Doing the hard work, so you don’t have to. While working in Poblenou, I’ve had the opportunity to try out a wide variety of cafes. In no particular order, here are some of my favourites.
El Fornet de Can Romà (c/Pujades, 316) – Bakery + café = match made in heaven. Situated in the heart of Barcelona’s @22 business district, this cosy café is a homely spot that’s perfect for escaping to on your lunch hour. They also sell a wide range of baked goods and patisserie to accompany your café con leche, including everything from baguettes to macaroons. Unlike some café/bakeries, there’s enough space to sit down and properly enjoy your break.
Ideal Poble Nou (c/Marià Aguiló, 99)- Great location right in between the Poblenou metro station and the beach. Features the sort of “Ikea plus” decor that’s been fashionable in cafés for a couple of years – distressed wooden chairs and tables, open beams, glass cake dishes on the counter. Also features WiFi and a secret outdoor terrace round the back. This is a good spot to bring children – games and highchairs are available – but it’s large enough to offer peace and quiet if you’ve come with your laptop, too. Friendly staff.
Carrot Café (c/Tanger, 22) – Stylish café which, as well as coffee, sells a good selection of light bites, including massive hamburgers. Although this is an impeccably swish joint, there’s nothing hugely original or memorable about the Carrot Café, making it a better place to head with your coworkers or a client – the huge tables will give you ample space for brainstorming. Prices not bad for what’s on offer – gourmet hamburgers cost around 8€. Wifi-enabled.
Santa Gloria (Rambla de Poblenou, 57) – How could we possibly publish a post about cafés in Poblenou without featuring at least one from the Rambla de Poblenou? Santa Gloria is another bakery-cum-café, with special sections for both. It’s large, light and airy and offers a range of coffee and baked goods. For extra feel-good factor, the owners also work with various local NGOs.
If it’s a hot day and you don’t fancy sitting inside, step nextdoor to appropriately named Café de la Rambla. This typically Spanish establishment has a reasonable selection of basics and a large outdoor terrace.
Skye Coffee Cº (c/Pamplona, 88) – If you’re looking for something a little different, Skye Coffee serves freshly made brews out of a remodelled 1972 Citroen HY truck. Having heard about the café previously, I was a little disappointed to find that, rather than being located in the middle of the street, the van is actually stationed inside a warehouse, but the upside of this is that there is comfortable seating nearby where you can enjoy your brew. Aside from the novelty factor of being served out of a van, the coffee itself was one of the best I’ve had in a while – rich, creamy and strong – and there were also plenty of fresh-looking cake-type things on offer to choose from. The café is only open from 9 – 1.30 on weekdays, so grab your coffee while it’s hot.
Sa Tramuntana (c/Dr. Trueta, 225) – hidden just off the Rambla del Poblenou, and as such is a slightly quieter option. You’ll find plenty of treasures inside, such as a discreet terrace out the back, an upstairs area, an indoor swing, bottles of wine hidden in the floor and plenty of Mallorcan delicacies. As well as trying these alongside your coffee, you can also buy them to take home from the mini-shop. We tried an apricot ensaimada (Mallorcan pastry), and highly recommend it! You can also order sandwiches and more filling daily specials such as a tumbet (a bit like moussaka) if you’re hungry. Really friendly staff, it’s been open since May 2015 so get there before everyone else discovers it.
- La Mundana: the best restaurant in Barcelona (or Sants at least)? - 14/01/2018
- The best cafés with WiFi to work in Barcelona - 10/12/2016
- Sa Tramuntana: Mallorcan cafe made with love - 19/01/2016
- Bouzu: Barcelona’s most genuine Japanese restaurant? - 28/12/2015
- L’Antic Bocoi: a slice of local history in an atmospheric restaurant - 03/11/2015
- El Jardi de l’Apat: traditional Catalan cuisine in a setting perfect for large groups - 25/10/2015
- Bar Calders: tapas and vermouth in a buzzing atmosphere - 16/10/2015
- Barcelona’s secret terraces - 05/09/2015
- The best brunch in Barcelona - 19/08/2015
- Jai Ca: authentic Barceloneta tapas since 1955 - 15/08/2015
No Comments