 2016 in LF Guides
Our Favourite Barcelona Streets: A Guide to Calle Enrique Granados, Eixample
Picture turning off a bustling Eixample boulevard just moments from several of Barcelona’s most iconic Gaudí monuments and stumbling upon an incredibly tranquil, semi-pedestrianised oasis. In the vast majority of comparably cosmopolitan cities, finding a relaxed, quiet space within a 5km radius of monuments that attract millions of visitors annually is all but impossible, but not so in Barcelona.
Calle Enrique Granados, named after the prodigious New Romanticist composer and pianist (1867-1916) is laden with ocre-hued Modernista buildings with wrought-iron railings and leafy green trees, instantly transporting passers/by to the Belle Epoch. Wedged between Calle Balmes and Calle Aribau in the city’s grid-patterned Eixample Left, the street could hardly be more central and runs parallel with the opulent Passeig de Gracia, home to the undulating façade of La Pedrera and the romantic, iridescent rooftop of Casa Batlló. It is also just 10 minutes from Barcelona’s central square, Plaza Cataluña.
Though initially sleepy, upon further inspection (and after 10am) the street ever so slowly comes to life, reflecting the expressiveness of its namesake’s most iconic compositions. The eclectic blend of cafés, boutiques and galleries lining Enrique Granados epitomises life in Barcelona as a whole – amalgamating historic and modern whilst remaining thoroughly liveable.
Calle Enrique Granados is one of the most coveted addresses in the city, beginning behind the lush walled gardens of the University on Consell de Cent and running north until it joins Avenida Diagonal. Its single-lane traffic system limits the tooting and vibrations of some of the city’s more congested boulevards to a few friendly bicycle bells and the ‘putt putt’ of a Vespa or two. This extra pavement space means a lovely selection of terrazas and a street able to retain a real neighbourhood feel.
A plethora of vibrant eating and drinking establishments have set up shop along this divine passageway, nestled in amongst generations-old boutiques and businesses. It’s difficult to imagine a lovelier mix of trendy and traditional dining options, with a burgeoning independent gallery scene and some incredibly understated boutiques.
Eat + Drink
Brunch & Cake, No 19
Perhaps the cosiest outpost of the city’s ever-popular Cup & Cake group, this gorgeous homely space is one of our favourite brunch spots of all time. With a counter perpetually filled with baked goodies and friendly staff in kitsch braces, being here is like receiving a warm hug from your grandma.
Cosmo Gallery, No 3
This unpretentious neighbourhood coffee shop doubles up as a welcoming gallery, showcasing the best of local and international art and design. Much bigger than it appears from street level, hipster Cosmo also hosts great pop-up shops. A great spot for getting some work done in a quiet nook, with strong coffee and a simple healthy menu.
Cabanela, No. 48
For delicious seafood, try the dark, rustic Cabanela. Another Enrique Granados veteran, this traditional joint serves tasty tapas too. If the wood panelled interior feels a bit oppressive, grab a perch on the terrace and watch the world go by, jamón in hand.
La Palmera, No. 57
A great spot for enjoying traditional Catalan fare, La Palmera has been serving local patrons for over two decades. Highlights include oozy fideuá, tasty croquettes and an impressive cheese selection for such a tiny establishment. Great value and welcoming service.
Taverna Miu, No. 23
Inspired by moody Japanese Izakayas (taverns), this is the little sister shop of much beloved Miu round the corner. The aesthetic is chic and contemporary with plenty of Japanese flair, and their menu del día represents the best value sushi in the city (it’s so wallet friendly, you’ll be attacking the maki thrice weekly in no time).
www.grupandilana.com/es/restaurantes
For slightly pricier sashimi, head to ultra minimalist Futami (No. 10) – another hotly reputed Japanese establishment.
Hàbaluc, No. 41
Hàbaluc is one of the city’s best organic and vegetarian restaurants. Arrive early, as it gets mighty popular with the midday hordes, jostling for a table in their lunch break.
Bistro Bardot, No. 147
An elegant eatery with velvet banquettes and a cosy roaring fire for those rare chilly Barcelona days, and a lush terrace for as soon as the sun peeps out. Next door to a lovely florist, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped down a Parisian side street – with great lighting, music and ambience, Bardot is ideal for brunch, dinner or drinks (they’re open until 2am).
Bodega Esplugas, No. 110
Like travelling back in time. Buy some delicious homemade vermut and chat to the fabulous elderly lady who runs this traditional bodega.
