EATING IN SANT ANTONI:

Sant Antoni is a delightful neighborhood with a great vibe and numerous spots to go out for lunch, dinner and drinks, and shopping, too. I’ve picked out a few of my favorite places in this neighborhood guide, I hope you’ll find it useful!

Varmuteo

Varmuteo is the sister establishment to Alapar (read my review here: it’s a favorite restaurant of mine!). But Varmuteo is a whole different beast: it might be small, with only a few seats, but the whole package is a perfect 10. The name already gives it away: it is a place to go for a glass of good vermouth (or several!) and delicious small dishes to share.

The drinks menu is extensive, and I recommend asking for specials, especially when it comes to vermouth. If you’re not sure what to order, the friendly team will help you pick the right one according to your taste. If vermouth is not your thing, you can opt for a glass of wine or a nice caña. Read my review here.

Varmuteo, C. de Vilamarí, 2, 08015 Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

Maleducat

A young, energetic team runs the show at Maleducat. It’s been open only for a couple of years but has quickly become a favorite among locals, and it’s easy to see why. The dishes are creative but deeply rooted in local traditions and seasonal ingredients, which makes for an exciting mix.

The menu is divided into two: a section with small bites and another one with larger dishes to share. You’ll also get a short list of daily specials; I highly suggest you consider it. The friendly staff will recommend the number of dishes you should order; it’s not always easy to navigate without knowing exactly how small or large the portions are. Read my review here.

Carrer de Manso, 54, 08015 Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

Bar Chiqui/Grado Sushi

Probably the most surprising place in the neighborhood: Bar Bodega Chiqui. You might just pass by it since it looks like any bar, but there’s a little something different: it says Sushi in large neon letters outside..!

Bar Bodega Chiqui serves vermouth, wine from the barrel, and tapas from tinned cans (the really great ones do!) and opened in 1959. The place is still family-owned, but since some time ago, there’s also a different menu altogether available, that of Grado Sushi. A great chef, the son-in-law, has worked in Tunateca Balfegó, learned how to prepare rice with Hideki Matsuisha from famed Shunka, and worked in both Mishima and Nobu. After COVID, together with his in-laws, they decided he would install himself in the kitchen of Bar Bodega Chiqui and offer excellent sushi both for lunch and dinner. Read my review here.

Bar Chiqui/Grado Sushi, C. de Vilamarí, 29, 08015 Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

Benzina

Benzina is easily one of my favorite Italian restaurants, and if you haven’t been yet, you should ask yourself why..! What used to be a car mechanic’s shop is now a gorgeous space where a cool Brooklyn vibe has swept in, with a few Moroccan accents. So different, very attractive and sets a tone for the evening. You just know you will have a great time. Benzina has been around for a few years already, but I love that they keep it fresh like it’s the first they they’ve opened. They care about their guests, and the atmosphere is buzzing. Read my review here.

Benzina, Passatge de Pere Calders 6, Barcelona (Sant Antoni)

Sra. Dolores

On a side street you most likely don't frequent often, you can find the gem that is Sra. Dolores. Simplicity is the signature idea here, in terms of decor with there's little else here than a long bar, stools, and a couple of tables in the back, and in terms of the menu: divided into fried and fresh items. As with many a good thing that has come out of Xemei/Bar Brutal, chef Matthieu Pérez also has a history in the aforementioned establishments. The menu reflects Italian flavors, but by no means does it define itself too strictly to it. The fried part of the menu has delectable surprises: fried lasagna (!), asparagus arancini, cheese-filled bites, and more. Read my review here.

Sra. Dolores, C/ del Marquès de Campo Sagrado, 27, Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

Enmezcalarte

Enmezcalarte is a small but mighty mezcal shop in Sant Antoni. They import and distribute artisan mezcals all over Spain and Europe, and they have a large portfolio of different varieties. Once a week they do mezcal tastings, and I very much recommend you to book one. You learn all about how mezcal is made, how different it is from tequila, and you get to be blown away by how complex they are when you taste them. It’s a great experience. Read my review here.

Enmezcalarte, Av. de Mistral, 15, local 2, 08015 Barcelona.

