Category: Barcelona

  • Darvaza Restaurant Barcelona: A Haven for Steak Lovers

    Darvaza Restaurant Barcelona: A Haven for Steak Lovers

    After more than 10 years in Barcelona, I’m surprised I’d never heard of this steak restaurant until now. From the moment we stepped inside, it exuded elegance and warmth—an inviting atmosphere perfect for a date night or special occasion.

    I have to say it—I’m a meat lover. Protein, in general. I could probably live without carbs (rice, bread, tortillas, etc.), but I need my protein. Does that technically make me a keto dieter? Actually… maybe not.

    For starters, we ordered the Cecina de Buey Ahumada, which is a smoked, sliced cured beef. Dare I say—it was even more delicious than Jamón Ibérico! We also tried the Brioche de Atún Rojo Salvaje, a wild bluefin tuna brioche. It was bursting with flavor, and that brioche? The perfect balance of softness and texture in every bite. At this point, I was already feeling pleasantly satisfied.

    And then, the king of the menu arrived: their Black Angus Nebraska Ribeye Steak. The taste, the aroma, the texture—out of this world.

    Quick trivia: Darvaza takes its name from a fiery crater in Turkmenistan that burns at 400°C, famously called ‘the gateway to hell.’ Fitting, given that this place knows how to harness fire to perfection—using charcoal and wood chips to infuse the meat with an irresistible aroma, then cooking it in a wood-fired oven. Pair that with a rich Spanish red, and my oh my—I was in steak heaven.

    I am definitely coming back.

    Are you a fellow meat lover? What’s the best steak you’ve ever had, and where?

  • Dining with a View: Terraza Martínez’s Stunning Barcelona Skyline

    Dining with a View: Terraza Martínez’s Stunning Barcelona Skyline

    Besides hotel rooftops, which are my favorite hangout spots in Barcelona, I also love restaurants with a view. The city offers both mountain and sea views, after all. So, whenever I hear about a restaurant with a great view, I’m all in.

    One of my favorites is Terraza Martínez. Nestled on Montjuïc, this spot boasts breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean. It’s also famous for its delicious paellas, making it a must-visit.

    Over the weekend, my cousin from Los Angeles came to visit with her husband and closest friends. For their last day, I knew exactly where to take them. I booked a table just before sunset so they could experience the view in all its glory—daytime, sunset, and nighttime. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!

    Of course, I had to teach them the fun way of toasting in Spain: Arriba, Abajo, Al centro, Adentro! One of our friends got a little too excited and slammed his glass so hard that it broke. LOL!

    To end the night on a sweet note, the restaurant handed us a little card, and my cousin and friends left a cute Spanish note that I got to keep. A perfect way to wrap up a memorable evening.

    Have you ever tried the famous paella in Barcelona? Where’s your favorite place to enjoy it?

  • Cotton House: A Beautiful, History-Rich Hotel in Barcelona

    Cotton House: A Beautiful, History-Rich Hotel in Barcelona

    If you really know me, you’ll know that one of my favorite pastimes is searching for the most beautiful hotels in every city I visit. I’m lucky to live in a city where there’s no shortage of them, and one that stands out is the Cotton House Hotel.

    Located along the grand Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, this elegant hotel is housed in a stunning 19th-century neoclassical building that once served as the headquarters of the Cotton Textile Foundation—a nod to Barcelona’s rich history in the textile industry. The building, known as Casa de los Algodoneros, was a gathering place for cotton merchants, embodying the city’s industrial prosperity.

    Today, the hotel beautifully blends its storied past with modern luxury, preserving original architectural details like the majestic spiral staircase, and intricate parquet floors while offering contemporary sophistication.