More restaurants than you could ever go to? Check. Delightful design details everywhere? Check. Barcelona is one of the greatest cities for lovers of gastronomy and design. If you are planning a visit, add these three spots to your must-see list.
1. Iradier, at Club Metropolitan Iradier
Iradier is the paradigm of a hidden gem: located off the beaten path, in the district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, but well worth a visit. This restaurant might be tricky to find as it is located in the same 1700th-century palace as the exclusive Metropolitan sports center — but fear not, you can eat here without doing any physical activity or being a member.
The interior was designed by Barcelona-based Tarruella Trenchs Studio and has the perfect balance between elegance and coziness. Think marble tables, wooden stools, and lamps by the local design brand Santa & Cole, such as the Cesta table lamp.
The cherry on top of the fine dining experience? A spacious garden where you can have a healthy lunch, some coffee while you read in the sun or a romantic drink at night.
• Iradier, Carrer de les Escoles Pies 105
2. Baldomero
In Baldomero, millennial pink is king. Walls, shelves, and radiators are painted this color, which seems to dye even the long wooden tables and Thonet chairs.
But this café, located in the Eixample district, is much more than a pretty face. You can select what you want to eat from cake stands and big bowls that remind you of a family country house and will instantly make you feel at home. The food is not made by a granny in the open kitchen but it does taste like it.
• Baldomero, Passatge de Mercader 16
3. Les Filles
One of the latest additions to Barcelona's food scene and a true urban oasis, Les Filles, is located on one of the cross streets of Avinguda Diagonal, the large avenue that cuts the city in two. It’s difficult to decide which space is more beautiful: the restaurant's green patio or the snug interior. What is undebatable, though, is that this restaurant is a love letter to craftsmanship and local products — from the ingredients to the unique ceramic tableware, the focus is always on artisanal suppliers that share the appreciation for things carefully done.
• Les Filles, Carrer de Minerva 2
See also:
• The enchanting Casa Vicens >
Text: Irene de Mas Castanyer Images: Meritxell Arjalaguer, Beatriz Janer / Plateselector, Laura Riu and Emma Donnelly