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Sant Antoni Barcelona Neighbourhood Guide ~ The Foodie District

Last updated on February 4, 2018

A leafy and non-touristy neighbourhood in Barcelona, Sant Antoni offers everything from old fashioned food markets, wine bodegas, tapas bars and restaurants to trendy brunch spots and cafes, making it the perfect choice for a foodie stay in the Catalan capital.

Updated for your gastronomic pleasure in January, 2018

Trendy Foodie Street of Carrer Parlament in Sant Antoni Barcelona_opt
Words & photos by your Sant Antoni besotted guide, Ben Holbrook.

Sant Antoni is the sort of neighbourhood where every day is a brunch day. A lack of big tourist attractions also means it feels more real than other areas of Barcelona and the lazy local living vibes make it a unique and special place to stay.

The Vibe

Although technically part of Barcelona’s city centre and just a 15/20 minute stroll from Las Ramblas, Sant Antoni is not part of the historic old town and feels very different from, say, the Gothic Quarter.

Sant Antoni hipster area BarcelonaFood-Focussed: Vibrant and progressive, yet sympathetic to the area’s traditional working-class roots, many of the old bodegas (wine shops), bars and tapas joints are still thriving, but it’s also blossomed into a hub of Barcelona’s contemporary gastronomy scene and you’ll find all sorts of trendy foodie spots in Sant Antoni.

It’s no surprise that this is where Barcelona’s booming brunch trend started.

Getting around the barrio: Though the majority of Sant Antoni’s streets aren’t officially pedestrianised it is incredibly walkable. The bike lanes also make it a breeze to explore by bike.

The Crowd

The gradual “hipsterfcation” of Sant Antoni has of course attracted a cosmopolitan and hipper crowd, but it’s very much a cultivated crowd all the same – no “lads on tour” to be found here.

Sant Antoni barcelona foodie areaIt’s a mecca for food-focussed travellers and locals and you’ll find young families with children sipping vermouth next to groups of wine and craft beer connoisseurs.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s trendy without feeling formal or pretentious, and it’s the perfect place to stay if your travel plans, like mine, generally revolve around eating and drinking.

Where to Eat and Drink in Sant Antoni, Barcelona

Popular Foodie Streets: Though the area seems to be constantly expanding, the main foodie streets in Sant Antoni are Carrer del Parlament, Carrer de Viladomat, Carrer de Manso, Carrer de Floridablanca and Ronda Sant Antoni.

Catalan wine by the barrel at the always bustling Bodega Vinito on Carrer Parlament in Sant AntoniFurther adding to its culinary credentials, Sant Antoni is more or less merged with Poblesec, another important gastronomic quarter of Barcelona where you can hop from tapas bar to tapas bar and dine at some of the city’s very best contemporary Catalan restaurants – this is where celebrity chefs Ferran and Albert Adria’s michelin-starred restaurants are located.

Best Restaurants and Bars in Sant Antoni, Barcelona

Rekons ~ Argentinian Empanadas and a Leafy Sun Terrace

Rekons ~ Argentinian Empanaderia in Sant AntoniHoused in an old fashioned bar called Granja Canigó – confusingly they haven’t changed the sign out front – Rekons specialises in Argentinian empanadas (little pastries that us Brits would call pasties or pies).

Fillings range from meaty beef and pumpkin to veggie-friendly celery, blue cheese and walnut, and there are a couple of vegan options too such as courgette with almonds. At just over €2 each, you can definitely afford to sample a few different varieties.

The wine list is good, although not Argentinian, with a good selection of whites from the Ribera del Duero and Montsant (local Catalan) DOs. Grab a spot on the terrace out front and watch the world go by in the sun.

Address: “Granja Canigó” Comte de Urgell, 32, 08011 Barcelona | See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Sant Antoni (Purple Line)

Cafe Cometa ~ Artsy Cafe with Great Cakes and Sandwiches

Cometa hipster Cafe in Sant Antoni BarcelonaThis colourful little nook is typical of Sant Antoni’s “urban creative” cafes and is the perfect spot for a light breakfast or lazy lunch.

Enjoy next-level fruit juices and smoothies, properly stuffed sandwiches, coffee and cake, or a bottle of local craft beer with guac’ and nachos. Squeeze inside or mingle with the locals on the terrace.

