But first, café(s)

Although I didn’t even like the smell of coffee until college, I have since come quite a long way; nowadays I almost always have at least one cup in the morning and then often times another after lunch (and/or siesta). Now don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely not a coffee snob nor addict, I just really enjoy a steaming cup of joe in the winter and an iced coffee in the summer.

So, I wanted to share a list of my favorite cafés in Barcelona – some are more noteworthy for their artisanal coffee, others for their seriously scrumptious baked goods. Also, just so we’re all on the same page, in Spain the norm is a café con leche (coffee with milk)…

Cup & Cake –> You guys. Cupcakes… need I say more? In my humble opinion, Cup & Cake has the best cupcakes in Barcelona. Tucked neatly into Enric Granados Street near Diagonal, Cup & Cake serves up over a dozen different flavors of fresh cupcakes daily, plus some delicious lattes to boot! Especially recommend the crema catalana, Kinder, Oreo, and Nutella cupcake flavors.

Lukumás –> Greek-owned bakery that makes amazingly yummy Greek donuts in a wide variety of flavors, shapes, and sizes. Originally, their lone location was in Gracia, though now they recently opened a second shop in Raval. Some highlights: blueberry glazed donuts, huge cinnamon rolls, hot bagel sandwiches, and to go coffee + free Wi-Fi.

Molika Café –> Such a good underrated spot near the Plaza de Tetuan, Molika Café offers the ambiance of a neighborhood café plus an impressive selection of fresh juices, cakes, quiches, coffees, sandwiches, and your more standard bakery items. Personal favorites include the fresh pressed apple, orange, carrot, and ginger juice and their Americanos.

Fav juice + media bocata
Fav juice + media bocata

Granja Petitbo –> A short distance from the Verdaguer metro stop, this high-ceilinged space fills up during peak hours of the day and whatever you order here is sure to please the senses. Add free wi-fi, trendy décor, affordable prices, and delicious locally sourced food and drink and you can see why Granja Petitbo is a BCN gem!

#tbt to your classic café con leche
#tbt to your classic café con leche

Satan’s Coffee Corner –> What once was a stall inside a bike shop has since moved to the heart of the Gothic Quarter in a light and airy space of its own. Despite the name, Satan’s is a very hip(ster) café that’s proud of their lack of Wi-Fi, chia seed puddings, and high quality coffees. Menu changes daily. Personal favorite: chai latte (2 euros).  

Chai Latte + an orange scone (if I remember correctly?)
Chai Latte + an orange scone (if I remember correctly?)

Federal Café –> Located in the cute area of Sant Antoni, this Australian-owned café offers a full menu of tasty treats served in a modern yet cozy two-story corner space. Federal highlights – comfy window seats, free Wi-Fi, friendly service, coffee made with fresh milk and delicious avocado toast!

Mendieta –> This Argentine bakery /café is an underrated gem of a spot for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and of course coffee and traditional mate. Usually busy, Mendieta offers a daily spread of Argentine baked goods like media lunas, facturas, bizcochos, alfajores, and cakes. Located near the Encants metro stop, they also make amazing sandwiches de miga, empanadas, and a mean dessert coffee. Don’t forget mate to go!

Media ulnas with dulce de leche !!!
Media lunas with dulce de leche !!!

Honorable Mentions:




Related articles that might interest you…

10 lugares para leer y tomar un café en Barcelona

LUKUMAS, DOUGHNUT SHOP, GRÀCIA

TARANNÀ, CAFE & BAR, SANT ANTONI

BRUNCH & CAKE, AMERICAN, EIXAMPLE

SATAN’S COFFEE, 3RD WAVE COFFEE, EL BARRI GÒTIC

From Seed to Cup: The Third Wave of Coffee Culture in Barcelona

TOP 5 CAFÉS – LetsBITEBCN

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