Where To Eat And Shop In Barcelona
Where to eat and Instagram in Barcelona
Pauline Egge of Petite Passport, one of Fathom's 24 Best Travel Blogs and Websites 2014, has an amazing eye for design. She just moved from Rotterdam to Barcelona last year and has already pulled together her stylish guide to the Catalan city. Here are 10 of her favorite places to eat and Instagram.
The first time I visited Barcelona was in 2009 for a Dutch travel magazine. My task? To find the cool, new spots in upcoming areas such as Poblenou and El Raval. When I walked through the beautiful, sunny city, I couldn't imagine that I would move here one day. But then I met my boyfriend who lived here.
I have now been in Barcelona for almost a year, and I love the sun, the beach, the creativity, the food, the beautiful art deco buildings in L'Eixample. Every week a cool new place opens its doors, and every time it looks like something you haven't seen anywhere else. That's why my favorite restaurants are not just great for the food, but also for their stunning interiors.
In a side street of the famous Ramblas, you'll find Bar Lobo, a good restaurant with a nice terrace. Lobo means "wolf" in Spanish, and inside they have a huge wolf sculpture created out of white funnels. When you're here, you order tapas. My favorites are atun tataki, tuna with guacamole. And I think their patatas bravas are the best in Barcelona.
There's nothing better than having lunch or dinner on the beach. Gallito is my favorite restaurant in Barcelona. Not only because the stuffed chicken and the gazpacho (for hot summer days) are so good, but especially for the view of the palm trees, the surfers, the beach and the sea.
Years ago, two Australians opened Federal Café in the Sant Antoni neighborhood. It was such a success that they recently opened a second location on a quiet square just off the Ramblas in the Gothic Quarter. The original café has windows that open fully and a cozy rooftop terrace. They have delicious dishes on the menu and healthy juices, making it a great breakfast spot.
It's all about the fish. Go during lunch from 2 p.m. on weekdays and order the menu del dia. You get three courses, including excellent sushi and a glass of wine, for just 14 euros. The terrace is also really nice.
I get more thank-you emails for my Toto recommendation than any other; everyone has a great experience here. The decor is glamorous and festive; the food is very good (don't forget dessert!). In the evening, you start with a gin and tonic at the bar and after that, at around 10 p.m., you're going to your table and dining with the Spaniards. You can also come for lunch; they have a very good menu del dia.
Cornelia & Co is located directly across the street from Toto and is very close to Rambla de Catalunya, a shopping street with Muji and Zara, among other stores. Basically, it's an upscale deli where they cut the meat in front of you and you can have a look in their fridge full of delicious cheese. You can eat here, of course, but I like to come here for gastronomic souvenirs.
You will have to work a little harder to find the tucked-away Muy Mío. It is a small restaurant that is very popular on Pinterest because of its fine interior. A little bit of Scandinavian design with Spanish cuisine in Barcelona. They have a quiet terrace, and they will serve your dog a special gin and tonic (also known as water).
A truly hidden gem despite being located in the touristy Gothic Quarter, a district with all kinds of narrow streets where you get lost easily. This is where you will find the best coffee in town, as well as great sandwiches and soups.
Albert Adrià, the brother of Ferran Adrià of El Bulli, just opened two restaurants in the Sant Antoni and Poble Sec neighborhoods. The latter is Niño Viejo, which is a typical Mexican taqueria in cuisine and design. You can expect tacos and ceviches cooked at top level, because the chef is from Mexico and worked at El Bulli.
Sometimes you just crave a tasty burger, and my favorite in Barcelona is at the super-decorated Oval. You customize your own burger via a list that asks for your favorite meat, sauce, bread and other toppings. Muy delicioso!
This article originally appeared on Fathom.