Great all-day dining option. This place was recommended to us by many, even the bell boy at our hotel. The food is very good and their specialty is tapas, Waiters are friendly enough and it's usually very crowded but there are plenty of seats with high turnover of patrons. This place gets busy after 9pm and for lunch (after 12.30am), so if you don't want to wait around for a table, go early.
This summer, I spent a few days in Barcelona. Of course, any trip of mine is always highlighted by the many restaurants I visit. In Barcelona, I ate at these 6 outstanding tapas bars, each offering a different vibe and a different attitude. Bar Mut: Must try: The egg yolk carpaccio and the grilled octopus Tasca el Corral: Must try: Chorizo al diablo (flaming chorizo with agua ardiente), Manchego cheese and cider. Set del Born: Must try: Pata negra ham and the special way they prepare patatas bravas Segons Mercat: Must try: Beef filet with port wine and foie sauce Bubó: Must try: The desserts from Bubó pastry and chocolate shop next door! Tickets tapas bar: Must try: Everything! http://willtravelforfood.com/2011/08/17/tapas-bars-barcelona/
Make sure to sample some hot drinking chocolate in Barcelona. I chose a mug from Cacao Sampaka, a gourmet chocolate shop where you'll find all sorts of delightful dessert concoctions. The rich, velvety drink is nothing like American hot chocolate. It's thick, a bit spicy, and not too sweet. Dunk churros or melindros, a spongy, cake-like cookie traditional to Catalonia. http://eatrepeat.blogspot.com/2012/12/barcelona-kiosko-universal-cacao-sampaka.html
This is a beautiful sunset at the rooftop of Casa Mila, one of the many work of Antoni Gaudi. It was said that the Ventilation towers inspired some designs for the movie Star Wars.
Gaudi's work always amazes me. It's hard to believe and remember sometimes that most of his work was actually done in the 1800s! It looks so modern, or what I think of as modern! I was really impressed by the rooftop of La Pedrera! I felt like every and any picture I took there looked incredible. For some reason this building really reminded me of some of the architecture/dwellings in Eastern Turkiye and other parts of the Middle East. These structures almost remind me of the ferry chimneys, and the walls of this building also somewhat remind me of something like the dwellings in Mardin. Gaudi uses so many different elements from different cultures/styles, and from nature. Almost everything he has done is somehow based in nature. This building itself looks incredible, but when touring the museum I was shocked to see how many models Gaudi had made. The models themselve seem impossible, and that they would take a lifetime, and yet he made so many....and he of course made the life size scale of his visions as well! I was and will be forever impressed by the work of Gaudi.
I've seen plenty of images of works by Spain's famous architect Antoni Gaudí, but nothing prepared me for the impact of seeing them in real life. My friend Matt surprised me and led me to Casa Museu Gaudí (the Gaudí House Museum) late at night and had me close my eyes until we arrived in front of the spectacular building. In the dark, it glows like Skeletor's castle or something out of a Tim Burton movie. The museum was the home of the trippy, modernist architect for the last 20 years of his life and was built under his direction. Inside you can still see pieces of furniture the artist designed and walls are covered with his drawings.
Our hotel was a few feet away from Bubó chocolate and pastry shop and we must've stopped there about 5 or 6 different times while staying in Barcelona. The desserts are outstanding and the chocolate covered salted macadamia nuts make a perfectly delicious souvenirs to bring back home. http://willtravelforfood.com/2011/08/17/tapas-bars-barcelona/
On any visit to Barcelona, a trip through the city's charming Gothic Quarter shouldn't be missed. You'll find everything there from historic buildings and fun shops to entertaining street performers and delicious restaurants like this one. I love how people in Barcelona linger over their meals, enjoying their food and company. Plan to spend a whole day in the Gothic Quarter, and take the time to enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the quarter's many outdoor cafes. Often the best ones are tucked away down small alleyways, so make sure not to overlook these off-the-beaten-path cafes - they're delicious.