Address: Carrer del Parlament, 20, 08015 Barcelona | See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Poble Sec (Green Line)

Bar Calders ~ Popular Vermouth Sipping Spot with a Perfect Sun Terrace

Trendy Foodie Street of Carrer Parlament in Sant Antoni Barcelona_optOne of my favourites, this corner cafe-come-tapas-bar is probably one of the most well-known spots on the exuberant Carrer Parlament and its spacious terrace is one of the most coveted pieces of real estate in town.

Wash down a few olives with a glass or three of vermouth or dive into the excellent selection of craft beers and Spanish wines. The food’s good too and the artsy crowd never fails to inspire.

Address: | See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Poble Sec (Green Line)

El Dinàmic ~ Indoors Meets Outdoors with Excellent Tapas

El Dinamic in Sant Antoni BarcelonaAnother popular terrace spot tucked away down a side street opposite Bar Calders, El Dinàmic occupies an old commercial unit – a stable for horse carriages first and later a mechanic’s garage – and its high ceilings give a sort of chic urban feel.

Set back a few metres off the main drag of Carrer Parlament, its vertical wall garden and inside-meets-outside vibe is the perfect place to while away an afternoon and enjoy the blissful Mediterranean climate.

The tapas are classic and simple – no gimmicks – and the occasional live music performances provides the ideal setting for a couple of lazy glasses of wine.

Address: Passatge de Pere Calders, 4, 08015 Barcelona | See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Poble Sec (Green Line)

Els Sortidors del Parlament ~ Traditional Spanish Tapas, Wine and Craft Beer

Ben Holbrook Travel Writer and Photographer Drinking Wine from a Purron on the Gourmet Spanish olives and Cantabrian anchovies - Barcelona Food Experiences Food TourDefinitely one of my favourite foodie spots in Barcelona, Els Sortidors brings a much welcomed dose of old school Spanish sophistication to the increasingly hip and trendy street of Carrer Parlament.

Decorated with old barrels and walls of wine, its roguish good looks and traditional vibes are perfect for long lunches or quick nibbles. Elbow your way inside and order a selection of classic tapas such as shellfish conserves, tortilla with quail eggs and black truffles, smoked sardines and a bottle of red from the Penedès region.

Address: Carrer del Parlament, 53, 08015 Barcelona | See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Sant Antoni (Purple Line)

Lando ~ Great Value Menu del Dia Lunch Menu

Cafe terraces in the sun, Sant Antoni BarcelonaA clean-cut classic, this modern cafe-come-restaurant is a great place to eat more creative flavours – think rock mussels in coconut water with lemongrass curry and ginger, and lamb burgers with chutney, potatoes and homemade BBQ sauce.

Prices are excellent too and the menu del dia (a set lunch menu) is great for feasting on a budget.

Address: | See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Poble Sec (Green Line)

Federal ~ “The” Cafe that Kick-Started Barcelona’s Brunch Craze

Federal Cafe famous brunch spot on the trendy Carrer Parlament in Sant AntoniNamed after the owners’ hometown in Australia, Federal Cafe is a heavyweight brunch spot. I’m talking eggs cooked every which way, beautiful burgers and proper English-style bacon. The coffee’s also excellent and the “secret” rooftop terrace is probably the ultimate place to eat alfresco in Barcelona.

The only problem is that it’s so popular that you’ll likely have to wait quite a while for a table. The owners have are opening other locations throughout the city, but this will always be the original.

Address: Carrer del Parlament, 39, 08015 Barcelona | See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Sant Antoni (Purple Line)

Barna Brew ~ Sant Antoni’s Hippest Craft Beer Brewpub

Barna Brew Craft Beer Bar in Sant Antoni BarcelonaThis is one of my regular haunts and one of my absolute favourite craft beer bars in Barcelona. It has a fascinating backstory and was opened by a good friend of mine. Alex fell in love with craft beer during his time in Belgium and now brews beautifully balanced beers inspired by his Brussels-Barcelona love affair.

If you’re into craft beer then you’ll love this place. Especially if you’re interested in tasting what the local breweries are up to.

Be sure to check out my dedicated guide to Barcelona’s best craft beer bars if you want more.

Address: Carrer del Parlament, 45, 08015, Barcelona | See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Sant Antoni (Purple Line)

La Bombilla ~ Beautiful Cocktails & Friendly Neighbourhood Vibes

La Bombilla Cocktail Bar, Sant Antoni, Barcelona – Carrer de Manso, 13, 08015 - by Ben HolbrookOpened by the uber passionate and friendly Frenchman Benoit (from Bordeaux), this cosy but spacious bar is the place for quality Spanish wines, French cheese, local vibes and ultra high quality cocktails – à la Sant Antoni (i.e. priced for locals, not tourists).

