There’s no shortage of outstanding food and fashion in the city made famous for lisping (Barthelona), Art Nouveau and neo-gothic architecture exemplified by its most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. It’s also known for its artists (Picasso, Dali, Miro) and, of course – the food. And Lara Stella, is here to point you to the best of Barcelona’s cafes, patisseries, and bakeries.

Every neighborhood is within walking distance to a market, not quite as grand as La Boqueria, but every bit as satisfying. And you can’t make a turn without seeing a bakery or a bar, spoiling visitors for choice with food for every budget and taste.

An under-appreciated discipline is its sartorial style. Like many cities strung along the Mediterranean, Barcelonians enjoy their own version of La Passeggiata, strolling in the warm, late afternoons. Passeig de Gracía or Diagonal, between the Eixample and Sant Gervasi neighbourhoods, are some of the favorite routes. These neighborhoods are also home to some of the city’s best bars, restaurants and architecture.

Cafés, Bakeries and Patisseries

Café culture thrives in this city of wide sidewalks and streets closed off to traffic. Visitors and locals alike enjoy some of their best moments at these stops between Gaudi landmarks and boutiques.

Lady Babka – Order the chocolate babka daily, and challah bread on Fridays.

Les Filles Café – A little corner of serenity, set behind a high fence in a lovely garden.

D·Origen Coffee – Barcelona’s best coffee. This bean roaster takes providence seriously, and elevates roasting to an art form.

Camarasa – This fruit shop turned upscale basement bar and street café is where you’ll find it all. You’ll see business types taking meetings from early morning until around 3pm. After that, Camarasa takes on a street-party vibe for the locals.

Café Turo – A little French, with a view of the park across the street, it’s the perfect location to take a break from the best shopping neighborhood in the city.

Farga – Great pastries beautifully boxed and wrapped at one entrance, and a tree-shaded restaurant at the other.

Sant Jaume – One of Barcelona’s oldest pastelerías, where ladies who seem to be as old as the business itself are a great advertisement for the coffee.

Fleca & Café – Bakery and café on one of Barcelona’s most picturesque pedestrian streets, with sidewalk seating for a relaxing break in the shade. (No web address).

Simón Coll – Not strictly a patisserie or bakery, but this local chocolatier offers tours with tastings. It’s great for the kids, or the person who just can’t get enough chocolate.

A Vocados – Paleo, keto, vegan and more, with multiple locations around the city, you’re never far from a local take on specialty diet food done with local flair.

La Papa Lab – High design meets precision coffee at this concept store, open during the day only.

Cadaqués – Plaça Reial may be picturesque and draws the tourist trade, but Plaça de la Vila de Grácia is where locals, expats and intrepid tourists stop for vermut, the clock tower, children playing soccer and the occasional street performer.

Take-Away Bakeries

The city is blessed with a number of chain bakeries churning out outstanding bread, and many are open 24/7. Every neighbourhood has a few Macxipan shopfronts, a 365, Fornet, or Turris to name a few. Then, there are the specialty bakers, where organic ingredients and techniques honed over generations elevate the humble daily loaf to something extraordinary. Without the bloat or the guilt.

Forn Fortino – Wood-fired specialty bread, including turmeric and curcumin loaves, baked twice weekly.

Oz Bakery – Best organic bread in the city, and great coffee.

Origo Bakery – Two locations guarantee you won’t ever be too far from 3-ingredient bread made with salt from the Delta D’Ebres.

Canal – Special occasion cakes and pastries, leaning on French techniques to produce the city’s best croissant.

Mistral – Locals line up after work to take home organic loaves baked to perfection at this award-wining baker.

La Besnéta – Made from the heart with real ingredients. Vegan and gluten-free options available.

Gelato Options

For the most part, Barcelona enjoys a year-round mild climate, although it does snow every 10-20 years. With weeks of 100F+ temperatures during the summer, gelato joins sushi, pizza and burgers, not to mention tapas, as a staple of the city’s most loved foods. Anita, founded in Israel (and now well-represented throughout the world) has two locations. Argentine casa de gelati, Holy Madre now has a few stores as well. Another to seek out is Bilmonte, the Sicilian gelato bar (brioche bun optional) – now with a store in London as well.

Cremeria Toscana – This is one of the city’s most popular destinations on a hot day. Expect a line down the street on weekends.

Paral-lelo – Specialising in unique, limited-edition flavor combinations (look out for cacio e pepe and pineapple with basil) as well as vegan flavors.

Pot Helados – A new entry to the gelato market. The gelato is made from real ingredients. What they lack in the looks department (the pistachio is almost brown) is over-compensated with lush flavor and barely-there finish.

Other Guides You’ll Like

Shopping: Barcelona Guide
Tapas & Dining: Barcelona Guide
Hotels & Views: Barcelona Guide

FAQs:

Q: Does Les Filles Café have gluten-free options?

A: Yes, Les Filles Café in Barcelona offers a variety of gluten-free options, including allergy-friendly dishes and sweet treats.

Q: Do I need a reservation to eat in at Camarasa?

A: You don’t need a reservation to eat at Camarasa during the day, but reservations are recommended for dinner service.

Q: When did Pot Helados open?

A: Pot Helados opened in last year, in 2024.