Barcelona’s best outdoor summer bars & restaurants!

Barcelona is known for it’s special architecture and great weather. To our locals its also known for their favorite and typical local bars & restaurants with splendid terraces! This is a selection for 2012, with some old and some new spots!

1. Les Delicies (by Sonja Pöhlmann)
Besides offering a diverse menu of drinks and food, on occasion Les Delicies also displays some art by local artists. Barcelona local Sonja Pöhlmann also points out the social factor of this café. “It’s also a perfect place for some cozy tapas with friends, preferably on their terrace directly on the Rambla del Raval in front of Botero’s cat sculpture. [...] watch the Arabian men and Catalan seniors having a chit-chat at sunset.”

2. Santa Marta (by Sonja Pöhlmann)
Barcelona beachside is jam-full of bars and restaurants. According to local Sonja Pöhlmann, Santa Marta is one of the better and more stylish options. “… this cafe/bar/restaurant is an exception in the line of overpriced and very touristic eateries in Barceloneta”.

3. Bar Oller (by Bill Sinclair)
“In the evening it’s a different place altogether – ram-packed with friends and neighbours meeting up for a beer, a bite and a chinwag after work, and good music. The mix of local characters: writers, photographers, musicians, journalists, teachers, artisans and builders make this a lively place to meet up before dinner or going out on the town. [...] The terrace is perfectly positioned to get the best of the afternoon sunshine.”

4. Mendizabal (by Sonja Pöhlmann)
Obviously Barcelona has many cafes and bars with places to sit outside and bask in the sun. Spotter Sonja Pöhlmann however is very adamant that Mendizabal is of a different league. It’s around the corner from the famous Ramblas and offers very distinctive menu options. “Mendizabal bar is a Barcelona golden oldie – a gathering point for people from all backgrounds and nationalities.”

5. El Jardí, Barcelona (by Bill Sinclair)
The highlight of El Jardí: “Yes, just a few yards from the thick of the throb, you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing, reasonably priced, drink and snack in chiringuito (beach bar) like surroundings.

6. Bar Lennon (by Pedro Ghinaglia)
From Japanese and Brazillian we venture on to American. At least that’s what the name indicates. Located in the busy neighborhood Gracia, this square and bar are actually quiet and a locals-only place. Few know about this place. Pedro Ghinaglia puts it nicely, “Believe me, this is a great way to enjoy the benefits of Gracia without experiencing the disadvantages from its popularity.”

7. Café Delphín (by AC Uribe)
This is the ‘epic-ness’ of Cafe Delphin in a nutshell, according to local Cinthyia: “First, it is located on the Paseo del Borne, one of the most beautiful pedestrian areas downtown, filled with beautiful people but not overcrowded. Second, it has a wonderful terrace with sun throughout the morning and the afternoon and comfortable chairs – and the interior room is not bad either. And third (last but not least) they have a great menu and kitchen.”

8. Ikibana (by Bill Sinclair)
Ikibana serves up delicious Japanese-Brazilian dishes. When you peek at their website you’ll be amazed by the style of the restaurant and how beautiful the food is they serve. Combine this with a beautiful terrace and you’re set for the evening or night. Read more
“It has gained a deserved reputation among locals for excellent food, efficient service, great value and a very friendly atmosphere.”, Barcelona local Bill Sinclair states.

9. La Virreina’s Square (by Pedro Ghinaglia)
There are several terraces located on this square for you to choose from. Don’t miss the opportunity to people watch on this sunny square!

10. Cafe Zurich (by Anna Boluda)
Local Anna calls this Barcelona’s central meeting point. The seating might not look very comfortable, but the temperature in the sun sure is!