Andrea’s guidebook

Andrea
Andrea’s guidebook

My favorite restaurants

Amazing Mexican food and drinks just a few meters from our front door. ONLY CASH IS ACCEPTED AS PAYMENT. I recommend the Nachos Pachucos (they are big enough to share), but I am also a big fan of Sopes and Tostadas. They also have black bean vegetarian quesadillas on the menu. For a different type of margarita, try the frozen tamarind- super tasty. If the line is too long for a table (they put up a chain when they are capacity), just get it to go and enjoy your meal in your Raval Oasis. They open daily at 1:30.
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Pachuco
110 Carrer de Sant Pau
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Amazing Mexican food and drinks just a few meters from our front door. ONLY CASH IS ACCEPTED AS PAYMENT. I recommend the Nachos Pachucos (they are big enough to share), but I am also a big fan of Sopes and Tostadas. They also have black bean vegetarian quesadillas on the menu. For a different type of margarita, try the frozen tamarind- super tasty. If the line is too long for a table (they put up a chain when they are capacity), just get it to go and enjoy your meal in your Raval Oasis. They open daily at 1:30.
Fantastic pizza! Need I say more? This pizzeria is run by Italians and the pizzas are cooked in a wood burning oven. All the drinks are 2 euros-mostly beer and wine. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, all pizzas are 8 euros (but the lines are longer....). Luckily they will take a reservation. My favorite pizza is the Diavola with Ruccola salad on top. After your pizza(s), try their Tiramisu for dessert and ask for your "chupitos" (chilled lemoncello shots), they serve them for free. They open at 8 and they now accept credit cards! Youpie! . This fabulous pizzeria is about 1km from the Raval Oasis.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Pizza del Sortidor Poble Sec
46 Carrer de Blasco de Garay
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fantastic pizza! Need I say more? This pizzeria is run by Italians and the pizzas are cooked in a wood burning oven. All the drinks are 2 euros-mostly beer and wine. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, all pizzas are 8 euros (but the lines are longer....). Luckily they will take a reservation. My favorite pizza is the Diavola with Ruccola salad on top. After your pizza(s), try their Tiramisu for dessert and ask for your "chupitos" (chilled lemoncello shots), they serve them for free. They open at 8 and they now accept credit cards! Youpie! . This fabulous pizzeria is about 1km from the Raval Oasis.
This is our favorite tapas place, and also a great place to people watch. It tends to have a waiting line, but we have found that the magic hours are around 11:30-12 (Spanish lunch time is 2ish-the tourists usually come around noon and again in the early evening around 6 to 6:30pm). They do not accept reservations. If no table is available, give your name to the attendant, they should be able to tell you approximately how long the wait will be. They have seating inside and out, but we prefer the terrace. Some of our favorites are the mini-hamburgers, Sepiones, artichokes, Iberico ham, pan con tomate, and the Torrijas (maybe not spelled correctly here) but it is like a piece of French toast with crème brûlé. Super tasty.
279 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ciudad Condal
18 Rambla de Catalunya
279 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This is our favorite tapas place, and also a great place to people watch. It tends to have a waiting line, but we have found that the magic hours are around 11:30-12 (Spanish lunch time is 2ish-the tourists usually come around noon and again in the early evening around 6 to 6:30pm). They do not accept reservations. If no table is available, give your name to the attendant, they should be able to tell you approximately how long the wait will be. They have seating inside and out, but we prefer the terrace. Some of our favorites are the mini-hamburgers, Sepiones, artichokes, Iberico ham, pan con tomate, and the Torrijas (maybe not spelled correctly here) but it is like a piece of French toast with crème brûlé. Super tasty.
Not only are the drinks and food great, but the owners are too! Stephan and Christian welcome guests in a cozy atmosphere with a fantastic and comfortable interior decor. Music is also great, an enjoyable volume, not too loud or too soft. The first Sunday of every month that have a special brunch with a massive spread of freshly prepared food and cut fruits. English, German and Spanish spoken here. Just a note that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Molinet Cafè Antic
