At 700m up and in the beginning of October, Tuscany is full of smells, colors and flavors. After a full day of cycling, neighbors welcome cyclists from L’Eroica with sausages, cakes, cheeses, pastries and parties. This historic race unites participants every year to travel on gravel roads from Gaiole to Montalcino, on old restored bicycles.
It was this race that inspired Graciela (owner of the Pasta Workshop ) and Miguel (cycling lover) to open Eroica Caffè in Barcelona. Thus becoming the new HUB of cycling in the city of Barcelona. Not only that, but it is also a repair shop as well a restaurant where you can enjoy top-quality Italian cuisine. Above all, anyone and everyone is comfortable here.
To raise the foundations of Eroica Caffè it was necessary to first tear down everything – you can still see the “wounds” of the old building. The transformation effort was necessary to adapt the space to the needs of the owners. Customers can now enjoy all they have to offer in this wide and transversal space.
At the head of the kitchen is the Sicilian chef Antonella Messina, who began in the restaurant Uliassi that has three michelin stars. She is in charge of the preparation of delicious recipes such as eggplant paccheri with ricotta – a perfect dish for those who enjoy the combination of smooth texture and strong flavor.
The relationship between Graciela and Miguel and their suppliers is very close, since many of them also share their passion for cycling. They have fruits and vegetables coming directly from Molins de Rei, ice cream from DelaCrem, specialty coffee from Honduras, craft beers specially chosen by them and Catalan and Italian wines, among which we will find vegan and ecological options.
Along with Vermouth, we can choose the assortment of fried Sicilian goods: c rocchè (potato croquettes, egg and mint) and panelle (a fry made from chickpea and mint polenta), which are the cornerstones of Italian street food.
But if you want to enjoy a full lunch, it’s best to start with the meat carpaccio with black olives, capers, tomato sauce and walnuts. A combination of flavors and textures that fits perfectly and immediately transports us to Tuscany after one bite. We can continue with the star dish of l’Eroica, the plin de carne, a typical pasta from the Piedmont region that is traditionally served alone or with sauce. But our recommendation is to put them in beef broth, which is different – more intense and tasty.
You should obviously leave room for dessert. For people with more traditional tastes, try the creamy tiramisu or enjoy an authentic Italian cannoli worthy of a mafia godfather. For the sweet tooth, there is nothing like the lemon cake with cream and chocolate chips – a perfect companion of a ristretto.
Although it opened its doors just a few months ago, Eroica Caffè has already found a spot among the best Italian restaurants in the city. This is most likely due to the fact that they offer quality products at affordable prices and in an original space, where everyone feels at ease.
Carrer del Consell de Cent, 350. Barcelona.
Average price: € 20
Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday closed.
Photos: Kath Behrens
Text: Micaela Álvarez
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