The Egg Lab

There is an abundance of brunch restaurants in Barcelona, but The Egg Lab is easily one of the best. There’s a beautiful bar right by the entrance, where a barista prepares specialty coffee with the Ferrari of all coffee machines: Iberital Vision, a locally produced machine that you can find in only very selected locations. When you see (and taste) the coffee, you’ll know..! The restaurants are spacious, and have such a lovely, calm feeling to them. The menu at The Egg Lab has always been different than what many other places offer. They make everything from scratch: the sauces, the mayonnaise, the pastrami, the pulled pork that is made for hours and hours… And you can really taste it in the dishes. Read my review here.

The Egg Lab, Carrer de Sepúlveda 80, Barcelona.

Bandini’s

Bandini’s became from the first time I visited a favorite hangout of mine. This cozy spot has everything one could wish for: cool wines, tasty dishes to share, and a great vibe. Carmen and Povel, the two lovely faces behind this venture, worked together at Can Casa / Bar Brutal and got along like a house on fire. They decided to open Bandini’s together, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Carmen makes sure your wine needs are taken care of, and Povel creates magical dishes to share with seasonal ingredients. I have loved every single wine I’ve tried here so far.

Let the team know what you like, and they will give you a couple of fun options, by the bottle or by the glass depending on how thirsty you are. This is the kind of place where you can see an obscure, limited edition, label-less ancestral wine from a winery close by be served at the bar and you just know you need to get your hands on it immediately. And the prices are more than fair. Read my review here.

Bandini’s, Carrer de Manso, 42, 08015 Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

Santo Porcello

Santo Porcello is the kind of place where you go inside and you are immediately transported to a different place, and why not even a different time altogether. This deli and bar is a real charmer. This place could perfectly well be a deli in a cosy neighborhood in Rome or why not a little town somewhere in Italy; the checkerboard floors, the turquoise paint, and the friendly face behind the counter.

The walls are filled with Italian delicacies you can buy there and take home with you if you want to prepare a good, authentic Italian meal. But I dare you to leave without trying something from their menu. Try the Tigella: a thin sandwich (traditionally from Modena) filled with salami and taleggio (or any other available flavors). Read my review here.

Santo Porcello, C/ de Sepúlveda, 151, 08011 Barcelona.

Piñata Cantina

Piñata is not your typical Mexican restaurant: it’s a cantina with Mexican street food prepared with recipes that go way back in time. But that’s not all: it is also a cocktail bar with more than 200 different kinds of mezcal. The place has a fun vibe, the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to order a drink as soon as you set your foot through the door. Should cocktails not be your thing, go for the homemade sodas, an aqua de Tamarindo, or why not a tepache, which is my favorite Mexican non-alcoholic drink. Read my review here.

Piñata Cantina, Carrer de Casanova, 19, 08011 Barcelona.

Bar Alegría

Bar Alegría is a modernist tapas bar that first opened its doors in 1899 (!). It has a long history, and not long ago, it was taken over by a dynamic team headed by Tomàs Abellan (son of famed Carles Abellan) and gently renovated and reopened. And we love what they have done with it. The bar still holds a wonderful spirit of forgotten times, with a beautiful decor. You can sit upstairs, downstairs, or on the spacious terrace that sprawls onto the sidewalk. The staff is lively and friendly. Read my review here.

Bar Alegría, C. del Comte Borrell, 133, 08015 Barcelona.

The Miners Coffee

This roaster that originates from Prague has two outposts in Barcelona, one of them in Sant Antoni. You can enjoy their specialty coffee, matcha, and snacks, and they also have a range of merchandise and bags of beans to buy and enjoy at home. They serve brunch on weekends at their Sant Antoni location.

The Miners Coffee, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 488, Barcelona.

Garage Bar

Garage Bar has surged out of Vella Terra: a popular natural wine fair that has taken place for years now and that gathers wine lovers, producers, distributors, and fans from all over the country, and elsewhere, too. The focus of the fair is organic, biodynamic, low-intervention (and no intervention) wines. Behind the project, you can find renowned sommelier Stefano Fraternali with many years of experience in low intervention wines.

