Hot chocolate and churros: our top destinations in Barcelona
Hot chocolate is a tradition in Barcelona. It’s drunk thick and served with churros or melindros, very light finger biscuits. The “gourmet” version of hot chocolate is known as suís (Swiss), with a generous helping of unsweetened whipped cream on top.
Hot chocolate (xocolata desfeta in Catalan) is served in many cafés, but it’s traditionally drunk in establishments known as granjas (barns).
This name harks back to bygone decades, when dairy stores were attached to barns from which they sold milk and butter, but also pastries and coffees. The granjas have since become ideal venues for a sweet mid-morning or afternoon snack.
Today, the granja name, exclusively reserved to Catalonia, is intimately linked to hot chocolate.
- Some of the addresses in this article are also included in the Barcelona for Foodies tour, a very tasty way of discovering a new side to Barcelona!
1- Hot chocolate: Granja La Pallaresa
The décor at La Pallaresa is a rather plain, no-frills affair – but the waiting staff are impeccably turned out, with white shirts and bow ties. Hot chocolate in Barcelona is a serious, gourmet affair!
The chocolate at La Pallaresa is one of our favourites – lighter than Viader’s offering, with a more subtle flavour than the Dulcinea version. The secret? Spices added to the chocolate (we can’t work out whether it’s cinnamon or cardamom). Another great selling point: the generous helping of churros!
Why? For the quality of the products
How much? Suís approx. €3, churros under €2
When? Monday – Saturday: 9am – 1pm, 4pm – 9pm; Sunday: 9am – 1pm, 5pm – 9pm
Where? Pallaresa 11, Gòtic (metro: Liceu)
2- Hot chocolate: Granja Viader
Granja Viader is one of Barcelona’s iconic destinations. It’s loved by the locals for its authenticity, and has been run by the same family for 5 generations. The melindros are fabulous, and the décor alone warrants a visit! Granja Viader can be a little hard to find, tucked away down a small side street near Las Ramblas, in the Raval.
- For more details, see our article on Granja Viader.
Why? For its authenticity
How much? Suìs approx. €4, melindros just under €2
When? Monday – Saturday, 9am – 1.15pm and 5pm – 9.15pm
Where? Carrer d’en Xuclà 6, Raval (metro Liceu)
3- Hot chocolate: La Nena
La Nena is a very welcoming place and perfect for children, with a special corner full of toys and books.
There’s a whole range of hot chocolate on offer: xocolata desfeta, suís, Russian (with a scoop of vanilla ice cream), Brazilian (with a scoop of coffee ice cream) and French. La Nena even has its own speciality, the xococafè (a sort of mocha).
The chocolate is always served with a churro (traditionally dunked in the cup in order to soak up the thick liquid). If you’re hungry or fancy a treat, try one of the fabulous and tempting home-made pastries displayed along the counter.
- For more details on La Nena, see our article.
Why? For the friendly atmosphere
How much? Hot chocolate approx. €3
When? Monday: 8.30am – 2pm, 4pm – 10pm; Tuesday – Friday: 8.30am – 10.30pm; Saturday, 9am – 10.30pm; Sunday, 9.30am – 10.3opm
Where? Carrer de Ramón i Cajal 36, Gràcia (metro: Joanic or Fontana)
4- Hot chocolate: Granja Dulcinea
Granja Dulcinea was founded in 1941 and has retained a charming retro atmosphere, with lots of bare wood contributing to the impression of warmth.
The granja is just a stone’s throw from Las Ramblas, on Carrer Petritxol, just down the street from Granja Pallaresa. Whilst we have a slight preference for the chocolate served at Pallaresa, the décor at Dulcinea is much prettier and the atmosphere is better. You’ll just have to try both to see which you prefer!
Hint: get the melindros rather than the churros, which can be a little oily. That said, Dulcinea remains a classic destination for chocolate in Barcelona – one to discover!
Why? For its retro charm
How much? Suís approx. €3.50, churros under €2
When? Monday – Sunday, 9am – 1pm and 5pm – 9pm
Where? Petritxol 2, Gòtic (metro: Liceu)
5- Hot chocolate: la Casa Amatller
, next to the eccentric Casa Batlló is a beautiful Art Nouveau house built by the contemporary architect Puig i Cadafalch.
This beautiful house belonged to a family of chocolatiers. Nowadays, there is a beautiful cafeteria where you can enjoy an excellent hot chocolate at any time.
You will certainly enjoy this delicious hot drink served in a pretty cup signed on behalf of the house. The chocolate is thin, with a thick texture (but just right) and the taste is very balanced.
The icing on the cake? In the shop at the entrance, you can buy the cups and chocolate bars to prepare this tasty hot drink once you arrive at home. A nice gourmet souvenir to bring back home!
Why? Pour son goût très équilibré et le cadre moderniste de la cafétéria
How much? Aux alentours de 5 euros
When? Monday-Friday from 8am to 10pm, on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:30am to 10:30pm.
Where? Passeig de Gràcia, 41 (metro Passeig de Gràcia)
- Die-hard chocolate fans won’t want to miss the original and surprising Chocolate Museum!
