Bars in Barcelona recommended by a local.
I’m from Sardinia, a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean. Four years ago, I moved to Barcelona and created Manuche – Postcards from… I have to say that I’ve totally fallen in love with this city! I love traveling because you can experience and get to know so many different cultures, especially through its cuisine and drinks. And to truly know a place the best way is to visit its local markets, which is an intimate way to understand how people really live. I feel very lucky that my husband is a musician who tours all around the world, which makes it possible for me to travel several times a year and visit so many wonderful places. It allows me to experience the world in ways that I simply can’t with a travel agency, which I’m very grateful for. And traveling provides valuable insight into my work as a designer and artisan, which allows me to experience and appreciate the unique and wonderful relationship between tradition and modernity. So, without further ado, here are my top five can’t-miss bars in Barcelona!
1. Restaurant Montolio Can Maño
Carrer del Baluard, 12, 08003, Barcelona, Spain (map, website)
In this family-run bar, fishermen always arrive the evening before with their daily catch, as fresh and delicious as if you picked it out from the local market. Restaurant Montolio Can Maño serves up some of the freshest fish in Barcelona at a very affordable price, and don’t forget to pair it with a delicious vino turbio (white wine). And if you love live music, the restaurant features the incredible in-house band Piccola Orchestra Gagarin, which plays traditional gypsy music and Rumba Catalana! Check out one of their videos, which features scenes from inside the restaurant!
2. La Cova Fumada
Carrer del Baluart, 56, 08003 Barcelona, Spain (map, website)
Though La Cova Fumada is a very small place – opened for a short time throughout the day – they have an amazing dish called “la bomba,” which is a typical tapas dish from Barcelona and it’s an absolute must-have!
3. La Plata
Carrer de la Mercé, 28, 08002 Barcelona, Spain (map, website)
The azulejos make La Plata very unique! They serve good wine for only one euro and their Boquerones fritos tapas – served in a traditional style – are exquisite to taste!
4. La Bodega
Carrer dels Mirallers, 15, 08003 Barcelona, Spain (map, website)
As the smallest bar I know, La Bodega can appear as if it’s already at full capacity with only a dozen patrons inside! But that’s certainly part of the charm of this old style bar – located just behind Santa Maria del Mar basilica – especially when you could sip on the best Vermouth in town (a typical wine of Barcelona). It almost feels like nothing has changed in this part of town for the last 50 years.
5. Bar Joan
Carrer d’En Giralt el Pellicer, 2, 08003 Barcelona, Spain (map, website)
Without question, the best place to eat fresh food in Barcelona is at the local markets, and Bar Joan will not disappoint! This family-run bar is known for its special patatas bravas, served with a delicious allioli sauce, and its paella negra is an absolute must!
Article written by EMANUELA PORCEDDU, Creator of Manuche – Postcards from…
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