After years of success with the fair, a brick-and-mortar wine bar finally opened. A perfect place to try funky wines made with plenty of care; from Spain, Italy, and France. A paradise for those who are fans of low-intervention wines. The wines come straight from the producers, and are strictly organic, biodynamic, natural, and not manipulated chemically in any way. Read my review here.

Garage Bar, Carrer de Calàbria, 75, 08015 Barcelona.

Düal Cafe

Two Italian twin sisters run this cozy café serving delicious food and great home-made cakes. They also have a brand of panettone called Panettoni Pavolucci, and they have opened a little deli next door called Luvarie. C/ del Comte Borrell 65.

Cafe Cometa

Cafe Cometa is a charming little corner cafe on Parlament, boasting a small sidewalk terrace. Go here to hang out with friends over a cup of coffee, for a great chai latte, for wonderful hot chocolate (with marshmallows if that’s your thing!) and for an intimate chat with their friends. They also have a few savory items on their menu, and the cakes are really good. Read my review here.

Cafe Cometa, Carrer del Parlament 20, Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

Spicy - Taberna Oriental

Spicy is a fun and cool Asian fusion restaurant in Sant Antoni: a large and dark space but very cozy, with so many fascinating details everywhere. The walls are amazing, covered with interesting and cool artwork. Most tables are communal, which fits the vibe perfectly. The food is great (everyone can find something they like here) and the cocktails delicious. Read my review here.

Spicy - Taberna Oriental, Carrer de Comte Borrell 41, Barcelona.

Fábrica Moritz

Can a brand of beer really have a restaurant that would be worthwhile trying out? You’d be surprised! The menu is very long so you’re sure to find something that you like. They’ve got tapas, seafood, meat, snacks, you name it, and of course lots of beer straight from the taps. Read my review here.

Fábrica Moritz, Ronda de Sant Antoni 39, Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

Els Sortidors del Parlament

Els Sortidors del Parlament is somewhat of an iconic bar on Parlament. The entrance might look small but the space inside is very big, although it fills up fast.

Here you come to have a glass (or a bottle!) of a great wine, and good tapas to go with it. They have a few large tables too if you’d like to come here with a larger group of friends. Read my review here.

Els Sortidors del Parlament, C/ del Parlament 53, Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

Ca l'Isidre

Sometimes you want to celebrate a little. Have an excellent, memorable meal, and be well taken care of. Ca L’Isidre is all of that and more. Tucked away on a quiet side street you find this discreet restaurant where celebrities from near and far share tables with local businessmen, lawyers and families celebrating a birthday or an anniversary. It's a bit pricey, but it's worth it. The food is top notch, and the service fantastic. Read my review here.

Ca l’isidre, Carrer de les Flors 12, Barcelona.

La Prudencia del Raval

This spot might just be Sant Antoni’s most well-kept secret. Not only is this little restaurant very charming; the dishes are also simply excellent. Order lots of different dishes to share so you get to try everything, and make sure to save room for dessert. And book well in advance!

La Prudencia del Raval, Carrer de l'Abat Safont, 11, 08001 Barcelona.

Manso’s Café

This café gets very busy with thirsty and hungry customers. It’s also one of the very, very few places in Barcelona where you can get a Swedish-style cinnamon bun.

Manso’s Cafe, C/ Manso 1, Barcelona.

Origo

This wonderful bakery that first opened in Gràcia and quickly became very popular and a favorite of many, is now opening a much-awaited second location in Sant Antoni. Expect all the wonderful Origo things, but even better..! The opening date is June 19th. Read my review of Origo here.

Origo, Ronda Sant Pau 67, Barcelona.

Bar Calders

Bar Calders is a Sant Antoni classic. It is very popular, and it can sometimes be difficult to find a seat, especially on the terrace. Go here for tapas and good vermouth.

Bar Calders, Parlament, 25, Barcelona.

Last Monkey

Last Monkey is a fun, Asian fusion spot with a short and sweet menu with tapas-style dishes packed with diverse Asian flavors. They also sport a very decently priced tasting menu that is perfect if you go with friends.

C/ del Comte Borrell, 70, 08015 Barcelona.