But it’s more than just a bar. Benoit is passionate about creating a sense of community, a space where people can connect with others and feel part of something. Something special. Something… local. This is what Sant Antoni is all about. 

Located just one street over from Carrer del Parlament, it’s open late and there are always good tunes playing, so there’s no need to leave the barrio for your weekend shenanigans.

Address: Carrer de Manso, 13, 08015 Barcelona | See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Poble Sec (Green Line)

Sésamo ~ Creative Vegetarian Cooking

Sésamo vegetarian and vegan restaurant in BarcelonaOne of Barcelona’s vegetarian golden spots, Sésamo offers creative and unique dishes inspired by both local and global flavours.

Order a few dishes from the vegetarian tapas menu, which boasts flavours like pimientos de padron (traditional Spanish peppers) with chilli powder, lime and sea salt, or cauliflower with tahini, chilli, coriander, pine nuts and pomegranate seeds.

Address: Carrer Sant Antoni Abat, 52, 08015 Barcelona See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Sant Antoni (Purple Line)

Turronería Sirvent ~ Essential Sweet Sensations

Best Turron in Barcelona at Sirvent Carrer ParlamentTurrón is a sort of sweet nougat that Spanish people traditionally enjoy around Christmas time, although many people – myself included – eat it all year-round. And if you ask any Barcelonean who makes the best, they’ll tell you it’s the team here at Turronería Sirvent. 

Ingredients include toasted almonds, honey and egg whites, although modern recipes utilise all sorts of fruit pralines and candied fruits, as well as chocolate and alcoholic liquors. Also try their old-school ice-cream sundaes and refreshing “horchata” drinks.

Address: Carrer del Parlament, 56, 08015 Barcelona See on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Poble Sec (Green Line)

Fàbrica Moritz ~ Barcelona’s Original Beer Brewery

Fabrica Moritz Barcelona Sant AntoniYou may be more familiar with the red gold starred cans of Estrella Damm, but it was actually Moritz that originally dominated the Catalan beer market. The original factory has been resurrected and its exposed stone walls are drenched in a 150 years of beer history.

Breakfast is prepared by the legendary one-Michelin-starred Catalan chef Jordi Vilà – highly recommended! Get two-for-one with the Barcelona Card.

Address: Ronda de Sant Antoni, 39 – 41, 08011 BarcelonaSee on Google Maps
Nearest Metro: Sant Antoni (Purple Line)

elBarri Adrià ~ Creative Michelin-Starred Dining

El Barri Adria MapNo one has done more to put Catalan gastronomy on the map than multi-Michelin-starred chefs Albert and Ferran Adrià. Ferran was the first to find culinary stardom with his world renowned “molecular gastronomy” restaurant, El Bullí, which was voted the best restaurant in the world no less than five years in a row.

After closing El Bullí in 2011, the Adrià brothers decided to make their high-end dining a little bit more accessible – though it’s still all but impossible to get a reservation – with a collection of themed restaurants that are dotted around the Sant Antoni and Poblesec area.

Visit Tickets Bar for creative tapas in a theatre/circus themed setting, Pakta for quality Nikkei cuisine (Japanese and Peruvian fusion) or Hoja Santa for contemporary Mexican. Finally, for a more affordable and possibly less adventurous Adrià dining experience, head to Bodega 1900 for elevated bodega flavours – preserved shellfish, pickles and cured meats alongside grilled meats and vegetables.

More Great Places to Eat and Drink in Sant Antoni

Bacanal Cafe (Carrer Sepúlveda 164) ~ Stunning art gallery-come-cafe with solid brunch options, hearty sandwiches, bagels, salads, juices, smoothies and even cocktails. Casual, stylish – typical Sant Antoni.

Mendl’s Cafe (Carrer Viladomat, 94) ~ Funky little cafe that’s famous for its next-level croquettas.

Tarannà Cafè (Carrer de Viladomat, 23) ~ Quaint corner cafe with great brunch options and a serious selection of wine and craft beer. Lucky if you can get a table here.

Jabalí (Ronda de Sant Pau, 15) ~ Classic tapas bar with a gourmet charcuterie offerings and a refined wine list. Perfect people watching spot.

