Restaurant
catalan and market kitchen
Bohemian Barcelona
The Raval area is one of the favorite locations for young people who are looking for a taste of the charming past in The Bodega Bohemia, El Pastís, London Bar and Bar Marsella.
Far from the bad reputation it had years ago, The Raval is a hot spot at night, full of young people who flee from designer bars and who like to get a feel of the bohemian charm in the city. Before starting a night out, many look for a restaurant that is good in terms of price/quality. One of the best options is El Cafetí. Having been in existence for more than 17 years, this restaurant surprises its customers from the onset. Firstly for its location on the corner of a curious passageway and secondly for its archaic decoration which portrays Modernist Barcelona and which in some way reminds you of your granny´s house.
El Cafetí, after a rough period when it nearly lost its charm, recovered its splendour with Toni Fragaso, one of the present day owners. First they considered putting a bar but finally they opted for a restaurant. Regarding the image "we looked to decorate it exactly as the house was, with old furniture, low lighting and to create a relaxed atmosphere." Just from entering into the restaurant you can get a feel for the uniqueness of El Cafetí which is comprised of two dinning rooms on the ground floor and a third up on the first floor. Eating in this space is like eating off your own dinning room table. Among the decorations there is an old French dresser, various plates and pictures, an old fashioned radio and some masks from New Ginea. Specialising in fish, rice dishes and meat, El Cafetí (3000ptas) has a loyal and familiar clientelle. Artists such as La Cubana or Marianne Saegebrecht have eaten there. The actress went to dinner in El Cafetí when Bagdad Café was being launched. She was recognised by others in the restaurant. and as hoped for by the others, Marianne stood up and said that ¨she had liked El Cafetí more than Bagdad Café¨.
After eating in El Cafetí amusement options are numerous. Those looking for a unique, quiet place can go to London Bar, La Bodega Bohemia, Bar Marsella or El Pastís. For those looking for something a bit livelier there is Enfants and New York. The latter mentioned, after the caberet hour is a place that unites young fans of indie music and British pop. In Enfants you can hear the old classic rockers. Close by is London Bar. On the night of Saint John 1910, this decadent but attractive bar was opened in which there are some shows, concerts or theatre. Not far from there is Bodega Bohemia. This centenery bar challenges the most daring to show off their artistic talents in which tonight Luis Farnox is playing. In the frenchified Bar Marsella there are also shows but its fame is owed to its atmosphere and the Absenta, a strong liquor. The route is complete with the Edith Piaf sanctuary El Pastís. Under its ambigous charm people such as Juan Marsé, Joseph Mª Flotats o Aute have been there.
Celes Piedrabuena
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