Parking Pizza

Parking Pizza’s newest location is just as busy and vibey as the other ones, which is no surprise to anyone. They don’t take reservations, but they’ll put you on a waiting list if the place is full when you arrive. It’s mostly communal tables, so be prepared to be sitting in the middle of it all. The seats are cardboard boxes (!) that hold your jacket and your stuff while you’re eating, genius!

My favorite pizza here is the black truffle, pecorino and egg pizza. If you’re not into pizza there are other options too, like quinoa salad, burrata and such. Read my review here.

Parking Pizza, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 576, Barcelona.

Paradero Barcelona — *Paradero, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Paradero Coffee & Brunch

Paradero is a cute and cozy cafe serving specialty coffee, smoothies, bowls, cookies and cakes and other snacks. They are dog friendly, and they have a small terrace.

Paradero, C. del Comte Borrell, 107, Barcelona.

Mon Viet

This lovely Vietnamese restaurant has plenty of gluten-free dishes, and the staff and kitchen is very helpful when it comes to requests.

Mon Viet, Carrer de Sepúlveda, 94, Barcelona.

Slow & Low

Two chefs, one from Mexico and one from Barcelona, came together in this creative kitchen that invites the guests to enjoy primarily products from the sea. There’s an open kitchen where you can see the chefs preparing the dishes.

They have two tasting menu options: a shorter and longer, and wine pairing options. They do not have a vegetarian or vegan menu. They now sport a Michelin star.

Slow & Low, C/ del Comte Borrell, 119, 08015 Barcelona.

Alkimia

Jordi Vilà showcases a range of past, present, and future Catalan cuisine in a beautiful space inspired by aquatic life. There’s one tasting menu option, and make sure to book at least a week in advance. They have one Michelin star.

Alkimia, Rda. de Sant Antoni, 41, 08011 Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

Enigma

Albert Adrià, brother of Ferran, both from famed El Bulli, is spearheading Enigma. Their menu is created month by month, as it focuses on everything that is seasonal. During your experience, you’ll be enjoying 20 to 25 dishes.

Notes: They offer a tasting menu, and no less than three different pairing options: a wine tour of Spain in wines, old world wines, or what they call 7 million bubbles, which implies sparking wines and champagne. They also hold a Michelin star.

Enigma, C/ de Sepúlveda, 38, 40, 08015 Barcelona.

Primate Bakehouse

Primate Bakehouse is a charming, fairly new spot in Sant Antoni baking fresh loaves of sourdough bread (and more), and wonderful pastries: their cinnamon rolls are very different and delicious! You can also get your specialty coffee fix here: they serve local Nomad coffee.

Primate Bakehouse, Carrer de Manso 40, Barcelooa.

Also worth mentioning:

Algrano Bistro - Popular restaurant among pasta lovers. Bistro Carrer de Tamarit, 104, 08015 Barcelona.

Doppietta - An Italian restaurant, salumeria and brunch (an all-you-can-eat style event on Sundays!) that is also a sister restaurant to charming Benzina. Passatge de Pere Calders, 4, 08015 Barcelona.

Flipá - Everyone falls in love with this little cafe, brunch, and vermouth spot. C/ del Marquès de Campo Sagrado, 12, 08015 Barcelona.

La Jabata - A Sant Antoni tapas classic. Rda. de Sant Pau, 15, 08015 Barcelona.

Dr Zhang Dumplings - A straightforward Asian eatery specialized in dumplings. C/ de Sepúlveda, 137, 08011 Barcelona.

Baby Jalebi - An immensely popular, casual Indian diner by the successful Fish & Chips team. Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 450, 08015 Barcelona.

The Fish & Chips Shop - Easily the best fish and chips in Barcelona, hands down. C/ de Rocafort, 70, 08029 Barcelona.

V de Vermut - A young team runs this fun bar that is perfect for drinks with friends. Carrer de Manso, 1, Local 2, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona.

Macchina Pasta Bar - When you want something quick and filling, then opt for the very cheesy lasagna. C/ del Parlament, 1, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona.

Cristis - A fairly new cocktail bar that looks very colorful and awesome! C/ del Parlament, 36, 08015 Barcelona.

Can Cargolet - A classic restaurant known for their snails. Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, 17, 08011 Barcelona.

