Fur Coat's Guide to Barcelona
This week The DJ Cookbook had the opportunity to get Fur Coat’s inside scoop to their favorite spots in Barcelona. Although native to Venezuela, the duo has been residing in Barcelona for quiet some time and has learned the ins and outs of where to eat, record shop and hang in this magical city. We hope this guide is useful through your Sonar / Off Sonar adventures.
Check out Fur Coat’s debut EP release “Genesis” on their new label Oddity, out July 14th.
Restaurants
Mako Japanese Tavern – Sushi: (Carrer de Lluís el Piadós, 5)
They recently opened a new place in Consell de Cent. I first came here (Sergio) because of a Chef friend of mine Sebastian Mazzola, who has a nice project in Barcelona (La Nave Del Sake) where they host private dinners and they distribute sake in the city. If you have time you should definitely check them out. But when looking for quality fresh fish and a proper sushi and sake selection, this is the place to go!
Xemei – Italian: (Paseo de la Exposición, 85)
A classic restaurant, and probably our favorite Italian here in Barcelona. Owned by Stefano and Max Colombo, two brothers who specialize in Venetian cuisine. It’s probably the number one DJ hotspot in town because during the year other DJ friends that live here and abroad know about it. The octopus leg, the burrata and all the pastas are the bomb!
Pez Vela – Paella and Arroces: (Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19 – 21) or Cheriff: (Carrer de Ginebra, 15)
There are usually two options when we go out for arroz caldoso or paella. If we are in the mood for sun, a nice terrace and some drinks then the place to go is El Pez Vela. All of their rice dishes are simply amazing.
If you are up for something more old school and traditional, then you can hit El Cheriff. The rice and the navajas here are also amazing. It’s a pretty small place, and you definitely need a reservation before going.
Bar Cañete – Tapas: (Carrer de la Unió, 17)
Bar Cañete is one of the most known places for Tapas here in Barcelona. It is near Near Liceu metro station, and you can eat at a table or at the bar. Their tapas dishes are really, really good!
Parking Pizza – Pizza: (Carrer de Londres, 98) or Frankie Gallo Cha Cha Cha: (Carrer del Marquès de Barberà, 15)
Both pizzerias are kind of new in town. Parking Pizza is a small and cozy place. You have to get their burrata pizza, also the pepperoni and truffle egg pizza!
Frankie Gallo Cha Cha Cha is from the same brothers as Xemei. This is their new project and they’ve been killing it with their pizzas. The steak tartar, the porchetta and the carbonara pizzas are a must. We got to know this place thanks to our friend Ali (Dubfire) who is also a foodie. We actually celebrated his birthday here with some close friends when the place wasn’t fully open yet. From that day on, we fell in love with it!
Costa Pacifico – Mexican Tostadas: (Plaça de Sant Agustí Vell, 13)
This is the new Cevicheria place from the guys of Tlaxcal. They focus here more on tostadas, ceviches and seafood! You can’t miss the tuna tostadas.
Record Shops
Discos Paradiso: Carrer de Ferlandina, 39
This is probably the most well known shop in Barcelona, especially now, as they are hosting some events during Sonar. They have a great selection for all genres. Definitely a place to check out!
Subwax: Carrer del Marquès de la Mina, 2
Subwax used to be in Calle Tallers but they moved to La Barceloneta. They are more focused on electronic music and always bring fresh stuff, so it’s definitely a place to drop by when in need of new vinyl.
Bars
Solange: (Carrer d’Aribau, 143)
Quiet classic bar with top cocktails. If you’re in the mood to chill then this is the place to be. Adriana Chia, a good friend of mine (Sergio) works here. She is the best bartender, and you can try many of her drinks there.
The Wittmore: (Carrer de Riudarenes, 7)
A nice bar, near el Gòtico, inside a hotel. It’s really relaxed and ideal for some cocktails before going to a party.
Paradiso: (Carrer de Rera Palau, 4)
This is a speakeasy place that has become very famous. It has really nice cocktails and a great selection of booze, from Japanese whisky to Venezuelan rums, plus they also have a pastrami bar so you can have a late night bite with your drink if you want.
Balius Bar: (Carrer de Pujades, 196)
This is one of my most recent discoveries (Sergio) in my neighborhood (Poble Nou). It’s a great choice for me when I want to stay closer to home. They have a good selection of whiskey and other spirits, along with craft beer made in Poble Nou and great mixologists.
Places to visit
MACBA – Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona: (Plaça dels Àngels, 1)
If you’re into museums, you shouldn’t miss this one. Definitely go and see the outdoor walls where you can check out a Keith Haring mural.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta: (Passeig dels Castanyers, 1)
A really nice place to go and enjoy a bit of nature. There are some cool labyrinths, and it’s a big park where you can have some peace and quiet and lots of greenery of course.
Gotico: Gothic Quarter
This is probably the part of town that you have to visit the most. You can go shopping for clothes, visit nice bars, or just have an awesome day or night stroll.
Costa Brava: Girona
If you are in Barcelona, but you want to see the real beaches where the locals go, then Costa Brava is the place for you. You will need a car, but it’s worth the drive!
