Streetlife: Torrent de l’Olla
OTADUY. Torrent de l’Olla 45
The wedding dress collections in this shop are a breath of heavenly air. Gorgeous, light, feminine materials such as silk, lace and a unique fabric, specially designed by Otaduy and handmade in India, are used in elegant, flattering styles to fit any bride. “We have customers from all over the world,” said one of the owners, Carolina, 35. “Because our dresses are couture, specialised for each individual bride, we can ensure that changes will be made until she is completely happy.”
LABPERFUM. Astúries 52
This fragrant store takes expensive brand name scents and tweaks them to create and produce their own more affordable perfumes and colognes. They might make one scent more prominent than in the original, for example, or replace another with a natural ingredient found in Catalunya. Customer Charles, 44, from New York, said, “I heard that this shop does—I won’t say ‘copycat’—but inspired scents. So instead of spending €90-100 on the Hermes cologne I like, I come in here for #17, which only costs me €20.”
EL CAFÈ. Torrent de l’Olla 48
Only in Gràcia can you find a spot that mixes vegan tapas with rock’n’roll. Eat, drink and listen to live acoustic music performed every Saturday amongst flyers from past concerts at the bar and psychedelic wallpaper. “It’s my first time here,” said Bernardo, 29, from Brazil. “I came in because I know people here, but it’s been a good experience so far. The decor, the atmosphere, the beer. All good.”
MESSIÉ PIZZA. Torrent de l’Olla 65
A hefty number of customers stand behind this pizza, making substantial claims that it is the best pizza in Barcelona. “The three Bs,” said one fanatic. “Bueno. Bonito. Barato.” It’s not the toppings that make the pizzas here stand out, but the style—its thin and crispy pizza is ideal for devouring during those late night cravings! Not to mention an amiable staff that loves a bit of moustache fun.
KILO ROPA. Torrent de l’Olla 66
Unlike large distributors who mass-produce clothes and accessories for a certain target audience, Kilo Ropa has something special for everyone. You can uncover high quality, unique designs throughout the store. And the best part? No price tags. You pay by weight.
ST. GERMAIN. Torrent de l’Olla 113
Although it’s not always easy to find a table, this eccentric bar should definitely be a stop when you’re bar-hopping down Torrent de l’Olla. Enjoy the Picasso-inspired people painted on the main wall of the bar while you sip on an exceptionally made cocktail or hefty glass of wine. Laura, 23, from Ireland, pops into St. Germain any night she’s out in the neighbourhood. “It’s a warm and cosy place with a great atmosphere for catching up with the gals after a long week.”
CHIVUO’S. Torrent de l’Olla 173
Slow street food and craft beer combined with friendly management make for a relaxed and tasty experience at Chivuo’s. Alex and Juan opened their doors seven months ago and are already serving around 100 people daily. After living in the States, Juan came to Barcelona confident that American street food would be a hit here. Hamburgers, tuna melts, grilled chicken sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks are something anyone around the world can indulge in. “It was just an idea, an experiment really,” said Alex. “We decided to keep it simple. Luckily that concept is working for us, and people seem to be enjoying themselves.”
EL OTRO. Torrent de l’Olla 83
From the outside, this bar is nothing special—the lime green signage and cheesy, chalkboard drink specials might even be a deterrent—but its location at the corner of Torrent de l’Olla and Travessera de Gràcia draws a big, multi-lingual crowd. And once you’re inside, it’s a lot of fun. Drinks made to taste—mojitos and caipirinhas are their specialities—by a staff that shares good vibes amongst themselves and make the customers feel at ease and jovial as well. A good music selection and pool table add to the merriment at El Otro.