Wander Wonder Repeat

Category: Restaurants

  • Bolero Bar Barcelona: A 1970s-Inspired Hidden Gem for Tapas, Oysters & Drinks

    Bolero Bar Barcelona: A 1970s-Inspired Hidden Gem for Tapas, Oysters & Drinks

    I had planned to meet a friend at my favorite oyster bar in Les Corts, Barcelona—a hidden gem with amazing quality for the price. I was excited to share this spot, but, of course, I completely forgot to book a table. My bad, especially on a Saturday!

    With a quick scan of my mental list of alternatives, I realized that just around the corner was Bolero Bar, a stunning 1970s Spanish-inspired restaurant I had been meaning to visit for ages. It’s one of those places that always pops up as a film location recommendation in the industry, thanks to its timeless, cinematic vibe. Maybe it was meant to be!

    Bolero Bar is a love letter to old-school Spanish taverns, with warm wooden interiors, soft amber lighting, and vintage posters that transport you to another era. The atmosphere is effortlessly cool—intimate yet lively, the kind of place where you can imagine writers and artists gathering over vermouth and lively conversation. Their menu is an ode to classic Spanish flavors, featuring seasonal tapas. A must-try are their bikini sandwich and tortilla de patata! Whether you’re there for a laid-back dinner or a round of cocktails, Bolero has that nostalgic charm that makes you want to stay a little longer.

    And the best part? They also have an oyster menu! A bit pricier than the spot next door, but well worth it.

    The oysters were not only delicious but also impressively large!
    We also tried the huevos rotos with Sobrassada..
    And it was delicious!
    Paired with cava is a must!
    Quaint restroom decor.
  • The Alchemix: A Cocktail Experience Like No Other in Barcelona

    The Alchemix: A Cocktail Experience Like No Other in Barcelona

    As we gear up for the weekend, ready to unwind and catch up with friends, family, or our favorite people, I want to share one of my favorite cocktail bars in Barcelona—The Alchemix.

    From the moment you step inside, you’re transported into an intimate, stylish space where mixology meets gastronomy. The dim lighting, warm wood accents, and touches of alchemical décor set the stage for a truly immersive experience. But what really makes The Alchemix stand out is their one-of-a-kind tasting menu—perfectly paired with cocktails.

    The experience starts right at the door, where you’re greeted by their incredibly friendly staff. I always appreciate when a bar serves water infused with lemon or cucumber—it’s a small detail, but it shows care, and The Alchemix is one of those places. One of the bartenders is Nacho, the owner himself, which adds a personal touch to the whole visit.

    Their curated cocktail menu is where the magic truly happens. Each drink is crafted with precision, creativity, and a bit of theater—from smoky infusions and molecular techniques to beautifully layered flavors that tell a story. The bartenders don’t just mix drinks; they create experiences, happily explaining the inspiration behind each one.

    I wish I had remembered to take photos of our dinner (rookie mistake!), but that just gives me an excuse to return—and trust me, I will. It’s rare to find a place where both the food and cocktails are equally outstanding, but The Alchemix absolutely nails it.

    If you’re in Barcelona and love a good cocktail, I 100% recommend checking this place out. And if you do, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think!

  • Sunday Brunch & Rosé at Hoxton Barcelona

    Sunday Brunch & Rosé at Hoxton Barcelona

    “Let’s grab a coffee,” she says—then casually steers toward a hotel, where we order lunch and a bottle of Rosé instead. Classic.

    If there’s one thing Spaniards have perfected, it’s the art of the slow Sunday. A day dedicated to good food, endless conversation, and, of course, a drink (or two). And today’s spot? Hoxton Barcelona.

    By now, you probably know my love for hotels and their interiors, and Hoxton is no exception. Known for its effortlessly cool, design-forward spaces, the Hoxton brand blends that boutique hotel charm with a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Their Barcelona location is no different.

    Downstairs, there’s a lively restaurant and lobby area, while upstairs, the rooftop bar is a favourite of mine—though it’s currently closed for winter. Don’t worry, I’ll take you there soon.

    We settled into their downstairs restaurant, a warm, stylish space with cozy seating, earthy tones, and a mix of locals and travelers. The menu? A best-of-both-worlds choice—brunch from Four Corners (famous for its Detroit-style pizza) or the all-day menu from the lobby bar. Mix and match—no rules here.

    Feeling the need to balance out last night’s indulgence in fried food (another great Korean spot I’ll be sharing soon), we went the healthier route—a vegetarian dish, paired with a glass of Rosé. While not the most guilt-free option, it’s the weekend—why not embrace the art of enjoying life’s little indulgences?

    And just like that, the afternoon drifted by in easy conversation, great food, and that signature Hoxton atmosphere. A Sunday well spent.

    You’ll find their deep dish pizza options here and some pastries.
    They sell my favourite chocolate here! Tony’s Salted Caramel!
    My ‘bad hair, don’t care’ look after a rough night.
    Asparagus and Squash Risotto
    How pretty is their interior?
    Did I mention they have a photobooth too? Great way to capture the memories!
  • Velissima Barcelona: Authentic Italian Cuisine, Live Shows & Stunning Views

    Velissima Barcelona: Authentic Italian Cuisine, Live Shows & Stunning Views

    As someone currently learning Italian, I try to immerse myself in the language as much as possible—even while living in Barcelona. I listen to Italian podcasts daily, and when I really want to take it up a notch, I head to one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city for a full-on Italian experience—Velissima.

    This is not just your typical Italian restaurant. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a glamorous, vintage-inspired world—an elegant Italian yacht from the 1960s. From the very entrance, the experience begins. Friendly staff and live performers, dressed in classic Italian attire, greet you with a warm Benvenuto! As they guide you to your table (I always try to get one with a view of the port), you can already sense that this will be more than just a meal—it’s going to be an unforgettable evening.

    But the night doesn’t end with dinner. As the evening progresses, Velissima transforms into a lively dance bar, where the music gets louder, the energy builds, and soon, everyone is on their feet, enjoying the electric atmosphere. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a celebratory night out, or just to soak in the Dolce Vita vibes, Velissima guarantees an experience that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.

    So if you’re craving an Italian escape without leaving Barcelona, Velissima is the place to be. Ci vediamo lì!

    A must starter: Their signature cocktails.
    I am ready to feast!
    Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe, served straight from a cheese wheel.
    Filetto alla Rossini —beef tenderloin topped with foie gras and summer truffle
    Mezzi Paccheri al Sapore di Mare
    Linguine All’Astice, a homemade pasta dish with succulent lobster
    Saluteee!

  • 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.

    The elegant entrance and inviting bar area set the stage perfectly for enjoying a pre-meal drink.
    World-class cuts of meat.
    Cecina de Buey Ahumada.
    Brioche de Atún Rojo Salvaje.

    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.

    Must have starters: Calamares, Pan con Tomate and..
    ..Jamon Iberico!
    My personal favourite is their Paella Negra! Made of black squid ink.
    Oopsie!
    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.

    They have a beautifully curated library—a great spot to unwind with a book or get some work done.
    You can request a custom-made cocktail.
    Their iconic spiral staircase.