Street Life: Carrer de Guillem Tell
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Le Divan
Described by French owner Albane Krenpp as a "neighbour’s restaurant", Le Divan has become a popular haunt in the area. The leading concept behind the French-Mediterranean restaurant is fusion, as observed in the aesthetics, atmosphere and menu. It has a cosy, intimate atmosphere, while the menu offers a blend of the two cuisines in creative dishes, such as their prawn ceviche sweetened with passion fruit and mango. Krenpp is passionate about her choice of products and delivers high-quality ingredients. Specialities like her popular French oysters and foie gras are reasonably priced, as well. Beyond their innovative tapas and mains, Le Divan also offers countless cocktails, and even hosts musical concerts on select evenings.
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Fuji Ya
Adorned with decorative bamboo plants and lanterns, Fuji Ya maintains an artistic flair in everything from its decor to the food presentation. Their most popular plates are combination platters, which allow you to try a variety of different dishes in a single night, while the chef can adapt dishes to suit individual customers, as well. Though Fuji Ya’s menu is best enjoyed within the stylish restaurant, takeaways and home deliveries are also an option.
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Liadisimo
This teashop-cafe is the perfect place to disconnect, with dim lighting, soft background music, soothing aromas of brewing herbal teas and a private garden nestled at the back—often frequented by the cafe’s pet cat. Austrian owner Cristina Ras has seen the likes of students, businesspeople, tourists and neighbours since opening over 10 years ago. “I believe people come here for the calming ambience," she said. With snacks and seasonal dishes to indulge in whilst enjoying one of their hot drinks, Liadisimo ensures customers are well-fed and content and likely to return time and time again to while away the hours.
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ABCHumboldt Language School
Celebrating its 30th birthday this year, ABCHumboldt has taught over 40,000 students over the years. Starting from a modest 45 square metres, the school now occupies six floors dedicated to language learning, a library, ICT facilities and a roof terrace overlooking the city. The school was originally named after intellect Wilhelm von Humboldt, who founded the University of Berlin, and therefore specialises in German courses, while offering Spanish and English lessons too. Director Klaus Schumacher says the school "seeks to find the best solutions for customers", offering a wide variety of courses to enable students to select the appropriate programme to meet their needs.
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Cacao's Gelato Siciliano
Famous for its homemade gelato, Sicily is also home to a wealth of other delicious delicacies, such as cannolis, sfoglia di ricotta and granita. At Cacao’s, you can savour them all. The shop’s charismatic Sicilian owner, Pietro Mandraffino, refers to himself as the ‘ice chef’. His passion for authenticity and quality ingredients is apparent in the sumptuous and bold flavours of the gelato he serves, such as dark chocolate and orange, lemon and basil, and traditional cassata. Where Mandraffino’s recipes originated, in southern Italy, the warm temperatures call for low-fat cream and fresh fruit as opposed to flavoured syrups, making for more intense and zesty granita. Local fans can also reserve space at Cacao for their birthday or group parties.
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Xurreria Xocolateria Centre
This small cafe run by Colombian manager Humberto Q specialises in serving traditional churros with hot chocolate to busy locals. It opens at 6am to cater to people on their way to work, and fills with regulars who relish the atmosphere and conversation. Humberto Q, often spotted making the churros behind the bar, claims that the Xurreria channels the barrio’s tradition of snacking while socialising, creating the perfect spot for friends and family to meet and satisfy their sweet tooth.