Petite Passport, that ís travel journalist Pauline Egge. She has lived in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for many years. She then traveled the world and finally moved to Barcelona last summer to live with the love of her life. Her website is a collection of many beautiful and predominantly recently-opened shops and restaurants that all have one thing in common: design. Although she confesses that for a restaurant to end up on het blog, the interior design is most important, she admits that she enjoys it even more when the food is good too. That made us curious: where should we go when we go to Barcelona? The reply followed instantly: a list of addresses that she’s been visiting for years, some old, some new, some very chic, others plain and simple.
Restaurant Toto in the l’Eixample neighbourhood is great. I receive lots of mails from readers who thank me and my website for having directed them to a great place for dinner. Toto is highly appreciated by them! It’s a chic place, with great food and an even better atmosphere. Must-visit!
Carrer Valencia 246, 08007 Barcelona, http://www.ilovetoto.es
Also in the l’Eixample area is Cornelia & Co. This deli is located right across the street from Toto. For foodies, Cornelia is truly worth the visit. Lovely cheeses, meat and olive oil in beautiful packages.
Calle Valencia 225, 08007 Barcelona, http://www.corneliaandco.com
Gallito on the ground floor of the W Hotel at the beach: this is my personal favorite. Were there beds, I could live here. The atmosphere is absolutely great: this chiringuito is open all day. Last time I went there, I ordered grilled chicken with potatoes. On warm days, definitely go for the gazpacho.
Passeig de Mare Nostrum 19/21, 08039 Barcelona, http://www.gallito.es
Next to Gallito you’ll find Pez Vela. It is thé address for paella on the beach. The other day, I had a simple but delicious starter: melon soup with ham.
Passeig del Mare Nostrum 19/21, 08039 Barcelona, http://grupotragaluz.com/restaurante/pez_vela/
Woki Organic Market, close to Plaza de Catalunya is a beautiful organic supermarket where you can easily spend several hours. You’ll most likely find something to bring home.
Ronda Universitat 20, 08007 Barcelona, http://www.wokimarket.com (various locations all over town!)
ElJ Apo Nes, close to Paseo de Gracia: if you’re no into tapas than go for some good sushi. Recently, soccer player Neymar started showing up, but don’t be afraid: prices are very moderate here. The interior is very minimalistic, in a Japanese way, with an impressive orgami art work on the wall.
Pasaje de la Concepción, 5, 08008 Barcelona, http://www.grupotragaluz.com/restaurantes/elj-apo-nes/
A great place to have breakfast is Federal Café in the Sant Antoni neighborhood. Enjoy it on the rooftop terrace, or take a cup of coffee in the open windows. Federal Café is owned by two Australians, who brought the atmosphere of their home country to Barcelona.
Carrer del Parlament 39, 08015 Barcelona, http://www.federalcafe.es/barcelona/
Of course all restaurants by Albert Adrià (the brother of Ferran Adrià of El Bulli restaurant) are worth a try. Nino Viejo is his latest restaurant. You can have great Mexican food here – the interior reminds me of an authentic taqueria, but in a modern way. Make sure to make reservations, and that goes for Adrià’s other restaurants – Tickets, Pakta and Bodega 1900 – as well.
Avenida Mistral 54, Barcelona, no website, reservations: +34 933 482 194
Chök: in a small street just one step away from the crowded Ramblas you’ll find Chök. It’s a chocolate store in a beautiful, small and authentic building. Their specialty is the chök, a less-fat and less-sugar donut-look-alike.
Carrer del Carme 3, 08001 Barcelona, http://www.chokbarcelona.com
Bobby Gin is a great bar where the focus is on creating the best gin tonics around. Glasses are tall and generously filled! The bar is in Gracia, the former village north from the
Passeig de Gracia.
Carrer de Francisco Giner 47, 08012 Barcelona, http://www.bobbygin.com
Much more addresses can be found on Pauline’s website http://www.petitepassport.com.
Photo credits:
Federal Café @ Federal Café // Chök @ Chök // Gallito @ Gallito // Pez Vela @ Pez Vela.
Other pictures by Pauline Egge.