The Polpa, No. 69
Inspired by the slightly chaotic nostalgia of a local grocery shop, The Polpa is a welcoming establishment serving Mediterranean fusion cuisine with surprising (and tasty) oriental touches. They serve great (very simple) meat and fish dishes, surrounded by charming repurposed wooden wine crates.
www.grupandilana.com/es/restaurantes
Telefèric, (Plaza Letamendi, No.27, where Enrique Granados meets Aragó)
Fabulous pintxos in a trendy setting, with friendly attentive service! The Basque inspired morsels on offer rotate daily, so there’s always something new and inventive to try.
Bar 8 at Hotel Granados 83, (No.83)
Hardly anyone knows that there is a fabulous rooftop terrace bar tucked above the Granados 83 hotel. With a retractable glass roof and plenty of heaters, it is one of the city’s few year-round terrace bars (it’s totally mesmerising watching rain fall overhead whilst remaining dry and cosy)! A great spot for taking in the city in 360 degrees. During the week it takes on more of a coffee shop vibe, (with home baked cake!) whereas in the evenings they serve tasty bar snacks and great cocktails.
www.hotelgranados83.com/en/restaurants/8-terrace-bar
DelaCrem, No. 15
According to TripAdvisor, DelaCrem serves the best ice cream in all of Spain! Using its Italian founder’s top secret recipes and techniques, everything is made onsite (just like mamma does it). They keep a set offering of classics (chocolate, pistachio etc), whilst rotating more experimental flavours. We absolutely loved last summer’s refreshing grapefruit and mint sorbet and are very much looking forward to warmer days once again to see what they’ve been concocting in store!
Green Shots, (Calle Paris 201, between Enrique Granados and Aribau)
Lovely energising cold pressed juices-to-go. This miniature healthy haven has a juice for every ailment – from detox blends to elixirs for improving circulation. We love their zingy ginger shots for warding off colds at this time of year.
www.facebook.com/greenshotsbcn
DM Barcelona, (Calle Valencia 226)
Not strictly on Enrique Granados, but we couldn’t fail to mention DM Barcelona, run by third-generation winemaker Senor David Moreno since 1981. This lovely Modernista building is home to a broad selection of delicious locally produced wines and Cavas – David’s grandfather established the family’s first wine cellar in 1912, so you’re most definitely in safe hands.
Shop + Do
Galeria 3 Punts, (on the corner of Enrique Granados with Consell de Cent)
This lovely local gallery exhibits work by both established and emerging artists. A real hub for contemporary art in Barcelona.
Codeco, No. 77
Enrique Granados is a design-lover’s haven, with several eclectic homeware shops including Codeco. This skandi-paradise sells incredible pieces from the likes of hugely hip Norman Copenhagen and Design House Stockholm.
L’Appartement, No. 44
This tiny colourful design boutique sells ultra contemporary, unique furniture and quirky gadgets (the kind you don’t realise are completely indispensible until you first lay eyes on them). They stock an exclusive array of up and coming designers and fantastic original gifts, as well as many stylish chairs. So many stylish chairs.
Fins de Siecles, No. 70
If the Nordic thing doesn’t do it for you, Fins de Siecles is a marvellous treasure trove of vintage gems and antiques. This is no fusty dusty, dark old vintage store – they specialise in Art Deco and 1950s furniture and lighting, with many incredible pieces reminiscent of Mad Men season 4. Not a creepy porcelain doll in sight, this is the place to find that retro drinks cabinet you’ve always yearned for.
Tactic, No. 11
For the surfers and skaters amongst you, this original boutique has clothed and shod some of the city’s trendiest young (and not so young) since 1988. THE place to source the latest trainers and trendy slogan tees.
La Impossible (On the corner of Enrique Granados and Calle Provença)
This lovely friendly bookshop sells Catalan books and essays, as well as an array of foreign literature. The staff are incredibly helpful and passionate and they run a series of fun talks, signings and workshops.
“Enrique Granados in the Eixample is a wonderfully quiet street although it is located in the middle of city centre. Stroll past many local businesses (including family run florists, fishmongers and grocery stores) as well as plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars. In terms of property, this exclusive street is already going up in value, as the sales prices have increased and the demand for this address is much higher than other streets in the area.”
– Karen Storms, Lucas Fox Barcelona
Loft style apartment for sale, situated on one of Barcelona’s most sought-after streets, Enrique Granados
Price €715,000
Ref: LFS6610B
Apartment. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Size 110m² (1,184ft²)
Great opportunity to buy a 2-bedroom property with a complete renovation project including high quality finishes and fantastic features throughout
View this property on the Lucas Fox website
View more properties for sale in Barcelona on the Lucas Fox website
