As in Paris, Vienna, and Prague, the great patisseries of Madrid and Barcelona are not only where to find the best pastries but also where to enjoy the most elegant settings. You will find the best cakes, marzipan, and chocolates, as well as the best company. If you go to Madrid, you should definitely try the exquisite palmeras at El Horno de San Onofre, the delicate ensaimadas at Formentor, and the freshly made napolitanas at the Pastelería Mallorca, a classic in the city. In Barcelona, you will discover masterpieces of the sweet arts in places like La Colmena, Foix de Sarrià, and in the famous chocolate shop Escribà, on La Rambla: a Gothicstyle establishment founded in 1820. In Madrid, you will find the most traditional patisseries in the city centre. The Pasadizo de San Ginés is home to the legendary Chocolatería San Ginés, a mustvisit stop on your way to the Royal Palace of Madrid. Seven days a week, they serve the best churros and porras, which you can dip in a steaming cup of thick chocolate. In the same area, you will find the Pastelería Antigua del Pozo, where they make the most famous bartolillos in Madrid: small pastries filled with custard, which you can enjoy freshly made, hot, and crispy. The patisseries that make the best artisanal torrijas (a sort of French toast) are also located in the city centre. One of the best is the Pastelería Nunos, which has won several awards for its innovative approach to this traditional dessert. There are torrijas made with custard, with caramel, with chocolate, with wine, and even with mojito. You can also try the best traditional recipes at the La Oriental patisserie. Another traditional dessert you must try in Madrid is marzipan. At the Pastelería El Riojano, you can enjoy it as it was eaten by the former Spanish monarch, Queen Regent María Cristina. This patisserie, founded in 1855, is one of the most emblematic in the city. The glass showcases, the wooden counters, and the mirrors all reflect the essence of Madrid at the end of the 19th century. The Pastelería La Mallorquina, located at the beginning of Calle Mayor, is another of Madrids great establishments. Since 1894, they have been delighting Madrileños with their famous napolitanas, small rolls of flaky pastry filled with custard or chocolate. In the Salamanca district, you will find one of the most iconic patisseries in Madrid: the Pastelería Mallorca. Established in 1931, the third generation of the same family now runs it. Their star product is the roscones de Reyes (a type of cake eaten on Epiphany), but they also make delicious French pastries, chocolates, and ice creams. If you visit Barcelona, you must stop by the Pastisseria La Colmena, one of the oldest in the city. Since 1868, they have been making artisanal sweets and chocolates using traditional methods. Their most famous products are the panellets (small almond marzipan cakes) and the turrones (a type of nougat), especially at Christmas. Just a stone’s throw away is the Casa Ametller, a modernist gem designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. This is one of the few places where you can buy the famous turrones from Casa Ametller.
In Barcelona, one cannot miss the enchanting Pastisseria Hoffman, located in the Born district. This patisserie is renowned for its creative pastries, combining traditional techniques with innovative flavors. Their croissants, especially the mascarpone variety, are considered some of the best in the city. The establishment also serves as a training ground for aspiring pastry chefs, adding a dynamic, youthful energy to the place. A short walk from there, youll find Bubó, famous for its modern take on classic desserts. The patisserie is a visual delight, with its sleek, minimalist design, but the real showstoppers are the pastries themselves. The Bubó Xocolata, a layered chocolate cake, is a musttry, crafted to perfection with its rich flavors and intricate design. For those with a penchant for classic elegance, Barcelona’s Pastelería Escribà is an institution. Situated on La Rambla, this patisserie has a history dating back to 1906, housed in a beautiful Modernist building. Known for its extravagant chocolate sculptures and elaborate cakes, Escribà is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Their Mona de Pascua, a traditional Easter cake, is a masterpiece, decorated with intricate chocolate designs that change every year. In the Gothic Quarter, Caelum offers a unique experience with its selection of conventmade sweets. The patisserie is set in an ancient building, with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Here, you can taste traditional Catalan desserts like mató de Pedralbes, a creamy custard with a hint of cinnamon, or the more unusual panellets, small almond pastries often enjoyed during All Saints’ Day. Each sweet has a story, connecting visitors to the rich culinary heritage of the region. No visit to Barcelona is complete without indulging in the churros con chocolate at La Pallaresa in the Barri Gòtic. This historic chocolatería has been serving up the city’s best churros since 1947. The combination of crispy, freshly fried dough with thick, velvety chocolate is a quintessential Barcelona experience. As you savor each bite, you’ll find yourself immersed in the lively atmosphere, surrounded by locals and tourists alike, all brought together by the simple joy of a sweet treat. Whether you’re a seasoned pastry enthusiast or a curious traveler, the patisseries of Madrid and Barcelona offer a journey through Spain’s rich culinary landscape, where tradition meets innovation in every bite.
