El Paraigua

El Paraigua
Bar specialising in cocktails
Pas de l’Ensenyança, 2 (map)
Tel.: 93 302 11 31 i 93 317 14 79
Opening times: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Closed on Sunday.
www.elparaigua.com

TripAdvisor 4.5/5 #11/125

Ruta del Modernisme
El Paraigua is an example of a bar that was not originally Modernista but was decorated using original elements from the period. It was opened in 1968 after being fitted out with the decoration of an entire Modernista shop founded at the beginning of the 20th century. This shop, founded in 1902 and called Gallés, sold umbrellas and fans and was located at Carrer dels Arcs number 5 until it was decided to demolish the building in 1967 and the business had to be moved. In 1966 the owner of the shop sold the decoration to the decorator and theatrical designer Josep M. Espada. All the ornamentals elements were dismounted piece by piece and Espada used them to create a new design by adapting them to smaller premises, near Plaça Sant Jaume, which were to be converted into a bar. The Yagüe brothers were contracted to restore all the boxwood elements and adapt them structurally to the new space. In 1995 J.M. Sánchez, an Andalusian from Cádiz became the owner, together with his wife Sebastiana Guerrero.

Before one enters the establishment, the first thing that strikes the attention is the front door. The panels of the lintels were formerly the umbrella shop sign (if you look closely you can even see the street number of the shop marked in the wood). In other parts of the establishment, and especially on the glass partitions, a repeated motif reminds one of the origins of the decoration: two umbrellas and a fan.

All the Modernista decoration is located from the bar to the ceiling in the first space of the establishment, on the ground floor, including the lamps and wall lights. The lower part of the bar was made using the wooden panels from the top of the umbrella display cabinets. The ceiling was decorated with the sliding doors that covered the display shelves for the fans. Other features of the former shop are the wainscot on the walls, which in this case served a similar purpose in the original establishment, and all the frames of the mirrors covering the walls of the bar. 

Thus, this very small establishment (particularly in height) was redecorated with the decoration taken out of the original shop. This is why the motifs are repeated on different parts of the walls and doors, because the pieces were placed according to their size in order to make as few modifications as possible.
In most of the elements two ornamental motifs are repeated: a decoration of undulating lines finished at the ends with floral motifs, and a more naturalistic decoration with interlaced flowers and leaves. In the lighting, original Modernista lamps are combined with wall lights some of which designed by Espada in the 1960s.

In the 1980s it was decided to extend the premises by fitting out a basement with medieval vaults (it seems to have been the cellar of a former monastery) to house an elegant cocktail bar that offers select classical music. El Paraigua is a quiet place to visit at any time of day for a coffee or a good cocktail, of which it offers some fifty, with and without alcohol. These include, for example, El Paraigua, a semi-cocktail made with cava, tequila, drambuie and lemon, orange, pineapple, peach and blackcurrant juice. For those who are not experts in cocktails it is best to take the advice of the highly professional barman, who will find the most suitable cocktail for any situation or time of day.

Though cocktails are the speciality, El Paraigua also offers a wide range of wines, cavas and liqueurs. One can also have something to eat at any time of day, with an assortment of local dishes that are simple but of excellent quality, ranging from potato omelette to cured chorizo and appetizers that can be selected at the bar. The set menus composed of the selection of tapas cost between 35 and 40€ on average, including a drink, dessert and coffee.
El Paraigua is also open to cultural activity: the basement often displays exhibitions of paintings, and every Monday evening cultural gatherings are held there (you can consult the programme on the web page), LIVE MUSIC. The establishment is open to other cultural and social activities, or small private celebrations: for further details contact the management. 

Secrets of Barcelona
El Paraigua is not only a jewel in the midst of the modernism route of Barcelona, nor is it only a regular cocktail lounge. Neither is it only an ideal location for concerts with the most perfect acoustic sounds reflected off the stone arches of the wine cellars that was once the home to one of the oldest convents in the Gothic Quarter, nor is it only an intimate place with a display of local art exhibitions, an ideal location to hold conferences and events located in the heart of Barcelona.
El Paraigua is all of this and much more. An exceptional property, directly behind plaza St. Jaume, open to all those who enjoy a good cocktail, try an extensive choice of tapas and a wide variety of national wines, allowing yourself to become lost within the music in a bar full of charm, character and endless history.
El Paraigua is a good choice for those looking for a traditional-looking bar of Modernist style.

