La Rambla & Barri Gòtic - Barcelona - page 134

BEST CAFES
Some of Barcelona's most atmospheric cafes lie hidden in the old cobbled lanes of
Barri Gòtic. A round-up of our favourite spots for a pick-me-up.
Salterio ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Carrer de Sant Domènec del Call 4; 2pm-midnight; Jaume I) A
wonderfully photogenic spot tucked down a tiny lane in El Call, Salterio serves refresh-
ing teas, Turkish coffee, authentic mint teas and snacks amid stone walls, incense and
ambient Middle Eastern music. If hunger strikes, try thesardo(grilled flat-bread
covered with pesto, cheese or other toppings).
Čaj Chai ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 93 301 95 92; www.cajchai.com ; Carrer de Sant Domènec del Call
12; 3-10pm Mon, 10.30am-10pm Tue-Sun; Jaume I) Inspired by Prague's bohemian
tearooms, this bright and buzzing cafe in the heart of the old Jewish quarter is a tea
connoisseur's paradise. Čaj Chai stocks over 100 teas from China, India, Korea, Japan,
Nepal, Morocco and beyond. It's a much-loved local haunt.
La Clandestina ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 93 319 05 33; Baixada de Viladecols 2; 9am-10pm
Sun-Thu, to midnight Fri & Sat; ; Jaume I) Opt for tea, Turkish coffee, mango lassi or a
Middle Easternnarghile(the most elaborate way to smoke). Like other cafes and bars
nearby, Clandestina sports a bohemian ambience with colour-saturated walls and a
changing display of local artwork for sale. There's also beer and wine on hand.
Caelum ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 93 302 69 93; www.caelumbarcelona.com ; Carrer de la Palla 8;
10.30am-8.30pm Mon-Thu, 10.30am-11.30pm Fri & Sat, 11.30am-9pm Sun; Liceu) Centuries of heav-
enly gastronomic tradition from across Spain are concentrated in this exquisite medi-
eval space in the heart of the city. The upstairs cafe is a dainty setting for decadent
cakes and pastries, while descending into the underground chamber with its stone
walls and flickering candles is like stepping into the Middle Ages.
Cafè de l'Òpera ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 93 317 75 85; www.cafeoperabcn.com ; La Rambla 74;
8.30am-2.30am; Liceu) Opposite the Gran Teatre del Liceu is La Rambla's most in-
triguing cafe. Operating since 1929, it is pleasant enough for an early evening libation
or coffee and croissants. Head upstairs for an elevated seat above the busy boulevard.
Can you be tempted by thecafè de l'Òpera(coffee with chocolate mousse)?
La Granja ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 93 302 69 75; Carrer dels Banys Nous 4; 9.30am-1.30pm
Mon-Sat & 5-9pm daily; Liceu) This long-running cafe serves up thick, rich cups of chocol-
ate, but it doesn't make its own churros. Buy them a few doors down at Xurreria (
MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Carrer dels Banys Nous 8; 7am-1.30pm daily & 4-8.30pm Sun) and bring
them here for the perfect combo of churros dipped in chocolate.