We are entering the sweet weeks; days of nougat, shortbread, wafers, marzipan, or roscones. And, for chocolate lovers, Christmas will once again be a great excuse to enjoy the best cocoa, whether in a cup, in bars, or however they present it to us, but as much as possible, of the finest quality.
We present a small route to enjoy it in all its forms, in itinerant proposals, following the trend of pop-up events by renowned chocolatiers from other cities that make a stop in Barcelona; whether sitting down to savor it in a cup or observing the production process on a museum tour. We are in one of the chocolate capitals, with a recognized chocolate tradition worldwide, and we have a voracious appetite for cocoa.
Pop-ups for chocolatiers
Jordi Roca at Casa Seat
109 Pg. De Gràcia
Jordi Roca has set up shop this Christmas at Casa Seat to make a dream come true: the youngest of the Roca brothers says they gave him carte blanche to bring his sweet imagination to the spectacular venue. They didn't have to tell him more. On the ground floor, he combines his creations from Rocambolesc and Casa Cacao; on the first floor, the little ones can drink their hot chocolate, see the chocolate making process from bean to bar, and deliver their letter to Santa Claus himself. In the basement, workshops are held.
Jordi Roca has set up shop at Casa Seat
Lluc Cruesllas at Montagud
7 Enric Granados
The renowned chocolatier Lluc Crusellas, who this year is launching a new collection of nougats from his Eukarya brand, has set up shop for a few weeks in the space formerly occupied by the gastronomic bookstore of the Montagud publishing house. What will he offer there? All of his creations that come out of his huge workshop in Vic. Crusellas, named the Best Chocolatier in the World in 2022, has everything ready to sell his sweets in Barcelona until Epiphany.
At the museum
Chocolate Museum
36 Comerç
Honoring the tradition of chocolate artists that the Catalan capital can boast of, the Chocolate Museum has a 600-square-meter space in the historic building of the former Sant Agustí convent with a truly interesting journey through the world of cocoa that allows visitors to understand the importance of its origins and the secrets of its production, as well as the artistry of creators of impressive figures.
Museum of Torró and Chocolate by Torrons Vicens
13 La Rambla
A year ago, Àngel Velasco fulfilled one of his father's dreams: to open the nougat and chocolate museum on Barcelona's famous Rambla. It is located above the Torrons Vicens store, in a 19th-century building that was formerly occupied by Banca Marsans, with a surface area of 400 square meters distributed in different rooms that take visitors on a journey through the history of both Agramunt nougat and chocolate, with period ambiance.
The chocolatier Lluc Crusellas will be appearing at Montagud Editores' store during these holidays
To the cup
Petritxol street
2 and 11 Petrixol
If there is a Barcelona street traditionally associated with chocolate and cold days, it is Petritxol. No “boomer” remembers without nostalgia the afternoons of hot chocolate or suizo with churros with parents or grandparents in the crowded chocolate shops. Dulcinea (2 Petritxol), La Pallaresa (11 Petritxol), and later, with a more modern atmosphere, Xocoa (11 Petritxol).
Granja Viader
4 Xuclà
Many of those who visit it do so out of curiosity to see the farm where the popular Cacaolat was born, but sitting at its tables and enjoying a steaming cup of hot chocolate with some melindros is an experience to get away from the noise and rush. Here, everything invites calmness.
36 Ramón y Cajal
For the past 20 years, the residents of Gràcia have had a popular churrería and chocolatería designed for the enjoyment of the little ones, who have a whole area dedicated to games. In addition to chocolate with churros, they offer cakes and some simple savory cooking suggestions.
The Chocolate Museum
With names and surnames
Enric Rovira
www.enricrovira.com
His work is that of one of the most renowned living chocolate artists in the world. Collections of bonbons, his chocolate bars (such as the one dedicated to the classic Panot), and his cocoa-based sculptures are symbols of the city. Rovira has always been inspired by Barcelona and serves as an ambassador worldwide. His creations, along with the unique packaging he designs himself, can be found in specialized stores and purchased on his website.
Oriol Balaguer
2 St. Gregori Taumaturg; 340 Travessera de les Corts; 65 Calàbria
The spectacular chocolate figures, their truffles, pastries, or cakes have true fans. Just like their panettone (they also have a chocolate variety), considered one of the best in the country. Without a doubt, it's one of the must-visit spots on the chocolate route in Barcelona.
Escribà
546 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, and 83 La Rambla
The visit to Christian Escribà, heir to one of the most brilliant master chocolatiers that Barcelona has seen, Antoni Escribà, is a classic. His Christmas proposal extends until Epiphany: Escribà's roscones have gained a reputation for being among the best in the city.
Hofmann
44 Flassaders, and 5 Pau Casals
Everything sold in Silvia Hofmann's pastry shops, daughter of one of the great masters of sweet cuisine, Mey Hofmann, is visually stunning. But aside from the beauty of her delicious creations, visiting her stores is already a Christmas pleasure in itself, and stepping in to buy one of her panettone (now also available in two-kilo size with chocolate) or any of her cocoa sweets is a real temptation.
One of Hoffman's Christmas candies
Mervier
566 Muntaner, and 15 Calvet
Many years have passed since the Canal family opened their store in Muntaner, a true modernity that included a tasting area for sweets and, of course, a good hot chocolate. In the first store opened by the family in Calvet, the chocolate workshop has been set up, allowing them to expand their cocoa creations.
The Pastisseria Barcelona
228 Aragó
After the renovation they carried out in the summer at their first store in Eixample, and the closure of the Via Augusta location, Josep Maria Rodríguez and Ana Jarquín continue to evolve their sweet offering with beautiful and delicious creations. The chocolate log, with different textures, is a classic for this time of year.
L’Atelier
140 bis Viladomat, and 16 Dr. Fleming
With workshop, school, and store with space for tasting, L’Atelier by Eric Ortuño and Ximena Pastor is excellent. A year ago they opened a branch in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi area, where they finalize the preparations in front of the customers.
Oriol Balaguer's chocolates
Cosmopolitan brands
Chök
3 Carme; 26 Ramelleres; 93 Asturias; 9 Comercial square
Just turned a decade old and continues to add establishments in different cities. They advocate for natural products and for producing in small quantities, based on the demand of each location. The one located on Ramelleres Street and in El Born neighborhood offers gluten-free options.
Cacao Sampaka
292 Consell de Cent
With stores in different cities around the world, this brand offers a wide variety of products that range from tablets, chocolates, nougats, coverings, creams, jams, to even sugar-free chocolates.
Chocolat Factory
The diversity of pieces in different sizes and price ranges from the various stores in the city makes them a good option for giving Christmas gifts.
