Do you consider yourself a foodie? Do you usually go to underground places, love finding out new events and follow the latest trends? It’s your lucky day! If you are one of those curious travellers willing to experience your destination as if you were a local, you will love this! At Hostemplo we have put together a selection of the best restaurants, gastronomic places and pop-ups in Barcelona for you. Places where good food goes together with calm, mystery and spontaneity. Does it sound good to you? Let’s go!
We cannot tell if it is the cosmopolitan atmosphere, being the capital of Catalonia or how keen Catalans are on doing things well, or trends coming from advanced cities like New York. Whatever it may be, Barcelona is proud of being one of the most avant-garde cities in terms of art, culture and now also cuisine. For that reason, it is no surprise to have gastronomic events and amazing findings happening everyday. Today at Hostemplo we propose you where to eat in secrecy and among locals.:
SANTA RITA:
Santa Rita Restaurant, Santa Rita photo.
If there’s anyone who deserves to be at the top of this list, that’s Xabi Bonilla. He is one of the pioneers in the clandestine restaurants scene in Barcelona. After being through a crisis as chef and getting away from the severity of the hospitality business, Xavi had the idea of organizing private dinners at home, willing to enjoy the cuisine in a more intimate and cozy way. And that’s how Santa Rita Club Gastronómico, one of the pioneering projects in supper club scene of Spain, was born. Endless unique delicacies, season dishes, workshops and happy dinner guests worth a well-deserved a 5 out of 5 at TripAdvisor and this fantastic article at El Comidista in El País.
Pop Up Experiences Rooftop, Rooftop photo.
And we continue in a different way, with a nomadic concept! … A group of chefs and idea people create a whole caboodle of gastronomic experience from an artisan point of view, promoting smoked products, what does it look like? A food truck and a catering service are the weapons with which they show up at all kind of events and celebrations, always smoky. When will their next event take place? Follow them to find out!
EAT WITH BARCELONA:
EatWith is a recent community marketplace connecting travellers willing to know the food and local traditions of their destination with people willing to share their meals and their passion for cooking in a more intimate and direct format. This startup, founded by two Israeli partners and present in Barcelona, aims to revolutionize the way we enjoy dining when we are travelling.
Guy Michlin came up with idea of launching EatWith while he was on a family trip on the island of Crete. Tired of eating at touristic restaurants during the whole trip, he decided to contact an old friend who made if possible for them to be diner guests with a local family, enjoying their traditional dishes and customs. That’s the idea: to dine with the locals. Have a look at their offer in Barcelona! You’ll find from renowned chefs to locals passionate for cooking!!
Speakeasy local, Speakeasy photo.
The creative factory of mixology master Javier de las Muelas moves to his cocktail bar’s back storage room at Dry Martini, following the style of the clandestine underground bars during the Prohibition. It was one of the very first to implement requiring a password to be accessed, longer than a decade ago; and it still keeps this exclusive atmosphere. Don’t miss it!?
La ContrasenyaRestaurant, La Contrasenya photo.
Another secret venue this time at a painting workshop somewhere in Poble Nou turning into a gastronomic club to offer cooking classes and tasting menus plenty of local product from the land. It is the dream of journalist Ángela Vinent made true. To become a member, you need to send an e-mail and then receive detailed instructions to go and dine. .
LAS FOODIE POP UP EXPERIENCES DE LA BARCELONA FOODIE GUIDE:
If you love gastronomy and still haven’t heard of BCN Foodie Guide, take good note! This bilingual guide (Spanish and English) will drive you through the temples of finest dining in Barcelona. They are on the second edition already! There are 53 wonders waiting for you yo discover them… You can purchase it online or at Lamaga Comunica. Join #24hourfoodiepeople movement! The Foodie Pop Up Experiences in the guide have been created and produced by Lamaga Comunica’s team, a communication agency specialized in gastronomy.
And, if you want to extend your local experience, stay at one of our apartments, rooms or at our hostel! We’re close to all the spots of interest and right in front of the impressive Sagrada Familia. We’re not hidden, but we can indeed offer you the best place to hide and have a good rest. See you at Hostemplo! Remember, if you if you book through our web, you get an invite for breakfast on your first day of stay!
