The Crème of Barcelona – Unique Luxury

Heading to Barcelona? Live there? Be sure to check out the BCN ProjecTravel Blog for things to do, places to go, and to learn more about this brilliant city.

BY JACINTO VIDRÓ

EATS

When you think about the best restaurants in the world, Catalonia definitely isn’t the first place that pops into your mind. Some may say New York with Per Se is at the top of the list, Londoners will claim the Fat Duck to be the top restaurant globally, but the reality is that a small restaurant just outside of Barcelona has been holding “World’s Best Restaurant” for four years in a row.  With Spain being home to four of the top ten restaurants in the world, two of which are in Catalonia, you can rest assured that your culinary desires will easily be well met.

In first place globally you’ll find the world-renowned elBulli, brainchild of Ferran Adria and located outside of Barcelona in Roses. A typical meal here will set you back €250. Pricey yes, but well worth it, and if planning to go make sure that you book your table well in advance. Typically reservations are open up to six months in advance.

elBulli : Apartado 30, Roses en Cala Montjol, Spain : +34 972 150 457

In second place you’ll find El Celler de Can Roca, which has just recently shot up the global restaurant list to take 5^th place globally – a restaurant founded by the Roca family in the eighties and now run by three brothers, it offers a dining experience that is truly innovative. As with elBulli, if you’re planning to go be sure to book well in advance.

El Celler de Can Roca : Ctra. Taialà, 40, 17007 Girona, Spain: +34 972 222 157

Inside Barcelona you have plenty of choices as well, but following the New Catalan theme set by Ferran Adria we can recommend Alkimia. Located in Eixample Izquierda, this restaurant’s tasting menus will set you back up to €74, but are well worth every cent – again don’t forget to book.

Alkimia: C/ Indústria 79,  08025, Barceona Spain: +34 932 076 151

BUYS

No doubt about it, the food in Barcelona is some of the best in the world, but what about other luxury goods? Unsurprisingly enough, this European cultural hub has some exceptional things to offer the luxury consumer with a refined taste.

TIMEPIECES

To start with, we have a watch company that has been making some serious waves in the world of watches. Pita Barcelona is a boutique that not only makes its watches by hand, which in today’s day and age is a rarity, but also offers a truly unique experience for the owners of their products. Each watch is fully customisable, and comes from a limited series. So while your cousin, uncle and golf partner may all have the same factory-made Rolex, you’ll know that your timepiece is truly unique if you go to Pita. Notwithstanding, the company has also patented a technology that allows for their new model, the Oceana, which is water-resistant up to 5,000 meters. Yes, you read that right, five thousand metres. While overkill for any diver, the simple fact that it can go that deep is cool enough in itself, and best of all you can look stylish whilst diving in the Seychelles.

Watches range from a few thousand euros up to €20,000 – for more information on Pita head to their website.

PITA BARCELONA – Av. Meridiana 223, E-08027 Barcelona : +34 933406346

CLOTHING  – WOMEN

Yes you can go to el Corte Ingles, yes there are malls and the big global names you would expect, but elegance and clothing are something unique and so is the way we present ourselves to the world. For those who want designer fashions but not the same old trite names, we’d like to present you with Folclore.

A boutique shop located in el Born that specialises in haute Portuguese fashion. Their clothing ranges from smart to funky and the owner is more than happy to talk with potential customers about the current movement in Portuguese fashion. If you drop into this store, you will not be disappointed.

FOLCLORE – C/ Canvis Nous 1,  08003 Barcelona : +34 93 319 56 94

CLOTHING – MEN

While Spanish tailors may not be as globally renowned as their Italian counterparts, this for the most part has to do with the effective international seclusion of Spain up until the death of Franco.

And while Barcelona does not have its own Saville Row, there is most undoubtedly a bespoke men’s tailoring solution that goes by the name of Señor. Founded in 1961, this now small chain of men’s wear will make you a suit within two weeks and for a very reasonable fee. By reasonable we mean €250+ for super 120s and better that you simply don’t get anywhere else.

SEÑOR – Psg. de Gràcia 26, 08007 Barcelona : +34 93 317 69 67

Know of any special places in Barcelona? Let us know in the comment section.