Inside the stunning Hotel Casa Sagnier (read my review here), you can find the equally beautiful Cafè de l’Arquitecte. It is divided into two spaces: a cozy and vibrant cafe that in the evening turns into a cocktail bar and on the opposite side, a very different space opens up: a beautiful restaurant that also serves as a breakfast space in the mornings. There is also a lush leafy terrace outside, where you can enjoy your meal while people-watching.

Casa Sagnier Cafe de l'Arquitecte Barcelona — *Cafè de l’Arquitecte, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Casa Sagnier was the house and architect’s studio of famed Enric Sagnier, built in 1892. Sagnier was a highly renowned architect; the mastermind behind many emblematic buildings in Barcelona and its surroundings, including the church on top of the Tibidabo hill. In the restaurant, you’re welcomed by a portrait of him, and little details around the space and the hotel remind you of the interesting backstory of the building.

Casa Sagnier Cafe de l'Arquitecte Barcelona 27.jpeg — *Cafè de l’Arquitecte, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Cafè de l’Arquitecte is chef-driven; the mastermind behind the menu is chef Jorge Aranda. The Mediterranean-influenced dishes include high-quality seasonal ingredients, some served by themselves with little frill to enhance the pure flavors, and others elaborated into beautiful dishes, all with their local flair.

Among the snacks we find oysters, beautifully executed croquetas with the crispiest outside and creamy interior, anchovies, coca bread with tomato, tortilla, and more. When moving along to the starters, you’ll get to pick from fresh salads, steak tartare, burrata stracciatella, and a dish that had us weak in the knees: the hand-made pappardelle with seasonal mushrooms and Parmesan.

The mains are divided into two parts to cover the best the area has to offer: fresh seafood and top-notch local meat, and rice/paella. There is always a vegan option, and one with seasonal toppings. Do by no means forego the desserts: you’ll find some beautiful and delicious options that you don’t want to miss! In the photos, you can see a chocolate fondant with caramel sauce, toasted white chocolate ice cream, and corn nuts, and a homemade crispy puff pastry with blueberry yogurt cream and fresh forest berries.

The restaurant fills up with both locals and visitors: the space is beautiful and is perfect as a backdrop for an intimate meal, a lunch with colleagues, or a dinner with family or friends. The café also has an extensive menu if you prefer to keep it more casual (many of the dishes you can order in the restaurant you can also enjoy here, and they also offer sandwiches).

I highly urge you to try their breakfast: there is a large breakfast buffet with numerous options for any palate, and you can also order from a menu. We tried the Eggs Benedict with salmon and it was not only pretty to look at; it was also considerable in size and very tasty. The avocado toast with ricotta is also highly recommendable, and I will for sure go back for more! The breakfast is open for everyone, so even if you’re not staying in the hotel, you can visit and not only enjoy a lovely meal but also take in the beautiful surroundings.

Cafè de l’Arquitecte is a wonderful option, not only for the delicious food but also for admiring the stunning interior!

Cafe de l’Arquitecte, Passatge de la Concepció, 17, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona.

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