Terrace of the Alaire bar of the Condes Hotel

Passeig de Gràcia 73, Eixample Esquerra. 

Web site

(map)






Barcelona and the world
This place is simply divine. No matter where you are seated, you´ll be able to enjoy some stunning views on the breathtaking Pedrera, constructed by the genius Gaudi, with its white stone and wavy forms, and in the background the majestic Sagrada Familia.

Depending on your personal taste and availability – the place is very well known and reputable – you can sit at the transparent bar near the façade of the hotel, and enjoy the views on Paseo de Gracia, Casa Pedrera and Barcelona. If you prefer a comfortable seat, you can reserve one of the white sofas. The terrace is incredibly beautiful with its white furniture and draperies. 
On a summer night (on Wednesday and Sunday) you can also enjoy a live performance of a jazz-fusion band.
The prices are reasonable with respect to the idyllic surroundings, expect between 10 and 17 Euro for a cocktail. It is open all year and every day (except Mondays and Tuesdays from October to May) from 17h to 2 in the morning. We advise you to make a reservation if you want to book at table or if you want to come with a group during summer. Don´t miss this paradise in Barcelona … a unique and unforgettable experience!

60 x 80
The hotel may be slightly underwhelming for a five-star property, but Alaire's live music sessions Sunday through Wednesday are just right. 

Back : Quadrat d'Or tour 

La Luna

Address : Carrer Abaixadors, 10, 08003
Area : Sant Pere - Santa Caterina i la Ribera       MAP IT
Tel : 00 34 932955513
Price : 35 € for the restaurant
Open : everyday 20:30 - 23:30 
Web site

TripAdvisor : 4.5/5  rank 250 / 4212  133 reviews
Yelp : 4.5/5  2 reviews          Qype  4/5  5 reviews
El Tenedor


Restalo.uk : 7.6/10  67 reviews
La Luna Restaurant is located in the centre of Barcelona, in the cool Born district. La Luna is a bar and a restaurant, a very chic, romantic and elegant place to start off your evening the best way possible.
The interior has magnificent high ceilings with beautifully lit arches, decorated with bright metal lanterns, elegant dark wooden tables and comfortable leather armchairs, perfect to have some drinks.
The crowd is cosmopolitan, the service excellent, the food is great and the cocktails are amongst the best the city has to offer. 

Nile Guide
La Luna is charming, lively and serves excellent mixed drinks. Their classy restaurant at the back has an extensive menu ranging from seafood and fresh salads to beef and duck dishes, while the front of La Luna acts as bar and cocktail lounge.



Cette photo de La Luna est fournie gracieusement par TripAdvisor

Arola

Address: Carrer de la Marina, 19-21. Arts Hotel. 
Area: Vila Olímpica.      MAP IT
Booking tel.: 934 838 090 
Price: More 45 Euros. (Precio medio 60 €)
Open: Wednesday to Sunday from 13:30-15:30hr and from 20-23hr (Thursday to Saturday until 24hr). Bar until 2hr. Closed: Monday. Tuesday. January.
Web site

TripAdvisor : 3.5/5 rank 1133 / 4196  99 reviews
Yelp : 4/5  6 reviews     VipGourmet : 7.3/10  8 reviews
El Tenedor : 7.6/10 113 reviews

Bcn Restaurantes 
Placed for a decade on the second floor of Hotel Arts, right behind Frank Gehry’s emblamatic fish, Sergi Arola’s restaurant –he has two Michelin stars and restaurants around the world- has now the cook Miguel Ángel Mayor as head chef.
His joining the team has been has been translated into an interesting turn in Arola’ menu, which offers snacks, tapas and small dishes of impeccable elaborations. His cuisine is casual and ideal for sharing and presents a modern version of the traditional Catalan, Spanish and Mediterranean gastronomies reached through the most modern culinary techniques.
Boasting an impeccable design and divided into two by a spectacular wine house, the space also has a stunning terrace with great views where in summer it is possible to eat, enjoy delicious cocktails and even live music and DJ sessions.

