Olivia O’Toole is a student at University of Colorado Boulder and an ISA Featured Blogger. She studied abroad with ISA in Barcelona, Spain.
Growing up in America, I have become accustomed to the big breakfast lifestyle. Pile on the eggs, bacon and waffles – when it comes to breakfast, I will eat anything. However, much to my dismay, the breakfast culture in Europe is much more… how should I word this… dainty (bread, jam, fruit – you get the idea). Naturally, I needed my morning meal fix – this is when I discovered the brunch scene in Barcelona. I would argue that the brunch here rivals most brunches I have had back in the States. Every plate is a work of art (you will see below) and satisfies every craving you may have. Every day you will look forward to your next brunch date.
Below are 4 of my favorites (so far):
Alsur Café
Alsur Café is one of those places where you can hang out to do homework and enjoy mouthwatering plates of food. It’s similar to Starbucks but about 10 times better.
The atmosphere is chill and relaxed (and they speak English!) while the food is of the best quality. The menu is small, but the food ranges from Oreo waffles to fried green tomatoes.
The best thing about brunch: it is socially acceptable to overindulge in breakfast AND lunch.
Brunch and Cake
If you visit Barcelona without visiting Brunch and Cake, you may need to come back just for the experience (it’s okay to travel for food… Right?). Not only is the food incredible, but you can have your brunch and follow it with a slice of homemade cake. What is better than that? (not a lot, I will tell you that much).
The food is served in a unique way that makes it fun to eat and hang out with your friends. Also FYI, a new location just opened by Barceloneta beach!
Petit Pot
When I went to Petit Pot for the first time, I was leaning more towards the “unch” in brunch and ordered a vegan burger.
It was so incredible that I have gone back multiple times to get it again, and no, I am not vegan. There are multiple Petit Pot locations all over Barcelona that all serve fresh food with locally sourced ingredients. Definitely worth a trip.
Milk
If you are American, milk serves the closest food to what we are used to back in the US (I think). This was the first brunch place I tried in Barcelona and definitely helped me cope with the culture shock. The food is amazing and it is located in the heart of Barcelona (el Gótico).
The world awaits…discover it.
Those were all of my favorites when I was in Barcelona too!!!