69 Carrer d'Elkano
Not only are the drinks and food great, but the owners are too! Stephan and Christian welcome guests in a cozy atmosphere with a fantastic and comfortable interior decor. Music is also great, an enjoyable volume, not too loud or too soft. The first Sunday of every month that have a special brunch with a massive spread of freshly prepared food and cut fruits. English, German and Spanish spoken here. Just a note that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Great little local bar a bit away from the standard touristy areas. Be seated outside in an open plaza as you enjoy the best Patatas Bravas in Barcelona (in my humble opinion). Food and drinks at a reasonable price. My husband says their coffee is also excellent.
De Pata Negra
7 Plaça de las Navas
Great little local bar a bit away from the standard touristy areas. Be seated outside in an open plaza as you enjoy the best Patatas Bravas in Barcelona (in my humble opinion). Food and drinks at a reasonable price. My husband says their coffee is also excellent.
Great ramen at affordable prices (for the Born!). I particularly like the spicey Tan Tan Men, but they have many other choices-vegan ones as well. Credit cards accepted. The restaurant is tiny, so if there is a wait, leave your name and then take a stroll in the Born neighborhood.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grasshopper Ramen Bar
9 Plaça de la Llana
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great ramen at affordable prices (for the Born!). I particularly like the spicey Tan Tan Men, but they have many other choices-vegan ones as well. Credit cards accepted. The restaurant is tiny, so if there is a wait, leave your name and then take a stroll in the Born neighborhood.
When going to the Sagrada, or the Sant Pau Hospital, this typical Irish Pub is a great stopping point for food or drink. The only dish I have ever had here (since it is so good) is the Fish and Chips! The staff speak English (if you prefer) and you can enjoy a draft, a cider or even a snakebite with your grub.
128 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Michael Collins
4 Plaça Sagrada Família
128 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
When going to the Sagrada, or the Sant Pau Hospital, this typical Irish Pub is a great stopping point for food or drink. The only dish I have ever had here (since it is so good) is the Fish and Chips! The staff speak English (if you prefer) and you can enjoy a draft, a cider or even a snakebite with your grub.
A local favorite that can get crowded, so plan ahead in case there is a wait. I have eaten here a few times and enjoyed my meal. They are known for their hamburgers, craft beers, brunch and a menu with a wide selection that includes vegan options.
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Caravelle
31 Carrer del Pintor Fortuny
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A local favorite that can get crowded, so plan ahead in case there is a wait. I have eaten here a few times and enjoyed my meal. They are known for their hamburgers, craft beers, brunch and a menu with a wide selection that includes vegan options.
This restaurant is located very close to the home, in the "Filmoteca" building just on the other side of the Rambla del Raval. I would not say it is a "favorite" restaurant, but I have eaten there a few times and the food is generally good. What I do like is that they have a very reasonably priced "fixed menu" lunch during the week that includes wine/beer/water, plus an entree, main and dessert for about 11 euros. The food is fresh and looks "homemade". Service starts at 13:30 They also do a choice of tapas and serve drinks. Indoor and outdoor seating is possible.
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Monroe
1-9 Plaça de Salvador Seguí
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This restaurant is located very close to the home, in the "Filmoteca" building just on the other side of the Rambla del Raval. I would not say it is a "favorite" restaurant, but I have eaten there a few times and the food is generally good. What I do like is that they have a very reasonably priced "fixed menu" lunch during the week that includes wine/beer/water, plus an entree, main and dessert for about 11 euros. The food is fresh and looks "homemade". Service starts at 13:30 They also do a choice of tapas and serve drinks. Indoor and outdoor seating is possible.

