Now that the days are short and the cold is pressing, there is nothing more pleasant than having a delicious hot chocolate accompanied by some ‘melindros’ or ‘churros’, an ideal plan for the dark winter evenings in Barcelona.
If you want to enjoy one of the most pleasant winter plans in Barcelona, we recommend you take shelter from the cold in one of the traditional ‘granjas’ in the city centre. This is how the establishments dedicated to serving drinks made with milk instead of alcohol have been known in Catalonia since ancient times, and where the people of Barcelona have always gone to have an afternoon snack or ‘merienda’. Among all the delicacies on offer is the popular ‘suizo’, a cup of thick hot chocolate topped with a good amount of whipped cream.
Having a cup of this hot chocolate, accompanied by the traditional ‘melindros’, thin, elongated sponge cakes, as well as a good ‘ensaimada’ or, of course, some delicious ‘churros’, continues to be one of the perfect winter plans in Barcelona.
Here are some of the most emblematic 'granjas'. Just a word of warning... they are very popular, and sometimes you will find queues to get in!
1. Dulcinea
The first 'granja' to open on Carrer Petritxol, the epicentre of Barcelona's chocolate cafes, Dulcinea began life in 1941 in what had been a wine and oil tavern. Its traditional white and wooden interior with a cosy mezzanine makes Dulcinea one of the most charming 'granjas' in Barcelona.
DULCINEA - Calle Petritxol, 2. Barcelona. Tel. 933 02 68 24
2. La Pallaresa
A dense, dark chocolate has been the key to the success of this place since it opened in 1947. They also offer lighter options such as cappuccinos and Cacaolat, a chocolate drink.
Don't miss their desserts, such as 'mel i mató' (cottage cheese with honey), 'crema catalana', 'mató de Pedralbes' or the delicious flans with whipped cream.
LA PALLARESA - Calle Petritxol, 11. Barcelona. Tel. 933 02 20 36
3. La Nena
La Nena is a classic family-friendly spot in the Gracia neighbourhood with a retro atmosphere and wooden tables. They specialize in serving homemade cakes like carrot cake, cheesecake, and delicious brownies, along with a variety of fresh juices. You can also enjoy their savoury options like quiches.
LA NENA - Ramón y Cajal, 36. Barcelona. Tel. 932 85 14 76
https://la-nena-chocolate-cafe.business.site/
4. Viader
Founded in 1870, Viader claims to have invented Cacaolat, the most typical chocolate drink in Catalonia. Here, you can enjoy the classical ‘suizo’, but also 'leche de Mallorca', milk with cinnamon and lemon, as well as delicious milkshakes made with their ice creams, such as 'dulce de leche' or tiramisu. You can also find homemade yoghurts and kefirs. As for the pastries, the cheesecake, sponge cake and 'mel i mató' with walnuts stand out. They also offer cheese and charcuterie boards for those who prefer to eat savoury food.
VIADER - Carrer d'en Xuclà, 4. Barcelona. Tel. 933 18 34 86