Barcelona.com 
Arola restaurant in Barcelona is located on the second floor of the luxury Hotel Arts. One comes there for its brand new pop design, its beautiful terrace in front of Frank Gehry's giant wale and great live music set with local DJs. But not only!
Catalan chef Sergi Arola is a rising star of Spain's culinary world. Disciple of Ferran Adrià and Pierre Gagnaire, Sergi Arola offers here a fine “menú degustación pica-pica » that is a selection of tapas: Patatas “Bravas de Arola”, fritas y rellenas de salsa picante y recubiertas de alioli - A “Tartar de Filet Mignon con infusión de soja y jenjibre” .. And many others hot and cold surprises. This testing menu of tapas is at 50€
But you can also have main courses “A la carte” that bring you to an upper level of the dexterity of the head chef with: Lubina (sea bass) asada , emulsión de berros , cebolleta y pimienta rosa (28€) - Lomo de ternera perfumado en brasas, cereales y jugo ligero de setas (28€)… A well-stocked cellar offers over 900 wines.. This guy is magic !

Time Out
Sergi Arola has left this Barcelona flagship venue in the hands of Miguel Ángel Mayor, a young chef who has reinterpreted the restaurant’s cuisine with a touch of creativity and a sense of humour. A distinct Asian touch has been added to Arola’s classic dishes. The sampling menu is a real feast. 

Zagat : Food 26/30 Decor 24/30 Service 24/30 Cost VE  51 reviews

“Epicures” enthuse over the “sophisticated tapas” and other “outstanding” dishes matched by “exciting Spanish wines” at this “modern” Catalan by Sergi Arola, a disciple of Ferran Adrià, in the Hotel Arts; “superb” service and “lots of atmosphere”, complete with “magnificent views” of Olympic Harbor plus live music and DJs on the weekends, mean it’s “excellent” all around – just “be prepared to pay the price.” 

Cette photo de Restaurante Arola est fournie gracieusement par TripAdvisor

Frommer's 
Blessed with two Michelin stars, Catalan chef Sergi Arola is a rising star of Spain's culinary world. The setting for his first restaurant in Barcelona (the other, Sergi Arola Gastro, is in Madrid) is the luxury Hotel Arts in the Olympic Village. Amid a pop-art interior of purple and lime green, Arola starts off with hot or cold picas (nibbles) that range from artichoke hearts with garlic and parsley to tacos de lubina (chunks of sea bass) or patatas bravas arranged on the plate to look like tiny breasts. Main courses include Mediterranean standards imbued with Arola magic: Mejillones (mussels) with citrus juice and saffron, Gorgonzola cheese croquettes, grilled gambas (prawns) with potato cream, and lubina (sea bass) with an emulsion of watercress. The dessert of goat's cheese, macadamia nuts, tomato jelly, and quince cream will convince you of his talent.

Joséphine

Address: Carrer de Pau Claris, 147. At València.
Area: Eixample Dret.                 MAP IT
Tel. Reservations: 933 300 303
Price: From 30-45 Euros. (Precio medio 35 €)
Open: Monday to Sunday from 13-16hr and from 20:30-24hr. Bar from 9hr. Cocktail bar until 3hr.
Closed: 1st January.

TripAdvisor : 3.5/5  rank 1505 / 4217   53 reviews
Yelp : 2/5   7 reviews  VipGourmet  : 4.6/10  5 opinions
Qype : 4/5  2 reviews  El Tenedor : 6.6/10   11 reviews




Bcn Restaurantes
With a French name and a New York style look, Joséphine is a charming spot boasting a cosmopolitan and chic atmosphere and a very personal decoration located one block away from the emblematic Passeig de Gràcia.
Opened in December 2010 by fashion designer Catherine Guerra, this cosy bar and restaurant draws the attention from the street with a cute facade decorated with dozens of small flowerpots. Once inside, we find a very special space with a vintage touch decorated by renowned interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violán, with a marble bar, a stunning cabinet full of bottles, leather seats, large mirrors and lamps and warm lighting.
Joséphine serves breakfast in the morning, tapas between meals, lunch menu and dinner. Made with quality products, the Mediterranean-inspired menu is ideal for casual dining.
Besides, after dinner the space surrends to the charms of the night with great cocktails made with fresh fruit and a select premium gin list. On Thursday and Friday night there are live jazz and soul sessions, the finishing touch to a perfect night!

Barcelona.com
Joséphine's restaurant is part of Mediterranean cuisine, with more or less elaborate options always based on quality products made using two different styles, depending on what appeals to everyone.
On the one hand, you can opt for a mix of three tasting portions and, for another hand, a more robust dish. All at affordable price, making it an ideal place for an improvised meal, friends or couples.
The inside design is one of its highlights: urban, modern and cosmopolitan, reminded me of the Lower East Side New York, though in small size. It appeals for its mix between old, vintage bar, the lamps and chairs at the entrance, and up-to-date, for its atmosphere and culinary offerings and a terrace of the same style.
A very nice and cosy place not to miss!

