Several cafè

Sant Andreu is the kind of neighborhood that makes you realize how much of central Barcelona has been sold off to the highest bidder. It’s a place that still feels like a village because, historically, it was one. It’s got its own rhythm, its own pride, and its own way of doing things. And right on the pedestrian artery of Carrer Gran de Sant Andreu, you’ll find Several cafè. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy, and thank God for that. It’s a cafe, a juice bar, and a sandwich shop that actually gives a damn about what it puts on the plate.

Walking in, you aren't hit with the smell of stale fryer oil or the desperate scent of a tourist trap trying too hard. Instead, it’s the bright, sharp tang of citrus and the earthy, comforting aroma of toasted bread. This is a place where the locals—real people with real jobs and real lives—stop in to refuel. It’s bright, it’s clean, and it’s got that buzzing energy of a neighborhood hub that knows exactly what it is. You won’t find any 'I Love Barcelona' t-shirts here, just the clatter of glasses and the low hum of Catalan conversation.

Let’s talk about the food, because that’s why you’re trekking out here. The focaccia is the star of the show. We’re talking about bread that has been treated with respect—crispy on the outside, airy and soft in the middle, and slicked with enough high-quality olive oil to make you forget your cholesterol for twenty minutes. Whether it’s stuffed with mortadella and creamy stracciatella or kept simple with fresh tomatoes, it’s a reminder of why simple food is usually the best food. It’s honest. It’s filling. It’s the kind of thing you want to eat with your hands while watching the world go by on the street outside.

Then there are the juices and shakes. In a city where 'fresh juice' often means something poured out of a carton, Several cafè is doing the Lord’s work. They’re pulverizing actual fruit—bold, seasonal stuff that hits your system like a lightning bolt. It’s a protein and vitamin rush to the cortex that makes you feel slightly less guilty about the third pastry you’re inevitably going to order. And for the gluten-free crowd, this isn't just a concession; it's the whole point. Several cafè is a 100% gluten-free establishment, which is a revelation for anyone used to eating cardboard-textured sadness. They’ve nailed the textures, from the bread to the desserts, making it one of the best spots in the district without making a big, pretentious deal about it.

The service? It’s efficient, friendly in that brisk, no-nonsense way that characterizes the best parts of this city, and entirely devoid of the fake, scripted hospitality you find on La Rambla. They know their regulars, they know their menu, and they don't have time for your bullshit. It’s refreshing.

Is it worth the trip to Sant Andreu? If you want to see the real Barcelona, the one that hasn't been polished and packaged for Instagram, then yes. Several cafè is a reminder that even in a city undergoing constant change, you can still find a corner where quality, community, and a damn good sandwich still matter. It’s no secret—the locals know exactly where it is, and they’re there every morning. You’re just lucky they’re willing to share it with you.