Visiting Barcelona

I am very lucky that I get to travel to Europe once or twice a year for work. These work trips though are far from a holiday, there’s many kilometres driven, often a different hotel most nights and a life lived out of a suitcase. So, when I find myself staying in one city for several nights, I always like to take the opportunity to explore the food and wine culture, talk to the staff and try new wines.  

Barcelona is a city that I have been travelling to regularly for 8 years. I am often asked by friends and industry colleagues for recommendations, so here are a few places that I can not to wait to return to.

Monocrom

Run by brother and sister duo, Xavi and Janina, Monocrom has been open a few years but I only discovered it during my stay in February. The wine list has a fantastic selection or organic and natural wines from all over Europe with a strong lean towards local Catalan wineries. Xavi and Janina offer wonderful advise and there will be many a new discovery guaranteed from the wine list here. The food is delicious and simple, the service knowledgeable and friendly.

Address: Plaça de Cardona, 4, 08006 Barcelona

Monvinic Wine Store

Located next to Monvinic Restaurant, this small in size wine store is a wine lovers heaven. Managed  by Delia, who for me has one of the best palates in Barcelona. You’ll find the best of Spain and Catalunya, grower Champagne and minimal intervention wines from Europe and afar. Whilst its focus is as a wine store, you can also sit in and enjoy a glass or bottle and chat with the staff about all things vinous. A little known fact, sometimes it is easier to find wine from cult French producers in Barcelona than it is in Paris!

Address: Diputació, 251, 08007 Barcelona

Bar Gresca

For me personally, this is consistently one of the best dining experiences in Barca. So much so that I dined three times on my most recent trip, enjoying my final lunch here before heading to the airport. Bar Gresca is a wine bar with one of the best natural wine lists in the city. But the food is what takes it to the next level. Chef Rafa Penya uses only the best produce and prepares it simply. From the Fresh Anchovies dressed in local olive oil, to the sea urchin, cod fritters or quail, the simplicity is elevated by the quality. The bikini sandwich, a Catalan street food, is taken to new heights with lomo Iberico and Comte cheese. The staff are attentive, exceptionally helpful, and as a solo diner were more than suggest half portions where possible.

It should be on everyone’s Barcelona itinerary at least once (or three times!) 

Address: Carrer de Provença, 230, 08036 Barcelona