Secret of Barcelona
If you like something urban and chic, stop at Josephine.
Josephine is a nice little bar & restaurant, which was opened quite recently. The place is impossible to pass unnoticed, as you will realise when you see its interesting décor - there are flower pots hanging around large windows and the place breathes an air of chic New York style. The interior is modern and cosmopolitan, it reminds us of the Lower East Side in New York or Paris. Personally, we got seduced by the smart combination of the new and old; the place has vintage lamps and antique furniture, yet the atmosphere feels fresh and new. Needless to say, the food is delicious.
As their logo goes, Josephine is a Café-Comptoir-Deli-Bar, meaning here you can sit down for a chat while enjoying your coffee along with breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. You can also just come and have an afternoon drink or take some delicatessen goodies back home with you. The atmosphere is pleasant, with its soothing background music by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, among others.
Try their breakfast menus or just a simple coffee with milk and their classic croissants, we loved it.

Spotted by Locals
Joséphine has quickly become one of my favourite lunchtime places to meet up with friends for a tasty, economical menú del día. When Joséphine first opened we thought it was a florists. You can see why from the above photo. It describes itself as a café-comptoir-deli-bar. The place exudes an authentic French vibe with elegant décor and, appropriately, is situated not very far from the Passatge dels Camps Elisis. 
Interestingly, your three lunch dishes all arrive on the same big plate. (Must save them a fair bit of washing-up!). The lunch menu comprises three dishes (served on the same plate) with bread, water and a large glass of wine and a dessert. Good food. And, if you don’t fancy a lunch special then can always order a croque monsieur or other single snack item. 
 It is a very popular lunch spot for local office workers and does get very busy, so expect a bit of a wait for a table. You may be able to find a space at the bar while you wait for a table. It’s worth the wait. The food is quite expensive in the evening but it’s a good place to chill and chat with a cocktail. It’s just a short stroll off the Passeig de Gràcia.

Restalo.uk : 8/10  7 reviews
Near the Paseo de Gracia of Barcelona, in the left Eixample district there is the restaurant Joséphine, a place undoubtedly original in which you can find recipes of Mediterranean cuisine and tapas. From its entrance filled with potted plants and the decorative glass door to the retro 20's decor, the restaurant Joséphine will make you feel in a vintage New York bar.
The original formula cuisine of the Joséphine restaurant is based on the Mediterranean cuisine with author cuisine touches, offering a mix of degustation dishes or larger dishes, all at an affordable price to make Joséphine a unique restaurant for impromptu meals, either with your friends or your couple. Some of its most famous dishes are the oxtail croquettes or the steak tartare to the French minute steak, tuna or salmon.
Fully characterized by its vintage bar, its lamps and chairs placed in the hall, its atmosphere and its cuisine, the restaurant Joséphine will make you feel in an urban, modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere and enjoy a dinner feeling like in the New York of the 20's.

Nile Guide
Beautifully designed, Josephine is a quaint and understated restaurant with a rustic elegance. Featuring an extensive brunch, lunch as well as dinner menu, it has a wide variety of traditional food as well an extensive wine and alcohol selection. Perfect for dates or intimate dinners, it's romantic yet not over the top and reasonably priced. Situated at the edge of the Eixample district, you're close to both the Born and a quick walk to Gracia, both excellent neighborhoods to spend the evening once you're finished dining. 


60 x 80

For some this little Barcelona corner joint has taken the best from its French-American-Spanish genes. Located just off Passeig de Gracia, the city’s prime shopping street, there’s jazzy tunes, moody lighting and a relaxed bistro atmosphere on offer at Josephine.
Others may take greater note of the invariably spotty service and forgettable cuisine, but there’s little wrong with the casual vibe, drawing in an attractive crowd. Wooden tables and leather sofas hint at NYC, with floating lanterns and vintage lamps adding a casual, slightly haphazard edge compared to the big, solid bar with its glass cabinets of alcoholic curiosities.
Weekend brunch is prime time, but the set weekday lunch menu is good value at around 12 euros, with snacks like croque monsieurs available if you’re looking for a light bite. Its deli style counter has a good selection of cheeses, sandwiches and cakes for a perfect afternoon pitstop.