We knew we’d be eating and drinking our way through Barcelona. And, with relatively brief interruptions to take in the mind-bending exhibitions at the Picasso and Miro museums, and to be equally astonished by Gaudi’s and modernisme’s stamp on the city, that’s exactly what we did for a week in October. (Our week was also broken up by a two-day jaunt to San Sebastian. But we stayed true to our modus operandi as we ate and drank our way through that beguiling Basque city as well.) We had expected to make a steady diet of tapas and vino tinto (red wine, or vi negre in Catalan), bocadillos and tinto, and, in San Sebastian, pintxos and tinto. What we didn’t expect was to discover a wine bar unlike anything we’ve encountered in northern California and to spend an evening there sipping vino (we stuck to our tinto regimen) drawn from a cellar holding more than 3,500 bottles from around the world. We were tipped to Monvínic by Jeff Koehler, a food writer (Rice, Pasta, Couscous) and occasional walking-tour guide who lives in Barcelona. Jeff had been spot-on with his recommendations, taking us to the best place to dip churros into chocolate and whipped cream (Granja La Pallaresa), as well as the tiny shop where virtually all the churros are made for the local cafés; making sure we ate lunch at the tiny Pinotxo tapas bar in the La Boqueria on La Rambla; and suggesting we immerse ourselves in the old-school atmosphere and Menorcan gin and tonics at the El Floridita–like bar called Boadas. Jeff sent me a link to writer Jay McInerney’s 2010 Wall Street Journal blog post, which asked, “The Best Wine Bar in the World?” I’m certainly not the one to give that title to Monvínic. For one thing, the service was uneven: one sommelier provided copious details about the unusual and reasonably priced Spanish reds we sampled by the half-glass; another delivered a different round with nary a word nor smile. However, Monvínic’s sleek interior, novel innovations (you browse the wine list on an iPad-like tablet; you can indulge a passion for vinology in the impressive research library), and wide range of wines and Catalan cuisine (we shared a cheese platter and an elegant cod dish from the wine bar menu; the full-scale restaurant in back seems well worth a visit) added up to another one-of-a-kind experience in a city bursting at seams with them. C/ Diputació, 249, Barcelona. +34 932 72 61 87, monvinic.com
This is Mark Bittman's favourite sandwich ever: a flauta d’ibéric jabugo at Cafe Viena on La Rambla in Barcelona. I can attest to the fact that it is one of the best sandwiches I've ever had! The ham is just delicious and the bread is crispy without being too hard. Just perfect! http://willtravelforfood.com/2011/08/17/tapas-bars-barcelona/
La Boqueria Market's fruit juices, on La Rambla in Barcelona, are a must for breakfast. The variety of fresh fruit is unbelievable! Mango-coconut strawberry was my first flavor experience and being that those are my favorite flavors, it was hard to beat. I tried dozens of other combinations including carrot-ginger-lime and a dragon fruit blend as well! Fresh, sweet and satisfying, a to-go cup of fresh juice from La Boqueria will give you the Go-Go juice to start the day right.
I love practically everything about Barcelona! It's a city that's a feast for the senses. Say what you will about Gaudi and his creations but seeing them elicits in me this inexplicable awe and wonder. Parc Guell is one of my favorite public parks I've ever been to. The mosaic benches are beautiful and a perfect spot for a chance meeting with locals and fellow travelers. And the view of the city is quite remarkable.
Located a short drive out of Barcelona, Montserrat Monastery is a must see while in Barcelona. Try the honey and fig cakes. There are many tour operators that offer this day trip from Barcelona. Take your time and hike some of the trails. The views are incredible!
This is my favorite table at my favorite restaurant in Barcelona, Buenas Migas in the Gothic Quarter. I spent my days in Barcelona wandering through the city with my camera while my husband was working and I enjoyed every minute of it. I planned my schedule to end up at this focacceria every day at lunchtime. I loved the giant floor-to-ceiling windows and the amazing view of the Gothic Quarter's cathedral that the table afforded me. I'd sit here and people watch for an hour or two while enjoying an amazing Spanish serrano ham and cheese sandwich. Such a great memory from one of my favorite European cities. And using a stale piece of bread to hold up a table sign - genius!
