Barcelona has the ability to make walking down one of the most expensive avenues in the world feel, for a few days, like going out for tapas in the neighborhood, but with linen tablecloths and Michelin stars in the background . The Passeig de Gourmets returns this March to show that Paseo de Gràcia is not only for looking at, but also for eating. For ten days, the great culinary temples and the most exclusive hotels in the area lower the shutters of exclusivity to open those of shared gastronomy, offering everything from quick bites to experiences that demand you put your cell phone aside and enjoy.
This year, the big news is at the bar. The festival has decided that the moment between aperitif and dinner deserves its own spotlight, and to this end, it has forged alliances that look like something out of a trend magazine. The cocktail bar is dressing up, bringing together major hotels and international luxury brands. The Majestic Hotel & Spa is presenting a proposal in collaboration with Brunello Cucinelli, while at the Mandarin Oriental you can toast with a Chopard cocktail. These are not the only ones: The One is partnering with Ferragamo and Restaurant Solomillo is doing the same with Tous, offering drinks for €15 that promise to raise the bar for after-work drinks in Barcelona.
The tapas route and the return of the classics
For those who prefer the “nibble and move on” format, the Tapas Route remains at the heart of the event. For €10, which includes a glass of Estrella Damm, cava, or a Royal Bliss cocktail, you can sample creations that capture the essence of each cuisine in a smaller format. It’s the perfect excuse to step into places that sometimes command respect and discover that haute cuisine can also be accessible.
Added to this offer are the Entrepans d’Autor, a twist on the traditional sandwich, and the newly launched ReposteríaCreativa, designed for those who can’t imagine a stroll without a sweet treat along the way.
If you are looking for total immersion, the Gourmet Menus are once again the best option, subject to prior reservation. With prices ranging from €55 to €70, depending on whether you opt for the special cava pairing, these menus allow you to get to know each chef’s philosophy in depth.
Workshops, art, and social media secrets
Beyond the dishes, the festival offers a program of Gourmet Experiences that cover a wide range of topics. It won’t all be about eating; there will also be time to learn. From a steak tartare workshop at Sintonia to a show cooking event at the Virens restaurant featuring the most avant-garde vegetable cuisine.
There is even room for aesthetics: the Hotel Casa Fuster offers an activity that links gastronomy with art history, analyzing some of the most iconic paintings from a culinary perspective.
For those who are always looking for the perfect photo before taking the first bite, DOCava has organized a round table with personalities such as Rafuel and Meritxell Falgueras, where they will reveal the secrets to success on social media by creating gastronomic content. It is the perfect ending to a festival that, once again, makes Paseo de Gràcia the epicenter of flavor and allows us Barcelonians to reclaim, bite by bite, one of the most beautiful streets in our city.