Sightseeing

There is a lot of history at the doorstep of the Raval Oasis! This is the oldest functioning church in Barcelona. It was once located at the exterior walls of the city (thus its name-campo-fields). This small former monastery dates back to the 900s and boasts a small interior courtyard with arcades.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sant Pau del Camp
99 Carrer de Sant Pau
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
There is a lot of history at the doorstep of the Raval Oasis! This is the oldest functioning church in Barcelona. It was once located at the exterior walls of the city (thus its name-campo-fields). This small former monastery dates back to the 900s and boasts a small interior courtyard with arcades.
If you are into boats, you will enjoy this museum. I personally prefer to frequent their cafe which is located on the "backside" of the main museum entrance. Enjoy a coffee or drink in a sunken cobblestone courtyard complete with a small fountain, fish, and orange trees. A lovely place to be cool in the hot summer months here, and a great place to read. They close at 8, so a good spot to visit for a late afternoon or pre-dinner drink.
167 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Marítimo
1 Av. de les Drassanes
167 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you are into boats, you will enjoy this museum. I personally prefer to frequent their cafe which is located on the "backside" of the main museum entrance. Enjoy a coffee or drink in a sunken cobblestone courtyard complete with a small fountain, fish, and orange trees. A lovely place to be cool in the hot summer months here, and a great place to read. They close at 8, so a good spot to visit for a late afternoon or pre-dinner drink.
Fantastic example of "Modernista" architecture. You may also book private tours in a variety of languages. This now retired hospital is being completed renovated and is now part of UNESCO's list of world heritage sites. Since it located near the Sagrada Familia, so you could possibly do them both in one day. Advance ticket sales on-line recommended.
454 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
167 Carrer de Sant Quintí
454 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fantastic example of "Modernista" architecture. You may also book private tours in a variety of languages. This now retired hospital is being completed renovated and is now part of UNESCO's list of world heritage sites. Since it located near the Sagrada Familia, so you could possibly do them both in one day. Advance ticket sales on-line recommended.
A Barcelona classic...I highly recommend purchasing tickets for this venue in advance. By doing so, you will avoid having to have to wait in long lines and potentially missing out on this BCN must as ticket sales are usually 3 to 4 days out. The Parallel metro line (the one closest to our home) goes their directly. Just use your T-10 ticket.
3229 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Sagrada Cerveseria
16 Plaça Sagrada Família
3229 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A Barcelona classic...I highly recommend purchasing tickets for this venue in advance. By doing so, you will avoid having to have to wait in long lines and potentially missing out on this BCN must as ticket sales are usually 3 to 4 days out. The Parallel metro line (the one closest to our home) goes their directly. Just use your T-10 ticket.
A Gaudi must (if it is your flavor). It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to make you get one and to avoid any lines. This landmark is on the famous Paseig de Gracia near Carrer Argo.
1846 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa Batlló
43 Pg. de Gràcia
1846 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A Gaudi must (if it is your flavor). It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to make you get one and to avoid any lines. This landmark is on the famous Paseig de Gracia near Carrer Argo.
The iconic "Rambla" is only a short walk from our home. Turn left on Carrer Sant Pau and walk straight until you hit it. It is less than 700m away. Once you arrive at the Rambla, if you walk up, you will reach Plaça Catalunya, if you down, or to the right, you will reach the "Colon" and the "Port Vell". Be especially careful for pickpockets. O
165 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rambla de Catalunya
Rambla de Catalunya
165 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The iconic "Rambla" is only a short walk from our home. Turn left on Carrer Sant Pau and walk straight until you hit it. It is less than 700m away. Once you arrive at the Rambla, if you walk up, you will reach Plaça Catalunya, if you down, or to the right, you will reach the "Colon" and the "Port Vell". Be especially careful for pickpockets. O
This amphitheater and gardens are rather tucked away in Montjuic Park but are well worth the effort of getting there (in my opinion). This part of the park isn't particularly large, but the gardens are charming, there are benches to sit and read or have a rest, not to mention a fabulous view of the city (especially for sunsets).
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jardins del Teatre Grec
s/n Passeig de Santa Madrona
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This amphitheater and gardens are rather tucked away in Montjuic Park but are well worth the effort of getting there (in my opinion). This part of the park isn't particularly large, but the gardens are charming, there are benches to sit and read or have a rest, not to mention a fabulous view of the city (especially for sunsets).
The iconic outdoor food market on the Ramblas. Make sure you make your way past the first wave of stands which cater predominately to tourists since they sell cut fruit and juices. This market has changed a lot over the years as it has become more of a tourist attraction than a real market for locals. At the back, many small restaurants that sell tapas with countertop service have opened. I have yet to try them since I have never been able to get a place to sit, but some of them have been there for years and are well known. If you are not a fan of hoards of people in a small space, you may want to just walk around the exterior to get a feeling for the place.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bar Boqueria
91 La Rambla
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The iconic outdoor food market on the Ramblas. Make sure you make your way past the first wave of stands which cater predominately to tourists since they sell cut fruit and juices. This market has changed a lot over the years as it has become more of a tourist attraction than a real market for locals. At the back, many small restaurants that sell tapas with countertop service have opened. I have yet to try them since I have never been able to get a place to sit, but some of them have been there for years and are well known. If you are not a fan of hoards of people in a small space, you may want to just walk around the exterior to get a feeling for the place.
Some of the best views of the city, coastline and the Pyrenees are available from here. There is also an amusement park up there! You will see from downtown if you look for the church on top of the "hill". People may visit the church, but the effort to get up there is for the view. Public transport goes there and we have seen buses that go directly to there from Plaça Catalunya, the Shuttle T2A. Where to get it? On corner of Plaça Catalunya and Rambla Catalunya, in front of the Desigual shop When? Every weekend and days that all the Park opens. From 10 am to 30 minutes after closing. Check the opening dates if in doubt. How often does it run? Every 30 minutes from 10am up until 30 minutes after closing, approximately every 20 minutes every day that the Amusement Park is open. Cost? €3 /person (one way ticket).
722 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tibidabo
722 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Some of the best views of the city, coastline and the Pyrenees are available from here. There is also an amusement park up there! You will see from downtown if you look for the church on top of the "hill". People may visit the church, but the effort to get up there is for the view. Public transport goes there and we have seen buses that go directly to there from Plaça Catalunya, the Shuttle T2A. Where to get it? On corner of Plaça Catalunya and Rambla Catalunya, in front of the Desigual shop When? Every weekend and days that all the Park opens. From 10 am to 30 minutes after closing. Check the opening dates if in doubt. How often does it run? Every 30 minutes from 10am up until 30 minutes after closing, approximately every 20 minutes every day that the Amusement Park is open. Cost? €3 /person (one way ticket).

