GiGi Von Tapas, Barcelona ~ Where Every Day Feels Like Sunday

Last updated on July 17, 2019

GiGi Von Tapas is the kind of place you go to meet a friend for brunch and end up staying at for after dark drinks.

Tucked away on the blossoming boulevard of Carrer de la Marina, overlooking the ornate Museo Taurino de la Monumental and within strolling distance from La Sagrada Familia, GiGi Von Tapas is another gift from the trailblazing team behind Marmalade, Milk and Firebug.

Known for their hearty all-day feasts, stellar cocktails and refreshingly attentive staff, they stand for everything that makes life so great in a city where every day feels like Sunday.

And the good news is that now, 15 years after opening what was arguably the first proper brunch haunt in Barcelona, they have opened yet another haven of homely goodness that has something to offer at any time of day.

GiGi’s is an ode to the joys of classic Spanish dining, of sharing the finer things in life around a table, but with a more colourful and creative range of dishes that you won’t find elsewhere.

Brunch

Perk up your morning with a Popeye’s Punch smoothie (spinach, banana, and fresh OJ) and a mound of Turkish eggs with whipped garlic infused greek yogurt, chilli butter, dill and parsley on a wedge of rye focaccia.

Veggies will also love the beautiful bagels and meat-free burgers, including the unctuous Veggie Beast with portabello mushrooms, homemade sauerkraut, pickles, tarragon mayonnaise and strong cheese.

Tapas

GiGi’s is clearly a creative outlet for the team’s more ambitious dishes. Chef Emanuele draws on Asian influences, emphasising texture and colour to create sharing plates that wouldn’t look out of place in an art gallery.

Try the roasted octopus with miso served on a fresh salad of capers and water chestnuts. I also loved the zingy seafood ceviche.

There’s also a range of more traditional tapas that are perfect ‘para pica’ between meals, as well as plenty of vegetarian options.

Cocktails

I’d also like to highlight the cocktail menu, which is definitely worth a visit in its own right.

Ask manager Jenny for tips – she clearly knows her stuff and can make recommendations based on your personal tastes.

Don’t miss the signature concoctions, such as the ‘Sheikh le Beet’ beetroot-infused mezcal cocktail with fresh lime, Chambord and Bénédictine.

They also shake up some of the more obscure classics, such as the mighty Penicillin whisky cocktail with lemon, honey and ginger.

Make it Happen

Whether you’re in need of a post-fiesta brunch, an evening feast with friends or a place to meet for drinks, GiGi Von Tapas is the sort of place you’ll definitely want filed away in your mental Roladex of Barcelona restaurants.

Nearest Metro: Monumental (Purple Line) or Sagrada Familia (Blue and Purple Lines)

Address: Carrer de la Marina, 189, 08013 Barcelona

More info: www.gigivontapas.com