Best Cafes in Barcelona
Finestres
At first glance, it seems like just another large bookstore, but the hidden gem is the café in the back garden. The space is adorned with greenery, a water feature trickling down the wall, and a long table with colorful, stylish chairs. Smaller tables are scattered around, where people sit quietly reading or working.
I can’t resist and decide to have another coffee, savoring the tranquility. I overhear a woman telling someone that they’ve just opened the café and are still getting used to it. The atmosphere is so peaceful, and everyone seems to respect the serenity. Why hadn’t I discovered this place earlier? Barcelona, you’re still full of surprises.
La Central
La Central is a bookstore with a fantastic café, another local recommendation. The bookstore is quite large, spread over two floors, and seems endless to explore. On the second floor, there’s a small café with seating both inside and in the back garden. Since it was raining, they were only serving the tables along the edges outside. It probably gets crowded on weekends, but I was lucky because it was a weekday and raining.
I ordered a pistachio cake and coffee, enjoying the greenery glistening from the rain.
La Central Del Raval
I stumbled upon La Central’s Raval branch during my second visit, and I must say, its garden is far more charming than the one at the Eixample location. It’s such a delightful spot to spend time—you could sit for hours, soaking in the sounds of birds and flowing water while sipping your coffee and reading a book.
The only downside? This gem isn’t exactly a hidden secret, so you might find yourself waiting in quite a long line for the self-service coffee. But even that feels worth it once you’re settled in the serene ambiance.
Faborit Cafe
Located in the courtyard of Casa Museu Amatller, Faborit Cafe is somewhat hidden from the outside, making me hesitate before entering. I had seen it recommended by a Barcelonian on LinkedIn as one of the best cafes for working. It truly lives up to the recommendation—it’s elegant, reasonably priced, and peaceful, making it perfect for working, having deep conversations, or simply enjoying some quiet time alone.
Botanic Coffee
A cozy café from my November 2024 visit. I was wandering through the streets of Gràcia, trying to decide where to spend my birthday when this small yet bright café caught my eye. Despite the crowd inside, there were still some available seats. The display case filled with tempting treats made it hard to choose.
When the staff came to take my order, I asked, “Should I go for the cheesecake or the coconut one?” She replied, “The coconut one, if you like coconut.” I hesitated because I usually find coconut-heavy desserts too rich—like Coco chocolates—but luckily, the cake wasn’t like that at all. It was light and flavorful.
I lit my candles—it was my birthday, and I was alone. A pair of young women sat next to me, and I asked if they could take a photo. That small interaction led to a deep conversation that lasted until they left. They tried the cheesecake, and from their reactions, it was just as delightful.
Indigo
During my summer 2023 visit, Indigo had caught my eye, but after a streak of back-to-back coffees, my stomach just couldn’t handle anything more. I didn’t want to do it a disservice, so I reluctantly skipped it back then. This time, as I walked by, let’s say my stomach was in a better mood.
Initially, I wasn’t planning on ordering cake—I’d already had my birthday cake at Botanic. But, craving one more photo for the memories, I decided to go for the carrot cake. It was delicious, and the coffee was equally satisfying. The ambiance was lovely, and I found myself admiring the style of the other patrons as well.
Nomad Coffee
Following another local recommendation, I head to Nomad Coffee. I immediately fall in love with the narrow passageway leading to the café. Even if the café itself doesn’t turn out to be great, I’m glad I came just for this charming street. The place lives up to its reputation as a third-wave coffee shop, with an international vibe that’s reflected in both its staff and clientele. The baristas are experimenting with different brewing methods, temperatures, and other variables, and there’s an impressive range of coffee options.
Seating is limited, so I find a spot at the bar, sipping my iced coffee with oat milk while eavesdropping on the lively conversations among the staff. By the way, coffee was one of the most expensive one I’ve had in Barcelona.
Morrow
I visited Morrow as it was one of the few options near Plaça Espanya and came recommended by locals. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was quite crowded for the same reasons. While the coffee didn’t quite match my taste, the ambiance made up for it—it’s cozy with a modern, relaxed vibe. They also had snack options like cookies if you’re in the mood for a light bite.