Rooftop bars and other places you may want to check out

Also known as the "Rambla de Poble Sec", this pedestrian only street is full of cafés and bars. It is best known for "Pinxos" which are slices of crusty bread with various "toppings" such as sausages, shrimp, vegetables etc. When you enter the Pinxos restaurant of your choice, you will receive a plate. Help yourself to what you want to eat (they are all on display). Each pinxo has a colored toothpick. When you are ready to leave, the color and number of your toothpicks will be counted to calculate your bill.
474 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carrer de Blai
Carrer de Blai
474 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Also known as the "Rambla de Poble Sec", this pedestrian only street is full of cafés and bars. It is best known for "Pinxos" which are slices of crusty bread with various "toppings" such as sausages, shrimp, vegetables etc. When you enter the Pinxos restaurant of your choice, you will receive a plate. Help yourself to what you want to eat (they are all on display). Each pinxo has a colored toothpick. When you are ready to leave, the color and number of your toothpicks will be counted to calculate your bill.
Never had the tapas here, but it is a cool place to have a drink. Located inside the walls of a former hospital (now the Catalan Studies Institute), it has open air seating, special lighting at night and lots of cushions and tables. A mini-escape from the city, you will be surrounded by large stone walls, orange trees and an inner arcade of arches.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Jardí
56 Carrer de l'Hospital
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Never had the tapas here, but it is a cool place to have a drink. Located inside the walls of a former hospital (now the Catalan Studies Institute), it has open air seating, special lighting at night and lots of cushions and tables. A mini-escape from the city, you will be surrounded by large stone walls, orange trees and an inner arcade of arches.
I have never lodged here, but they do have a great rooftop bar that overlooks the Port Vell. No need to speak to reception, just enter and take the elevator to the 6th floor. Drinks are a touch more pricey here for the city, but you are also paying for the view.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hotel Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona
12 Passeig de Colom
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
I have never lodged here, but they do have a great rooftop bar that overlooks the Port Vell. No need to speak to reception, just enter and take the elevator to the 6th floor. Drinks are a touch more pricey here for the city, but you are also paying for the view.
Not only is this a Catalonia history museum, but there is a secret rooftop terrace/bar/restaurant with couches, umbrellas etc. Enter the museum and head to the top floor. You will normally see someone outside the entrance door leaning on a podium. Great views which make the drinks a bit more expensive, but a fantastic place to watch the sunset.
144 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Historia de Catalunya
3 Plaça de Pau Vila
144 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Not only is this a Catalonia history museum, but there is a secret rooftop terrace/bar/restaurant with couches, umbrellas etc. Enter the museum and head to the top floor. You will normally see someone outside the entrance door leaning on a podium. Great views which make the drinks a bit more expensive, but a fantastic place to watch the sunset.
A secret garden in the Raval, It is hidden behind a large wall and you have to know it is here to know it exists. Only recently opened, it is part of the "La Central de Raval" bookshop so your patronage will help support this local favorite. They sell predominately beer/wine/vermouth with a few nibbles (not an extensive menu), but you will feel like you have been swept away to some garden oasis.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
barcentral
91 Carrer d'Elisabets
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A secret garden in the Raval, It is hidden behind a large wall and you have to know it is here to know it exists. Only recently opened, it is part of the "La Central de Raval" bookshop so your patronage will help support this local favorite. They sell predominately beer/wine/vermouth with a few nibbles (not an extensive menu), but you will feel like you have been swept away to some garden oasis.

