The Modernista
doors swing open to a young, friendly crowd at Barcelona’s oldest
watering hole. Founded in 1860, the bar has many original fittings, plus
eclectic music and strong cocktails.
C/Joaquin Costa 33
Zelig
Intimate
and welcoming, this gay-friendly cocktail bar is a great place to start
the night. There are excellent cocktails – including a mean mojito –
and light snacks.
C/Carme 116
Zelig
Bar Resolis
Formerly
an old-fashioned neighbourhood bar, this is now an appealing boho-chic
tavern with a small terrace. Wine and cocktails accompany delicious
tapas.
C/Riera Baixa 22
Marsella
This dimly lit Modernista bar serves up cocktails and absinthe to long-time regulars and first-timers.
C/Sant Pau 65
Zentraus
One
of the most stylish bars in the area, Zentraus has a trendy
red-black-and-white decor and cool lighting. A restaurant until 1am, the
tables are cleared once the DJ gets going.
Rambla de Raval 41
Zentraus
Betty Ford’s
A laidback cocktail bar on lively Carrer Joaquin Costa, Betty Ford’s has a soothing chill-out vibe.
Carrer Joaquin Costa 56
Moog
Big-name DJs spin techno and electronica, but for a boogie to classic ‘80s hits head for the second floor.
C/Arc del Teatre 3
Adm
Boadas Cocktail Bar
This smooth little cocktail bar, founded in 1933, continues to mix the meanest martinis in town for an elbow-to-elbow crowd.
C/Tallers 1
Closed Sun
London Bar
This cluttered bar has long been de rigueur, once with the likes of Picasso, Hemingway and Miró. Sip cocktails and enjoy live music – from jazz to folk.
C/Nou de la Rambla 34
Closed Mon
Café Teatre Llantiol
Barcelona’s cabaret tradition lives on at this theatre-bar, with its flamboyant shows and espectacles of mime, magic and flamenco.
C/Riereta 7
93 329 90 09
Shows at 9pm & 11pm Mon–Thu, 9pm, 11pm & 12:30am Fri–Sat, 6pm & 9pm Sun
Adm
Good-Value Eats
Casa Leopoldo
Dig into superb mar i muntanya fare (combining meat and fish) at this friendly, family-run restaurant. Try the meatballs with cuttlefish and shrimp.
C/Sant Rafael 24
93 441 30 14
Closed Mon, Easter, Aug
Ànima
A sleek, minimalist restaurant that serves sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine. Great value lunch menu.
C/Àngels 6
93 342 49 12
Closed Sun & lunch in Aug
Ca L’Isidre
Picasso, Tapiès and even Woody Allen have dined on Catalan fare at this long-time artists’ hang-out.
C/Flors 12
93 441 11 39
Closed Sat (in summer), Sun, Easter, Aug, Christmas
Ca L’Isidre
Silenus
Tuck into Mediterranean food in a lofty space hung with local artists’ work. Try the ostrich.
C/Àngels 8
93 302 26 80
Closed Sun
Las Fernández
This
eatery has a friendly atmosphere. The original menu features dishes
from the El Bierzo area in León, such as steak with Bierzo peppers.
C/Carretas 11
93 443 20 43
Closed Mon, daily lunch, three weeks Aug
El Jardí
Located in one of the prettiest spots in the city, El Jardí serves delicious, light cuisine, such as soups, salads and crêpes.
C/ de Hospital
Closed Mon
Imprevist
In an old warehouse, this café-restaurant, owned (and decorated) by Catalan artists, offers a global menu.
C/Ferlandina 34
93 342 58 59
Closed
Sun lunch
Mama Cafè
Organic
Mediterranean dishes (many vegetarian) are served in this airy
café-restaurant. Contemporary art is projected onto the wall.
C/Doctor Dou 10
93 301 29 40
Closed Sun & lunch Aug
Fonda de España
Dine on fine Catalan cuisine under a Modernista mosaic and dark-wood ceiling by Domènech i Montaner. Try the duck with orange and cava.
Hotel España, C/Sant Pau 9–11
93 318 17 58
L’Havana
Despite
the name, this serves superb Catalan cuisine. Try the selection of
classic dishes such as pigs’ trotters, or the fresh fish of the day.
