I got introduced to Espai Mescladís very spontaneously, by a friend. We were walking around El Born after an African Dance class and felt we needed to refuel our energy. This place popped into her head as she remembered it was not far from where we were. “I think it was somewhere over there” she told me, vaguely remembering the location.  

Walking along Carders street I saw a charming inner courtyard of a building crowned by a medieval stone arch that attracted me like pollen attracts a bee. The place was very colourful, with many curious objects and a vintage feel to it. The atmosphere was very multicultural and eclectic. Looking around me I saw many things that got my attention, but what caught my eye the most were the people working there; Moroccans, Africans, every culture but Spanish. 

My friend explained that this restaurant was actually created as part of a social project to help integrate immigrants through educational initiatives that also facilitate social work integration. Through their program “Cuinant Oportunitats” (literally meaning cooking opportunities), the organization Fundació Ciutadania Multicultural in charge of this project manages to get many groups of immigrants who are in high risk of exclusion into the market by giving them employment. 

All its food is organic and fair trade, following its ethos of sustainability. Whether you come for a coffee, beer, lunch or dinner, this is the perfect place to come if you want to escape from the bustling neighbourhood of El Born.