28th March 2024
Food & Drink

Tapas and romance in Pepa Pla

Autumn is here and so are the romantic evenings, together with your loved one.

Barcelona is a city for romance, and when it comes to candle-lit dinners there are a few interesting options to choose from.

One of the most fascinating additions to the gastro bar scene in Barcelona is Pepa Pla.

Pepa Pla
Pepa Pla used to be a bookshop. The bookshelves on the walls are now filled with wine bottles (MA)

Slightly off the radar, this fairly recently-opened wine bar used to be a book shop for many years.

Many elements from that time have been beautifully preserved, such as the book shelves on the walls that are now filled with wine bottles, the colourful floor tiles and the exposed brick walls.

The friendly staff are happy to share the fascinating secrets that the place holds. 

I recommend choosing a seat in the back where the open kitchen is located in order to see all the action behind the scenes, although the cosy tables at the front are lit by reading lamps and also create plenty of atmosphere for a cosy dinner for two.  

The staff add to the charm of the place, no doubt. They’re a friendly and enthusiastic bunch, quick to make you feel at home, and very knowledgeable about both the food and the wines they’re serving.

Magret de pato
Pepa Pla’s ‘Magret de pato con limón, cortado crudo como carpaccio y acompañado de setas’ (MA)

Looking at the menu you will see an array of dishes to share, perfect for an intimate evening.

The ingredients are local and the dishes are a nudge to the classics, but with plenty of innovation and surprises.

If you see the mussels with vermouth and orange make sure you order them. And save room for dessert!

The brioche with chocolate, raspberry and meringue is mind-blowing, as is the pistachio tiramisu that is the talk of the town for those who are in the know. 

Brioche de chocolate y frambuesa
Pepa Pla’s ‘brioche de chocolate y frambuesa’. Irresistible! (MA)

You can not talk about Pepa Pla without mentioning the wines.

If you are a fan of good wines you will not be disappointed here.

The staff will be happy to answer all your questions and suggest interesting pairings to your dishes.

There are plenty of unusual and fun wines to choose from, most of them organic and natural.

Should vermouth be more your kind of thing then you will find it here too, even on tap, and delectable snacks to go with it such as hand-cut chips if you are feeling peckish and prefer to forego a full lunch or dinner.

 Pepa Pla, Aribau 41, Barcelona. Tel: (+ 34) 936 11 18 85.

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