This time we are in El Raval. It may not be the safest or cleanest area in Barcelona but it has a charm of its own, a strong character with tiny lanes filled with multi cultural gentry, tourists, cute little restaurants, art galleries, funky stores and bars. It is one of the area in Barcelona which has been undergoing big changes. It may recall a bit Brooklyn in New York.
I come with three options: one perfect for -Brunch at Tropico or for a bite any time of the day; -one just right for that special clandestine place with some gourmet dishes La Robadora and last but not least on the Ramblas itself -the eclectic must go Ultramarinos.
- Tropico is a young and energetic place. It belongs to a group of friends from diverse part of the world and the kitchen is international. It offers a some speciality from each continent. I have heard its' quite fun at night too and has original cocktails... I went for Brunch on a Sunday and it was perfect. You can have some arepas, pancakes or morrocan pancakes... Diverse options with escellent juices and smoothies in a calm and spacious living room. Great place to go with kids too. Carrer Marqués de Barberá 24 T. 936 67 75 52
The world wall! Where all the flavors live in harmony! 
 |
| Eggs Benedicte, Huevos Ranchero, Pankcakes, yummy Mango Lassi and the best Dragon fruit smoothie with coconut! |
- I found La Robadora on a dark week night in a tiny lane while I was with a friend. I didn't really know what to expect and I was gladly surprised. Deisgned by Antonio Iglesias (from the disappeared & mythical Vinçon store) this huge place is colorful and inviting. Their dishes and tapas have a very interesting fusion mix. Perfect for something different for dinner, lovely place, quality moderne cuisine, what else do you need?
Escalivada served in a miso sauce!
Parmesan raviolis w sautéd crunchy vegetables.
Truffle cannelloni.
Caramelised Torrijo ( a sort of Baba au rhum) served with Turron ice Cream!
- A couple of months back Ultramarinos , of the grup Lombardo opened in the heart of Las Ramblas. This place surrounded by very touristic restaurants - where you get the menu in pictures paellas and sangria at exhorbitant prices- this is just something apart. Decorated by Lazaro Rosa Violan, this tapas place with a wonderful bar, a copy of their sister restaurant on the zona alta Ajo Blanco, offers something different than their neighbour restaurants. With a friendly and young staff, an amazing decor with trees and lamps , modern tapas, the combination is just magical. As Kate and her husband explained, the name comes from the original small grocery stores that used to sell various type of food products, small "colmados". Opened the full day it has diverse spaces to organize lunches or dinners and will soon be offering breakfast. A little island on its own in the vibrant Ramblas.
Rambla de Los Caputxins 31, Tel : 93 270 23 81
