Image by AC Uribe

I discovered this place thanks to one of my classmates for University, who told me her mom used to take her here to eat “the best chocolate croissants” in Barcelona. And they are not only delicious – they can be tiny.

One of the best sellers at the Forn Mistral (literally, Mistral Bakery) are the small chocolate croissants, sold by weight. But you can also take home regular sized croissants and other sweets delights, without even taking into consideration different kinds of bread – designed to please even the most picky eater. They also make traditional birthday cakes and if you need anything special in terms of size, it is just a matter of asking.

The main shop is at Ronda Sant Antoni, but in the street just behind it (Torres i Amat 7), there is also a big cafeteria where all the fresh produce in the shop is sold to eat at the place, along with coffee, tea, orange juice or other refreshments. The baguettes turn into delicious and traditional bocatas and the white ensaimadas are better when soaked into a cup of warm café con leche.

No English is spoken, but you can get around pointing at things. The way in the cafeteria is ordering, eating and paying at the counter before leaving. When ordering a coffee with milk, you’ll be asked if you want it “muy caliente” – very hot. If you say yes, be careful not to burn yourself. And don’t miss those croissants!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Forn Mistral | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Chocolate croissant € 1.80
Ronda Sant Antoni 96 | El Raval | +34933018037
Mon – Sat 07:30 – 21:00

Image by AC Uribe

This is not the typical tapas joint for tourists – it is so not it, they don’t open on Sundays! They cater mostly to people that work around and look for a nice combination on good price and excellent food. From breakfast to late dinner.

Their name (Flauta – Flute) comes from the small sandwiches they make with very fresh bread, not to big, which allows you to taste more than one. But they also have all kinds of salads and a great variety of fresh tapas, always according to what is available in the market.

La Flauta can take groups with lovely rooms upstairs, but it should be booked in advance: everything, from working lunches to birthdays, happens here everyday. Many people also just stay in the bar for a quick bite and a fresh glass of beer – or caña. It’s also a classic for people working around, since the midday menu on weekdays is reasonable in price (around €12) and really worth the trip.

Another good thing is that their tapas kitchen is open all day long, so you can have early dinner or late lunch. However, if you get in around 21:00 at night be prepare to wait along the bar – but the wait is worth it.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Flauta | Snacks, Restaurants (Tapas) | Lunch menu € 11
Aribau 23 | Eixample | +34933237038
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 01:00

Image by AC Uribe

One new traditional Italian plate is sweeping Barcelona: the piadinas. They are easy to eat, not very expensive and can be as imaginative as the client adventurous. The idea is simple: a basic bread, thin (very much like Mexican tortillas, I have to say) that you can fill with both savoury and sweet foods.

At Santa Piadina they make the artisan mixture in-situ to serve the piadinas fresh and authentic. The fillings keep on changing, with “Piadina del Día”, and also some seasonal or market variation, includying for example, fresh calamari. You can have them with a soda, a beer or a glass of bubbly Italian lambrusco. If your salty tooth is satisfied, don’t leave without some sweet discovery: maybe one with Nutella and banana or other fruits, honey and sugar.

Somewhere between a crêpe and a taco, it’s a quick and tasty way to eat for me, even on the go. And if none of the “standard” combinations really attract you, it’s always possible to make your own combination. Ask! They are friendly!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Santa Piadina | Snacks, Restaurants (Italian) | Per piadina € 6
Plaça Sant Pere 11 | El Borne | +34932683359
13:00 – 00:00 daily

Image by AC Uribe

La Campana is a store well known in Barcelona for their delicious turrones – the typical Spanish toffees, classic for Christmas. But the fact is that this high-calory treats are great whenever you feel a little chilly.

Be warned – being La Campana, one of the traditional turrón stores in Barcelona, you can find huge queues outside to get something – for Christmas dinner or to enjoy on a sweet-tooth afternoon. But if you can stand the challenge, just go and try. Indulge in the delicious smell coming out from the store and on the great holiday wrappings and package gifts.

Being a family business, you’ll find people behind the corner eager to explain the candy and even let you test it. If you want to take something back home or give a nice souvenir, don’t even hesitate. This is as local as you can get.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Campana | Snacks | Per kilo € 20.00
Flassaders, 15 | El Borne
Winter 10:00 – 21:00 daily

Image by Rafa

Barrio Gotico is the heart of the nightlife in the city.

Along with Born, Raval and Gracia are one of the most bohemian districts in the city, filled with parks, squares, bars, clubs and clandestine underground after hours, as well as some rare unique unusual exotic delicious litle sins, like Belgian crepes and smoothies.

Don’t miss the 69 combo. No my friends, they don’t sell horizontal experiences, though you might become infatuated by the combination of a salty and a sweet crepe!

Or let it loose to experience certain internal conditions and emotions, which might be noticed externally, that will drive you to a different state of consciousness with the mango passion smoothie.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Belgious | Bars, Snacks | Combo 69 menu € 6.90
Carrer Avinyo 50 | El Barrio Gotico | +34934124965
Mon – Thu 13:30 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 13:30 – 03:00, Sun 16:00 – 01:00