Bakeries of Barcelona
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How? How is it that I have been writing a newsletter for almost two years and I haven’t written one about my favorite topic: bakeries. Okay, so let’s do this and let’s do this right! Bakeries in Barcelona, my second (third, fourth?) home whose flavors compelled me to try baking. I missed those bakeries so much. I always miss them. I walk out of their door and I miss them, I love them that much.
One of the hardest parts of leaving Barcelona is saying good-bye to the rich and abundant bakery culture of the city—unique and yet so traditional to the region of Catalonia. Old, new, experimental and traditional. The ancient entrepreneurship of Barcelona hasn’t been lost on its bakeries.
Today I want to share some of my favorite bakeries across Catalonia as well as some bakeries I can’t wait to visit during this trip. Just a taste, because I’m pretty overwhelmed and I want to pace myself—there’s so much! And hey, bakeries are a personal thing so don’t be worried if someone’s favorite isn’t yours. I want to share bakeries that I think give you an incredible experience that will enhance your love of the craft, deepen your appreciation of the materials, and at least give you a delicious fare to enjoy.
L’ESPIGA D’OR in VILANOVA I LA GELTRÚ
This might be my favorite bread bakery in the world! And no, I’m not being hyperbolic. This is fact. If I had to choose only one to visit, this is the one for me. Those of you who know my work know that I don’t throw around high praise without tangible evidence.
L’Espiga d’Or is a fifth generation owned bakery. Jordi Morera is the owner and head baker. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with both amateur and professional bakers. Jordi uses social media to teach and share his passion for baking, or more specifically naturally leavened baking.
Another aspect of his dedication to the craft of baking is his commitment to using organically and locally grown grains. They even mill their grain directly at the bakery using a beautiful stone ground mill. This is something special. It is very rare to find bakeries (and bakers) who work directly with farmers growing the grains as well as mill and extract their own flour.
The bakery also uses pasta madre (sourdough starter) in many of their baked goods. Jordi has a bit of an obsession with fermentation and using ancient grain varieties in his breads. Just look at the wide variety of breads!
In addition to all the wonderful breads, you can also find a large variety of regional baked goods such as xuixo, ensaïmadas, coca, bunyols, pa de Sant Jordi, and many others. Just take a look for yourself.
Seriously don’t sleep on their ensaïmadas and their olive oil brioche!
ORIGO in BARCELONA
Origo has two locations now. The original location is in one of my favorite neighborhoods of Barcelona, Gràcia. I just love how intimate the neighborhood feels. The streets are small and winding. There are what feels like endless bodegas, bars, vermuterias, restaurants, bakeries, local shops, and even international markets.
The bakery opened in 2018, and I got a chance to visit it for the first time in 2019. François de Halleux is the owner and head baker who is extremely dedicated to the craft of baking and fermentation.
In addition to a ton of delicious sourdough bread options, you can find some of the best tasting cinnamon (kanelbullar) and cardamom rolls (kardemummabullar) in the city!
COUSH ARMO in BARCELONA
This is my newest favorite bakery in the city. I visited the Gràcia location (they have two others) in fall 2023, and to be completely honest I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. They have these stunning pastries Medialuna de Manteca made with lard, and in their case they actually use manteca ibérica! Just look at those crispy edges. Don’t they just make you want to take a bite.
The use of (manteca de cerdo) instead of butter is actually quite a popular practice here in Catalonia. Pig is king.
The bakery itself has Catalan, French, and Argentinian influences.
Whatever you do, if you find yourself in any of the three neighborhoods that house the bakery do yourself a favor and give their baked goods a try. You will not be sorry.
For anyone who doesn’t consume animal products the bakery offers plenty of vegan options as well.
PANES CREATIVOS in BARCELONA
Another baker I admire a lot is Daniel Jordà, he is the owner of Panes Creativos. Located in one of the less popular districts of Barcelona, Nou Barris, but very much worth exploring if you ever visit the city.
Daniel was awarded the best Panettone of Spain in both 2021 and 2022. Before becoming a baker, Daniel was a practicing artist. He adds his creativity to all of his baked goods whether that’s through flavor, colors, design, etc.
He recently published a Panettone baking book for anyone interested in learning more about his process. I am going to try and buy a copy while I am here!
FORN DE PA I PASTISSERIA CASAS in CUNIT
An absolutely lovely neighborhood bakery with the best xuixo de crema I have had to date, and I have eaten at least 50 of these over the last 5 years. It is seriously good. The exterior is perfectly crispy and the dough wasn’t overly drenched in fat, which can happen quite often. A xuixo is a fried croissant of sorts filled with a type of pastry cream. Or as I like to call it the original Cronut. The bakery has the kindest staff as well.
BAKERIES I WANT TO VISIT:
Ca l'Agustí, forners des de 1884
Carretera de Ribes, 19, 08698 Cercs, Barcelona, Spain
This is a gem of a place in a little town called Cerc in the comarca of Berguedà in Catalonia.
La Fabrique
Carrer de Radas, 35, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
A eco-minded bakery making organic baked goods in the Poble Sec neighborhood.
Obelisc
Carrer de Provença, 118, L'Eixample, 08029 Barcelona, Spain
I actually made it to the bakery itself last fall but they were literally sold out of everything but one loaf of bread. I am planning on visiting them again this time around except I am going in the morning!
A27bakehouse
Carrer del Carme, 53, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
I really want to try their croissants! Just look at them! Located in the hustling and bustling Raval district.
Pa de Kilo
Carrer del Doctor Dou, 12, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Very excited to try as many baked goods as possible here. It has been on my list for years now!
Quim Pa!
Plaça dels Cotxes, 6, 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain
Another stunning bakery serving traditional Catalan baked goods and seasonal breads.
The photo of the bagels looks so good, everything looks so good. I am working on my passport this Tuesday and hopefully one day I will be able to go through some of these bakeries! Very interest!! 🤲
Amazing Guide! Would you perhaps have any recommendations for Madrid?