Perhaps the most essential component of the Catalan diet is bread. Bread is a matter that is taken seriously in Barcelona and, in the last couple of years, there has been a growing trend for returning to some of the more traditional methods of production, and these include using sourdough breads and wood-fired ovens. Barcelona is filled with bakeries and pastry shops, and it can be difficult to find the best ones, so if you are a self-respecting bread lover, here is our guide to some of the best bakeries in Barcelona that you need to go to.
Forn Baluard
This is one of the most well-established and well-known bakeries in the whole of Barcelona, so do not be surprised to find the bread from this bakery on the menus of some of the finest restaurants in town. Known for their use of organic flour and a great selection of breads, Baulard is found in the very heart of the Barceloneta neighborhood, right on the main square, across from the market.
The bakery also offers freshly-made sandwiches and other savory treats which are ideal for a quick snack or a light lunch before you hit the beach. This is one true Barcelona institution and you can find it on Carrer del Baluart 38. Also, you can find their baked goods at their Eixample establishment.
Facebook: fb.com/Forn-Baluard/
Directions: Google Maps
Barcelona Reykjavik
This bakery is proud to be 100% organic, which means that only organic and certified ingredients are used in their breads. Eggs, flour, butter and every vegetable and fruit used in their savory and sweet treats are all of the highest quality. Besides these, they also use biodynamic sourdough, meaning that the naturally occurring yeasts that are found in biodynamic flours are fermenting the dough, and that causes the dough to rise.
The use of special organic flours and the longer fermentation mean that these breads are much easier to assimilate and digest, and also much more nutritious, not to mention delicious. The Barcelona Reykjavik bakery is located in Calle Doctor Dou 12, so when you find yourself craving for a delicious slice of bread, you know where you need to go.
Facebook: fb.com/bcnrvk
Directions: Google Maps
Cloudstreet Bakery
This bakery is located near the Hospital Clinic in Eixample, and it is rumored to be in possession of one of the oldest wood-fired bakery ovens in Barcelona. Their wood-fired oven dates back to 1932, fed with wood logs, lit in the very early hours in the morning, to ensure that it will be ready to bake the first loaves for breakfast.
Every bread, bun and biscuit found at Cloudstreet is hand-made and filled with a subtle smoky aroma. The head baker of this bakery, Tonatiuh, first came to Barcelona to study Medieval music, but decided to turn his hands to his other passion, baking. If you are in the mood to try pastries which will tingle your every sense, head down to Carrer del Rosselló 112 to enjoy some hot, fresh, smoky bread.
Facebook: fb.com/CloudstreetBakery
Directions: Google Maps
La Fabrique
As a bakery that only uses organic flour, the sourdough method and a fermentation of a minimum of 18 hours, it’s no wonder why this makes many bread-lovers fall in love with La Fabrique. This bakery is located in the back streets of Poble Sec, and it represents a neighborhood gem. It is worth visiting not only for the amazing quality of the their breads, but also for the offer of Spanish pastries and French viennoiseries.
Some of those are pain au chocolat, buttery croissants, a frangipane-filled pain au chocolat, pain au chocolat aux amandes. La Fabrique offers a variety of specialty breads with spelt, rye and Khorasan wheat flours, which are available on rotation during the week. So, head down to Carrer de Radas 35, and grab some of the pastries above; we are sure you won’t regret it.
Facebook: fb.com/La-Fabrique-Poble-Sec
Directions: Google Maps
Cruixent
If you speak a little Catalan, you may recognize the meaning of this bakery’s name, and if you don’t, we will tell you; it means “crunchy”. This name alludes to the texture of the freshly baked loaves that this bakery crafts each and every day. Josep, the head baker, has worked for local French bakeries, gathered all the needed knowledge and he later set up his own bakery, where he still crafts bread using a combination of modern equipment and the traditional sourdough method. Go and check out this crispy bakery on Carrer de Pujades 173, and see what years of experience taste like.
Facebook: fb.com/cruixentbcn/
Directions: Google Map
This is our selection of bakeries you simply must go to when you find yourself in Barcelona. Make sure to try them all; you will be amazed with the taste of their fresh breads and pastries, but be careful; do not overdo it. After all, you have to count your calories. Bon Apetit!