Barcelona - Cafes
Barcelona’s cafe culture is half Italian, and comes with its own set of simple rules. Café con leche (café amb llet in Catalan) is for breakfast, preferably with a croissant. Mid-day, especially after a meal, the locals have an espresso, café solo (un café) or a cortado (un tallat), which is an espresso with milk. Café Americano is what some would call watered down versions of the two first coffees. In the afternoon, or after dinner, order a café solo corto, a strong espresso, or a carajillo—a café solo with Spanish brandy.
Café Zürich
Zürich is one of Barcelona’s prime gathering spots, which makes it perfect for people watching. The kissing greetings and checking of wristwatches for that late date never seems to stop. You will be asked to settle your bill when your coffee arrives. That way, you can leave when you want.
Cafè de l´Òpera
If there’s no room at Zürich, head over here. Many of the street merchants from La Rambla come here.
Ambar
The Ambar Café is a restaurant and coffee bar situated next the Rambla de Rival. Whether you choose to sit on the velvet couches inside or on the outside patio to enjoy the live music nearby, this is a great experience. They serve breakfast, lunch and snacks.
El Bosc de las Fades
This unique café is featured by the same people responsible for Museo de Cera (The Wax Museum), which by the way is right next door. This is an unusual environment, where you’ll be inside an enchanted forest, surrounded by fairytale creatures such as gnomes and fairies.
Xarcutería Xaloc
Part café, part restaurant, this place specializes in top notch Catalan and Spanish ham, meat, cheese and wine. Try the tapas or the carpacios!