Escribà - Stunning pastries and seasonal specialties. Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 546, 08011 Barcelona.

Ikibana - A popular Japanese-Brazilian fusion restaurant. Av. del Paral·lel, 148, 08015 Barcelona.

Teatro kitchen & bar - Used to be Tickets, but sports now a more simplified concept. Av. del Paral·lel, 164, 08015 Barcelona.

La Do - Beautiful, delicious donuts in lots of different flavors. C/ del Parlament, 20, 08015 Barcelona.

Federal Café - three cozy floors and a communal table downstairs, serving coffee, breakfast, and brunch. Read my review here. Carrer del Parlament, 39, Barcelona.

DRINKING IN SANT ANTONI:

Bitter Cocktail Bar

This very cozy cocktail bar makes interesting craft cocktails, and is perfect for a date night or when you want to go out with friends and have some nicely crafted drinks. They also have a little something to nibble on.

Bitter Cocktail Bar, C. de Viladomat, 17, 08015 Barcelona.

Wine Mood

This friendly wine bar has gone under the radar a bit, but it’s Italian flair is charming and welcoming. They have a nice range of interesting wines, and there’s also good food to be had.

Wine Mood, C. de Villarroel, 26, 08011 Barcelona.

La Confitería

This homely cocktail bar with a vintage vibe is stunning. They have an interesting range of cocktails, and this is the kind of place where you'll want to stay for a while.

La Confitería, C/ de Sant Pau, 128, Barcelona.

Lambicus

Lambicus has brought interesting Belgian beers to Barcelona, in the shape of a bar and a shop in Sant Antoni. In the bar you can pick from bottles and from the tap, and have a little something to eat if you're hungry. You can easily spend hours here trying different beers, the place is nice and the selection is large. Close by the bar you’ll find their shop, with plenty of cool Belgian beers to take home with you.Read my review here.

Lambicus Bar, Carrer de Tamarit 107, Barcelona, and Lambicus Shop, Carrer de Rocafort 9, Barcelona (both in Poble Sec).

Perros Mediterráneos

Ready for some fun? Then head to this eclectic and vibey bar! There always seem to be a party going on (they often organize events), art exhibitions, and plenty more. There’s also a record store upstairs, and they have their own natural wine label called Funky Dogs Wines.

Perros Mediterráneos, C/ del Comte Borrell, 8, 08015 Barcelona.

Culkin

Culkin is right by Parlament, and has an inviting interior that serves as a perfect hangout with friends. There’s good food, really awesome drinks, and also a nice selection of wines.

Culkin, C. de Viladomat, 23, 08015 Barcelona.

Las Vermudas

Las Vermudas knows storytelling: this is the island escape where vermouth is king. And it’s no joke, there are over 100 different kinds of vermouths here, and a large range of amaros. They have surprisingly many options on their food menu too. If you would like to learn how to make your own vermouth or vermouth-based cocktails they organize fun workshops.

Las Vermudas is a wondrous, friendly place, a perfect vermouth island escape for when you need to get away for a while. Read my review here.

C/ de Viladomat 107 and C/ Calabria 39 (Sant Antoni).

SHOPPING IN SANT ANTONI:

Erizo

Erizo is a gem of a shop in Sant Antoni, offering the most interesting specialty coffee and tea options. They source high-quality teas, both pure and in fascinating blends, perfect for preparing hot or iced in the summer. The team is very helpful and will give you lots of ideas, and they also have samples to try if you wish.

Love coffee? Then you won’t be disappointed here. The barista will prepare your coffee just the way you like it, but you also have a lot of fun options to choose from! Erizo is playful with their coffee, and you’ll find things you won’t see anywhere else.

You can enjoy your drink in the shop (there’s a sofa and a couple of chairs) or opt for take-away. They also have a few baked goods if you fancy something to snack on. Erizo is perfect for gifts: they have gift packs in different sizes, and also a shelf with cool coffee- and tea-related paraphernalia.

Erizo, C/ del Marquès de Campo Sagrado, 13, 08015 Barcelona.

Sant Antoni Neighborhood Guide - Where to Eat, Drink and Shop