Article published on May 31, 2014 in LF Recommends
Barcelona Insider Guides: a selection of our favourite spots and recommendations from the Lucas Fox team
1881 per Sagardi
“There is a fantastic rooftop bar and restaurant above the Musuem of Catalan History in Palau de Mar (Port Vell) It has fabulous views over the port, city and sea and not many people know about it as you have to go through the museum to get to the top floor (after the opening hours of the museum). For spring/summer this is a great place as it’s in the middle of everything but the crowd is a mix of locals and international business people and it’s never too busy. They do a great selection of cocktails and Gin & Tonics and some nice tapitas. An absolute must!”
— Karen Van Hoof, March 2014
Plaça de Pau Vila 3
Barcelona
+34 902 520 522
Mon-Sun 13:00-16:00 and 20:00-24:00
(Fri and Sat until 01:00)
Bar from 22:00
Espai Sucre
“Often referred to as the only dessert restaurant in the world. Espai Sucre literally means “sweet space”, and you will not be disappointed! Their tasting menu includes “Lamb with caramelized endive, peanuts and milk ice-cream”, and other unusual creations. The dining space is tiny, providing an intimate experience with views of the kitchen. Espai Sucre also do master dessert courses for enthusiasts with a sweet tooth.”
— Julia Collins, April 2014
C/Princesa 53
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 268 16 30
Boca Grande
“Hidden on a small street (passatge) just a few steps off Paseo de Gracia, Boca Grande is a beautifully restored 3 story home with eclectic décor by famous interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violán. The house speciality is elegant Galician seafood, which never disappoints. There is no printed cocktail menu, as the mixologist bartenders create delicious drinks based on your favourite ingredients. Do not miss the bathrooms, which have their own DJ booth and bar! A fun venue to celebrate a special occasion.”
— Olga Anischenkova, May 2014
Passatge de la Concepció 12
08003 Barcelona
+34 934 675 149
Passadis del Pep
“One of the city’s best kept secrets, this fantastic seafood restaurant is tucked away down a nondescript alleyway next to La Caixa bank in Placa Palau. There are no signposts and you really won’t know that you’re in the right place until you walk through the entrance door. Once inside you’ll have little doubt that you have discovered one of El Born’s true gems. The place has been a popular haunt amongst locals for over 30 years but is still comparatively unknown to the outside world. It’s not cheap and there is no menu, so prepare for a reasonably hefty bill, but it’s worth every cent. You’ll be offered a glass of Cava to start and the waiters will bring a plate of Jamon Iberico to your table followed by four or five beautifully cooked plates of the freshest seafood, including sea snails, razor clams, baby squid and large prawns. If you have room, you will then be offered some fish of the day. It’s a great place to visit and we’d recommend going at lunchtime. It’s formal but not stuffy, and you will feel like you have stumbled across something special.”
— Tom Maidment, May 2014
Plaça de Palau 2
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 310 10 21
Closed Sundays
Can Paixano
“Established in the late 1960s and typical of the old fishermens’ bars in the Ribera and Barceloneta districts of Barcelona, Can Paixano has maintained it’s earthy authenticity since it opened its doors in 1969 and is well worth a visit. Small (standing room only) and always packed, the local speciality is Can Paixano’s family brewed, own-label cava and sparkling wine. At under 4 euros a bottle it’s not going to break the bank and it’s the perfect aperitivo before tucking into a seafood lunch in Barceloneta. If you’re peckish there is a reasonable selection of cold meats and tapas but this place is all about the atmosphere.”
— Tom Maidment, April 2014
C/Reina Cristina 7
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 310 08 39
Lolita Tapería
“If tapas is what you are after, I would highly recommend paying a visit to Lolita Tapería in the St. Antoni district. They claim to have the best tapas in Barcelona and once you try them, you will find it hard to disagree: their creations are a mixture of fantastic flavours. The place is rather small, with a bar and shared tables for groups (from 4 to 12 people, reservation required).”
— Olga Anischenkova, March 2014
Tamarit 104 Local 2-4
08015 Barcelona
+34 93 424 52 31
We Pudding
“For families looking to spend some quality time with their kids, I would recommend We Pudding. They do a selection of incredible homemade cakes and quiches and their interior design takes you far away from the world outside into a Wonderland, which your children will be able to explore in the playground area downstairs. They also have free wifi and ipads to lend to clients.”
— Julia Collins, March 2014
C/Pau Claris 90
08010 Barcelona
+34 93 676 10 25
Caelum
“The perfect place for a romantic dessert. The name “Caelum” means heaven in Latin and this small shop offers divine baked goods and confectionaries, all handmade by nuns in local convents. The charming café is located in the centre of the Gothic Quarter and has a beautiful basement with small tables.”
— Olga Anischenkova, April 2014
C/Palla 8
08002 Barcelona
+34 93 302 69 93
Mon-Thu: 10:30 – 20:30
Fri-Sat: 10:30 – 23:00
Sun: 10:30 – 21:00
Akashi Gallery
“Akashi Gallery is a tea house and photo art gallery. It is located in the central Eixample Left district. For people who, like me, admire the Japanese culture, this place is a must-visit. Here, you can enjoy a homemade Japanese meal, sweet or a tea in a peaceful atmosphere. They even have a zen garden.”
— Olga Anischenkova, March 2014
C/Rosselló 197
08036 Barcelona
+34 93 125 08 77
La Martinera
“La Martinera is a chic bar popular among locals in the know. It has earned a great reputation for its signature house cocktails. Blend with the “Barceloneses” in this elegant bar, and relax in its cosy chill-out areas.”
— Olga Anischenkova, May 2014
C/Muntaner 102
08036 Barcelona
+34 93 451 96 70
La Caseta del Migdia
“This bar is the best place to watch the sunset over Barcelona. Perched under pine trees just below the castle on Montjuic, La Caseta has an informal almost rural feel, with mismatched furniture (including beer crate seats). Referred to as the “Mountain Chiringuito”, they do a hearty barbecue and paella (be sure to order in advance!). There is also an area with wooden picnic tables where you can bring your own picnic and drinks. A real hidden Barcelona gem.”
— Julia Collins, March 2014
Sala Montjuïc – Open Air Cinema
“This open air cinema is one of the more spectacular sights in Barcelona, set within the ancient walls of the Montjuic castle. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (from June to August), the audience can enjoy some of the best loved classic movies with a picnic and drinks in this atmospheric setting.”
— Julia Collins, March 2014
Carretera de las Aguas
“For some fresh air high above the city, spend some time walking along the Carretera de las Aguas. This trail runs for over 20 kms and is suited to walkers of all abilities and ages.”
— Olga Anischenkova, May 2014
