Barcelona has opened a lot of beautiful specialty coffee shops over the last few years. But looking good isn't enough anymore.

Fonik Cafe gets something else right: people seem to want to stay, and come back again and again.

Fonik Cafe Barcelona — *Fonik Cafe, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

I've been twice already, and both times it was buzzing. Friends catching up over coffee, people working on their laptops, others stopping by for a quick lunch, and some people simply enjoying an ice cream on the terrace.

More than just good coffee

Coffee is naturally at the heart of the project. Behind it is Juanita Arroyave, whose family founded Café Granja La Esperanza in Colombia, one of the world's most respected specialty coffee producers. You can tell there's a lot of knowledge behind every cup, but what I like most is that Fonik isn't afraid to have a little fun with its menu.

If it's your first visit, I'd recommend ordering the Cold Brew Foam. It's unlike anything else I've tried in terms of coffee: creamy, refreshing and surprisingly light (and also recommendable for those who don’t drink coffee often!).

But if you're more of a matcha person, you're in luck. I've tried both a strawberry and a peach iced matcha latte (seasonal!), and loved both. They're fruity without being overly sweet, very refreshing, and almost too easy to finish.

Several drinks also come in alcoholic versions, making Fonik just as good for an afternoon catch-up as it is for your morning coffee.

Food that’s not just an afterthought

One thing that often disappoints me at cafés is the food. But not here! The sandwiches are excellent.

I've now tried both the classic house bikini with ham and cheese and the chorizo version, and I'd definitely order either again. Perfectly toasted, made with good bread, and far better than your average café sandwich. If you're visiting around lunchtime, don't overlook them.

And then there's the ice cream. Made fresh every day in-house by third-generation ice cream maker Nino Parrilla, it's another reason people keep coming back. Whether you order a scoop, an affogato or the ice cream brioche (yum!), it's clear that as much care goes into the frozen side of the menu as the coffee.

Fonik Cafe, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.

Vinyl, great coffee and a sunny terrace

The atmosphere deserves a mention too.

Music plays a very important role at Fonik, with vinyl DJs taking over on weekends through a proper Hi-Fi sound system. It's never overwhelming, though. Instead, it adds to the atmosphere in a nice way and gives the café its own personality. On our visits, the soundtrack felt carefully chosen rather than just filling the silence.

I also love the corner location. The terrace catches plenty of light and is a perfect spot for hanging out if you like to sit outside.

The team couldn't have been friendlier either, something that always makes a difference.

A favorite hangout

What I like most about Fonik is that nothing feels like an afterthought. The drink and food options are solid and interesting, and the home-made ice cream is a cherry on top. The music is thoughtfully curated. And the whole place has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to come back. I've already been twice, and I know it won't be long before I'm back again.

In a Nutshell

What: Specialty coffee, homemade ice cream, sandwiches, matcha and vinyl DJs.

Don't miss: The Cold Brew Foam, the iced matcha lattes (I loved both the strawberry and peach versions but the options are changing which is fun), the house bikini, and the homemade ice cream.

Perfect for: Breakfast, lunch, an afternoon coffee, remote work, catching up with friends or simply enjoying the terrace.

Fonik, Carrer de Tamarit 104, Sant Antoni, Barcelona.

Fonik Cafe - Specialty Coffee, Homemade Ice Cream & Vinyl in Barcelona

More than just good coffee

Food that’s not just an afterthought

Vinyl, great coffee and a sunny terrace

A favorite hangout

In a Nutshell

Mina - Showcasing Italian Dishes