Good Bars and Cafes in L'Eixample (Barcelona)

Alt Heidelberg

This unique German beer hall, located in the centre of Barcelona, has remained unchanged for more than 60 years. It rose from its ashes like the Phoenix, after being gutted by a fire, and was faithfully refurbished down to the smallest detail. The lively customers sit at the bar, always full of foreigners and locals alike. Some of their specialities include the Veal Snout Salad and, of course, all sorts of German sausages. There's a good assortment of German dishes, tapas and canapés, and of course plenty of German beer.

Cervecería d'Or

This recently-renovated beer hall is mainly frequented by workers from nearby offices. They have two separate places, one at the corner, where they serve hot dogs and burgers, and the other one, which is decorated with light wood, good lighting, a few tables, and a bar. Both the sections, however, share the big terrace. They always have a sandwich, dish and beer of the day, all listed on the boards out on the sidewalk. The staff is courteous and efficient.

Fresh & Ready

This spot is good for anyone who likes non-industrial fast food. Their slogan is "Here we love what you eat". The assortment is based on 100 percent natural ingredients, with no colouring or preservatives. They have a wide selection of sandwiches, on wholemeal or white bread, home-made desserts, natural fruit juices and salads. The tables are high and small and there is a terrace on Passeig the Gràcia where you can eat while soaking up the sun.

Madrid-Barcelona

This restaurant has been open since the 1920s, when the train to Madrid passed through Carrer Aragó, hence the name. The decor, chairs, and attic, as well as an organ, which is a surprising thing to find in the middle of the restaurant, also date from those bygone days. The house specialty is fish, the cuisine is seasonal and very fresh and they have a daily stew on offer. These are simple, high-quality dishes. As having to wait for a table is standard, there are curious cardboard chairs available to make your wait more comfortable.

Dunkin' Donuts

This special eatery is part of a world famous chain of donut joints. Its glazed front and the colorful orange and pink sign with the variety of ring doughnuts and buns on display in an illuminated show window catch your eye as you pass by. In addition to their doughnuts, with a variety of fillings and those without fillings too, the chain also offers sandwiches. They have a take-away service if you prefer to enjoy these delights at home. So if you have a sweet tooth come here and indulge yourself completely.

Apolo 7

This establishment is named after the butler of Tintin and Captain Haddock, the famous characters of Hergé comics. This joint is an ideal spot for Hergé's comic fans, because the ambience and the decoration are centred on objects connected with stories of Tintin comics. The bar is spacious and warm lighting and wooden tables and sofas help make the the clientele comfortable. The music is from the 1980s and cocktails are the speciality of this bar

New Chaps

One of the old-timers in Barcelona, New Chaps has been welcoming men, men and more men since 1984 into its American-style bar (Querelle would approve of the vague sailor theme). The crowd can be a bit macho, average age of 35 or so, but really anyone can be found here. The ground floor has a bar where people chat (the staff speak various languages as well). It's a bit dark, but not as dark as downstairs, a big space (where people tend to chat a bit less) with a sling, videos, and hidden corners. The music is house, funk and garage: needless to say, you might hear a diva every once in a while, too.

Replay

This cafe and shop is very popular among tourists and locals. Formerly a palace built in 1885, the stark exterior of this now hip cafe contrasts with the sporty clothes that are for sale inside. You will find the newest styles in clothes and accessories here. Be sure to grab some food after your shopping trip; the cafe serves delicious meals!

Norbáltic

You can't judge a book by its cover, and that is certainly true of this place. From outside it's hard to get a clear idea of what the restaurant is about, but it is worth popping in for the variety of delicious food on offer. You also have a wide variety of chairs to choose from; there's a style and size for everyone, just like the food. Try the cod Al Pil-Pil (simmered with garlic and parsley), eels or fish brought fresh from the Bay of Biscay. You can also opt for lighter fare, such as their Pintxos (Basque tapas) and Montaditos (canapés). On the drinks menu, the best option is a nice glass of Basque Cider.

Costa Gallega

Costa Gallega is a fancy restaurant that is famous with locals for its fresh seafood. Step in and start off on their wide range of tapas or the even wider array of dried hams from the slick snack bar. Before you get addicted, make sure to plant yourself at a table to enjoy a delicious Cantabrian meal, mainly consisting of soups, fried foods and seafood or chicken casseroles. A drink from the well-stocked wine racks, or a good old mug of beer goes well with anything on the menu here. Most patrons seem to take to the glossy interiors and the super-fast service; the place is full on any given day!

Café del Gallery

The Gallery Hotel's in-house restaurant-cum-bar is a fine dining option for connoisseurs of local cuisine in Barcelona. Book a table in the cheery garden and enjoy your meal while you bronze lightly in the gentle sun. If you choose to sit indoors, you will find yourself amidst dark, rich furnishings with 59 other diners perched on leather chairs. Open for a buffet breakfast, a lunch spread and a seasonal dinner, the restaurant sees folks enjoying the likes of Suckling Pig Terrine. If it proves too much for you, just opt for an à la carte dish and one of the delectable desserts: rest assured that you won't be disappointed. A chic bar serves sandwiches and cocktails with equal flourish, while the lounge area out front acts as a café-cum-snack zone. Check website for exact timings.

El Suquet

The proprietors of El Suquet work hard to give their customers a home-style dining experience. The restaurant's atmosphere is quite literally that of a modest but lovingly cared for country house. And the tapas, paellas and other plates are just like madre used to make. Especially noteworthy are Catalan specialties like Stuffed Aubergines, Veal Tartare, Baked Snails, Cod Fritters and the Meat and Pasta Soup. The wine list is full of outstanding pairings, and the desserts are homemade and marvelous. See website for menu and more.