What to See and Do in Sant Antoni, Barcelona

San Anoni Market ~ It's going to be the biggest and best foodie hotpot in Barcelona once it's finished!

It was built as a residential area, so there aren’t really any “big attractions” to see, apart from the ancient market (which dates back to 1882) that’s currently being refurbished. But that kind of is the attraction if you know what I mean: the lack of tourist sights is what gives the area its local neighbourhood vibe.

The temporary market is located just next door and is a fully-functioning market where the locals shop regularly – unlike the Disneyesque Boqueria market on Las Ramblas.

A day of moseying around the market (even the temporary market is a hive of activity) and strolling the leafy streets, stopping off to sip on vermouth and nibble on some tapas, is a day well spent as far as I’m concerned.

Traditional salted cod 'bacalao' fresh from San Antoni market
Saying that, Sant Antoni’s proximity to Barcelona’s big attractions, as well as the legendary theatres, live music venues and nightclubs of Avenida Paral-lel just a short stroll away, means you literally have the best of the city on your doorstep.

In Nearby Poblesec…

Cross Avenida del Parallel and you’ll find the young and vibrant Poble Sec (Dry Town) barrio, which despite being home to many of the city’s most exclusive restaurants, theatres a museums, still feels distinctly down to earth. Carrer Blai is its main drag, a long pedestrianised strip of tapas bars where penny-pinching revellers hop from bar to bar feasting on bitesized Basque-style tapas called “pinchos”.

Why Stay in Sant Antoni

Its glut of quality dining options, local vibes and proximity to the city centre makes it perfect for anyone who wants to eat well and “live local”.

Where to Stay in Sant Antoni

To enjoy a sense of the area’s laid-back residential vibes, I suggest booking an apartment (there aren’t actually that many hotels in Sant Antoni anyway).

Whether you’re a group of friends, a couple, or a family traveling with a baby, toddler or teen, I recommend booking one of the beautiful and well-situated Casa Dova apartments. I visited recently and found them to be clean and crips – the perfect home from home. You can get the whole apartment for as little as €20 per person per night!

Enter the code “Driftwood” when you book and you’ll get a free bottle of local wine.

Rental apartments Holiday apartments for rent in Sant Antoni Foodie Area of Barcelona for groups of friends , couples and families

 

Holiday apartments for rent in Sant Antoni Foodie Area of Barcelona for groups of friends , couples and families

Holiday apartments for rent in Sant Antoni Foodie Area of Barcelona for groups of friends , couples and familiesEnter the code “Driftwood” when you book and you’ll get a free bottle of local wine.

Find and book your perfect apartment in Sant Antoni

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8 Comments

  1. Lovely post, we never get tired of walking around this fantastic iconic neighborhood! Close to Barcelona bustling center and very close to real life as well

  2. Vicki Vicki

    Hi Ben
    I read your blog aboout where to Stay in Barcelona and it was very informative. I and my partner will be in Barcelona for 3 nights. We will also be joined by my sister and her partner later. We are in early 30s, love good local food and would love to walk to everywhere. But don’t want just to be in middle of touristy stuff. We are considering Eixample Esquerra (Left) and Sant Antoni. What do you think would be better and safer to stay.
    Thanks a lot.

    • Hola Vicki,

      Thanks for your comment! I think either would be perfect. Both are extremely safe areas. Sant Antoni is a bit further out of the centre, but still walkable.

      Have a great time!

      Ben

  3. Lucy Lucy

    Hi Ben, We’re heading to Barcelona as part of our honeymoon in mid-July and I came across your post while searching anything about the neighbourhood we booked our hotel in, I am even more excited now! Anyway I wanted to ask what it’s like exploring Barcelona with little to no understanding of Spanish. Would all these places you recommended above be easily accessible in terms of reading the menu etc.?

    • Hola Lucy,

      Great news! Congrats – I’m sure you’ll have an excellent honeymoon in Barcelona!

      Honestly, you won’t have any trouble just speaking in English. About 11 million tourists come here every year and most of them speak English, so the locals are used to it. You’ll be fine with English and a bit of pointing! haha!

      Try a “hola” and a “gracias” to be polite.

      Have a great time!

      Ben

  4. Robyn Robyn

    Hi Ben,

    I was hoping you could advise what winery is best to visit? I am only in town for 3 days and have a lot on the agenda so sadly won’t be able to visit them all.

    Thank you :-)

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