Neighborhoods

This newly redone local market is only a few streets away.
82 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sant Antoni
82 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This newly redone local market is only a few streets away.
Poble Sec starts on the other side of Parallel and continues to the foot of Montjuic and up to the backside of Plaça de España. Some of our other recommendations can be found in this residential neighborhood.
92 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Poble-sec
92 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Poble Sec starts on the other side of Parallel and continues to the foot of Montjuic and up to the backside of Plaça de España. Some of our other recommendations can be found in this residential neighborhood.

Recommended by previous guests

Recommended by a recent guest who was vegan. Says it was great for brunch as well.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
CactusCat Bar
52 Carrer de Valldonzella
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Recommended by a recent guest who was vegan. Says it was great for brunch as well.
Recommended by a previous guests. Described it as a "slow food" restaurant that serves seafood and tapas in the Barceloneta.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Somorrostro
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Recommended by a previous guests. Described it as a "slow food" restaurant that serves seafood and tapas in the Barceloneta.
Recommened by a previous guest for delicious ice cream. They also have a vegan version of this shop nearby.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gocce di latte
4 Pla de Palau
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Recommened by a previous guest for delicious ice cream. They also have a vegan version of this shop nearby.

Personal care in Barcelona

Great haircuts, color etc. Tatiana has years of experience and also works with Asian hair (did a great job according to my Chinese girlfriend). She also speaks English as she is dual national USA-Costa Rican.
La Strada salon
13 Carrer de la Riera Baixa
Great haircuts, color etc. Tatiana has years of experience and also works with Asian hair (did a great job according to my Chinese girlfriend). She also speaks English as she is dual national USA-Costa Rican.

Food scene

Just came across this place today and I plan on making a point to come and eat here. I looked it up on a local webpage and it has 15 Excellent comments left by its previous customers. I saw a fixed menu meal (Food, drink, dessert) for 17,50. Check out the website for more information. They serve lunch on weekends only and are closed on Mondays. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d14783854-Reviews-TAiTU-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
TAiTU - Sabors d'Etiopia
149 Carrer Nou de la Rambla
Just came across this place today and I plan on making a point to come and eat here. I looked it up on a local webpage and it has 15 Excellent comments left by its previous customers. I saw a fixed menu meal (Food, drink, dessert) for 17,50. Check out the website for more information. They serve lunch on weekends only and are closed on Mondays. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d14783854-Reviews-TAiTU-Barcelona_Catalonia.html