Venturing past the popular pintxos scene on Carrer de Blai, deeper into the heart of Poble-sec, you’ll find this modest street with plenty of surprises.
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Spice Café
The motto at this small, independently run café is "coffee, community & cake." It’s known for altering the flavor of traditional cakes by using a variety of spices, and the succulent carrot cake is a firm favorite among customers. In addition, all of their cakes are homemade and use only locally sourced ingredients or fairtrade products. The space itself has a vintage feel, with low hanging ceiling lights and worn, colorful tables—a charming setting to relax in and enjoy a morning brew or afternoon tea. The café also has a communal table where visitors can socialize, and it plays a pivotal role in community development by hosting workshops and language classes every week, organized by owners Isidre Macías and Lee Hendricks. “That Spice Café can bring strangers and neighbors, friends and co-workers together is what makes it so special to us,” they explained.
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La Bella Napoli
Satisfy your craving for a genuine Neapolitan pizza, with a light, floury crust and traditional toppings, or indulge in a heaped plate of pasta, like the spicy penne arrabiata, at this classic Italian eatery. “Being Italian, I can confirm that this is really authentic Italian food,” said regular customer Beatrice, 41, from Rome. “Eating here makes me feel like I’m back home.” No matter what you order as your main, be sure to leave room for the delicious tiramisu.
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El Catascopio
This inconspicuous gallery opened in 2014, and has successfully introduced something new to Barcelona’s art scene. The concept behind El Catascopio is to support up-and-coming artists by providing them with a nurturing platform to exhibit their first works. As well as hosting exhibitions, El Catascopio distributes independent publications, literature and poems as part of their OpenProject program.
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Sasha Bar 1968
Named after the owner’s mother, this restaurant and bar has an artistic flare, with walls of luscious green grass setting off the shabby-chic mosaic bar. Combining Russian influences with traditional Spanish elements, Sasha Bar serves up a variety of creative dishes, such as their truffle nachos or the roast beef burger. It’s also renowned for its extensive menu of delicious cocktails, although it’s the unusual mojitos that really stand out. “You must try the watermelon mojito,” advised customer Roger Luis, who described the Sasha as a rare gem amid Barcelona’s sea of bars.
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O Meu Lar
A classic, family-style Galician restaurant specializing in succulent grilled meats including aged beef, veal, lamb and suckling pig from Burgos. Owner Antonio Rodríguez and his son Santi have had this restaurant located in Poble-sec for more than 20 years with a very loyal clientele.
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Jam Circus
Since opening its doors in February 2014, this cultural association has fostered the development of local musicians and performers by providing a place for them to take to the stage. Stop by the intimate space on a Friday or Saturday night; drinks are cheap, the atmosphere is friendly, children are welcome, and you never know what you’re going to see. Who knows, you might witness Spain’s next big superstar, live for the first time.
Originally published December 2016, updated January 22, 2021.
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