About Barcelona

El Vaso de Oro

Of the few good tapas bar that you can still find in Barcelona “El Vaso de oro”(the Golden Glass) needs a special attention.
Located in the Barceloneta Neighborhood in a new building from the 70s with an inside decoration that looks likes much more a German style brewery bar not really very interesting, being the place itself extremely narrow with a long bar that goes from one end to the other and fortunately with different doors to get in or out as it is very difficult to move inside; nearly always busy or really very busy and even sometimes it is nearly impossible to find a place so you will need to wait to order the tapas and some of their specially brewed beer; opened from Mondays to Sundays from 9:00 to 24:00 with only some special days that is closed.
The place is noisy and lively and so not recommended for those seeking tranquility, despite the cost of losing one of the best tapas bar in the city, as one of the things that makes this place very special is that the high standard quality of the food has been maintained through the years and makes it a place that you can return every now and then without being disappointed. You will be served with a great selection of first-rate tapas.
From the classic Pimientos del Padrón (miniature green peppers) or Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes), Blood Sausage,Cured Meat, delicious Croquetas de Jamón (ham croquettes), the varied shellfish and seafood salads or the different fried seafood dishes or the special mixture of meatball with cuttle fish and not to lose also the juicy solomillo (sirloin steak) or the duck liver. Really everything to be remembered.
Not easy to find a stool and packed with locals and foreigners it is still an special experience that needs to be shared at least once if you enjoy tapas.

Bodega la Plata

La Plata is a small bar in the corner of the pedestrian streets Merce and la Plata in the Gothic Neighborhood, that keeps the charm of the old taverns with top quality raw material, not so easy to find any more, a classic place for locals and a fun discovery for foreigners. It is just served what is called “raciones” (small plates) of recent fried sardines, tomato salad with onions and olives, fresh anchovies, pa amb tomàquet with butifarra (sausage) and wine from the barrel or beer, short choice but simple, homemade and good. Established in the 1920s this small corner bar decorated with tiles halfway up, an old refrigerator, wine barrels, 6 small iron and marble tables and some chairs, a short bar and two big windows that open to the streets keeps its quality and tradition year after year. Closed in the month of August.
The Bar La Plata is near La Mercé Church at the Mercé Square (Plaça de la Mercé) and also near to our Barcelona apartments Ramblas Mansion A and Ramblas Mansion B in the Carrer Avinyo close to Carrer Ample. 

Can Paixano

There are few tapas bars left in Barcelona like Can Paixano. Half typical bar, half grocery store, their classic tapas, sandwiches and cellars have nurtured several generations of Barcelona.
Can Paixano, was founded in 1969, and has consolidated as an obliged visit to all those who want to have a different view of Barcelona.
Being in Can Paixano is remembering the old bars of the Barceloneta (typical sailor’s district) where time seems to stand still. It is the ideal place to eat a quick snack, always standing before continuing walking around the city. Nearly always full and to gain a place to live your drink while eating is not easy. The noisy environment and being pushed is part of it but soon you can forget the inconveniences and enjoy the local disorder.
The audience is formed by regular workers of the neighborhood, people from different parts of the city passing by and many foreigners attracted by the tourist guides to the singularity of Can Paixano. Now with the arrival of tourism the mixture of people, nationalities and accents add even more interest to the local.
Can Paixano also offer the possibility to its customers to buy in the shop, located inside, at the end of the bar.                                      

Our Barcelona apartments Harbour Palace 1, Harbour Palace 2 and Harbour Palace 3 are just around the corner of Can Paixano. For the location of this traditional tapas place use the following ling to Google Maps:Can Paixano

Specchio Magico

Italian Atmosphere Restaurant in Barcelona. For pasta lovers the place to go is Specchio Magico. It is absolutely not a pizza joint, in fact pizza has never been served here. The Specchio Magico is a restaurant, small, cosy and simple place, with candles on the tables, where what really matters is the quality of the food, mainly consisting of pasta and salads, with generous portions that can be shared. You do not want to miss the selection of meat plates & the carpaccios or their delicious interpretation of tiramisu for dessert. Most of the wines offered are from different regions of Italy. The owners of this typically Italian atmosphere restaurant are from Ferrara (a wonderful city in the north of Italy, recently declared World Heritage by UNESCO) they know each other since their childhood and have been living now in Barcelona for nearly fifteen years. In this restaurant you can find yourself sitting close to cinema directors or actors, designers, or even members of the old aristocracy of Barcelona. If you want to enjoy a cosy atmosphere, good natured and self-assured, the place is Specchio Magico. LLuís Antunez 3, 08006 Barcelona; Tel. +34 934 153 371  In the Gracia Neighbourhood one block from our Barcelona Apartments City Center Penthouse and City Center Penthouse 1