Recently I travelled to Barcelona to check out some of the best cocktail bars in the world according to the 50 best bars but at the same time I was able to enjoy some awesome restaurants. Below you find the bars and restaurantsa I visited during the trip and if you only have a short amount of time this gives you some ideas on where to eat and imbibe. I was staying at Destination BCN, lovely appartments right in the centre.

Table of Contents

• Best cocktail bars in Barcelona
  • Bar Brutal
  • Dry Martini
  • Sips
  • Paradiso
  • Mariposa Negra
  • Libertine
  • Creps al Born
  • L’Anima del Vi
• Restaurant recommendations in Barcelona
  • Taberna Noroeste
  • Gresca
  • Besta
  • Other restaurant recommendations

Best cocktail bars in Barcelona

Bar Brutal

Probably one of most popular and well known natural wine bar in the world. If you are a fan of natural wine or not, this place is certainly a must see place in the Sant Antoni neighborhood. Huge selection of wines and creative small plates round of the concept. Enjoy an extensive lunch or go for a cosy dinner in this hip location.

Website: Bar Brutal

Dry Martini

Javier de las Muelas Dry Martini Bar is a classic cocktail bar located in Barcelona’s Eixample district. It’s been open since 1978 and is renowned for its expertly crafted martinis, with over 100 variations available. The bar has an old-school, sophisticated vibe with leather armchairs and a dark wood interior, making it a popular spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. A real must for Martini lovers!

Website: Dry Martini

Sips

Number 3 in the world acording to 50 Best Bars in 2022 and owned by a very well known figure in the mixology industry. Simone Caporale. If he is not travelling somewhere around the world, he is actually the host in his bar and welcomes you at the door. Sophisticated cocktail menu with a great design. The place is dimly lit but you get easliy in contact with some of your neighbours as everbody seems to have a story why they want to visit exactly this bar. Cocktails looked very gorgeous but some could not deliver on the taste.

Website: Sips

Paradiso

Described as a speakeasy kind of place but this could not be further from the truth. Since it made the best bar in the world by 50 Best Bars, the queue to get into this place is pretty insane. Is it worth the wait? Well if you like a nightjar 2.0, certainly it is and the interior is eclectic and quirky. Every cocktail creation is out of this world and some require quite some showmanship by the bartenders. Do the cocktail deliver in taste? Personally I was not convinced and because there is such a big crowd to please outside, the bar seems to have lost its soul. A nice plus, rather hang out outside in the pastrami sandwich shop which allows people watching ;-).

Website: Paradiso

Mariposa Negra

Very close to Paradiso with a super friendly Italian bar manager. They do their own pottery upstairs. It all looks a bit funky and a little bit messy but it is part of the crazy story inspired by Carlos Ruiz Safón. There are also table to sit outside on the square. Most drinks come in the handmade pottery and are artistically decorated with lots of love.

Website: Mariposa Negra

Libertine

Cool place to hang out very close to Plaça de Tetuan and part of the lovely hotel called Casa Bonay. Go there for some nice cocktails or if you want a place to work. Unfortunately the coffee place with was adjacent to the bar closed down recently (Beg 2023). Nonetheless the place has a good vibe and offers plenty of space also for non residents.

Website: Libertine

Creps al Born

A well known name in Barcelona which has been around for a while. Combine crêpes with craft cocktails and a focus o sustainability. Creps offers a lively athmosphere and friendly staff in this small neighbourhood place, which is often well frequented in the evening in the heart of Born district. Cheerio and get ready to party.

Website: Creps al Born

L’Anima del Vi

Cosy tucked away in one of the small narrow side streets of the Born district. Come here for a huge variety of affordable interesting natural wine by the glass or bottle and some delicious tapas. Filled with locals and tourists alike, L’Anima del Vi should be on your map when coming to Born. It is located very near to Bar Brutal.

Website: L’Anima del Vi

Restaurant recommendations in Barcelona

Taberna Noroeste

It is hard where to start when talking about Taberna Noroeste in the Poble Sec area of Barcelona. Everything is superb in this place. From the interior and the open kitchen to the creativity of the food and of course not to forget the very very friendly staff. The place is not overcrowded and the wine menu offers an intersting choice between more classical wines and natural wines with affordable prices. You cannot reserve online so you have to write an email but I tell you – it is absolutely worth it.

Website: Taberna Noroeste

Gresca

This place is always packed and offers a great mix between classical and innovative local dishes. They do vary in size but  the staff is very friendly to recommend you the best choice, and choice there is. The menu is vast but delicious. Don’t forget to try a dessert. They are yummy. The wine list is also extensive and the waiter shows you something which you have never tried before. Make sure to reserve or you end up dissapointed.

Website: Gresca

Besta

Besta offers the best between two seas between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic as they proclaim and they do it really well and with passion. The dishes are innovative and delicious. The wine menu is compact but offers something for every taste. We had a lovely evening and can really recommend this small gem.

Website: Besta