Eating deep fried rabbit ribs. Simply an amazing dish at an amazing tapas place called Tapas 24.
Attention foodies, must try tapas (as many as possible) when visiting Spain!
BARCELONA, Spain -- After a 6-month and €23 million investment renovation project, the Hilton Barcelona is open for business. Hot spot: The hotel's Atrium Bar includes an art installation centerpiece created by Italian-born Jacopo Foggini. His art work is divine. What do you think?
The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, or La Boqueria, is a must-stop for all foodies visiting Barcelona. The covered market consists of more than 200 stalls selling all sorts of seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruits. Those with weak stomachs should avoid the meat section where butchers (many of them women) hawk all sorts of exotic cuts from pig's trotters to tripe. I felt just a tinge of guilt when I ordered a few slices of jamón ibérico and looked down to see these cute piggies starting at me through the glass butcher case.
I can only imagine the whimsical dreams that brought this park to life...Thank you Gaudi for sharing your many masterpieces....
One of the most fun things to do in Barcelona is to wander through the Gothic Quarter, where you'll inevitably end up in the famous Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria. The market has endless stalls where vendors sell the freshest products, from eggs and fruit to meat and candies. These rooster cookies were one of the many fun offerings at the Boqueria, and they tasted as good as they look. On any trip to Barcelona make sure to take some time to wander through the Boqueria and grab a snack to eat as you walk or sit down to enjoy a full lunch.
Wandering leisurely through the mysterious Gothic Quarter is one of the best things to do when you find yourself in Barcelona. Aside from the delicious food and wine and charming shops you'll find in the Gothic Quarter, the obvious main attraction is the rustic gothic buildings themselves. These two guys were doing work in an apartment, and I got a kick out of the way they chose to chat with each other. Barcelona is one of my favorite European cities, and I never miss a chance to stroll through the Gothic Quarter with my camera when I'm in this gorgeous city.
One of the best things about Barcelona is its beautiful Gothic Quarter. It's filled not only with rustic buildings that ooze character and history but also delicious cafes where you can linger over a cup of coffee while reading the paper. On any visit to Barcelona a slow stroll through the city's Gothic Quarter, stopping for a chocolate croissant and steaming cup of strong Spanish coffee, is a must.
A great place to unwind with superb food - the tapas here was probably the best we had on our trip. The staff love to pose (don't need to be asked).
On any trip to Barcelona, one of the most fun places to visit is the bustling La Rambla, where you'll find everything from colorful flower stands to artists selling their work to entertaining street performers like this guy, who I nicknamed Lemon-Lime Man. La Rambla is an ideal place to spend some time with your camera as there's always something interesting going on, or pick up a snack from one of the many restaurants lining La Rambla and grab a seat on one of the street's benches for some great people watching.
Barcelona isn't a cheap city to visit, but a stroll down the Passeig de Gracia is absolutely free. Take in a wide angle view of the facades of Casa Battlo and Casa Amattler from across the street, then cross over and gawk at the crazy colors and textures up close. Just a block away Casa Mila is just as spectacular. Hotels on the avenue are pricey, so find a centrally located family run hostal (I liked Hostal Goya) and save your money for some awesome seafood feasts. Try Tapas 24, just steps away.
One of my favorite things to visit in Barcelona is the world-famous Sagrada Familia. I especially love paying for a ticket to go up in the church's many towers for a unique view of the inside of the church and the church's ornate facade. La Sagrada Familia is a true architectural and cultural masterpiece that's not to be missed on any trip to Barcelona.
One of my favorite things to visit in Barcelona is the world-famous Sagrada Familia. You could spend a whole day in the church and still not see all the beautiful details it has to offer. I especially like this colorful chandelier hanging over the altar. The bright lanterns aren't something you would normally expect to find in a church, but then again this isn't just any church. La Sagrada Familia is a true architectural and cultural masterpiece that's not to be missed on any trip to Barcelona.
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